If you haven’t heard Maren Morris’s name, what rock have you been living under for the last year? The 27-year-old won a Grammy for her sensational single, “My Church.” Her debut album, HERO, was certified gold. And she’ll join former One Directioner Niall Horan on his Flicker World Tour in 2018. So what’s Maren up to now? After opening for fellow country breakout Sam Hunt on his 15 in a 30 Tour this summer, she’s heading back out on her own headlining tour this fall.

The HERO Tour began earlier this year, but Maren wanted to extend its run, after many months on the road, in large part because of her fans. “I think I’m the most proud when I can really, really connect and have a special moment each night with that crowd—whether it’s an emotional one or we all are just laughing together,” she tells Her Campus. “It’s never scripted, so I think I always leave those shows feeling my proudest when I truly open myself up and am honest and unafraid to be up there and really connect with them.”

Teasing what concertgoers can look forward to on this leg of the tour, Maren says, “I think everyone that comes to the show can expect a lot of fun songs and danceable songs, and, you know, we’re going to laugh and cry together. Ryan Hurd, my fiancé, who’s an amazing artist, is opening for me, so it’s going to be just kind of like a family band feel.”

Ryan and Maren met when their publishing companies randomly paired them to write songs together. Their years of collaboration eventually turned romantic, and Hurd proposed in July 2017.

It only makes sense that Maren’s fiancé would open for her on tour—not only because Ryan is a talented artist in his own right, but also because it allows them to spend more time together.

“It’s obviously an excuse to see each other more, so we try to do as many shows as we possibly can together,” Maren says. “It just makes it more fun. We started our relationship on a very creative level, and we started writing songs together like four years ago…He’s a writer on my album, I’m on his songs here and there. So it just felt like a really organic fit, and I think the fans have been so supportive of us as a couple as much as our music, so I think it’s going to feel great to have him alongside me.”

Taking pieces of home with her on the road—including Ryan and her white German Shepherd, June—keeps Maren from burning out. “You always do feel a little homesick because a bunk on a bus is not the same as your bed at home, but I try to make it feel as homey as possible,” she says. “And I have my dog come out with me, and Ryan’s going to be out this fall. So, you know, those pieces of home really make it feel like you’re there, so even if you’re in a totally foreign place, there’s still like a piece of your home there.”

Downtime is rare for a touring artist, but Maren likes to explore the cities she’s playing in when she can. You might catch her shopping, sampling the best food the city has to offer (she calls herself a foodie), and blending in like one of the locals.

On stage, you’ll find Maren performing songs from HERO—her favorites to sing live are “My Church,” “I Could Use a Love Song” and “Once”—and introducing brand new music from her forthcoming second album. “I’ve been writing so much here recently—like the last month—for my second album,” she teases. “So I think this leg of the HERO Tour in the fall is going to be a great foundation to debut some of those songs and test drive them on the road…The fans that go to those shows will be the first ears to hear them.”

A landmark year of successes and another leg of her headlining tour haven’t convinced Maren that this dream-come-true life she’s living is normal, though. “Every time I feel settled and like it’s finally sunk in, something else crazy happens to me, and it just brings all of that excitement back…Sometimes Elton John will call me or, like, John Mayer will start following me on Twitter or some crazy shit like that that just makes me feel like, wow, I mean, this is real. This is my life, and it’s not someone else’s. It’s actually happening to me. So I try not to take any of that for granted or let it get normal because it’s not.”

The fall leg of Maren's HERO Tour kicks off Oct. 5 in Kalamazoo, MI. For more dates and tickets, visit marenmorris.com/tour.

A new semester of college is upon us, meaning that life is in full swing again. Balancing classes, work, extracurricular activities and a social life is hard enough, yet finding time to squeeze your SO into the mix can seem impossible. Time may not be on your side, but creating space in your schedule to keep the love alive in your relationship is possible. Here are five ways to keep the spark going in a relationship where you’re both busy.

1. Schedule dates and stick to them

It’s easy to put date night on the back burner because you’re “too busy.” However, when you make date night just as important of a priority as a doctor’s appointment, then you’re sure to not miss another date or schedule anything over it.

Even if you can’t spend a long amount of time with them, try to make date night as memorable as possible. Marie*, a graduate student at Florida Atlanta University, thinks that seeing each other even for a couple of minutes is better than not seeing her SO at all.

“Schedule dates that you can look forward to,” she says. “My boyfriend and I try to do weekly lunch dates, even if they are only 20 to 30 minutes long by the time we drive to meet each other.”

Remember, a memorable date doesn’t always mean expensive, either. Simply trying to incorporate romantic touches like a bouquet of handpicked flowers or a note to leave your SO with when you part ways is sure to leave them smiling.

2. Pick up the phone

Officials from North Korea have reportedly said that one of President Donald Trump's tweets could be considered a declaration of war following his recent address to the United Nations and that they were within their rights to "make countermeasures" in self-defense against the United States, BuzzFeed News reports.

North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho reportedly said while speaking to reporters outside his hotel near the United Nations that the country considered Trump's tweets worthy of a response, particularly the one from Friday night that read "Just heard Foreign Minister of North Korea speak at U.N. If he echoes thoughts of Little Rocket Man, they won't be around much longer!"

"The UN charter stipulates individual member states’ rights to self-defense," Ri said, according to BuzzFeed. "Since the United States declared war on our country, we will have every right to make countermeasures including the right to shoot down the United States’ strategic bombers even when they’re not yet inside the airspace border of our country."

The BBC reports that Ri also said that "all options will be on the operations table of the supreme leadership of the DPRK [North Korea]."

