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.) 

Government Employee Unions Sets The Record Straight On The Partial Shutdown

President Trump over Christmas claimed that federal employees support the partial federal government shutdown, but the largest government employee union responded, setting the record straight. 

“They understand what’s happening. They want border security,” Trump told reporters on Tuesday, The Huffington Post reports. “Many of those workers have said to me and communicated, ‘Stay out until you get the funding for the wall.’ These federal workers want the wall.”

The American Federation of Government Employees, which has a union of over 700,000 federal employees, response was not even close to the president’s statement. “They unequivocally oppose using shutdowns as a means of resolving policy disputes,” said union president Jeffrey David Cox Sr. in a statement. “This is not about a wall, this is about 800,000 real people with real families and real bill to pay.” He continued, “They are eager to get back to work.” 

The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, with a union over 80,000 workers across the U.S. and Canada, had a similar stance. “We have not heard from a single member who supports the President’s inaction. Most view this as an act of ineptitude,” said union president Paul Shearon in a statement. 

Negotiations for over border security has reached dead end. President Trump has demanded $5 billion for a wall, but Democrats have decided on $1.3 billion border security package that does not include a wall. Since no decision has been reached, a quarter of the federal government ran out of funding on Friday at midnight. This includes the State, Transportation, Agriculture, and Justice Department. Multiple government agencies weren’t affected as they were already funded earlier this year including the Departments of Defence, Labor, Health and Human Service, Education, and Energy. But 400,000 federal workers are currently being told to not come into work and another 400,000 are still working without pay, NPR reports. 

Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen Releases Statement Following Death Of The 8-year-old Boy’s Death In U.S. Custody 

Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen released a statement on Wednesday, after the death of an 8-year-old Guatemalan boy who died in the U.S. custody. Nielsen blamed the death on “smugglers, traffickers,” “activist judges” and “those who seek open borders.” She also confirmed that the DHS will take steps to prevent migrant children dying in its custody in the future. 

“Our system has been pushed to a breaking point by those who seek open borders,” Nielsen said in a statement. “Smugglers, traffickers, and their own parents put these minors at risk by embarking on the dangerous and arduous journey north. This crisis is exacerbated by the increase in persons who are entering our custody suffering from severe respiratory illnesses or exhibit some other illness upon apprehension. Given the remote locations of their illegal crossing and the lack of resources, it is even more difficult for our personnel to be first responders.” 

She also claimed that “it has been more than a decade since [Customs and Border Patrol] has had a child pass away in their custody.” 

In response to the death or 8-year-old Alonzo-Gomez, Nielsen said the agency will give “more through” medical screenings to the immigrant children who are detained. She also asked Mexican officials to investigate “the causes of these illnesses on their side of the border.” It’s important to note that the cause of death has yet to be confirmed, and we do not know whether or not Alonzo-Gomez contracted his illness in Mexico. Nielsen also plans to visit the border later this week to see what kind of medical screenings children are given. 

She continued to say how the DHS doesn’t have “the resources we need to execute the mission as directed by Congress,” and blamed the increase of family migration to the U.S. on “bad judicial rulings from activist judges.” Nielsen then asked lawmakers to give the DHS more “authorities and resources.” 

President Trump & The First Lady Made Their First Trip To Visit Troops In Iraq 

The New York Post reported on Wednesday that Donald and Melania Trump visited troops in a war zone area in Iraq for the first time since becoming president. The surprise visit comes in the midst of a partial federal government shutdown. 

The president and the first lady met with troops at the Al Asad Air Base near Baghdad, according to Reuters. Both were accompanied by a couple aides, reporters, and Secret Service agents. This was the first time that Trump has visited troops in a war zone area since taking officer almost two years ago. As Reuters reports, Trump was “looking for some positive headlines” after the stock market plummeted in the U.S. history’s worst Christmas Eve trading day. The Dow Jones Industrial Averages dropped 653 points on Monday, NBC News reported.

During his visit on Wednesday, Trump told troops that he has “no plans at all” to withdraw any remaining American soldiers from Iraq, according to the Associated Press. He also explained that he may use the country as a ground to launch operations in Syria. Earlier, he announced plans to withdraw American troops from Syria and claimed that ISIS had already been defeated. 

“If we see something happening with ISIS that we don’t like, we can hit them so fast and so hard they really won’t know what the hell happened,” Trump said, according to The New York Times. 

What To Look Out For...

Starbucks is celebrating the end of 2018 and the new year with the Black and White Mocha Collection. So get ready to add these sweet and mouth watering drink to your holiday arsenal. 

Most of us know that the holidays are meant to be an exciting time spent with friends and family. However, this isn’t always the case once you’ve made the leap out of your parents’ house and into an apartment of your own. Even if you’re living with roommates, the holidays can suddenly seem daunting and scare you to the point of avoiding them altogether. Not only are the holidays more expensive than you may have realized, but the season may start to feel lonely without the company of your closest family members.

Whether you’re in your mid-twenties or fresh out of college and living on your own, these are tips that anyone can use to make your first (or fourth) holiday on your own a great one.

Start budgeting and think small.

Money can be a tough subject for anyone, let alone a recent grad or someone who’s newly living on their own. While it’s overwhelming most of the time, it doesn’t have to destroy your hope for decorating and preparing for the holidays. It’s important that you take time to sit down and budget. When do you have to pay your phone bill? When is rent due? Should you even buy Christmas presents this year?

Ava Almaraz, a first-year at Elon Law School, had a little trouble because she wanted to buy gifts for people but wasn’t in a great place to.  “Because it is my first year of law school, I’m not allowed to work due to school policy and therefore have no income,” she says. “I was actually encouraged by my family to not buy them gifts, but for certain people I couldn’t resist.” Ava adds that she bought gifts for her immediate family.

A rule of thumb for mastering the holidays is budgeting. When you budget correctly, there’s less chance of spending too much.  “The most challenging part of the holiday season for me is budgeting,” says Linsey Schmid, a graduate from Queens University of Charlotte who’s been living on her own for about eight months. Like Ava, Linsey keeps her gift list small.

When you do start hunting for gifts (or those cute decorations that look more expensive than they actually are), check out dollar stores, the dollar section at Target, Walmart and Marshall’s for inexpensive items. Amazon is another place that offers holiday deals on items you can give as gifts. You can also DIY your gifts and decor.

