In 1845, James Marion Sims, "the father of gynecology," began his work on a woman named Lucy. He performed an hour-long surgery that was meant to fix a hole between her bladder and vagina. While it wasn't necessarily the norm at the time, no anesthetic was used for the surgery.

As The Washington Post reports, Lucy was part of a group of at least six women who endured over four years this type of treatment. Sims would poke and prod and do his best to perfect treatment and surgeries on those women that went on to shape modern gynecology today. 

While advancement in the medical field is important, Sims not only did these surgeries without anesthetic, but he also only performed his surgeries on enslaved women.

For 124 years, a statue of James Marion Sims has stood in Central Park, supposedly to commemorate his advancements in the field of gynecology. However, recently, BBC News reports that the New York City Public Design Commission "unanimously approved a decision to remove the statue following a review into 'hate symbols.'"

When the statue was unveiled in the 1890s, it was well-received. However, in light of the recent events such as the White Supremacy rally in Charlottesville last year, activists have become more vocal and critical over the statue being so prominently displayed in Central Park.

This is the first statue to be taken down in New York City commemorating members of the Confederacy and its leaders. It has been moved from Central Park to the cemetery in Brooklyn where Sims is buried.

In what appears to be another bizarre 2018 plot twist, members of iconic rap group Wu-Tang Clan have met former FBI director James Comey. On a recent visit to the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Wu-Tang Clan members Ghostface Killah and Method Man participated in a sketch that lobbied for the return of their album Once Upon a Time in Shaolin.

The album was purchased by Martin Shkreli, who, as Bustle reminds us, was nicknamed "Pharma Bro", and was then seized by the US government. (It was considered part of his assets upon his prison sentence for two counts of security fraud and one count of conspiring to commit securities fraud.) Shaolin has been in limbo since, while the group has worked tirelessly to retrieve the rights. 

But that doesn't mean that the members have lost their ability to joke about it: The sketch consists of the two members talking to a cookie that looked like Attorney General Jeff Sessions about giving them the rights back to the album. They said that the album belongs to the people. When "Sessions" replies that the album is his and helps rid him of the stress of his "terrible job," Method Man eats the cookie and walks offstage.

Backstage at Colbert, NBC News reported the rappers snapped a photo with the former director and joked that they were working together to get Shaolin "back from the feds." This, of course, is impossible as Comey is no longer involved with the Justice Department and is certainly not on friendly terms with Jeff Sessions.

Sadly, the post is not the first time that the group has been public about their struggles. Member RZA tried to buy back the album but said that he was contractually prohibited from doing so.

On Sept. 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico as a category 4 hurricane. After local officials reported extensive damaged and several causalities from the storm, over 60 percent of the territory was left without power—which had devastating effects for the citizens of Puerto Rico who were battling subsequent floods and injuries from the natural disaster. As Puerto Rico attempted to recover and struggled to get necessary resources to recuperate from the storm, 80 percent of Puerto Rico lost power again on Nov. 9, 2017. Though hurricane season is currently on hiatus, Puerto Rico once again encountered a power outage on Wednesday morning (making this the second power outage in the last week). 

While it’s been approximately seven months since Hurricane Maria afflicted Puerto Rico and the U.S. territory suffered the subsequent power outage from the storm, The Associated Press reports that Wednesday’s power outage could be a side effect from the hurricane last year. As AP suggests that the most recent power blackout could be a result of an unstable power grid, which was caused by Hurricane Maria last year, San Juan officials aren’t happy about this most recently electrical disturbance. (After all, nobody is ever excited about a power outage, especially when it's a reoccurring problem.)

Shortly after the outage, Yulin Cruz tweeted, “The entire electrical system in Puerto Rice collapses AGAIN! Back to September 20th.”

According to the National Public Radio (NPR), the Puerto Rice Electric Power Authority (PREPA) says that the they detected an issue with a transmission line between two power plants, which caused the electrical interruption.

Conversely, officials told The Weather Channel that Wednesday’s outage happened after an excavator accidentally took down a transmission tower. This recent outage occurred merely a week after a fallen tree caused an outage for approximately 870,000 households and businesses, according to The Weather Channel. Contrary to The Weather Channel's sources, The New York Times reports that nearly 1.5 million residents were affected by Wednesday's power outage. 

While the cause of Wednesday’s island-wide power outage doesn’t appear to be definitive yet, Vox notes that the electrical utility hopes to have the power restored within 24 to 36 hours. As PREPA works to regain power for the utility’s customers, necessary organizations such as hospitals, water systems and the airport will have priority as the power is intermittently restored.

However, after nearly 24 hours since the initial outage on Wednesday, some Puerto Rico residents are still experiencing power outages. One twitter user said, “Sorry everyone, were still facing here in Puerto Rico some blackouts throughout the whole island. Since Hurricane Maria hit. But im still here supporting my boys. BTS!! PUERTO RICO BTS.”

Although some customers are still without electricity, officials are gradually restoring power to Puerto Rico. Another resident of Puerto Rico tweets, “#TituTrending: A la 1 a.m. de hoy, la AEE restableció el servicio eléctrico a 648,576 clientes en todo Puerto Rico.” In English, the Twitter user’s message translates to, “#TituTrending: At 1 a.m. today, ESA reinstated electrical service to 648.576 customers throughout Puerto Rico.”

Despite the fact that officials are still working to restore Puerto Rico’s power, it’s undeniable that the U.S. territory still has an incessant power dilemma. USA Today notes that PREPA suffered 9 billion dollars in debt after last year’s hurricane season, and the company filed for bankruptcy shortly thereafter.

USA Today also adds that while this is the second major power outage to plague Puerto Rico in the last week alone, there are still people who have not had electricity since Hurricane Maria hit the island. (Which means there are tens of thousands of U.S. citizens who have been powerless for the last seven months.)

According to WIRED, there are still 62,000 residents of Puerto Rico who are without electricity. However, Puerto Rico’s perpetual power crisis won’t be amended unless the power utility fixes the power grid—and PREPA needs substantial funding to do so.