According to CNN, Katina Adams, a State Department spokesperson, said that "the United States has not 'declared war' on North Korea. We continue to seek a peaceful denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula... No nation has the right to fire on other nations' aircraft or ships in international airspace or waters."

However, it should be noted that the escalating rhetoric between North Korea and the United States has been ongoing for sometime. What stands out about this exchange and these comments, however, is that Ri indicated that North Korea would be willing to fire on U.S. planes in international air space — possibly referring to the multiple missile tests and a recent  patrol of warplanes nearby the eastern coast of the country.

However, as the BBC reports, a spokesperson for UN Secretary General António Guterres stressed that the escalating back-and-forth between the two hot-headed heads of state could be dangerous. 

"Fiery talk can lead to fatal misunderstandings," Guterres said. "The only solution for this is a political solution."

Kylie Jenner has stayed unusually quiet while rumors of her pregnancy have flooded the internet. Her mom, Kris Jenner, has also kept mum on multiple occasions. One family member who's not being tight-lipped? Caitlyn Jenner. 

Caitlyn's rep reportedly confirmed Kylie's pregnancy to The Sun after a tabloid claimed she was shocked by the news. Caitlyn's rep not only confirmed the pregnancy but also said Caitlyn was told about the little one on the way "some time ago."

If you were still in doubt, I think Caitlyn is a pretty reliable source here. Now we'll just have to wait and see if Kylie speaks out.

Ever since news broke that 20-year-old makeup mogul and reality star Kylie Jenner is pregnant, the internet has been doing what it does best: investigating every photo, tweet, like and Snap to find out as much information as possible (especially since Kylie and most of her fam have remained tight-lipped).

Multiple outlets reported on Friday that Kylie is expecting a baby girl—due in February—with boyfriend Travis Scott. Though mom Kris Jenner has dodged several questions about Kylie, Caitlyn Jenner's rep has reportedly confirmed Kylie is pregnant. Now here come the crazy theories and speculation.

On Sunday, Kylie posted on Instagram for the first time since the news broke. A bit of her stomach is showing, but let's be real—these pictures aren't all that telling.

Let's look at Travis's social media activity. Many believe the rapper hinted at his and Kylie's impending arrival on June 12 when he tweeted, "Legit happiest day of my life." Is this the day he found out?

This could be totally unrelated, but some of Kylie and Travis's Instagram posts have been a little too foretelling.

As BuzzFeed points out, Kylie talked about wanting to move to a farm and raise a family on her show, Life of Kylie. In April, a month before she got pregnant, Kylie filmed episode four, in which she revealed, "Everything in my life is really great and I wouldn't trade my life for anything, but I do get lost. Like, what do I really want? What I really want is to live on a farm and have chickens and raise animals and have a family."

She added, "The farm for me represents privacy and the way I want to raise a family. It just seems peaceful and I want my kids to grow up on horses and for me to have responsibility and garden. That would be a dream and I would love to do that."

On to crazy theories! Cosmopolitan reports writer Maria Smith cites an episode of Life of Kylie as evidence for her wild theory that a shaman predicted Kylie's pregnancy months ago. During a trip to Peru, a shaman told Kylie that Travis was “inside you” and “looking at you.” The episode aired Sept. 17, but it was filmed May 9. If Kylie is due in February, that's nine months from May 2017. Also, Kylie came down with a bout of altitude sickness in the episode, but maybe that was morning sickness.

Kylie, if you could do us all a favor and just tell us what's going on, you would save everyone a lot of time investigating every little detail of your life.

When Season 3 of Fuller House dropped on Netflix last week, fans couldn’t help but notice the third Tanner sister, Michelle, was still absent. While D.J. and Stephanie have continued their crazy antics, the question still remains: Why haven’t the Olsen twins reprised their role as the youngest Tanner?

The pair turned down the opportunity to appear in the first season of the series. Shade was not held back either—in the series premiere, Michelle’s absence was met with a prolonged pause and a reference to the twins’ fashion empire.

Now, it seems series creator Jeff Franklin is done asking the sisters to appear. "It’s been three years of invitations, so they know the door is open,” said Franklin in an interview with TVLine. “It’s up to them to decide if they want to come play or not."

If Mary-Kate and Ashley ever want to return, a heart and a hand to hold on to will be waiting. The ball is in the twins' court, though. "The door is open, but I’m not going to be calling them anymore to invite them. They just don’t seem interested in coming."

When the revival was first announced, executive producer Bob Boyett told PEOPLE M-K and A’s busy schedules, along with a reluctance to step back in front of the camera, kept them from rejoining the cast. “Ashley said, ‘I have not been in front of a camera since I was 17, and I don’t feel comfortable acting,’” Boyett said. “Mary-Kate said, ‘It would have to be me because Ash doesn’t want to do it. But the timing is so bad for us.’”

Even though the twins are understandably swamped, I'm still holding on to the hope that one of these days they’ll grace our screens with a signature “you got it dude.”

It's been three whole months since Pretty Little Liars ended, so naturally it's time to talk spinoff. Freeform announced Monday that it's developing a Pretty Little Liars spinoff starring Sasha Pieterse and Janel Parrish, reprising their roles as Alison DiLaurentis and Mona Vanderwaal.

Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists is based on PLL author Sara Shepard's book series The Perfectionists. The official description for the pilot, which has already been ordered, reads: "Everything about the town of Beacon Heights seems perfect, from their top-tier college to their overachieving residents. But nothing in Beacon Heights is as it appears to be. The stress of needing to be perfect leads to the town’s first murder. Behind every Perfectionist is a secret, a lie and a needed alibi."