“I would say that if you put a lot of thought into a gift, that matters more than how much it cost,” Ava says. She adds that her sister may have been a broke college student, but she was crafty and made everyone homemade gifts that turned out amazing. It’s the love that made them special.

A final piece of advice around budgeting and thinking small comes from Shannon Griffiths, a Plymouth State University grad from 2017 who really encourages you to think small. “Skip the traditional tree,” she says. “And get a small tabletop tree and decorate in other small ways.” This could be something as simple as hanging up string lights or using festive pillows.

Reach out to family and friends.

Don’t get caught up in the potential feelings of loneliness and stress caused by the season. Even if you can’t afford to give someone any gifts this year, you can afford to spend time with them.

Ava says that you need to surround yourself with people who are going to make you feel joy and loved during the season. “Living on your own during the holidays can sometimes feel lonely,” Ava notes. “It’s the season that people spend with loved ones and it’s all about family and enjoying people’s company.” She says that decorating helps her feel less lonely, but it isn’t the only way to make the holidays feel good.

If you’re stuck at your new home for the holiday season, there are a ton of inexpensive and free things you can do. You could have an under $10 Secret Santa gift exchange with a few of your friends, drive around and look at Christmas lights, go to a cute Christmas market (we recommend you leave your wallet in the car), have a holiday movie marathon, or bake sugar cookies (with royal icing, of course).

“We make several batches of cookies and fudge,” Ava says about her family’s holiday traditions. “[It’s] a fun bonding experience and is only the cost of groceries to buy the ingredients.” Even if you're on your own, baking cookies is a fun way to pass the time. You can even offer some to your apartment neighbors who are home for the holidays. It might just land you a new friend to spend the holidays with.

Sometimes, people get busy and you aren’t going to be able to spend time with them; Linsey knows this firsthand. “I only get to see my family for the night of Christmas due to my work schedule,” Linsey says. “If your family is inviting you to spend the holidays with them, do it.” You never know when you’ll get to see them again, and it may help with the loneliness or anxiety that has been surrounding you since Thanksgiving.

Going home for the holidays may not be the best choice for you, though, and there’s nothing wrong with that. When trying to decide if going home for the holidays is the best choice for you, think about your budget and the relationship you have with family members. There’s absolutely no shame in not being able to afford the gas or plane ticket to go home. Plane tickets are expensive and gas prices constantly fluctuate. If you do choose to go home, Linsey recommends buying your plane tickets early; it’s cheaper that way.

Regardless, if going home is going to make you more miserable than happy, don't do it. "Don't feel obligated if you know there are going to be people around that bring you down," Shannon says. We can all agree that there's no shame in making the best choice for your mental health as long as you're communicating that with someone (and not spending the whole season alone). 

Related: How to Decide Whether or Not to Go Home for the Holidays

Take time for yourself.

“Take time for yourself and breathe,” Linsey says. “We are working adults living on our own. It is hard to think about decorating, gifts and the holidays.” Sure, that cute photo album would make a meaningful gift and your sister may really love that necklace you saw at the store, but you don’t need to run yourself down to do those things.

Ava feels that dealing with holiday stress on top of her worries about school is one of the most challenging parts of this season. She’s had to find a balance so she can both enjoy this time of year and still pass her exams. Linsey finds that she can’t even think about December until it’s actually December. Between her masters’s program and working intensive jobs, she has to take time for herself just to breathe.

While the holiday season can be challenging for just about anyone, it can be especially challenging for someone who isn’t used to being alone for the majority of it. Don’t let yourself spend too much time on your own during the season; with the right mindset and group of people, you’re sure to make the first holiday you spend on your own the absolute best.

The scrunchie, one of this year’s most popular retro trends and the ultimate accessory, is arguably the most versatile tool in your style arsenal. When I think of scrunchies, I think of pictures of my mom in the '80s and '90s living her best life, and how I always thought they looked so cute on her.

However, the ultimate question persists: How do you style a scrunchie when you want to make a fashion statement, but you’re dry on styling inspiration? Look no further, y’all. I've compiled a list of the most stylish ways to modernize scrunchies for your everyday wardrobe.

1. Wear to add a pop of color

Looking to up your Insta influencer game? Change up your usual looks with a pop of color from a bright scrunchie.

Try adding a scrunchie to a high ponytail for a fun twist on a mundane style. And if you’re really feeling the nostalgic vibes, pair your scrunchie with a denim jacket and your favorite high-waisted skinnies for the ultimate throwback look. The millennial pink scrunchie paired with this vintage-inspired outfit is giving me life.

Related: Here's How To Build an Instagram-Worthy Outfit for Under $30

2. Wear one around your wrist

Add a little sass to your outfit by wearing your scrunchie around your wrist. If you’re like me, you’re constantly misplacing or losing your hair ties. But I promise, you’re much less likely to  lose a scrunchie that you’re wearing as the statement part of your outfit. 

We stan a multitasking accessory.

3. Carry one on your keys

Be unconventional and put an extra scrunchie on your keys for safe-keeping. It’s the perfect addition to your keychain, especially if you carry them outside of your purse and use them as an accessory. Plus, you’ll always have an extra on hand for your one BFF that is constantly asking for an extra.

4. Decorate that messy bun

Not all scrunchies are strong enough to hold up all the hair you have, so use it on top of a regular hair tie to spice up an everyday look. 

Don’t be afraid to wear colors you normally wouldn't try when experimenting with scrunchies. You can begin getting used to wearing bolder looks while you’re studying or hanging out with friends before conquering the real world.

5. Wrap at the end of your braid

Braids are a timeless hairstyle that can be executed in so many fun ways, so why not incorporate a chunky scrunchie to the 'do? We all know what it’s like to have hair in your face while running around campus all day, so keep your hair in place and make a fashion statement on-the-go.

Scrunchies aren’t just for your retro #TBT anymore – they’re worthy of your #OOTD. You can incorporate them into your everyday wardrobe without feeling like a total throwback, and still easily embrace the awesomeness when you’re feeling extra. Happy styling.

The end of this long, long year is finally here, and despite all the chaos that's happened, I actually believe that this was a huge (and relatively positive) year for the beauty industry. In terms of new releases, there were stunning palettes, color combinations and lasting glosses making their debut. And since I'm feeling sentimental, here were just a few of the beauty releases I was most excited about. Feel free to grab some for yourself, or sit back and bask in the glory with me. 