An energy analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, Cathy Kunkel, tells USA Today, “Until PREPA is back on a more stable financial footing, it seems like they are continuing to have major problems with reliability. It’s very worrisome.”

Beyond being left in literal darkness, extended power outages can cause health complications for residents who need medical equipment. Even for those who don’t require electronic medical devices for their health and well-being, power blackouts can make safe food refrigeration nearly impossible. For meats and other animal byproducts especially, lack of electricity can create exponential food safety risks. According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), if you aren't able to store chilled foods at the proper temperature (40 °F or below), then individuals run the risk of contracting dangerous, and potentially fatal, foodborne illnesses and bacteria.

Nearly a month after Hurricane Maria initially made landfall, President Donald Trump received criticism for threatening to withdraw necessary relief efforts from the island, which was dubbed a potential “humanitarian crisis” by Puerto Rico’s Governor, Ricardo A. Rosselló. As Puerto Rico is once again in the dark, the U.S. president has yet to comment on how and if he will aid this U.S. territory during its ongoing power issues.

Nevertheless, there are ways that you can help Puerto Rico restore its power. By donating to Puerto Rico’s Real-Time Recovery Fund, you can help Puerto Rico’s officials fix the island’s power issues, which can also help prevent further damage from this year’s approaching hurricane season.

According to The Cut, President Donald Trump’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, had a punk phase like every edgy teenager; however, it seems like Ivanka’s has since transcended her punk phase  — and to cement that transition the post-punk band Gang of Four recently released an Ivanka Trump-inspired song, entitled “Ivanka (Things You Can’t Have).”  

As Pitchfork reports, Ivanka is the muse for Gang of Four’s impending extended play (EP), Complicit. The title of the album itself is inspired by Ivanka’s interview with CBS This Morning back in April 2017. After being asked to respond to claims that she was complicit regarding what is happening in the White House, Ivanka told host Gayle King, “If being complicit is wanting to, is wanting to be a force for good and to make a positive impact then I'm complicit. I don't know that the critics who may say that of me, if they found themselves in this very unique and unprecedented situation that I am now in, would do any differently than I am doing," Trump said. "So I hope to make a positive impact. I don't know what it means to be complicit, but you know, I hope time will prove that I have done a good job and much more importantly that my father's administration is the success that I know it will be."

AlthoughSaturday Night Live (SNL) quickly parodied this candid interview with Ivanka, Gang of Four revives this nearly forgotten interview in their song about Ivanka. As Bustle notes, the band wavers between two points of views in their song.

In the first few words of the song, Gang of Four tells Ivanka’s story from a third person perspective. “Where once were her eyes, Ivanka now sees through pearls,” the band uses these rather cryptic introductory lyrics to set the tone for the song. However, the band later switches to a first-person narrative perspective to build the story from Ivanka’s viewpoint. Later on the song, Gang of Four includes, “I saw how hard daddy worked for his money/Daddy loves women and he believes in family," to build the song’s lyrical storyline.

While this Ivanka-inspired song won't necessarily allow Ivanka to revisit her punk phase (seeing as Gang of Four specializes in the post-punk genre, which is inherently an experimental rock style that’s inspiring by punk music), Ivanka is actually the face of the EP’s cover.

Regardless, Gang of Four fans seem to be praising the band’s new song. One fan tweets, “I LUV EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS Gang of Four’s latest album “Complicit” features @IvankaTrump on the cover AND the EP includes a track called “Ivanka (Things You Can’t Have)” EP drops April 20.”

Whereas other Twitter users are more fascinated with reading the comments about the band’s Ivanka-induced song. “Eating my lunch and reading the comments on the new Gang of Four Song,” the user tweets. (Same @fortunamajor, same.)

However, Ivanka isn’t the only political figure that the Gang of Four references in the song. At one point in the song, the band adds, “In the morning daddy wants me in his room, it’s where we get together/It's not true that daddy calls my name in stormy weather.”

Aside from the pseudo-sexual/incest-y insinuation that Ivanka meets her father in his bedroom, the mention of “stormy weather” is a clear reference to Stormy Daniels. In case you’re unaware, Stormy Daniels allegedly had an affair with Trump and recently filed a lawsuit against the president. 

Nevertheless, we can’t help but wonder if Gang of Four will look to another member of the Trump family for musical inspiration. 

This article has been syndicated from A Daily Cup of JOJO, an InfluenceHer Collective Contributor. Read the full post here.

Ever been stuck in that rut of weight loss or fitness goals that you just can’t seem to get past? Same. I’ve been trying to fit back into my Lucky Jeans Lolita Skinny’s from two years ago and I just can’t seem to get the booty into them jeans. I had to ask myself: WHAT GIVES?!

What worked for me was what all of the Instagram models would call superfoods. A superfood is a food that is rich in nutrients and is considered to be beneficial for well-being and health. These are the sorts of foods that you definitely want to be adding to your diet, and this is even more exciting because there are hundreds of superfoods and recipes online! Holla at ya Pinterest boards. Sometimes I was a little overwhelmed with how many options I had and didn’t know what foods to add to my diet. I like to think I’ve narrowed it down for you a bit.

Quinoa

Pronounced "keen-wa," just so we're all on the same page. Quinoa provides an excellent wheat-free alternative to starchy grains, and it's a great superfood. It has a high content of manganese and riboflavin (B2) which helps with growth and body repair by assisting in breaking down foods properly. It is also rich in magnesium, contains lysine and iron, as well as having twice as much fiber as other grains. Plus, it's one of the most protein-rich foods you can incorporate into your diet. Great meat substitute for my vegan and vegetarian friends!

Cinnamon

I have a sweet tooth so I have to accommodate that somehow. Cinnamon has a number of life-enhancing, kick-ass components that make it one of the most valuable spices you can sprinkle into your meals. Cinnamon allows the body to not store as many empty calories and regulate it through the body promoting a faster metabolism! Your slow-moving, adult-like organs will thank you. This spice also lowers bad cholesterol, improves brain function, and soothes your stomach.