In a show all about seemingly perfect lives built on lies, I can't think of a better focus than Ali and Mona. Though is a PLL spinoff titled The Perfectionists complete without Spencer Hastings? At the very least, I suppose we'll be seeing more of this:

When Pretty Little Liars ended, Mona was holding Alex and Mary Drake captive in the basement of her French doll shop while Alison was living an idyllic family life with fiancée Emily and their twin daughters. There's no word yet on how the spinoff will incorporate (or completely disregard) those endings. 

Every girl knows the struggle of finding that one skin care product that truly works. Sure, it might add a million additional steps to your routine, but it’s worth it to see your face smooth and wrinkle-free. Koreans are all about taking care of their skin, and their products are known to be gentler, natural, and sometimes be a bit…interesting. So here’s everything you need to know about Korean skin care products (and where to find the best ones!)

 1. Donkey Milk Holic Sleeping Mask Pack

This sounds kinda weird—Okay, REALLY weird—but, animal milk is constantly used to rejuvenate your face. Donkey’s milk is a bit of a stretch, but hey, if it works, it works. This mask is specifically targeted at anti-aging. It's not too pricey at just $19.99 plus shipping cost. 

2. Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

You know that weird slimy trail snails leave behind when they move around? Well some Korean beautician decided “Hey, let’s put this on our face” and it...works? It’s made of 95 percent mucin, or snail secretion, and it works to moisturize and keep your skin healthy and smooth for a longer period of time than most moisturizers.

3. Bubi Bubi Bubbling Lip Mask

At least this product isn’t made with animal secretions! But this ain’t your momma’s lip mask. Without the need for micro beads or plastic products, this mask uses natural ingredients found in papaya and grapefruit to eliminate you lip’s dead skin cells. Bubbles…Who knew, right? The best part is it's only $16.45 plus everyone's favorite two words...FREE.SHIPPING.

4. Disco Kitten - Illuminating Diamond Peel-Off Mask

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend—and sometimes, our best friend must be rubbed up against our skin to keep us youthful. Sounds just like an episode from Game of Thrones. Pearl and diamond powder are used in this 20-minute face mask to boost elasticity and deliver moisture. Might not be the weirdest thing you’ve had on your face, but who can they they’ve had their skin rejuvenated by diamonds? This one does come with a heft price tag at $23.00 plus shipping cost. 

5. The Crème Shop Detoxifying Charcoal Foot Mask

Last, but not least, the foot mask. The last possible place you’d think needs some TLC. This charcoal infused sock-like mask removes odor and leaves your little piggies feeling soft. There’s plenty of options for Korean foot masks out there, but so far this is the cheapest option at just $4.00, and if you want to skip the shipping cost, you can treat yo’self to more skin stuff on Hollar and receive free shipping of $25 or more!

Are all the steps worth it?

Although it may include five or more steps, the results are amazing and long-lasting. In fact, Her Campus writer Claire Biggerstaff tried the ten-step process herself, and she said the process helped improve her skin by a ton. Usually with American products, there’s only a three-step process that can still leave your skin dry or suck at keeping acne at bay.

Rachna says, “Korean skin care regimes may often seem quite intense since they often involve anywhere from six to 10 steps, but I've heard that they bring about great results.”

The best advice to make time for all these steps is to probably do it after you shower or before you go to sleep. You don’t want to rush skin care and possibly irritate or harm your skin if you’re in a hurry.

If you need proof of the miracle of Korean skincare, just check out some Korean beauty icons online. Yea, once you stare at CL’s face, you’ll be adding these products in your cart faster than you can say K-Pop. May the Groupons rain upon your glowy face.

Well, friends, it's officially fall, and despite the fact that fall is most people's preferred season, there are plenty who aren't about fall at all. If you're one of the few people on this planet who wishes this season would just blow away with the wind, this list is for you.

1. You delay updating your autumn wardrobe because maybe, just maybe, if you wish hard enough, we'll just skip straight to spring

A girl can dream, right? 

2. For you, fall just means school (and tons of homework)

"Excuse me, professor. May I be excused forever?"

3. You miss those sweet, lazy days at the beach

Same, Kevin. Same. 

4. You think any temperature below 70 degrees is unacceptable

Literally you when you have to walk out the door.

5. When people tell you how excited they are for fall, you just have to smile and nod 

*Eye twitch*

6. You actually don't really care about pumpkin-flavored things

Forgive me, society, for I have sinned. 

7. The days are getting shorter, and you hate it

It should not be dark at 6 p.m. 

8. You only do Halloween for the candy

Reese's Peanut Butter Pumpkins are Halloween's only redeeming quality. 

9. You think it's sad the leaves are falling 

Trees are literally DYING, people. 

10. You dread having to shop for warmer clothes and shoes

*Dreads looking like Randy in A Christmas Story* 

11. When you see pictures on Instagram of people going on hayrides, you make this face

Allergies, anyone? 

12. You watch a ton of old, summer blockbusters to make yourself feel better

Escapism at its finest. 

13. You think hot beverages are an abomination

What do you mean "hot cider"? Drinks are supposed to be refreshing. 

14. You hate seeing Thanksgiving and Christmas products in September

It's madness! 

15. You'd be fine locking yourself inside until spring finally rolls around

Don't worry—before you know it, spring will be back!

On Monday, former New York congressman Anthony Weiner was sentenced to 21 months in prison for sending explicit texts and photos to a minor, The New York Times reports.