Huda Beauty: The New Nude Palette

The New Nude Palette is a mixture of buttery mattes, reflective pearls and pressed glitters. The shades in this palette blend so beautifully together and feel so, so soft when you apply. You can purchase it online from Huda Beauty or from Sephora.

Morphe X James Charles: Unleash Your Inner Artist Palette

This palette has every shade you could possibly think of. I'm not kidding. The highly pigmented pots and reasonable price allow you to create dozens of looks with just one palette. You can purchase it at Morphe or Ulta Beauty.  

Kylie Cosmetics: The Kylie X Jordan Collection

This stunning collection consists of a pigmented eyeshadow palette, pressed powder highlighter palette, two long-lasting glosses and a matte lipstick. The color theme is beautiful, and each product can either be bought separately or all together from Kylie Cosmetics.

Fenty Beauty: Diamond Milk Gloss Bomb

Glosses definitely made a comeback this year, and Rihanna’s launch of the Diamond Milk shade truly showed fans what a long-lasting, flawless gloss is supposed to feel like. Grab yours from Fenty Beauty or Sephora.

Kat Von D: Dagger Tattoo Liner

We all know how difficult it can be to get the perfect wing, which is why Kat Von D never fails to come in and slay. Following the release of her Tattoo Liner, the Dagger Tattoo Liner makes it far easier to achieve your wing, without compromising the long-lasting effect. This can be purchased from Kat Von D or Sephora.

Anastasia Beverly Hills: Amrezy Highlighter

This highlighter truly changed the game with its beautiful glow that can serve for either a soft look or a glam look. It can be purchased at Anastasia Beverly Hills or Ulta Beauty.

Fenty Beauty: Killawatt Foil Freestyle Highlighter Palette

As a part of her holiday collection, Rihanna released a very versatile highlighter palette, with a variety of colors that can be used for any part of your body or face. Get ready to change your life and grab one from Fenty Beauty or Sephora.

2018 definitely surprised me with the launches of so many stunning products, and I absolutely cannot wait to see what 2019 has in store for us beauty gurus!

Instagram looked a lot different on Thursday morning, and it unfortunately wasn't because chronological timelines had made their return. Instead, the company introduced a horizontal feed for some users. 

Rather than scrolling down to see new posts, users had to scroll sideways (similar to Tinder and other swipe-based apps). The new design — which only affected the main feed, not individual profiles — appeared to resemble one long Instagram story.

But as it turns out, the change wasn't even supposed to happen. "Due to a bug, some users saw a change to the way their feed appears today," Instagram's company page tweeted. "We quickly fixed the issue and feed is back to normal. We apologize for any confusion."

Within minutes, Instagram reverted users back to the vertical feed.

Adam Mosseri, Instagram's VP of Product, also addressed the unexpected update. "Sorry about that," he tweeted. "This was supposed to be a very small test but we went broader than we anticipated."

Mosseri didn't clarify whether the change would be implemented in the future. He did, however, respond to a tweet that said "So is this coming to all or still just 'testing'?' with "Just a test."

According to The Verge, Instagram actually began testing the feature back in October in the Explore section of the app. 

Another year, another Kardashian family Christmas card— however, the latest appears to omit Kendall Jenner.

The photo shows Khloe, Kourtney, and Kim Kardashian, along with Kylie Jenner. They're all holding their children and matching in white. It's admittedly adorable, but fans were quick to question where Kendall was.

The model herself even appeared surprised. She posted the photo to Twitter along with the caption, "HA well this is awkward."

But apparently, she was only kidding. An Instagram user commented, "poor Kenny" on Khloe's upload of the photo, but the Kardashian was quick to respond with an explanation. 

"why poor Kenny?" Khloe replied. "She was at the shoot and she chose not to be in the picture because she thought it was cuter that it was just the babies and the mommies."

She continued, "Many you guys are dramatic even for a f—king Christmas card!! Lol Damned if we do and damned if we don't. Just enjoy the f—king photo. Obviously they are our brothers and sisters so I think we know what everybody is comfortable with. MERRY CHRISTMAS."

Mystery solved! This was actually the second year a Jenner was missing from the Christmas card. Kylie didn't appear in last year's because she was pregnant, but hadn't yet announced it. 

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.)

Government Shutdown Will Continue Into 2019

Both the House and Senate met for only a few minutes on Thursday, failing to take any action to end the partial government shutdown. This means that the shutdown — which affects about 25 percent of the federal government — will likely last into the new year. NPR reported that Louisiana Republican Rep. Steve Scalise, the House majority whip, told members that no votes were expected in the House this week. As for the Senate, it's not scheduled to be back in session until January 2. 

According to President Trump, the shutdown is the Democrats' fault. Per CNN, he called the party obstructionists, citing the recent killing of a California cop allegedly by a suspect who is in the country illegally, as a reason for tighter border security and his proposed wall. White House press secretary Sarah sanders also said the Democratic party "is openly choosing to keep our government closed to protect illegal immigrants rather than the American people." 

On the other hand, 47 percent of adults in the U.S. actually blame Trump for the shutdown, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Thursday. The poll also found that 33 percent blame Democrats in Congress, and 7 percent blame Republicans in Congress.

Michael Cohen May Have Actually Been in Prague Like the Steele Dossier Initially Claimed

A new investigation from McClatchy DC alleges that a cell phone connected to Michael Cohen, Trump's former personal attorney, "briefly sent signals ricocheting off cell towers in the Prague area in late summer 2016, at the height of the presidential campaign, leaving an electronic record to support claims that Cohen met secretly there with Russian officials." McClatchy cited four sources with "knowledge of the matter."

If true, the claims could potentially confirm a key part of the Steele dossier— a controversial memo compiled by ex-spy Christopher Steele — that, in addition to alleging Cohen was in Prague around that time on behalf of Trump, also alleges Russian meddling in the 2016 election and the existence of a "pee tape" that may have been used as blackmail against Trump. Cohen, however, has continued to deny that he ever visited Prague. After Thursday's release of the McClatchy investigation, Cohen tweeted "I hear #Prague #CzechRepublic is beautiful in the summertime. I wouldn't know as I have never been. #Mueller knows everything!"

Cohen was recently sentenced to three years in prison for tax fraud and lying to Congress, even after cooperating with special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. He's scheduled to surrender on March 6.