Raw honey 

Uh-huh, honey. Honey is a delicious superfood that you should definitely add to your diet. Raw honey is the route you want to go. Brands like Go Raw Honey have an impeccable selection. Not only can honey help to soothe a sore throat, especially with allergy season among us, but it can also assist with digestive issues. Plus, raw honey is filled with phytonutrients, which is a fancy word for disease prevention. Honey is the holy grail of injuries because not only is it sweet but it assists with healing wounds, has antifungal and antibacterial properties, as well as being an excellent source of antioxidants. 

Read the full post here.

Beauty sponges are everywhere, with no makeup guru feeling complete without them. Love them, hate them, or in a committed relationship with your brush set, there’s a good chance that you’ve tried one at some point or another. However, not all sponges are made equal. After the craze of the cult-favorite Beauty Blender, other companies were quick to find another sponge shape that’s promised to blend even better. 

We’ve seen it all from hearts to hourglasses, but none are rated or raved about as much as the original shape. However, Sephora decided to give it another go with a unique design. 

The Sephora Collection Ocean Crush Sponge Set ($12 at Sephora) contains two coral-colored sponges “that apply and blend beautifully for a flawless makeup finish.” While we're 100 percent sure this sponge is fab and would give us the airbrushed glow we've been dreaming of, the internet seems to be more focused on their shape than anything else. Dubbed the “shell sponge,” and designed to look like a conch shell, people just aren’t seeing it, and have gone to Twitter to create some interesting comparisons for the new beauty product.

@RawBeautyKristi, a makeup-Youtuber, who is known for being completely (AKA brutally) honest about products, seemed to be at a loss of words for this one: 

Others tried to speculate where Sephora *actually* got their inspiration from. 

Others were just simply confused. 

While it currently has four stars on Sephora’s website, this sponge above all could definitely serve as a conversation piece for any makeup collector. 

Its no surprise that Rihanna is loved by just about everybody. With the release of her Fenty Beauty line, the singer-turned-makeup mogul has tapped into yet another group of fans with her high-end and inclusive products. 

Since the brand’s launch in September 2017, Rihanna has wasted no time producing more and more products, giving fans an initial wide range of foundation and basically everything else that you need for the perfect complexion. Rih then quickly followed with the release of her holiday Galaxy collection, which featured bright shadows and glitters––an unexpected twist from her original, more natural look. After that, she has had product hit after hit, including the Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color ($24 at Sephora). 

Just in time for the summer, Rihanna has released one more body-loving treat that she initially teased with a steamy Instagram video. 

If you can take your eyes off of how great Rihanna looks, you’ll see that this video is a teaser for her new body products, which include the Body Lava Body Luminizer ($59 at Sephora) and the Fairy Bomb Glittering Pom Pom ($42 at Sephora), and both products are designed to give your body the perfect glow. 

I mean, who needs a summer body when you can just cover your current one in glitter and pretend that you’re Rihanna? 

Some of the products are already sold out, but that hasn’t stopped fans from recreating the now-iconic Instagram video. Instead of shelling out the hefty price tag for the new beauty essentials, men on Twitter have gotten creative using everything from toilet brushes to dogs to blend the glimmer onto them.

These videos are definitely equally iconic, just in a different way.

Complete with the hashtag #RihannaChallenge and flirty eyes like we've never seen before, these videos may have just inspired another beauty trend. However, even my boyfriend knew about the Fenty Body Lava through these posts, so if it has the ability to get men actually interested in makeup, I would call it a definite win. 

This article has been syndicated from Lay Summers, an InfluenceHer Collective Member. Read the full post here.

A beauty emergency can happen anywhere and at anytime. Don’t be caught unprepared. Travel and mini-sized products were made to put out any beauty problems that may arise. Invest in them and give yourself peace of mind.

Face

Misting Spray

This stuff is a lifesaver. I use different ones for my beauty routines, and love keeping a mini one in my beauty bag. If my makeup ever starts to feel cakey or oily, I use this. If I’m out and need to refresh or spending the night anywhere, a misting spray is with me!

My Pick: Skin Dew by Farmacy

Spot Treatment

It’s never convenient to get a pimple, but it happens. You go into the bathroom and suddenly there’s a pimple that wasn’t there when you woke up.

My Pick: Super Spot Remover by Origins

Clay Cleanser

This type of cleanser is really great to keep in a beauty bag because it will do double duty in removing makeup, impurities and tightening up your pores.

My Pick: Ceramic Slip Clay Cleanser by Sunday Riley

Towelettes

Mini towelettes are self-explanatory, yet they are the one thing I use to forget to throw in my bag. Not anymore. They are so useful especially when you’re heading home with the only intention of passing out in your bed. These will make that possible. Need to redo your makeup before leaving work to grab drinks? These will make that easy to accomplish as well.

My Pick: Cucumbers On-The-Go Facial Towelettes by YES TO

Read the full post here.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock these past few months, you’ve probably seen (or at least heard about) Marvel’s Black Panther. And fans of the movie know that the best character in Wakanda isn’t King T’Challa (sorry, Chadwick!)—it’s his younger sister, tech-wizard and jokester Princess Shuri, played by the fabulous Letitia Wright.

The 24-year-old actress appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday, where she was roped into the “Wheel of Freestyle” challenge. She was faced with some serious competition in Tariq Trotter aka Black Thought—an accomplished rapper and the MC of The Roots, Fallon’s house band. Past competitors in this challenge include Lin-Manuel Miranda and Common, so Wright understandably looked nervous to partake.

Faced with fitting “disco,” “Red Lobster” and “vibranium” into one flow, her lines included, “Let's go grab some food at Red Lobster / Roots, tell me how I can win an Oscar” and then a second later, “I said Red Lobster, better tick it off!” when the ding didn’t go off to acknowledge her completion of the task.

The funniest part, though, was her second challenge, which had to include “hammer,” “burrito” and “Benedict Cumberbatch.” She rapped, “In and out of portals like Dr. Strange / aka Benedict Cumberbatch / coming through the hatch!” Maybe that line won’t win her any Grammys, but hats off to this fierce lady for managing to rhyme Cumberbatch with anything on the spot.

