Daily Skimm: Let's turn on the juice and see what shakes loose

Skimm'd while feeling Wicked

"Clearly I have ethical issues" – A workplace lunch thief on his crime. Shame.

BORN IN THE USA

The Story

President Trump says he plans to sign an executive order ending birthright citizenship.

Back up.

Since 1868, the Constitution's 14th Amendment has granted US citizenship to people born or naturalized on US soil. That includes kids of legal permanent residents. In recent years, an estimated hundreds of thousands of kids were born to undocumented immigrants in the US, and it's been assumed that they have the right to citizenship under the 14th Amendment, too. Now, Trump seems ready to test that.

How?

By going around Congress and issuing an executive order saying that kids of non-citizens and undocumented immigrants don't automatically get citizenship. He also said the US is the only country in the world to do birthright citizenship. (Fact check: it's not.)

Can he do that?

Ehhh. He says so, and that his lawyers have given him the thumbs up. But House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) says 'agree to disagree.' Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) thinks it's something Congress should take up, not the prez. But Rep. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) is with Trump on this one. He says the Constitution wasn't meant to be applied to kids of non-citizens. And he's intro'ing similar legislation in the Senate. Either way, this will almost definitely be challenged in the courts.

Why now?

It's unclear. But this all comes as the US is sending thousands of troops to the US-Mexico border – about as many as the US currently has in Iraq and Syria combined. The gov's goal: ensure that thousands of migrants don't enter the US.

theSkimm

Midterms are less than a week away. And immigration seems to be a top issue for GOP voters. Some think this is a tactic on Trump's part to get his base to the polls.

PS: Need a refresher on the immigration debate? Here's your Skimm.

PPS: Speaking of midterms, did you RSVP?

REPEAT AFTER ME...

Who people are talking about…

Whitey Bulger. Yesterday, the notorious Boston mobster was found dead at a prison in West Virginia. He was 89. He might be familiar if you watched "The Departed" or "Black Mass." In the '70s, Bulger became one of the leaders of an Irish crime ring known as the Winter Hill Gang. In '94, he was warned he was about to be indicted, so he ghosted. And was on the run for 16 years. He became no. 2 on the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted" list (right under Osama bin Laden). He was finally caught in California and convicted in connection to 11 murders. He was transferred to this WV prison earlier this week. And was found dead the next day. His death is being investigated as a homicide.

What to say when there's no candy in the office today…

Time to investigate. The Justice Department is now looking into Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, apparently to see if he's used his office for personal gain. Zinke got the job last year and is currently being investigated for multiple things, including his involvement in a land development deal and blocking tribes from opening a casino in Connecticut. His own department's watchdog group referred him to the DOJ. Ouch. Unclear which investigation was referred. Zinke says 'news to me' and that he's done nothing wrong.

What the sports fan in your life will be talking about…

The University of Maryland. Earlier this year, 19-year-old offensive lineman Jordan McNair died of heatstroke weeks after reportedly showing serious signs of distress during a workout. Since then, a report came out accusing the head football coach of fostering a toxic and abusive environment. The university put the coach on paid leave while it investigated. The president of the university reportedly wanted to give the coach the boot. But its board of regents told him to either keep the coach or pack his desk. So, the head coach is staying put…but the president decided he's retiring after the academic school year ends. McNair's dad said "I feel like I've been punched in the stomach and someone spit in my face."

What to say when you hear Shaun White apologized for his Halloween costume…

Don't be that person.

What to say when your friend's quitting social media...

Are you really? Huh, Kanye?

What to say when you're home alone…

Where's Mr. Feeny?

NO EXCUSES

If you couldn't tell already, we're serious about voting. We've given you info about the issues at stake, the key races, and a tool to build your ballot.

Now it's time to start making a plan. Hi procrastinators, you too. One big thing to find out before going to the polls: your state's voter ID requirements. Because states don't play around. So check out what you need to bring to get that civic duty credit.

SKIMM PICKS

For when you're "too old" to trick or treat...

Candy will always hit the (sweet) spot. quip's electric toothbrushes help prevent post-Halloween cavities. Because the office candy isn't eating itself. Psst...Skimm'rs get something off the price tag. Brusha brusha brusha.*

For when you're going to a costume party…

Don't turn into a pumpkin. Drink one instead. This Smashing Pumpkin spritzer will raise spooky spirits.

For when you want to feel inspired...

Skimm'r of the Week Barbara Bylenga is helping women all over the world. She's the founder and executive director of SHE-CAN, which helps female leaders in post-conflict countries. The org helps give women the tools to get ahead. Learn more and donate here.

SKIMM SHARE

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SKIMM BIRTHDAYS

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