Power Plant Explosion in NYC Lights Up Sky with Bright Blue Light

Numerous people took to social media with photos and videos of a bright blue light flooding the sky in New York City on Thursday night, questioning what was happening. According to the New York Police Department, the light originated from a transformer explosion at a Con Edison power plant in Queens. Smoke arose, and tremors shook buildings and rattled windows. There were also multiple fires throughout the borough, per CNN.

After the explosion, LaGuardia Airport was temporarily shut down after experiencing a total blackout, and delays are still expected. Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted that there were no injuries, and Con Edison is currently evaluating both ongoing outages and what actually happened to cause the incident.

What to look for...

A new Black Mirror movie. Bandersnatch drops on Netflix today.

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that after dating on and off for roughly 10 years, Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth finally tied the knot just a couple days before Christmas. What you probably don't know is that the couple's wedding actually resembled Miley's own parents' nuptials. 

To commemorate her daughter's wedding and her own anniversary, Tish Cyrus posted a sweet Instagram photo of her and Billy Ray Cyrus from 25 years ago. The picture shows the couple on the eve of their wedding, and is captioned "25 years ago today @billyraycyrus and I stood in our living room in Franklin Tn and said 'I Do.' I would definitely say everything has come full circle!"

The similarities between their wedding and Miley's are pretty obvious: both couples got married in their own Tennessee homes, both ceremonies were intimate with only close friends and family, and both weddings were marked with living room photos. 

While Miley hasn't exactly said that she was inspired by her parents' wedding, a source told E! News that a "lavish ceremony wasn't important" to her or Liam. "... all that mattered was that their families could be there," the source said. 

Both Tish and Billy Ray have posted photos from their daughter's big day. Liam's brothers, Chris and Luke, and Miley's sisters, Noah and Brandi, were also in attendance. 

Tired of picking something on Netflix, only to absentmindedly watch while scrolling through your phone? Then the new Black Mirror movie, Bandersnatch, may be exactly what you're looking for. 

The film centers on Stefan, a programmer who wants to create a computer game called Bandersnatch, inspired by a "choose your own adventure" novel that he read as a child. This perfectly ties into the biggest part of the film — the viewer's ability to chose what happens next. Throughout Bandersnatch, Netflix presents you with options to decide Stefan's fate, whether it's what he eats for breakfast or something more serious that ultimately alters the ending of the film. 

You only get 10 seconds to choose between options, and if you don't select anything, a default section is made. There are five possible endings to the movie in total, and it can be finished anywhere from 40 to 150 minutes. According to Collider, Black Mirror creator and writer Charlie Brooker said that if you don't make a single decision throughout the film, you'll be presented with "the most basic version of the story." 

The interactive feature builds off of technology previously used for Netflix's Puss in Boots: Trapped in an Epic Tale. Fionn Whitehead, Will Poulter, Craig Parkinson, Alice Lowe, and Asim Chaudhry star in the film. 

In addition to Bandersnatch, Black Mirror is reportedly still slated for an upcoming fifth season.

The mother of Mollie Tibbetts, the University of Iowa student whose disappearance and murder attracted national attention, made the decision to take in the son of Mexican immigrants who worked with her daughter's accused killer, according to The Washington Post.

Cristhian Bahena Rivera was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the death of Tibbetts in August. This prompted many of his fellow immigrant farm laborers to flee Brooklyn, Iowa — including the parents of 17-year-old Ulises Felix. According to the Post, he wanted to stay and finish school. So Tibbett's younger brother Scott asked his mom, Laura Calderwood, if they could take him in. 

"The nation, it seemed, was directing its anger about Mollie’s death toward Yarrabee Farms, where her alleged killer had worked, deluging it with vitriolic messages. The immigrant families who worked there were fleeing," the Post's report read. "Laura thought of Mollie. She would argue that the farmworkers didn’t deserve this, that they were only trying to earn a living. What would she say about Ulises? Bring him in? Laura thought that his father may be undocumented and worried about attracting unwanted attention, but again, what would Mollie say?"

The family ultimately invited Ulises to stay with them, seemingly rejecting the divisive rhetoric that surrounded Tibbett's case. 

Shortly after Bahena Rivera was arrested, many politicians — including President Trump — cited Tibbett's murder as reason for tougher immigration laws. Calderwood told the Post that Trump never called her, didn't know much about her daughter, but had no problem "using Mollie’s death to try to end immigration policies he now referred to as 'pathetic.'"

Additionally, Tibbetts father, Rob Tibbetts, said that she would have "vehemently opposed" anti-immigrant views like Trump's. 

Kanye West is mad at Drake — again.

In a series of now-deleted tweets, Kanye lashed out at Drake for apparently following his wife, Kim Kardashian, on Instagram in September. At the time, the internet was flooded with rumors that the "Kiki" Drake references in his song "In My Feelings" was actually Kim since that's a nickname of hers. Kim, however, denied the rumors. 

"I never knew till this morning that Drake followed my wife on Instagram back in September," Kanye first tweeted.

He continued with a series of posts about Drake: 

"I had to bring this up because it’s the most f—ked up thing of all and I just saw it this morning."

"Imagine having a problem with somebody and they follow your wife on Instagram."

Kanye did end things on a good note, though: "We truly wish this man the best and pray that he will find the same happiness that we have."

The rapper hasn't been happy with Drake for a number of reasons. Earlier this month, he tweeted about him more than 125 times, claiming Drake was threatening his family, reached out to Kris Jenner behind his back, and more. 

All of that appeared to be over, though, when Kanye tweeted "Drake and Trav both love Ye more than anyone and I love those guys back. We love everyone," on Dec. 15. He mentioned Kylie Jenner's boyfriend, Travis Scott, because he got caught up in the drama between Kanye and Drake. On Travis' song "Sicko Mode," him and Drake say they like "checks over stripes," which refers to Nike and Adidas. The two have deals with the former while Kanye makes his Yeezy sneakers with the latter.

Drake has seemingly refused to acknowledge the drama — at least publicly — so far. Who knows what will happen next?

54 good things that happened in 2018. [BuzzFeed]

Reflecting on Bachelor breakups of 2018. [E! Online]

These fresh voices changed politics this year. [Teen Vogue]

How much of the internet is fake? [New York Magazine]

Which celebrity has the best chocolate chip cookie recipe? [Tasty]

An elephant's personhood on trial. [The Atlantic]

Cheese tea is China's new obsession. [Great Big Story]

The true value of Facebook to it's users. [ARS Technica]

4 great CBD products. [HelloGiggles]

How to be a better person in 2019. [The New York Times]

Don't mess with Bebe Rexha — especially if you're married, have kids, and still attempt to flirt with her.