Wright, aka MC Underbite, has been known to spit some bars in the past, as evidenced on her Black Panther co-star Lupita Nyong’o’s Instagram.

I think it’s safe to say, while Wright may only play a princess in the movies, but she will always be my queen.

If there’s one thing we’ve all learned in the nearly 10 years that Modern Family has been on air, it’s that you don’t mess with the Dunphy sisters.

Sarah Hyland, who plays Haley on the ABC sitcom, posted a cute photo on Instagram on Tuesday to show love to her co-stars. One of those in the pic just so happened to be Ariel Winter, who plays Hyland’s sister Alex on the show.

Both girls looked stunning in the pic, but of course the Internet can’t just let everyone be happy in peace. One troll took issue with Winter’s dress, commenting, “Why does Ariel look so thirsty all the time?”

Clearly, this hater hasn’t grasped the idea that women can dress for themselves and not solely for a sexual or romantic partner, or that women’s bodies belong to them and nobody else, so they can do whatever they want with them. But the actresses didn’t take this criticism lying down: Winter, who unfortunately is no stranger to body shaming, has mastered the art of the clapback. She shot back, “I'm SO thirsty!!! Haven't had water in hours. God I can't believe you can tell I'm dehydrated from this pic, “ with a few slant-faced emoticons thrown in for good measure.

Hyland has always been supportive of Winter and her body positivity, and decided to join in on the fun as well. “I can't believe they saw that you were dehydrated as well! I was with you in person and couldn't tell!!!!” she said, adding, “DO YOU NEED WATER?? I'll come bring you some! I'll be over in 2 minutes." Finally, she ended the hate right then and there by writing, "Why is the sky green? There's no correct answer because the question is wrong," she wrote. "Please don't leave negative comments on my page about my sister!!! Thank you byeeeee."

Needless to say, they got the last laugh (and I always appreciate a “thirsty” pun). They may have been joking about drinking all that water, but I’m definitely sipping on some scorching hot tea right about now.

Sen Tammy Duckworth recently made history by becoming the first senator to give birth while in office, and now she is making history once again. Only ten days after giving birth to her second child, Duckworth brought her newborn baby, Maile Pearl Bowlsbey, onto the Senate floor for a vote, a first in the Senate’s history, NBC News reports.

“It feels great,” Duckworth told reporters as she entered the Capitol. “It is about time, huh?”

Previous to the senator bringing her newborn onto the Senate floor, only certain people were allowed on the chamber floor. Duckworth, an Iraq War veteran, submitted a resolution to allows senators to bring their children under the age of one onto the Senate floor, The Huffington Post reports.

Duckworth told Politico that she couldn’t technically take maternity leave since senators are required to be on the Senate floor for votes.

“If I have to vote, and I’m breastfeeding my child, especially during my maternity leave period, what do I do? Leave her sitting outside?” Duckworth asked in the interview with Politico.

On Wednesday, however, the Senate voted unanimously voted to change Senate rules to allow senators to bring their children under the age of one onto the Senate floor during a vote, HuffPost reports.

Senate Rules Committee Chairman Roy Blunt said in a statement that he was “glad [the Senate was] able to get this done,” adding that “[b]eing a parent is a difficult job, and the Senate rules shouldn’t make it any harder,” HuffPost reports.

Early on Thursday, Duckworth posted to social media, writing that she might need to report to the Senate floor for an important vote on the confirmation of Jim Bridenstine as the new NASA administrator, CNN reports.

“May have to vote today. Maile's outfit is prepped. Made sure she has a jacket so she doesn't violate the Senate floor dress code requiring blazers. Not sure what the policy is on duckling onesies but I think we're ready,” Duckworth wrote.

During the Senate floor vote on Thursday, a group of senators including Sens. Amy Klobuchar, Chuck Schumer, Mitch McConnell, Claire McCaskill, Maria Cantwell and Jeff Flake came to congratulate Duckworth and meet her new baby.

After the Senate floor vote adjourned, Duckworth told reporters, “It meant so much to be able to cast the vote as a mom and be able to do my job and take care of my baby at the same time.”

Duckworth also thanked her colleagues for this historic rule change, according to CNN.

“I would like to thank my colleagues ... for helping bring the Senate into the 21st Century by recognizing that sometimes new parents also have responsibilities at work,” Duckworth said in a statement.

“By ensuring that no Senator will be prevented from performing their constitutional responsibilities simply because they have a young child, the Senate is leading by example and sending the important message that working parents everywhere deserve family-friendly workplace policies. These policies aren’t just a women’s issue, they are a common-sense economic issue.”

On Thursday, the Justice Department (DOJ) released a set of memos written by former FBI Director James Comey regarding his private conversations with President Donald Trump to congressional committees, CNN reports.

According to The Huffington Post, Comey details his early encounters with the then-newly elected president.

In a letter sent to three top Republican House chairmen, Assistant Attorney General Stephen Boyd explained that the DOJ decided to provide the congressional members with redacted copies of the Comey Memos due to “unusual events occurring since the previous limited disclosure.”

“The Department has consulted the relevant parties and concluded that the release of the memoranda to Congress at this time would not adversely impact any ongoing investigation or other confidentiality interests of the Executive Branch,” Boyd said in his letter.

Members of Congress will, however, be able to view unredacted copies of the memos in a classified setting on Capitol Hill on Friday, CNN reports.

A source told CNN that Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s office was consulted about the release of the memos and raised no objections to their release. On Thursday, James Comey told CNN’s Jake Tapper during an interview on “The Lead” that it was “fine by [him]” for members of Congress to read his memos. Trump was briefed on the contents of the memos prior to their release.

The memos existence first came to light when Comey asked a friend to provide some of the contents of the memos to The New York Times in hopes that it would lead to the appointment of a special counsel for the Russia investigation. According to CNN, Comey, in this particular memo, detailed how Trump asked him to curtail the investigation on Michael Flynn, Trump’s former National Security Adviser.