While Weiner had a history of exchanging explicit texts with multiple women while married to former wife Huma Abedin, he was charged with transferring obscene material to a minor after the 15-year-old victim released her story anonymously to the Daily Mail back in September 2016.

It was during the investigation of Weiner's sexting scandal that the FBI discovered emails from Abedin, who was a senior aide to Hillary Clinton at the time, on his computer, causing the investigation into Clinton's emails to be reopened— and many blame the reopening of the investigation for undermining Clinton's chances in the 2016 presidential election. 

Before his sentencing, Weiner tearfully told the judge that he accepted responsibility and that he had changed, the Times reports. "I acted not only unlawfully but immorally, and if I had done the right thing, I would not be standing before you today,” he said. “The prosecutors are skeptical that I have truly changed and I don’t blame them. I repeatedly acted in an obviously destructive way when I was caught.”

During the sentencing, prosecutors said that while communicating with the 15-year-old via Skype in early 2016, Weiner, "used graphic and obscene language to ask the minor victim to display her naked body and touch herself, which she did."

BuzzFeed News reports that Weiner will be forced to surrender himself by November 6, and will be forced to register as a sex offender when he is released.

Brace yourself: a brand-new trailer for what is probably the last Pitch Perfect movie is here — and it's every bit as amazing as you'd expect.

As we knew from previous sneak-peeks of the third movie, the Bellas are struggling with the whole adulting thing after graduating from Barden University (and honestly, same) so they decide to perform together again for one last time on a USO tour across Europe — and this time, the competition is actual bands.

From the looks of the latest, newly-released trailer, there will be everything from cute costumes (of course), to some ~drama~ involving a possible solo record deal for Becca, to more hilarious lines delivered by the one and only Rebel Wilson, including one where Fat Amy asks the troops, "So this is the first base. Will we be going to second base with you guys?" (Classic.) 

Oh, and did we mention Ruby Rose is joining the cast? It might be the best Pitch Perfect yet. But don't take our word for it — watch the trailer below:

Pitch Perfect 3 hits theaters on December 22, meaning we know exactly what we'll be doing over winter break.

I was 14 years old when my parents told my twin brother and I they were separating. My mom moved out the following day, and six months later she filed for divorce. They took
turns picking us up from school until my mom moved four hours away and my dad then took on the role as primary caregiver until we went off to college. I rarely noticed my young adulthood life was different from the army of other young adults whose parents divorced during their childhood, but occasionally I was reminded. Like the first time I watched Father of the Bride and realized that if I ever got married, my parents would not sit beside each other on my wedding day. Or when my first heartbreak came and the intense feeling of loneliness was all too familiar, and in a way, something I was able to easily accept. Navigating the world of relationships is challenging for anyone, but for those who come from divorced parents, their approach might be slightly different.

1. Communication is vital

We saw first-hand just how crucial communication was to making a relationship work, and just how important it was in making it last, and we'll be damned if we don't try to communicate as best as we know how. So, for our partners it's important that we be upfront about our needs for strong communication and in return they can understand where we're coming from. 

2.It's easy to be cynical

It's easy for us to question everything in our relationships because we saw a lot of uncertainty ourselves. Hannah* junior at Notre Dame, offers, "My parents are divorced and I hate to be the cliché kid who’s cynical about love because of it but I really think it did affect me. I've "dated" and "talked" to guys but never been in a serious relationship and I'm not a psychologist or anything but I think because of my parents and other family members divorced, I just don't have a whole lot of faith in the idea of true love or investing a lot of time in something that could so quickly just be gone without you being able to do much about it." Regardless of how much we want to believe in happily ever after, the thought of it not working out can often plague our minds.

3. We're attentive

There are relationships that we all have that make us ask questions about ourselves, and then there are relationships that we fall into that magically answer those questions. For those who have seen divorce up close and personal, the drive to be a partner who shows up every single day and makes it clear they are invested fully in the relationship is very important. And above all else strives to be a partner who leaves nothing to the imagination.

4. Distance doesn't bother us

For many children of divorce, distance and travel are second nature. Two Thanksgivings and two Christmases are a way of life. *Rebecca, a senior at NC State University says, "My parents divorced when I was seven, and it wasn't until I was an adult that I realized how much I could handle in my long distance relationship. While my boyfriend at the time struggled with not being able to see me regularly, I uncovered that my ability to cope with his absence for week long periods, maybe stemmed from my own parents separation, because I too, had to split my time between them." Regardless of the cookie cutter relationships we're told exist, relationships are hard work, and making time and putting forth effort to overcome obstacles is a daily hurdle, but we have to keep in mind not everyone has the same experiences we have.

5. We're fighters

We've seen love at its best and its worst, and we have to choose daily to remind ourselves that love is worth fighting for. *Carrie, a junior at UCLA offers, "My boyfriend and I both come from divorced parents, and we were very open from the beginning about our insecurities and struggles with relationships. However, after a few months of dating and then ultimately falling in love with each other, we know love is different for everyone, but it's worth it." Holding steadfast to what you believe about love will help you overcome any of the doubts or fears you may have. Children of divorced parents have seen love completely bruised and beaten, but we'll be damned if we don't fight like hell to hold onto it when we find it. 

You’re right to want love and a healthy relationship, but you’re wrong to accept someone else’s definition of what those words mean. The love we have to believe in is the love of the bathroom floor. The love that greets us at our messiest and helps us find the strength within ourselves and stand on our own two feet. Co-dependence is not love, and when you find someone who makes you feel strong enough to stand on your own two feet, invite them to your own bathroom floor. There’s beauty there. Your parent's divorce is not a punishment so do not wear it as a scar, but rather a badge of honor and enter the battlefield with courage and a tender heart.