The singer blasted an unnamed football player in her Instagram stories on Friday, writing, "Do you ever have that one guy that always comes in and out of your life. And they are cheaters and waste your time."

Bebe then shared a screenshot of texts between her and the mystery man, in which he's seemingly trying to meet up with her. 

In the following stories, she wrote, "You’re married and have three kids. Be a good role model and play your sports and leave me the f—k alone. Don’t be texting me 'hey friend' especially if you’re a married man. That shit don’t fly with me. Go back to playing football. If only you guys knew."

Yikes!

Bebe hasn't revealed who she was referring to, but that didn't stop people on social media from speculating. 

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.)

John Kelly Talks Trump's Wall, Jeff Sessions & More in Exit Interview

President Trump's outgoing chief of staff John Kelly — who officially leaves his post Wednesday — said in an exit interview with the Los Angeles Times that Trump abandoned his campaign pledge to construct "a solid concrete wall early on in the administration." Kelly added that the proposed structure is "not a wall," but rather a mix of steel barriers and other technology. 

Kelly also discussed the administration's"zero-tolerance" immigration policy that ultimately separated children from their parents at the border. According to him, the idea came from then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions rather than the White House. "What happened was Jeff Sessions, he was the one that instituted the zero-tolerance process on the border that resulted in both people being detained and the family separation,” Kelly said. "He surprised us."

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Responds to Criticism from Claire McCaskill

Outgoing Senator Claire McCaskill has been critical of incoming Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in recent weeks, most recently referring to her as "a bright shiny new object."​ Ocasio-Cortez responded in a tweet: "Not sure why fmr Sen. McCaskill keeps going on TV to call me a 'thing' and 'shiny object,' but it's pretty disappointing. McCaskill promised she'd '100% back Trump up' on his anti-immigrant rhetoric & lost. In MO, almost all progressive ballot issues won."

Ocasio-Cortez continued in another tweet, "I’m also not sure why McCaskill is covering for the GOP by saying they 'secretly think Trump is nuts'. Nobody cares. Trump is melting down our institutions and inciting division between people. At any time GOP could have checked him and choose not to. They’re accomplices."

McCaskill lost her Senate seat in November while running for her third term in Missouri. Earlier this week, she also told CNN that she wasn't sure what Ocasio-Cortez has "done yet to generate that kind of enthusiasm." She seemingly warned against agendas "considered too liberal in certain parts of the country," per CNN. McCaskill added, "I'm a little confused why she's the thing."

Trump Has Frozen Federal Workers' Pay for 2019

On Friday, Trump issued an executive order freezing federal workers' pay for 2019. The order — which prevents civilian workers from receiving an automatic 2.1 percent raise — comes as hundreds of thousands of workers across the U.S. are already working without pay or furloughed due to the partial government shutdown. 

According to CNN, Trump initially announced his plans to order the freeze in August, citing a lack of federal funding. "We must maintain efforts to put our Nation on a fiscally sustainable course, and Federal agency budgets cannot sustain such increases," Trump wrote in a letter to House and Senate leaders back in August.

Tony Reardon, president of the National Treasury Employees Union, issued a statement condemning the freeze. "This is just pouring salt into the wound," he said, per Slate. "It is shocking that federal employees are taking yet another financial hit. As if missed paychecks and working without pay were not enough, now they have been told that they don’t even deserve a modest pay increase."

What to look for...

Plans to ring in 2019 — it's finally NYE!

This year, you may have seen many fashion influencers hanging up their high heels in exchange for chunky dad sneakers. Beyond marking a return to retro fashion and even reflecting the ability to showcase one’s femininity in different ways, chunky sneakers have become even more popular than high heels due to their duality and versatility.

If worn the right way, these shoes can take your outfit to the next level – whether it's on a date night or a casual city stroll – with their totally comfortable and throwback style. And unlike heels, dad sneakers can definitely add an effortlessly chic dimension to your outfit. 

So instead of slipping into uncomfortable heels for your next event, why not take some inspiration and try this timeless (and way more comfortable) alternative? From classic white leather to ‘80s style, there’s a sneaker out there for everyone. But just in case you’re overwhelmed by all the options, we’ve put together a guide to finding the perfect fit when you want to feel comfortable, but still look trendy.

1. Nike Air Monarch IV ($48.97)

They’re chunky, comfy and the perfect blend of ultimate support and lightweight cushioning—just the ideal addition to your wardrobe for a casual stroll with friends or walking around campus.

And even better, you can still pair dad sneakers with a heel-worthy outfit and get maximum comfort. If you're looking for a relaxed fit, try pairing these white shoes with some classic denim essentials, from a unique patchwork style denim jacket to rolled up jeans and even a classic white tee so your shoes can stand out. And if you want to go for a more timeless style, try pairing these sneakers with a pair of rosy-toned sunglasses for an extra dimension of contrast.

Better yet, this classic white hue will be sure to complement any and all colors in your wardrobe, and they’ll feel way more comfortable for those days when you need to rush to class but still want to look cute.

Related: 7 Cozy Fits to Try During Finals Week

2. Adidas Yung-96 ($100)

If you're craving a pop of color to add to your outfit, you should take a look at these timeless shoes. 

These long-lasting and finely detailed shoes will not only take you back in time, but will also add some bright color to your wardrobe. If you want to keep your shoes as the main focal point, try wearing them with a basic white tee and jeans, or use them to add an eclectic twist to a classic all-black look.

Don't be afraid to try wearing these sneakers with more formal outfits that would normally be more suited for heels, too. Like heels, these colored sneakers can add visual interest and even playfulness. You can also dress them up without going overboard. Try adding subtle pieces of jewelry, like delicate gold bracelets or a watch.

From fluorescent orange to red, you won’t go wrong with any of their unique color choices. They even come with embroidered tongue details and some mesh for comfort so you can guarantee that all your outfits won't result in an unnecessary injury. 

3. FILA Disruptor II ($65)

If you’re digging the classic, chunky sneaker look, this FILA shoe is the perfect addition when you want something that’s a bit more subdued and casual. With their leather design and cushioned insole, they work with all outfits, no matter yourpersonal style. 