According to Axios, Comey discusses conversations he had with Trump during a private dinner, along with discussing the dossier, leaks and Michael Flynn. Comey wrote that Trump asked his to get out that he was not under investigation; in his memo he wrote: “I said that...he should have the White House Counsel call the Acting Attorney General and make the request. He said that was what he would do. He then added, ‘Because I have been very loyal to you, very loyal, we had that thing, you know.’ I did not reply, or ask him what he meant by ‘that thing.’”

Comey also wrote that during a private dinner he told Trump that he could always be counted on to tell the truth. “I said I don't do sneaky things. I don't leak. I don't do weasel moves. I was not on anybody's side politically and could not be counted on in that traditional political sense,” Comey wrote.

On discussing the dossier, Comey wrote, “The President said 'the hookers thing' is nonsense but that Putin had told him 'we have some of the most beautiful hookers in the world.' (He did not say when Putin told him this and I don't recall.)”

Certain members of Congress had recently pushed for the memos to be released. According to HuffPost, House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte was ready to issue a subpoena to obtain the memos.

Goodlatte, House Intelligence Chairman Devin Nunes and House Oversight Chairman Trey Gowdy requested the memos, along with other documents, from the DOJ last week as part of their ongoing investigation on the FBI’s handling of the Clinton email investigation in 2016, CNN reports.

Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley said of releasing the memos: “Everything that's been said about them, and everybody knows most everything that's in them, so they ought to be.”

You can read the memos here.  

College is stressful, which is why it’s so important to do something outside of school like join a club. But what club should you join? With options ranging from ballroom dance to student government, there is so much to choose from. It can be overwhelming! Have no fear, collegiettes, because we’ve figured out it all out for you. Here’s what club you should join based on your zodiac sign.

Aries: Venture Club

As someone who loves a good adventure, Venture club is perfect for you! Venture clubs are all about camping, hiking and outdoor activities. Your energetic and courageous spirit will love the endless explorations you’ll have in this club.

Taurus: Ballroom Dance Club

As a Taurus, you are sensual and romantic, and nothing says romance like ballroom dancing. You can usually join a ballroom dance or swing dance club no matter what level your dancing skills are at. Plus, you’ll learn a cool new hobby that you can indulge in when you need to take a break from studying.

Gemini: Creative Writing Club

You are artistic and versatile, so something like a creative writing club is perfect for helping you incite your imagination. As a proud Gemini, Amanda Goecke, a junior at Carthage College, says, “I took a creative writing class at my college that I feel really brought out all of my best qualities.” Along with creative writing, you could also join the literary magazine at your school. “Anything that allows your creativity to shine,” Amanda says.

Related: Your Ultimate School Bag, Based on Your Sign 

Cancer: Philosophy Club

As a cancer, you are a notoriously deep thinker, which is why a philosophy club is an amazing option for you. A club where you can really dive into thinking about life and *what it all means* will bring out your poetic, open-minded and imaginative nature.

Leo: Greek Life Chair

A warmhearted, generous leader like yourself would be amazing not just being in a sorority but having a position in it. Lena Gilmour, a Leo and a sophomore at Queen’s University, serves as a chair position with her sorority. She says, “Leos are known for being headstrong, influential leaders, so a club with the opportunity to take a leadership position is definitely a good idea for us lions.” And serving a chair position in your sorority is even better suited for you because it means you get to spend time with your favorite people, while also taking care of business.

Virgo: STEM Club

You’re definitely a left-brained individual, making any sort of STEM-related club the obvious choice for you. As someone who is incredibly logical, meticulous and analytical, you love working through problems and engaging with numbers and formulas. A STEM club is the perfect place to explore new scientific ideas and maybe even try out a few!

Libra: Yoga Club

As a romantic and easygoing Libra, yoga club is the perfect place to practice self-love by taking some time to relax and focus on both your physical and mental health. Autumn Dube, a Libra and a senior at Emmanuel College, says, “Libras are all about balance and love. Yoga club is the perfect place for Libras to unwind because it allows them to slow down for a change, as they tend to be very social people.” Yoga club is a great way to regularly check in with yourself to make sure you aren’t putting too much on your plate. Sign us up!

Scorpio: School Newspaper

You’re the type who loves to create, but also loves to have a schedule. Working on the school newspaper is perfect for you because it means you can regularly create content. On top of that, you can schedule out the time you want to work on taking photos or writing articles. You also are driven enough to be able to keep up with all of the deadlines, making this the perfect club for you!

Sagittarius: Comedy Club

As someone who is playful, funny and outgoing, you will love being a part of a comedy club. Depending on your school, you may have two types of comedy club. One is sketch comedy club, which is where you write out funny scenes and then perform them, like on SNL. The second type is an improv comedy club, which is where you make up your own lines on the spot based around a scenario, like the show Whose Line Is It Anyway? You’re the life of the party, so why not try joining a comedy club?

Capricorn: Student Government

Capricorns are regarded as being both responsible and good leaders. So it’s only natural that you’d join student government. No matter what position you take, from student court to student senate, or any number of other positions offered in student government, you are bound to develop your leadership skills even further – and have a good time doing it. 

Aquarius: International Friendship Club

As an Aquarius, you are totally a people person, which means you are made for international friendship club. International friendship clubs pair you up with an international student who will be studying at your college. You two will meet regularly to go do fun activities together like getting coffee or watching a football game. This helps international students make friends and allows you to make a new friend too! It’s a win-win.

Pisces: Music Club

As someone who is artistic and emotional, a music club like band or an acapella group is ideal for you. Whether you play an instrument or like to sing, there is definitely a music club for you. Playing music allows you to tap into everything you’re feeling, which is cathartic and liberating all at once. You go girl!

With clubs that expand upon your amazing personality traits, you’re bound to meet great people, learn new things and, most importantly, have the best time!

Good morning, Her Campus! With a break-neck news cycle, there is no possible way for you to stay on top of every story that comes across your feeds—we’re all only human, after all.

But, life comes at you fast. So grab a cup of coffee and settle in for this quick and dirty guide to stories you might’ve been sleeping on (like, literally. It’s early.)