*Names have been changed.

While being in the world's most famous boy band sounds *ideal* — making tons of money, selling out huge concerts and having millions of fans who are obsessed with your every move — Liam Payne knows that there are some serious downsides to the kind of schedule he had while in One Direction.

In a recent interview with British newspaper The Telegraph, Liam owned up to the struggles that came along with an insane tour schedule, including an unhealthy drinking habit and mental health issues.

"I wasn't happy. I went through a real drinking stage, and sometimes you take things too far," he told The Telegraph. "Everyone’s been that guy at the party where you’re the only one having fun, and there were points when that was me."

Liam went on to say that while it all seems super glamorous from the outside, when you're in a different city every day and have fans outside your hotel all night, every night, it can get pretty draining.

"It was just gig to hotel, gig to hotel," he said. "And you couldn't sleep, because [fans would] still be outside. People were speaking to me about mental health in music the other day, and that's a big issue. Sometimes you just need some sun, or a walk."

Props to Liam for owning up to the more difficult side of fame — which can seem picture-perfect when viewed through the lens of all the former 1D guys' Instagram feeds. We all get burnt out eventually and need a vacation, and it's important to know when it's time to take a mental health break — luckily, Liam clearly has a handle on that.

If you're in Greek life, have friends in Greek life or are hoping to join this year, then you know what time of year it is: sorority rush! Hoards of girls all over the country will line up in front of chapter houses with the hopes of finding new sisters and a place to call home. This week can be exciting, stressful and everything in between, so here are the feelings you're likely to experience if you're going through recruitment this year.

1. Excitement

You've likely been waiting years for this, and the time has finally come!

2. Panic (as you decide what to wear)

Does this look cute? Promise? Promise????

3. Nervousness

You're likely going to start freaking out a little as you walk up to your first house. Don't worry, everyone is feeling the same way!

4. Wonder

As you go from house to house, you'll start thinking about which girls you liked and which houses probably aren't the best fit.

5. Exhaustion

At the end of each day (or round), you'll be so tired from girl flirting that you'll just want to collapse on your bed until you have to get up and start again.

6. Forced Happiness

At a certain point, you're going to have to get your best fake smile ready. All you'll want to do is go home and lay in bed, but the extra hours will be worth it in a few days!

7. Disappointment 

You're likely to get cut from a few houses that you were sure were your top choice, but this happens to everyone. Relax, go with it and try to trust the process!

8. Relief

At the same time, houses are going to invite you back that you did not expect at all!

9. ~All the feels~

On the last night of recruitment (usually called preference night), the sororities will share with you what they value and love most about their sisterhood, and it's bound to get emotional.

10. PURE JOY

At the end of a long week of rush, there's no better feeling than running home to your new sisters on bid day!

Recruitment is definitely an emotional time, but it's worth it to find a community of love and friendship on campus. Stay strong during this hectic week, collegiettes!

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.)

Republicans' Last Attempt to Repeal Obamacare Is Pretty Much Officially Dead

RIP, Graham-Cassidy repeal bill: after Sen. John McCain announced Friday that he won't support the GOP's latest attempt to repeal Obamacare, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine followed suit on Monday, basically placing the final nail in the bill's coffin. Collins said she found the bill, which made major cuts to Medicaid and weakened protections for those with pre-existing conditions, "deeply flawed" and hopes that negotiations to stabilize Obamacare would continue instead of repealing it. (Because, you know, that method has failed three times at this point.)

Multiple of Trump's White House Aides Used Personal Email Accounts

Oh, the irony. The New York Times reported late Monday night that at least six of Trump's White House aides, including Jared Kushner and Steve Bannon, used personal email accounts to discuss White House matters. Technically, it's not illegal to use private email accounts, as long as all White House information is forwarded to aides' White House email addresses — and the Times reports that it is currently unknown whether the Trump administration has been doing this. Sorry, what's that about Hillary's emails?

The Latest iOS Update Means You Should Be Extra Careful With Those Sexy Snaps

While almost everything about the iOS 11 update is the bomb-dot-com, Cosmopolitan notes that there's one thing those of us who are Snapchat-obsessed should be careful of. Along with animated emojis, the update also offers a way to create video screenshots — meaning any sexy video snaps you send could be recorded, and you probably won't know about it. Snapchat has said it plans to release an update that notifies you when someone captures your Snapchat video — but until then, proceed with caution on those NSFW snap vids. 

What to look out for...

In case you need something to get you through the week (seriously, how is it only Tuesday?), National Coffee Day is this Friday, September 29 — and Hello Giggles reports that you can score a free cup of joe at tons of your favorite spots.

Kylie Jenner has stayed unusually quiet while rumors of her pregnancy have flooded the internet. Her mom, Kris Jenner, has also kept mum on multiple occasions. One family member who's not being tight-lipped? Caitlyn Jenner. 

Caitlyn's rep reportedly confirmed Kylie's pregnancy to The Sun after a tabloid claimed she was shocked by the news. Caitlyn's rep not only confirmed the pregnancy but also said Caitlyn was told about the little one on the way "some time ago."

If you were still in doubt, I think Caitlyn is a pretty reliable source here. Now we'll just have to wait and see if Kylie speaks out.

UPDATE: I just thought I was confused before. After The Sun reported that Caitlyn Jenner's rep had confirmed Kylie's pregnancy, Digital Spy reached out to Caitlyn's reps, and get this: they claimed to know nothing about it. "We are not aware of her daughter's pregnancy other than what has been written previously," they said.