For a more dressed up look, feel free to be bold with your choices by pairing a pair of pale pink sneakers (great for adding some sweet color) with a comfy jersey dress and a black leather jacket. These oh-so-sweet shoes will add some color contrast and ensure that your outfit will look totally effortless. 

So instead of feeling pressured to put on heels for that fancy date night, don't be afraid to switch it up with these adorable sneakers. It won't detract from your style, and in fact, it might just make it way more chill and chic.

4. Steve Madden Memory ($99.95)

Do you love bright colors, but prefer pastels for those casual days? With their muted color accents, these shoes will be the perfect addition to your wardrobe when you want to stand out but still pair them with your favorite light wash jeans. Their light pink and desert sand accents are not only stylish but contemporary–a unique complement for your chilly day outfits.

Try bringing out the colors of this unique sneaker by throwing on a rosy pink knit sweater with some dark wash leggings, or even some light browns and golds to tie your outfit together. And if you really want to show off these shoes, try pairing them with some cropped jeans that'll showcase their totally sophisticated look.  

Related: These Are the Shoes You’ll Need This Season

5. Nike M2K ($100)

This chunky sneaker, with its subtle two-toned colors and cushioned insole, is great for any dad sneaker newbie. With their white base and leather detailing, you’ll be sure to impress with their totally modern style and fit.

Try elevating their casual, athleisure style by pairing them with some flared denim jeans to add a nice contrast, as well as well as a light blue tank top and an oversized denim jacket. Because these sneakers can be worn with a casual or formal outfit, you'll have plenty of options to dress it up–like adding some dangling silver earrings or a chunky knit scarf for those colder days.

Whether it’s a casual date night, just another long day at school work, dad sneakers are the perfect addition to your wardrobe. You definitely won’t have any injuries with these comfortable shoes (like we all know you can with heels), and even better, they’re ideal for those days when you need to rush to class or work. So, take a trip down memory lane when you wear these versatile shoes, and even perhaps even get inspiration from your dad’s wardrobe when you don them with your next outfit.

On one weekday, you can easily spend just as much as you do on the weekends. If you can learn to budget, organize your spending into categories and stick to a plan, you will be able to save valuable money during the week that can up your spending on weekends. Budgeting centers around balance, and as long as you follow these tips to cut back on weekday spending, your weekends will be more fun without any risk of breaking the bank.

During the week, focusing on to-do lists and simultaneously saving up your money can open up funds on the weekend. Whether heading out on adventures with your friends, attending a trip sponsored by your school, or treating yourself to non-dining hall food, weekends always are a good chance to switch things up and splurge a little. If you think ahead, you’ll have much more money and less stress for your weekend splurges—no regrets. 

Skipping out on your weekday coffee runs could save you between $3 and $6 on average per day. Add this up, and you’ve just found a hidden $30 you could use for some weekend fun, such as movie tickets. Here are some of the best ways to find and save that extra cash during the week.

1. Plan for necessary weekday purchases.

Organize and prioritize essentials.

When you’re shopping for things like groceries, it’s important to have a list in-hand. Without a list or a plan, you can get distracted and easily spend more on things you don’t need. By making a list, you can check your local store’s deals for that week and come prepared with any coupons you need. Plus, you can plan meals and snacks in advance and hold yourself accountable—no more “there’s nothing good to make” excuses.

Sign up for rewards programs and take advantage of sales.

From groceries and gas to Dunkin’ and Starbucks, almost every store has a rewards program you can sign up for to rack up points, earn rewards and get access to exclusive deals and sales. There are no drawbacks to signing up for rewards programs, and they can help you save money and earn free or discounted items throughout the week. Some stores even have apps for your phone, making it even easier to keep track of sales.

2. Do-It-Yourself

Make your own food and drinks for most of the week.

A huge expense hides in plain sight behind your daily coffee run, Chipotle meal or quick snack-on-the-go. Instead of relying on fast food, plan to cook most of your meals for the week, especially lunches and dinners. Eating out might seem more enticing, but that’s not the case for your bank account. Coffee is another spot where major spending lies. Getting a $3 coffee every day seems like a small price to pay at the time, but picture how that builds over weeks, months and semesters. Save money (and time) by making your coffee at home. Investing in a coffee maker might be worthwhile if you are constantly seeking out your morning pick-me-up at a shop.

Only use cash during the week instead of your credit or debit card.

Swiping your card makes it easy to forget about spending, but seeing the numbers on your statement at the end of the month doesn’t feel good. By only using cash during the week, you hold yourself more accountable. It’s much harder to drop $100 cash at Target for decorations and makeup than it is to swipe your card and move on.

Create a savings jar where you put all of the loose change you acquire during weekdays.

When you get home every day, place all of your loose change into a jar or mug. This method of saving seems so simple, but you would be surprised how much change you acquire over the course of a month. You can then deposit everything in the bank or use it for weekend fun however you please.

3. Allot some spending for treats during the week, too.

Don’t go from spending whatever you like to being very tight with a budget overnight.

Starting any big change at 100 percent is hard, and pretty much guarantees that you’ll have a tricky time adjusting. Give yourself time to adjust to your new spending routine, and you will be much more likely to succeed. Start with one change at a time and see how implementing it goes. If it works for you, then add another savings method to your routine.

Give yourself room and flexibility.

This might sound counterintuitive, but it’s so important to allot for treats in your budget. Whether you set that amount at $5 or $30, set aside money that you can use for a spontaneous dinner out, coffee or trip to a store you love. You won’t disrupt your spending routine, and you won’t feel like you are being forced to give up everything you enjoy. Budgeting is about being prepared, so prepare for both unexpected expenses and get ahead of big spending projects before they catch up to you. 

4. Use spending tricks to be more mindful of impulse purchases.

Use the 10/10 rule.

If you’re in a store and see something you want, but don’t need, spend no more than ten minutes considering it. At the end of the ten minutes, if you’re still not sure about purchasing it, use this rule to make a decision. If it’s more than a certain amount, like $10, put it back and reconsider later. If it’s less, just go for it so that you don’t waste your time. You can also consider the following:

Wait it out.

If you really want to buy something during the week, set a certain amount of time as your standard to wait. Most people use a week as the baseline for this, but you could do more or less as you see fit. At the end of that time, if you still want the item, you’ve thought it through rationally and eliminated the impulsiveness of it.