Justice Department’s Inspector General Sends McCabe Findings to U.S. Attorney’s Office For Possible Charges

The Justice Department’s Inspector General (IG) has sent the finding on former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for possible charges associated with lying to federal investigators, CNN reports.

According to the IG’s report, McCabe “lacked candor” on four occasions with internal investigators when discussing a Wall Street Journal article on the FBI’s investigation on the Clinton Foundation. Furthermore, the IG determined that the former FBI second-in-command was not authorized to disclose or discuss the investigation as it did not meet the department’s “public interest” rule regarding the disclosing of investigations, CNN reports.

While it is not a crime to disclose non-classified information, it is a crime to lie to federal investigators.

In the report it states that McCabe’s disclosure of the Clinton Foundation investigation was made “in a manner designed to advance his personal interests at the expense of department leadership.”

However, McCabe’s attorney, Michael Bromwich, believes that no charges will be filed.

"We were advised of the referral within the past few weeks. Although we believe the referral is unjustified, the standard for an IG referral is very low," Bromwich said in a statement.

"We have already met with staff members from the US Attorney's Office. We are confident that, unless there is inappropriate pressure from high levels of the Administration, the US Attorney's Office will conclude that it should decline to prosecute," Bromwich added.

Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani is Joining President Trump’s Legal Team

President Donald Trump has added his longtime friend and former New York City (NYC) Mayor Rudy Giuliani to his legal team, ABC News reports. Trump’s attorney Jay Sekulow confirmed Giuliani’s hiring in a statement.

“Rudy is great. He has been my friend for a long time and wants to get this matter quickly resolved for the good of the country,” Trump said in a statement released by his attorneys.

“It is an honor to be a part of such an important legal team, and I look forward to not only working with the President but with Jay, Ty, and their colleagues,” Giuliani said in a statement.

Giuliani’s hiring comes after several shake-ups on the president’s legal team, ABC News reports. The president’s lead attorney John Dowd resigned in March, alluding to the fact that the president was not accepting his advice.  

For the past few months, Trump’s legal team has been negotiating with Special Counsel Robert Mueller on a potential interview, ABC News reports.

The legal team also announced the hiring of Jane Serene Raskin and Marty Raskin on Thursday.

“Jane and Marty are highly respected former federal prosecutors with decades of experience. They have a nationwide practice and reputation for excellence and integrity,” the legal team said in its statement.

The former NYC Mayor was a strong advocate for Trump during the 2016 presidential election, often standing by Trump’s side.

Jordan Peele’s Obama PSA is a Warning Against Fake News

Former President Barack Obama has stayed relatively quiet on the never-ending happenings in Washington, so when a video of him speaking very candidly about current political topics and figures surfaced many were shocked, to say the least.

“We're entering an era in which our enemies can make it look like anyone is saying anything at any point in time,” Obama explains. “They could have me say things like... ‘Ben Carson is in the sunken place.’ Or how about this, simply, ‘President Trump is a total and complete dipsh*t.’”

Obama proceeds to say that he would never say these sort of things, but that someone else would. It is then revealed that the person who would say those things is actually actor, writer and director Jordan Peele, PopSugar reports.

It all is a little confusing until we find out that the video is actually a “deepfake,” a type of video featuring realistic face swapping that makes you think that a particular person is doing something, when in reality they are not, PopSugar reports.

The PSA was created in partnership with Buzzfeedusing video technology such as Adobe After Effects and artificial intelligence program FakeApp, both of which are available to the public.

This PSA shows that it could be very easy for individuals to create fake news videos like this one, tricking people into believing something that is just not true or real. And with the possibility of technology that can fake audio, making it completely unnecessary for voice acting, this could become a big problem.

Buzzfeed CEO Jonah Peretti says the video shows how easy it was to make this video and that these sort of video will inevitably become common.

“We've covered counterfeit news websites that say the pope endorsed Trump that look kinda like real news,” Peretti said. “Now we're starting to see tech that allows people to put words into the mouths of public figures.”

At the end of the video, Peele warns us about this technology and urges us to not let this become a reality.

“It may sound basic. But how we move forward in the Age of Information is gonna be the difference between whether we survive or whether we become some kind of f*cked-up dystopia,” Peele says.

What to look out for...

With today being the infamous 4/20, here are some memes to make you laugh, even if you aren't celebrating. 

There is a new “it” drug on the market with incredible benefits. Plot twist: It’s extracted from Cannabis. Double plot twist: It doesn’t get you high.

Say hello to CBD, or Cannabidiol, the non-psychoactive part of the Cannabis plant. This feisty little compound is being credited for everything from easing aches and pains to treating general anxiety disorders to helping insomniacs get a restful night’s sleep. CBD is even being studied for use in cancer treatment plans. CBD for president!

Lucky for me, CBD is also being tapped by the skincare industry for its incredible anti-aging effects, so I was beyond excited to learn about Hora Skin Care’s Super Serum + CBD.

Hora’s ~silky elixir~ combines all of your favorite skin-mending ingredients like marine collagen, argan oil, rosehip oil, and—you guessed it—CBD, into one end-all serum that can help reverse even the most ravaging effects of aging. According to Hora Skin, "Cannabinoid receptors are located throughout the skin, the body’s largest organ, making CBD a potential therapy for a range of conditions, from dry skin to acne. Truly a super ingredient!" I was totally curious, and ready to give it a shot to see if it could live up to this amazing reputation. 

Here’s how it went down.

I decided to test this product for a week. In the morning, I applied a small amount to my face and neck and sealed it with a good SPF moisturizer. At night, I sealed by night cream. Totally simple, and easy enough to swap my usual serum for this one.

Here’s what happened.

After the first day, my skin felt moisturized and protected. A week in, I definitely noticed brighter, more youthful look around my eyes and forehead. 🙌 Pro tip: Apply to wet hair after a shower for the ultimate soft and silky finish.

There’s something so delightfully sinful about the thought of rubbing pot into your skin, and I’m totally here for it. Hora Super Serum has definitely been added to my skin care regimen, and CBD is my new drug of choice. 

Want more beauty wisdom? Follow @HerCampusBeauty on Facebook, and tune into @HerCampus on Instagram every week for wellness & beauty segments!  