Also, Kim Kardashian tweeted Tuesday, "And speaking of fake stories... The media is super shady for posting fake quotes from Caitlyn when she hasn't spoken to anyone."

What is happening?! I need clarity, people. Somebody? Anybody?

You graduate from college, emotions are running high, and now you’re on the search for a roommate to help you transition into the next chapter of your life. Talk about stressful, right? Sure, many people will live with their college friends or choose to move back home for a while. Parents can make great roommates when you’re trying to pay off your student loans—thanks for the free meals mom! It can be overwhelming to know where to start your roommate search, so we’ve asked a few graduates who have successfully been through the process already to share their advice.

Check Craigslist

At this point, you can pretty much find anything you need on Craigslist, even potential roommates. Desiree Bourque, a recent graduate of the University of Southern Maine, has used Craigslist more than once to find a roommate. “It’s easy to post a description of the type of roommate you want, including cleanliness, lifestyle and other key components for living with someone,” she continued. “People would message me, replying to the ad, and say why they’re a good fit. From there, I’d meet with a couple different people and choose a roommate based on who is the most compatible. It’s always worked great.” Craigslist may not be the first place you think to search for an apartment roomie, but it’s worth a shot.

Samantha Burke, a graduate of Siena College, agrees Craigslist can work in your favor. “As sketchy as some listings are, I found [my roommate] on Craigslist,” she says. “I moved from Atlanta to Boston and wasn't able to meet in person, both to meet her and see the apartment, so I FaceTimed with my now roommate and she showed me around! Almost a year later I'm confident she's definitely not a serial killer.” It’s a must to either meet your potential roommate in person, safely or at the very least FaceTime them so you know it’s for real.

Join Facebook groups

Facebook has the perfect combination of relatable memes, current news articles and even potential roommates. Mara Hyman, a graduate of the University of Southern California, recommends using these groups to your advantage. “I think that Facebook groups are the way to go when it comes to finding an apartment and also a roommate after college! In large cities, you're likely to find housing groups for that specific area that are geared towards 20-somethings who might also be new to the area. This is how I found my current roommates!” Living in a new place can be intimidating so finding roommates who are familiar with the surroundings can make your transition a little easier.

Mara further explains, “Similarly, college alumni groups or groups for your specific graduation class can be helpful for scoping out other alums moving to the same city. If you're joining a large company with a recent grad/new hire training program, you will likely find a Facebook group where you can connect with other new hires in the same situation.” You’ll see fellow college classmates posting about vacant rooms in their apartments and even find ones in the same boat as you are. Be open to new people and remember your roommate does not have to be your best friend.

Alaina Leary, Emerson College ‘17, says there are also identity-specific groups that can also be found on Facebook. “I’m in a couple of LGBTQ+ Boston housing Facebook groups. I didn’t meet a roommate there, but I see postings all the time!” She continues, “For safety or comfort, these kinds of groups could be useful whether someone’s looking for another POC to live with or someone else who works in nursing.” Living with people you can identify with or relate to might make your apartment feel a little more like home. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there so you find exactly what you are looking for.

Related: 5 Tips for Actually Making Friends in a New City

Utilize online services

There is an endless amount of websites and apps to help you find the perfect roommate. Knowing which ones to trust can be challenging, but they can also work great when it comes down to compatibility. Bianca Lapensee, a graduate of Bishop’s University, used www.roommates.com to find her roommate. “You enter the city you wish to live in, answer questions about yourself and what you look for in a roommate and then the site will send you matches based on your responses,” she explains. It sounds a lot like online dating, which may steer you away from this option, but Bianca happily found a great roommate. “It works both ways too,” she says. “If you’re looking to fill a spot at your apartment or searching for a room to move into.”

Ask your fellow friends which sites they may have used, or post a status on Facebook asking for suggestions. You want to make sure you’re being cautious about the information you’re putting out there, so be smart about which sites you use!

Go old school and post flyers

You know how you see people posting flyers in movies about their lost pets or the occasional yard sale ad on neon paper posted on a telephone pole in your hometown? Well, some people are still using flyers to find their roommates, and it’s working. Olivia Hennedy, a graduate of Bishop’s University, shares how her good friend went about his roommate search. “He posted flyers in some of his favorite local spots with basic information about his apartment and the type of roommate he was looking for.” She continues, “He figured the type of roommate he wants would enjoy hanging out in the same places as him, like his favorite bar or coffee shop, and sure enough he had some inquiries and chose one who is now his best friend after a couple years of living together.” If you have a favorite spot you like to hangout in, post a flyer!

Keep in mind this type of advertising doesn’t work if you’re moving far away. But if you’re staying local it might be exactly what you need to narrow down your roomie search. And who knows, you could even gain a new friend out of it.

Reach out to friends of friends

Word of mouth is probably one of the best ways to find a roommate you’ll feel comfortable living with. If your close friends have different life plans than you at the moment, ask them if their other friends may be a good roommate fit for you.

Tell people you’re looking for a roommate and soon enough you’ll find someone who will have a person in mind for you. It’s a matter of making it known and being willing to meet with various people until you find the perfect fit.

Look on LinkedIn

The same place we share our accomplishments and seek out jobs may also be your solution to finding a roommate, particularly one you have similarities to. This isn’t the type of site you want to post personal ads on, as you want to keep your page looking professional, but join LinkedIn groups that suit your interests. Sororities often have their own groups and as a result are able to post about roommates or vacant rooms they are trying to fill. You may not know the person posting about needing a roommate, but if they are also a “sister” then you may feel more inclined to room with them instead of a stranger.