By cutting back on spending during the week, you open up some of your budget to have more fun on weekends. Weekday spending often can be avoided or planned for, and the money you save will benefit your budget in many ways. Without the stress of a budget strain, and the added bonus of all that hidden money you find to spend on weekend fun, you'll be able to go out with your girls, have all the snacks for a Netflix night or head out for a fun adventure with no regrets on the weekend. 

One of the cardinal rules of makeup (and arguably, the most important) is that at the end of the day, you remove it. It doesn't matter what's happening, you take off your makeup. Whether it’s been a long night of partying or you’re just “too tired,” this step is not to be skipped.

Sleeping in your makeup, or even wearing it for prolonged hours can lead to breakouts and even inhibit nighttime aging.  With that mini PSA engraved in your brain, make sure you’re using the right makeup remover to truly take off those cosmetics and leave your face fresh and clean for your skincare routine. While you can use any ordinary makeup remover wipe or cleanser, even the best removers don’t work on waterproof makeup.

Waterproof makeup does its job and tends to stay put, no matter how much remover is used. Check out some of these products and tips to remove all kinds of makeup, especially after a long day.

Garnier Waterproof Micellar Cleanser Water ($8.99)

A basic tip is to aim for a remover that is specifically made for waterproof makeup. This Micellar Water from Garnier is a personal favorite, and at under $9, it won’t break the bank when it needs to be replenished. It’s made for all skin types, as it removes makeup and cleanses the skin.

Clinique Take off the Day Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes, and Lips ($19.50)

Clinique is one of the OG skincare brands and their makeup remover is legendary. Any of their products in this line are amazing, as they come in a balm, oil, and wipe form. However, this specific remover is better for sensitive areas that we usually put makeup remover on more. I’m talking the eyelids, eyelashes, and lips. Well worth the cost and a little goes a long way. If you like to do a full face of makeup, I recommend the Take off the Day Cleansing Balm ($29.50) for a more thorough removal.

Related: How To Refresh Your Skin When It Feels...Blah​

Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes ($8.99)

Nothing beats a good makeup wipe. Is it just me, or is it exciting to see the makeup on the wipe and your face getting clean? Yes? OK. Anyways, the Neutrogena face wipes are a good start to removing product, but it can take a few wipes for those really rough days.

Coconut Oil Based Products

I do not think that coconut oil should be used as a makeup remover. At least not for the whole face. It can clog your pores and cause major breakouts. Now, using coconut oil on specific areas like the eyelids and lips can be helpful. When you have on a liquid lipstick or waterproof mascara that is just NOT coming off, applying a small amount of coconut oil to the lips or lids and letting it sit can make it easier to wipe away. The Coconut Melt ($28) by Kopari Beauty can be used for almost everything under the sun including removing makeup. Just be sure to exfoliate and cleanse after.

A Routine

There probably should have been a “don’t try this at home” disclaimer when Netflix released the Sandra Bullock film Bird Box.

Since the thriller’s December 21 release, it has inspired the #BirdBoxChallenge. The challenge features people trying to daily (and at times harmful) tasks while their eyes are blindfolded. Characters in the movie wear blindfolds to protect themselves from some unseen force that takes over people’s vision. And while some people have tried to do their day-to-day chores around their homes, others have tried more dangerous moves like running into traffic or having children run into walls. 

After the challenge went viral, Netflix released a statement on Wednesday via Twitter, asking people not to put themselves in danger over the challenge. 

“Can’t believe I have to say this, but: PLEASE DO NOT HURT YOURSELVES WITH THIS BIRD BOX CHALLENGE,” the streaming company tweeted. “We don’t know how this started, and we appreciate the love, but Boy and Girl have just one wish for 2019 and it is that you not end up in the hospital due to memes.” 

But the post still inspired some Twitter users to attempt the challenge. 

Some are ready to put this challenge to bed.

Netflix announced in December that the film became the streaming service's most-watched film in only seven days. "Took off my blindfold this morning to discover that 45,037, 125 Netflix accounts have already watched Bird Box—best first 7 days ever for a Netflix film!" Netflix tweeted. 

Several women on the Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign team told the New York Times in a new report on Wednesday that they allegedly witnessed or experienced harassment and sexism while working on the campaign. The report comes in the midst of Sanders potential launch of a presidential bid for 2020. 

The Times interviewed multiple former campaign staffers with several women detailing how their superiors didn’t take allegations of sexual harassment seriously. Other women on the campaign even revealed that they were initially paid less than the men who worked in similar positions. 

Friends of Bernie Sanders, which is Vermont senator’s campaign committee, released a statement about the claims in the Times report, saying: 

“Friends of Bernie Sanders does not and will not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind,” the statement said. “During 2016 there were a number of HR actions taken, and while it is not appropriate to discuss them individually, actions taken range from employee counseling to immediate termination from the campaign.”

The statement continued with: “Last year, during the 2018 Senate campaign, we developed and implemented robust policies and processes regarding discrimination and harassment that included features such as third party toll free hotline for reporting incidents outside the structure of the campaign and requiring all staff and volunteers to undergo training as part of the on boarding process.” 

Giulianna Di Lauro, who is a Latinx outreach strategist for Sanders’ 2016 campaign, told the Times about an incident with game show host and campaign surrogate Marco Antonio Regil. Di Lauro had to drive Regil to a campaign event prior to the Nevada primary, and she told the Times that he ran his hand through her hair in a “sexual way.” She then said Regil continued to grab her, touch her and generally “push [her] boundaries” throughout the day. 

Di Lauro reported the incident to Bill Velazquez, who is the manager on the Latinx outreach team, but the Times reported that Velazquez laughed and said, “I bet you would have liked it if he were younger.” She continued to tell other higher-up officials on the campaign about it, but she told the Times that the incident wasn't addressed. In a statement to the Times, Velazquez said that he doesn’t remember saying that comment to Di Lauro and that he did report her accusations to his superiors at the time. Regil also released a statement via his agent to the Times saying he “sincerely apologize[s] for any interactions or behavior on my part that could’ve made anyone feel uncomfortable.” 

“I did experience sexual harassment during the campaign, and there was no one who would or could help,” said former director of operations for Sanders’ campaign in Texas and New York Samantha Davis to the Times. According to the Times, she said that a superior of hers invited her to his hotel room. When she declined the invitation, she said he “marginalized” her.