Kylie Jenner posted a few videos of her two-month-old daughter Stormi on her Snapchat the other day and aww man is that child VERY precious.

Stormi is RIDICULOUSLY photogenic. I can’t tell if it’s the Snapchat filters, or the fact that her mother is Kylie Jenner, but what a seriously radiant little baby.

Kylie and boyfriend Travis Scott kept her entire pregnancy a secret before Stormi’s birth on February 1, which is very different for her famous family. According to Cosmopolitan, she barely left the house while she was pregnant in order to avoid paparazzi and media attention.

Now that the secret’s out, Kylie’s able to share photos and information about her baby and her life on her own terms, not anyone else’s. Everyone, (including and especially young moms) is entitled to this level of privacy whether they’re in the public eye or not, so it’s entirely Kylie’s choice to show us her daughter’s sweet lil face.

The Kardashian-Jenner clan recently welcomed another precious angel into the family, after Khloe Kardashian gave birth to Stormi’s new cousin, True, on April 12, following a more publicized pregnancy than young sis Kylie. I don’t know when we’ll see photos of True, but for now we can get by looking at more adorable videos of Stormi, her big eyes, and her chubby little baby cheeks.

Ariana Grande has some great songs (“Into You” or “Side to Side,” anyone?), and her new single, “No Tears Left To Cry,” which dropped this morning, is sure to join that list of hits. 

"No Tears Left To Cry," which is reported to be part of her upcoming album, is the first that Grande has released since the May 2017 Manchester bombing at her concert. The tragedy deeply affected Grande, who paused her tour in the aftermath, but hosted a benefit concert in Manchester a few weeks later. The benefit raised over $13 million for victims. 

Almost one year later, it seems as though Grande is working to move forward and encouraging others to look towards a bright future. 

The chorus of the single says in part, “Right now I’m in a state of mind/ I wanna be in like all the time/ Ain’t got no tears left to cry/ So I’m pickin’ it up, I’m pickin’ up (oh yeah)/ I’m lovin’, I’m livin’, I’m pickin’ it up/Oh I just want you to come with me/ We’re on another mentality/Ain’t got no tears left to cry (so don’t cry).” 

The positive and inspirational nature of the lyrics highlight how music and art can add therapeutic value to those working through the emotions associated with traumatic events.

Bravo to Ariana Grande for continuing to support the Manchester community—she is an incredible woman. 

As we grow up, we tend to look back on our lives and reflect on the mistakes we’ve made, the fun times we’ve had, the people we’ve loved, and how we’ve become who we are today. And sometimes, we just so happen to do it while we’re sloshed.

This week, in an interview with Cosmopolitan, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi drunkenly (yes, she's actually tipsy in this video!) reflected on seven of her biggest “hot mess moments” while filming Jersey Shore.

You can see some of the old Snooki in her present-day self, but Nicole Polizzi, now a mother to 5-year-old Lorenzo and 3-year-old Giovanna, has done a lot of growing up. She reflected on her fight with Angelina in season 2. “Annoying,” she said of herself, then maturely smiling with a sense of nostalgia.

Her commentary clued audiences in on what actually was going on behind the scenes of Jersey Shore. It seems like the gang had known each other forever, but Snooki’s tale of meeting the cast on the first night reminds us that MTV brought all of these meatballs together.

“I think I was just so excited at the point where I was just like, ‘Oh, I’m on a TV show!’” she said of trying to make out with all the male cast members. “Kill me now.”

She wasn’t regretful about everything, though, talking about practicing her gymnastics out at the club, she said, “Hell yeah. We are living for it.”

It’s human nature to grow and change, but as Snooki said herself, “I’m still a hot mess.” We’re right here with you, girl.

(Source: GIPHY)

Over the last decade alone, countless activists have selflessly used their voices to advocate for positive change. From Malala Yousafzai to the Parkland survivors, activists have used their platforms to educate their followers about essential movements—from gun violence to feminism and education. However, Nobel Prize laureates, like Yousafzai, and young people such as the Parkland survivors aren’t the only ones who have used their voice to promote change. While celebrities often deliver impassioned speeches at various public protests, many stars also use their free time to advocate for important causes continuously. There are dozens of celebrities who have worked to support notable movements like #MeToo and #MarchForOurLives. Just like we needed Tarana Burke to ignite the #MeToo movement, we also need Yara Shahidi—because the messages behind her voice are irrevocably powerful.

In case you’ve somehow functioned the last four years without hearing Yara Shahidi’s name or knowing who she is, Shahidi has been in a plethora of television series and movies, and even one of Drake’s music videos. Apart from her hyper-successful acting career, Shahidi is also preparing to attend Harvard University this fall, and even got a letter of rec from Michelle Obama (as well as her A.P. Calculus teacher), according toVanity Fair.

In Shahidi’s professional life, she’s best known for her roles in Black-ish and Grown-ish. However, she is much more than a skilled actress, and there are a few reasons we need to listen to what Shahidi has to say.

Shahidi supports relevant organizations and protests—to help amplify the voices behind these causes.

After the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., Shahidi used her notoriously political activism to deliver a riveting monologue about gun violence.

However, the actress didn’t stop supporting the Parkland survivors at the March for Our Lives event after her monologue commenced. On the same day as the March for Our Lives protest, Shahidi also attended the Kids Choice Awards (KCAs), where she continued to advocate for the cause.

In an interview with E! News at the KCAs, the Grown-ish star said, “I can say very little [about the protest] because I feel like I did a small fraction of what most of the student organizers did, and being there was even more inspiring.”

It’s astounding to recognize that while Shahidi inspires young people to embrace their own activism, she’s simultaneously inspired by the Parkland student activists. Nevertheless, her activism at the KCAs isn’t the first time that the actress has incorporated her advocacy in an interview.

Few things in life are mutually exclusive, and Shahidi understands that her activism and her professional career shouldn’t have to be separate entities.

Beyond meticulously using her interviews to promote her latest professional endeavors, Shahidi continually uses her interviews to draw attention to vital issues and causes.  