Searching for a roommate can seem like a daunting task, but don’t let it discourage you. Understand it may take time but trust the right person will come along at the ideal moment. It’s preferable to live with friends but sometimes that option isn’t available. Whether you’re searching for an apartment, looking for a direct roommate or trying to fill an empty spot in your own home, be smart about who you share information with and be sure to conduct interviews before you agree to live with someone. Be honest about your living expectations and everything else should fall into place. Cheers!

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Hurricane Maria, the latest in a string of storms that has devastated island countries and states within the United States has wreaked havoc on Puerto Rico.  Governor, Ricardo A. Rosselló stated on Monday that the “island was on the brink of a “humanitarian crisis, “ according to The New York Times.

He underscored the importance of the United States in helping with relief efforts and noted the country is a United States commonwealth and therefore should receive the same resources, supplies and relief workers as states that were affected by the storms in prior weeks.

“To avoid that, recognize that we Puerto Ricans are American citizens; when we speak of a catastrophe, everyone must be treated equally," Rosselló said.

Unfortunately for Puerto Rico, their entire electrical system operates on a grid which was destroyed in the wake of the storm. 

According to MSN, “Six days after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, officials were still taking stock of what is expected to be a months-long effort to rebuild the island's power system, keeping much of its 3.4 million people in darkness for an extended period.” Therefore, without power, resources are limited even more, and locals are becoming increasingly frustrated. 

While the country is an island, water is scarce at the moment. 60 percent of the residents are without the life source and President Donald Trump and his White House staff are not showing any signs that their sending immediate help.

In a series of tweets on Monday, President Donald Trump said, “Much of the Island was destroyed, with billions of dollars owed to Wall Street and the banks which, sadly, must be dealt with. Food, water and medical are top priorities — and doing well.”

However, Congressional leaders on both sides are stepping up.

“Some Democrats want Congress to quickly approve a relief bill but also to temporarily forgive Puerto Rico’s loan repayments and remove a requirement that Puerto Rico make a contribution into the federal emergency pot, a cost-sharing arrangement that is typical for disaster-affected states,” Senator Chuck Schumer stated, per The New York Times.  “The situation is desperate. Puerto Rico has taken a serious punch to the gut. They need our help. They need it now.” 

On Monday, nearly 15 hours of audio and matching transcripts were released to the public of Donald Trump speaking on Howard Stern’s talk show between the years of 1993 and 2015, according to The Washington Post.  The multiple conversations between the business man and radio personality included banter about celebrities, women’s bodies and former President Barack Obama.

Here are just a few of the bizarre and sometimes incredibly distasteful remarks:

1. Stern suggested to Trump that he “could have nailed” the recently deceased Princess Diana. To which Stern and Trump began to play out a scenario where Trump would demand she take an HIV test.

Here’s what was said,“Hey Lady Di, would you go to the doctor?” Stern asks. Trump then follows up with, “Go back over to my Lexus, because I have a new doctor. We wanna give you a little checkup.” Trump then proceeded to comment on her beautiful skin but followed it up with, “she had times when she didn’t look great.”

2. We all know of President Donald Trump’s great loyalty to his daughter Ivanka Trump, she is one of his special advisors and is receiving security clearance, but he is also a fan of her in other ways.

He stated,“Ivanka, my daughter Ivanka. She's six feet tall. She's got the best body. She made a lot of money as a model. A tremendous amount and then she went cold turkey and gave it all up because she had to go to college because I wanted her to go to college. She goes to the best college sort and she goes to Wharton and she's got straight A's and she's one of them. She's considered one of the most beautiful women. And she really is she is like a great beauty.”

3. After two divorces, Donald Trump proudly proclaimed to Stern that his girlfriend of eight months, now the First Lady of the United States Melania Trump, has no cellulite.

Here’s what he had to say about the once Slovenian model, “She doesn’t have cellulite. In fact, Trump says, she doesn’t even know what the word means. “Isn’t it nice when somebody doesn’t know what the word means?” 

4. While we’re on a role with degrading women, in an earlier interview, Stern took a call from a woman and before she could even speak he asked her what her breast size was. She replied with a“34C.”

Trump said: “Not bad. You know, could be better.”

5. While Barack Obama may have had one of the highest approval ratings when he left office in 2016, Donald Trump was not a fan.

He stated, “He bounces off the plane, he runs down the stairs. I tell you what ... You know, they're standing at attention, everyone is perfect. This guy falls off the plane, falling off the plane. And there is a Presidential Walk that you would like to see, the president do. To be more regal, am I correct. I don't think he should be running down the stairs, I mean he's bouncing, and running down the stairs. And I don't think it looks very "presidential." But of course, he knows it's not, you know, but he's not much of a president. Look, he is making the happiest person about President Obama, and his presidency is Jimmy Carter. Jimmy Carter is no longer the worst president ever.”

6. Keeping in the ballpark of the Presidential race, Stern asked Trump if he held a fundraiser for Rudy Giuliani in the 2008 Presidential election. 

He replied with a simple, “Yes.”  Then when asked if held a fundraiser for Hillary Clinton he said,“I did ... I'd like her to win the Democratic side, Rudy the Republican side... and, you know, I have to make a decision ... but they're both great people, Howard.” 

7. Finally, when Stern probed Trump with his own thoughts of running for President one day, Trump’s response was vague and in his signature style left listeners a little confused.

He said,“You know what I want to do? I want to do a good job ... I’m having a lot of fun.”

If you want to hear more from the various Trump/Stern interviews, you can visit FactBase's website.  