The news outlet also reported that many women on the campaign were paid less than their male co-workers. According to the Times, Davis said that she earned around $2,400 each month when she learned that a man who initially reported to her was paid $5,000 each month. After telling this to the campaign’s chief operating officer, Davis said she was given a raise. She also told the Times that she helped “at least a dozen women request raises so that they would be paid on par with their male peers.”

At the time of the Times report's release, it was not clear whether or not Sanders’ knew about the allegations. Jeff Weaver, the 2016 campaign manager, told the publication that anyone who committed harassment “would not be asked back.”

But Sanders said in an interview later on Wednesday with CNN’s Anderson Cooper that he had no knowledge of the allegations made. 

“I’m not going to sit here and tell you that we did everything right in terms of human resources, in terms of addressing the needs that I’m hearing now that women felt disrespected, that there was sexual harassment which was not dealt with as effectively as possible,” Sanders said in the CNN interview. 

The senator also told CNN that his campaign for the 2018 midterms had a new “gold standard” that everyone should implement and follow. 

“What I will tell you is that when I ran for re-election in 2018 in Vermont we put forward the strongest set of principles in terms of mandatory training, in terms of women, if they felt harassed, having an independent firm that they could go to, and I think that’s kind of the gold standard for what we should be doing,” he said. 

Sanders also issued an apologized “to any woman who felt that she was not treated appropriately," and he added that “if I run, we will do better next time.” 

The new report comes days after Politico revealed that over two dozen alumni of Sanders’ campaign sent a letter to the senator’s office about “sexual violence harassment” that happened on the campaign in hopes to “mitigate the issue in the upcoming president cycle.” 

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.) 

Trump’s First Cabinet Meeting of 2019 Started Off With a Meme

President Trump held his first cabinet meeting of 2019 on Wednesday, and he featured a poster of his Game of Thrones meme that he tweeted out a while. Yep, that’s right. He prominently displayed his meme poster on the table in front of him. 

The poster featured a photo of himself and the phrase “Sanctions Are Coming,” according to the Huffington Post. Of course, it is inspired by the show’s iconic “winter is coming” tagline. Trump first tweeted the meme in November after reimposing U.S. sanctions on Iran. 

It’s still unclear as to why the poster was displayed at the meeting, and many people were confused by it. According to Buzzfeed News, Trump mention Iran briefly. He reportedly said that the sanctions against it have worked and “turned it into a different country.”  

But amid the partial government shutdown, Trump was primarily focused on his demand for a border wall and reportedly claimed that “walls work.” Many people on Twitter thought that the presidents continuous push for the border wall was inspired by GoT’s wall. 

At this point, we all have questions. And we sadly expect nothing less.

Seven-Year-Old Jazmine Barnes Was Shot and Killed In A Drive-By Shooting This Week

Police are looking for the killer of 7-year-old Jazmine Barnes who was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting in Texas on Sunday. 

Her family members and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office have asked the public multiple times for any information that would lead to Jazmine’s killer. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez asked again on Wednesday to report anything that could identify the driver. 

At the time of the shooting, Jazmine was in the car with her mom and three sisters. They drove to a convenience store on Sunday morning to get coffee, when someone in a red pickup truck pulled up to the family’s car and opened fire. As NBC Newsreported, the authorities revealed the suspect is a bearded white man in his 40s. 

Jazmine was fatally shot, and her six-year-old sister was injured by shattered glass, according to KHOU. Her mother took a bullet to her arm trying to protect Jazmine from the shots, KHOU reported.

Authorities have deemed the attack as unprovoked. “It just seems to be random,” said Gonzalez in a press conference on Monday Buzzfeed News reports. “There is nothing to indicate that the family did anything wrong in any way. They were simply just driving along the service road when this happened to them.” 

Washington told KHOU from her hospital bed that there was no reason for her daughter to die. 

“I replayed this moment in my head over a million times,” Washington said to KHOU.“Did I see? Did I cut this man off? Did I make a wrong turn in front of him? Did I stop him from getting out of the Walmart, from whatever he was doing, did I do anything wrong to cause this man to fire shots in my car? And I didn’t. I didn’t do anything. I didn’t make a wrong turn. I didn’t get over in his lane. I didn’t do none of that. He fired off at us for no reason. None.”

Jazmine’s death has drawn national attention. Writer and activist Shaun King even offered a $60,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest. 

Authorities are stilling looking for the same red pickup truck and a man fitting the above description. 

Netflix Pulled An Episode From Hasan Minhaj’s Show In Saudi Arabia 

After receiving complaints from the Saudi Arabian government, Netflix pulled an episode of Hasan Minhaj’s Patriot Act,NBC News reports. The episode, which was removed from the streaming service in Saudi Arabia, was critical of the Saudi crown prince over the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. 

“We strongly support artistic freedom worldwide and only removed this episode in Saudi Arabia after we had received a valid legal request—and to comply with local law,” a spokesperson for Netflix told multiple outlets, including BuzzFeed News and Bustle.

As Financial Times first reported, Netflix took down the episode in Saudi Arabia because it was in violation of the country’s Anti-Cyber Crime Law—“a Saudi regulator cited a law that prohibits the ‘production, preparation, transmission, or storage of materia impinging on public order, religious values, public morals, and privacy, through the information network or computers.” 

In the 20-minute episode, Minhaj criticizes the Saudi Arabian crown prince Mohammed bin Salman for the “cover up” of the journalists murder. He also discusses the country’s role in the war in Yemen, and even the political and financial ties it has with the U.S. 

Despite the fact that Netflix removed the episode from the country’s site, the episode still remains up on thePatriot Act YouTube page and is still available to view in Saudi Arabia.

The comedian later responded to the streaming service’s decision via Twitter on Wednesday. “Clearly, the best way to stop people from watching something is to ban it, make it trend online, and then leave it up on YouTube,” he said. He also pointed out to fans the International Rescue Committee’s fundraising page, which sends aid to people in Yemen. “Let’s not forget that the world’s largest humanitarian crisis is happening in Yemen right now. Please donate,” he continued. 

People on Twitter have expressed outrage towards Netflix’s decision and support for Minhaj.

What To Look Out For…

New members of the House and Senate will take their seats today. It’s honestly a historic day for women in government, where a record number will be sworn into the 116th Congress. A whopping 102 women will be sworn into the House, and 25 women will take their seats in the Senate, according to the Pew Research Center. If you want to watch, C-Span will stream the ceremony at 12:00 p.m. EST.