Although the 18-year-old star uses her social media accounts to talk about gun violence, gun reform and violence against people of color, she also serves up significant activism inspo in nearly all her frequent interviews. According to Bustle, Shahidi has a plethora of goal-worthy quotes about activism; however, Shahidi’s choice to use her interview time to talk about current issues shows other young activists that you don’t need to choose between a professional career and being a proponent for a cause.

Likewise, Yara also acknowledges that fashion and feminism aren’t mutually exclusive. Because style is a visual representation of ourselves, we can use what we wear to promote the causes we support.

She has transcended her own activism to start a political-engagement campaign.

Shahidi proves that you don’t need to settle for merely supporting a like-minded movement—you can also ignite your own.

Page Six reports that Shahidi recently initiated a political-engagement campaign that encourages young U.S. residents to get involved in politics, specifically by voting in the impending midterm elections.

In her organization, the young star has collaborated with NowThis to create Eighteen x 18. To kick-start her political-engagement campaign, Shahidi and NowThis produced an explainer video about the midterm elections and why they’re so important.

Likewise, Eighteen x 18 also shows young voters how to register to vote. Voter education is vital to encourage young people to get to the polls, yet studies show that historically, fewer and fewer young people are actually casting their votes. According to The Washington Post, millennials were the least represented age demographic among recent elections. Now that increasingly more Gen Z members have joined the legal voting age, it’s pertinent that they learn how to vote and are emboldened to utilize their right to vote (and Eighteen x 18 will help education them). 

Beyond her mindful activism and empowerment, Yara is an inspiring role model for young people of color.

Shahidi is meticulous about what roles she accepts in the first place, as she wants to be a role model for young people—and she recognizes that she needs to choose mindful roles to do so. However, her conscientious roles have also helped Shahidi re-inspire herself.
​
The actress told PEOPLE that her role on Black-ish has made her feel empowered, which has given her the opportunity to let her voice and opinions flourish. “I feel like what Black-ish and Grown-ish have taught me is that my opinion matters,” she said.

Beyond helping Shahidi reassert her revolutionary viewpoints, her roles on Black-ish and Grown-ish also made her progressively more confident. While confidence might seem like a solely self-sufficient trait to have, Shahidi’s reborn courage also inspires her fans to use their voices to speak out about injustices. After seeing Shahidi portray a tenacious black woman on screen (i.e. Zoey Johnson), her fans also watch her continue to be an empowering public figure off set.

Shahidi’s voice allows other young POC know that they have an important story to tell and others should listen. Nevertheless, 2018 is still a turbulent time when POC are still biasedly targeted by law enforcement officers—especially when POC do use their voices to speak out against problematic authority figures.

However, Shahidi’s voice (and the subsequent impact from her voice), shows young people of color that it’s necessary to continue to talk about what empowers them—as well as what quashes them.

Beyond creating necessary and positive representation through her roles on Black-ish and Grown-ish, Shahidi notes that her characters have inspired young women to explore their own education. She tells Teen Vogue that a young fan once said, “I took this extra science class because of you.” TBH, that just shows how influential one role can be. After all, not many people can definitively say that someone did something positive in their life because of them.

Additionally, Yara has inspired some of her young fans to encourage their peers to vote in the upcoming midterm elections. Mr. Merrill, a teacher at Hoover High, tweeted that Shahidi’s political-engagement campaign specifically inspired some of his students. “@YaraShahidi - You'd be impressed with the students at @hooverhigh29 in San Diego. They organized a voter registration drive and letter-writing campaign for this Friday's National Day of Action. These are your peers doing big things,” Mr. Merrill tweeted.

The Shahidi ripple effect is real. After the inaugural debut of her campaign, Eighteenx18, inspired students to get involved in politics, they then used their own voices to teach even more of their peers about positive political-engagement. It’s likely that these will continue to exemplify their political involvement, which will help even more of their peer engage in politics and activism. (No doubt, Shahidi’s political activism will continue to ripple for generations to come.)

When she isn’t empowering young people to cast their ballots or inspiring them to exercise their own activism, Yara Shahidi is redefining what it means to be a healthy role model. Beyond encouraging young people to become better versions of themselves, Shahidi has given the new generation of activists a mechanism to use their own voices.

On March 14, set into motion by the brave survivors of the massacre at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, high schoolers across the country walked out of their classrooms to demand change in how we view guns and school shootings in the United States. On April 20 at 10 a.m., students did it again, reports CNN.

As Reuters notes, this second walk out — once again created to put the pressure on lawmakers for stricter gun laws in the United States — falls on the 19th anniversary of the shooting at Columbine High School that left 13 students dead and more than 20 injured in Colorado in 1999. Organizers told Reuters prior to the protest that participants from "more than 2,6000 schools and institutions" were planning to participate. 

Lane Murdock, 16, is a sophomore at Ridgefield High School in Connecticut and she’s the driving force behind this second walkout —that will be the biggest one since March 14. She loves Benny Goodman and The Beatles, and she is driven to see that future students don’t end up memorizing the announcement for an active shooter drill like she has.

The movement to walk out on April 20 has grown immensely, but it didn’t start that way. Lane said, “I thought, originally, it would just be my school but, obviously, it’s grown.”  

Students, at 10 a.m. their local time, walked out of their classrooms to stand in solidarity and remembrance of the victims of mass school shootings and to demand legislative reform to help bring an end to gun violence.

As CNN previously reported, many of them will be wearing orange — which the organization Wear Orange, started in 2013, explains is because that’s the color hunters wear to identify themselves in the woods for other hunters so they don’t accidentally get shot. The group says also of the color choice that, “Orange is a bright, bold color that demands to be seen. Orange expresses our collective hope as a nation — a hope for a future free from gun violence."

Lane explains why students walk out in order to make political and social impact. “If you can’t vote,” she says, “you don’t have a lot of concrete power. As a student, what do you have? What you have is your attendance in school...and there’s power to that.”

This isn’t a conservative or liberal issue, in her opinion. She believes "It's about making sure children don't get harmed in school and we don't live in a country that has institutionalized fear."