In the digital age, a prospective date could be a swipe or click away. Given the plethora of dating apps and sites that exist to help you find that special someone, it’s not difficult to filter and browse through the profiles of other people who are similarly looking for a relationship. Even offline, it’s easy to get out and meet new faces. For those who haven’t previously dated before, here are four ways you can take the leap into the dating pool. 

1. Take a class at a community center.

If you’ve always wanted to learn a new skill, why not kill two birds with one stone? Going into class, everyone’s starting out on the same foot and open to helping and getting to know each other. Jackson*, a sophomore at York University, took a weekly culinary class where he met his former girlfriend. “I was surprisingly not too bad at cooking but my cute partner was awful at it. We had a lot of laughs throughout the program and ended up going out after the class ended.”

Like Jackson, Aaron*, a junior at Brock University, went on a couple dates with a woman he met through classes at a community center. “I’m a huge rock-climbing fanatic so I go to YMCA regularly to use their rock wall. Apparently, she was also a regular and just as enthusiastic about it so I wanted to get to know her and eventually asked her out.”

When it comes to first dates, Aaron suggests going on a hike or stopping by an artisan bakery cafe. “Going out for coffee or a movie is a little too typical so instead, I’ll schedule a date late afternoon to get some dessert together if she has a sweet tooth.” He says that hikes by the lake or at a park are another neat date idea as “you’re both surrounded by nature and there are fewer distractions.” Basically, creating a unique and memorable experience increases the likelihood they’ll say yes to a second date. 

Related: This Dating App Is About to Change the Game for Women 

2. Talk to family and friends.

You can tell those close to you that you’re single and open to dating because a mutual contact can provide more information than an online profile about who they’re setting you up with. It’s also the safest option because your friends or family know your quirks best, which means there’s a great probability they have an even better understanding of what type of person you’re likely to be most comfortable with than a dating algorithm.

Natalie*, a freshman at Seneca College, went on several prearranged dates that were organized by friends. “It wasn’t half bad and definitely better than I was expecting,” she admits. “The first guy I went on a blind date with was really sweet. He was my sister’s boyfriend’s roommate. I personally feel safer going out with guys my friends recommend because they’ve already vetted the person and can vouch for their character. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have set me up with them.”

After the initial couple dates, Natalie was invited to his place where they cooked a meal together. “He texted me a couple days in advance and asked what type of foods I liked. I said I loved Thai food so he bought the ingredients for pad thai. I had an awesome time making the dish with him and talking over dinner.” She suggests that both men and women take turns planning dates “because that way, there isn’t pressure placed on any one person to be responsible for coming up with fun date ideas.” Also, you get to see what type of person they are through the kind of activities they plan.

3. Create an online dating profile.

Unless you want to serial date, Tinder - which has become synonymous with hook-ups - may not be the best option if you’re hoping for a long-term relationship. Teresa*, a senior at the University of Ottawa, found her current boyfriend after trying a couple different dating apps. She highly suggests that users new to dating apps to use Bumble. “What I like most about Bumble is that it reverses the roles," she says. "Typically, it’s expected that men make the move but with Bumble, only women can message a potential love interest first.”

Teresa also points out that for shy girls, in particular, Bumble is the ideal app to use if you’re trying to put yourself out there since it puts a clock on each match before it expires. “The key thing to know is that Bumble creates this sense of urgency,” she explains. “After you get a mutual match, there’s a timer that encourages female users to initiate the conversation before it runs out and you aren’t able to connect with the other person.” Other apps she recommends include Hinge (“If you’re concerned about creeps, then this may be your go-to app”) and Coffee Meets Bagel (“they curate the best matches possible for each user”).

For any preliminary dates scheduled with someone online, Teresa highly emphasizes the necessity of meeting up in very public place. “You can’t be too careful,” she points out and recommends that “if the weather’s nice, visit the farmer’s market or places like Toronto’s Distillery District. When I go back home on the weekends, my boyfriend and I love going there because it’s fantastic for dates since there’s an assortment of boutiques, galleries, and restaurants all in one place.” So next time, consider taking your date to some of your favorite spots around the city. They’ll learn about new places they never knew of and you’ll get a kick out of being their tour guide.

4. Find a cause or activity on campus that interests you.  

It’s a sure-fire method of meeting like-minded students. When college clubs are actively recruiting new members, be sure to collect more information by talking to club representatives. Figure out what kind of events are organized throughout the year and how you can get involved. If you meet someone who catches your eye at a club meeting, your shared interests will likely give you plenty to talk about. Isabelle*, a sophomore at Ryerson University, previously dated another club member during her freshman year.

“Since we’re both highly competitive and previously on the debate team in high school, we hit it off instantly,” she says. “We started talking after club meetings and studying together. Sometimes, we’d grab coffee in between classes. He asked me out two months later and we officially started dating then!”

On planning dates, Isabelle says that “being a campus couple, some of the best dates [they] had were incredibly low-key” and involved seeing a musical organized by a school club or volunteering together. Especially as college students, she points out that when you enjoy each other’s company, you’ll both find ways to make the most of your time together without spending a lot.

Related: 7 Flirting Tips to Try This Summer 

Online or offline, you’re bound to meet some interesting people with a bit of effort. If you want to get to know someone better and pursue a romantic relationship, then why wait? Take the initiative to ask them out. I can tell you from my own experience that dropping subtle hints does not work. Jen Sincero, New York Times best-selling author of the You Are a Badass series sums it up when she says that “if you want to live a life you’ve never lived, you’ve [got] to do things you’ve never done.”

*Names have been changed