Rep. Trent Franks announced Thursday night that he will be resigning his seat, reports the Washington Post, after House officials learned he’d asked two female employees to be surrogates and bear his child. 

His announcement of resignation came right after the House Ethics Committee announced it would create a subcommittee in order to investigate Franks for conduct “that constitutes sexual harassment and/or retaliation for opposing sexual harassment.” Franks’ resignation on Jan. 31 will end the ethics investigation.

According to Franks’ statement, the investigation is about his “discussion of surrogacy with two previous female subordinates, making each feel uncomfortable.”

That’s about the clearest the statement gets, however, and leaves the exact details of how and why he decided it would be appropriate to ask whether two separate women would bear his children. Three Republicans who are familiar with the events around the allegations said both women worked for Franks, but have since left the office. The Post says a spokesman for Franks did not respond to that claim when asked for a comment.

Franks maintains in his statement that he never “physically intimidated, coerced, or had, or attempted to have, any sexual contact with any member of my congressional staff.” He does regret if he made anyone “uncomfortable” or caused any “distress.”

He explains that he asked because he and his wife have had a very long struggle with infertility. They previously had twins with a surrogate and were seeking additional children — which may serve as “explanation” (not an excuse) for why he asked.

When asked, House Speaker Paul D. Ryan’s office put out a statement Thursday that Ryan (R-Wis) had been briefed last week on the “credible claims of misconduct” by Franks. This was after the House general counsel received word about the allegations and started to look into them. Ryan approached Franks about the claims, and when Franks did not deny them, he told him he should resign and that he would refer the investigation to the House Ethics Committee. “The speaker takes seriously his obligation to ensure a safe workplace in the House,” the statement said.

Franks will be the first Republican to leave his post amid the growing number of accusations of sexual misconduct against politicians.

He has been in the House since 2003 and is known for his deeply conservative actions. He is especially known for his stance on abortion, recently backing a bill that would ban abortions after 20 weeks that passed the House. He also finds the filibuster rule in the Senate to be frustrating, and has blamed it for blocking conservative bills. Franks is also a member of the House Freedom Caucus, which is a hard-right group that has often butted heads with other Republican leaders.

The Franks statement came shortly after Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) announced he would resign his seat “in the coming weeks” in response to numerous allegations of sexual misconduct. The House Ethics Committee also opened a separate probe into the alleged misconduct of Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-Tex.) Thursday. However, Farenthold’s allegations come from an investigation that was delayed in 2015.

According to Arizona state law, a special election must be held if a vacancy occurs more than six months before a scheduled election. According to several Arizona GOP operatives, potential Republican successors for Franks include Kimberly Yee, the Senate Majority leader who is currently running for state treasurer, and Phil Lovas, a former state representative.

It is often said that the love of your life will light up your world. For Amanda Liberty, 33, of Leeds, that saying took on a new and literal meaning when she proposed to a chandelier.

The chandelier in question is named Lumiere, and Liberty says she proposed this past Valentine's Day after falling in love at first sight last year when she saw the 30-inch wide chandelier on eBay. She has 25 chandeliers in total and said she plans to continue open relationships with each one despite having put a ring on Lumiere. For example, she does not take Lumiere to bed but instead takes her other pal, Jewel, because she’s much smaller “and very nice to cuddle.”

Liberty identifies as ‘object sexual,’ and it is exactly how it sounds — it means she is attracted to and falls in love with objects. She says she realized this when she was 14 and fell in love with a drum kit.

However, her first true love of her adult life was the Statue of Liberty, for whom she legally changed her name to “Liberty.” Unfortunately, Liberty said, the distance between the two of them strained the relationship too much.

Upon being asked why she wanted to bring attention to the relationship she has that most would call unusual, she said she wanted “others to see how happy the chandeliers make me, and how much they’ve enriched my life.” She added that her relationship with the light fixtures is not hurting anyone, and that she's "just simply following [her] heart.”

The Church of England and the law will not recognize the relationship. However, Liberty is hopeful the two can still be joined in a commitment ceremony.

Congrats to the happy couple?

In the age of social media, we tend to allocate a ton of our times toward curating the perfect Instagram feed and making sure we always post the funniest tweets. But what if this social media savvy could get you connections with the very people who might hire you after you graduate? (Spoiler: It can!) As most of you probably know, LinkedIn is the go-to social media platform for professionals. With a little know-how, it can be just as fun as Instagram (with about a million times the benefits). Here’s everything you need to know before you become the LinkedIn queen.

1. A good profile picture is worth the effort

LinkedIn is not the place to be sloppy or silly, so your profile picture should be a high-quality professional headshot. The whole point of LinkedIn is for potential employers to compare you to other young professionals. So if you’re equally as qualified for a job as another candidate, but her profile picture is a professional headshot, and yours is a picture of you in your backyard wearing a sweatshirt, guess who’s more likely to get the job? (Hint: It’s not you.) This isn’t because employers are shallow, but because they know that the professionalism and attention to detail the other person demonstrated in their profile picture will carry over to the workplace.

You should also be mindful of the image you want to project. Amy Homkes-Hayes, the Lead Innovation Advocate for the Digital Innovation Greenhouse at University of Michigan, says, “If you, for example, are an artist, you may want to use a more artsy picture. If, conversely, you are practicing law, typically anyways, you will likely use a traditionally professional photo.” In addition to your career path, your personality and the type of workplace environment you desire will also impact your choice: “Some folks want to project a formal image, and others are aiming for something more casual. Either is a fine choice if you make it in a deliberate manner based on your understanding of the type of professional image you are trying to project, and responsive to the type of audiences you're trying to reach. In either capacity a high-quality photo is preferred over a low-quality one.”

Related: 9 Ways to Take Your LinkedIn Profile to the Next Level

2. Take time with your job descriptions

Your goal is to convince employers that all of your professional, extracurricular, and volunteer experiences have provided you with skills that make you a more valuable employee. So think of your job descriptions as a persuasive English paper. They should be well-worded and to the point. For example, if you were a camp counselor over the summer, don’t write “Did arts and crafts with kids, sat with kids at meals, etc.” That won’t apply to any jobs except childcare jobs. Instead write about how you provided constant leadership over 8-10 children, demonstrated enthusiasm and organized a one-hour interactive cabin activity each day.

Still at a loss for words? There’s nothing wrong with using others for inspiration! For example, if you worked as a sales associate, Google “sales associate resume description.” Read the resumes that are available online, and choose words and phrases that apply to what you did. It’s also helpful to look back at the job description that you read when you were first applying to the job. Make sure to focus on the parts of the job that you want employers to know about! For example, if you’re applying for a customer service job, emphasize the customer service you did as a sales associate.

3. Make sure that your most important experience is front and center

As students, it’s likely that a lot of our relevant experience comes from student organizations. However, the format of a LinkedIn profile doesn’t cater directly to students, so it doesn’t give extracurricular activities a large spot on your page. Say you are the president of a community service organization at your university. LinkedIn gives you the option to list this under “Activities and Societies” in the Education section. However, if you do this, then the community service organization will essentially be hidden on your profile. (It will be part of the description of your university, rather than an activity listed on its own.) There’s a simple way around this: if a student org is important to you, then list it either under “Experience” or “Volunteer Experience”. That way, it will be listed front and center on your profile for everyone to see, instead of hidden somewhere in Education.

4. Be selective with who you endorse

LinkedIn allows you to provide a list of skills, such as soft skills like “communication” and “leadership”, and hard skills like “C++” and “Java Script.” You can also endorse people’s skills, which is cool, because that means they might endorse one of your skills back. These endorsements are important! Homkes-Hayes says, “Employers do review endorsements when they review LinkedIn profiles, so it makes sense then that they make look for endorsements critical to the job or to skills you highlighted in other aspects of your professional presentation (e.g. resumes, cover letters, etc.) If you are applying for a job, for instance, where public speaking is a critical component, you could see where several endorsements on your public speaking skills could be a value add.”

Be careful whose skills you endorse, though, and only endorse people if you’ve actually seen them in action. (So don’t endorse your roomie’s public speaking skills if you’re not even sure she’s ever given a speech!) Homkes-Hayes says, “I do encourage students to make and seek endorsements thoughtfully. If, for example, someone endorses you for a skill set or ability you don't feel completely proficient you may hide relevant endorsements. Conversely, if there is a skill you would like to highlight and do not have any endorsements in, you may ask connections on Linkedin to endorse you, and I encourage it.” Jeff Harshe, an executive at a real estate company, who has often used LinkedIn to recruit and hire staff, adds, “It’s okay to endorse friends, but don't get carried away. Quality is important, and multiple endorsements from one person start to look cheap. It’s better to be honest and let them grow organically over time.”

5. Once you’re ready to network, use it as a learning experience

If you’re confident in your page and feel that it portrays your best self, then you’re ready for the really fun part: networking! Homkes-Hayes says, “Networking is a critically important job searching and professional development task. And frankly, building a professional network before you're looking for an internship or job enables you to leverage it once you start.”

Think about people whose jobs sound relevant or interesting, and use LinkedIn as an opportunity to learn from them. Once you’ve built that relationship, who knows what could happen down the line!

How do you get started? Homkes-Hayes says, “The good news is everyone already has networks. The goal is to brainstorm how you may use existing contacts from all areas of life (friends, family, community, etc.) towards your professional goals. It could be that one or more members of your communities are in the field(s) you are interested in. It could also be that even if none of your strong ties are in fields you want to pursue, they know folks (weak ties) who are. Linkedin is one particularly effective tool for networking because you may join groups of mutual interest, use the University tool to search for alumni who are in industries you are interested in, and because the system tells you how you are mutually connected, and at what level (i.e. 1st, 2nd, etc.), so you may leverage your 1st level connections (strong ties) to introduce you to 2nd level connections (weak ties) and so on.”

6. Always use a personalized message

When you request to connect with someone, LinkedIn provides you with an automated message that you can send them. As Homkes-Hayes says, “When you send a connection request via Linkedin you are typically not only asking to connect to that person, but you are also asking to access their profile-most often including their connections as well. Most folks are reticent to offer up access at this level unless there is a good reason to do so. So, including a personalized message when sending an invitation request substantially increases the likelihood someone will accept it.”

Harshe adds, “A personalized message is very important. I'm willing to connect with nearly anyone who wants to, and asks - but I don't like the invites that feel like they’re just fishing. I don’t like it when someone who’s clearly not on my level just says, ‘Do you want to connect?’ You’re not my friend. You’re a kid. But if you’re candid about who you are, you’re aspirational, and there’s a little bit of deference to my position, and you say you’d like to learn how to get somewhere near where I am, then I’d love to help you.”

You don’t need to write a full-on letter or anything. Simply say, “Hello! I’m a student pursuing a career in sports management (or whatever field) and I am very interested in your work. I would love to connect and learn more about what you do!” That simple message speaks volumes about why you want to connect with them.

This personal message can be a tool to connect with professionals who are otherwise “out of your league.” Homkes-Hayes says, “It is okay to add someone you've not personally encountered, a current or former supervisor, etc. if you provide a personalized connection request, and you provide context for your request. Again, LinkedIn's value rises as your number of connections do, so don't be afraid to invite people to connect.”

7. Use these connections to network outside of LinkedIn!

It sounds scary, but one of the most valuable things you can do when it comes to networking is to meet up with local professionals in person. If you come across someone from your area on LinkedIn who’s working at a company you might want to work at after college, message them and ask if you could meet at Starbucks sometime to learn more about what they do! Just make sure that you do so thoughtfully. Homkes-Hayes says, “The reality is first impressions do matter, so generally I advise to start more formally than casually in how you approach new connections. This includes using formal tone and language in things like email introductions. If your contact responds in a casual way, then by all means mirror their communication style, but generally starting a bit more formally shows that you care about that person's time. Other aspects of impression include articulating a specific request (i.e. what kind of information or interaction do you want), showing appreciation for the person(s) time, providing context for your request (i.e. this is how I found you or who we mutually know), and finally clearly indicating next steps (i.e. scheduling a meeting or phone call, etc.)”

Harshe emphasizes the importance of having the right attitude when connecting with a professional: “I’m in real estate, and I’m a graduate of University of Michigan, so if I get a LinkedIn invite from you saying, ‘Hi Mr. Harshe, I’m a U of M student in the real estate club, I noticed what you do and I’d love to connect,’ then, it’s done. Great invite. And if there’s a follow-up saying, ‘Would you mind answering some questions for me about my career aspirations?’ then that’s great as well. There’s no false pretense, they’re honest, and I’d love to help you. Don’t pretend you’re something you’re not. You’re a nineteen-year-old kid, that’s okay, we all were there. Appeal to that part of the high-level executive, and that will resonate far more than saying, ‘Hey buddy, I’m one of you now!’”

It’s intimidating to think that we’re at the age where we need to start making business connections, but if any generation has the potential to thrive on LinkedIn, it’s us! Just like we learned to stop posting “LMS for a truth is” on Facebook every single day, we’ll eventually catch on to this whole LinkedIn thing. If we do it right, by the time we need a job, we’ll already have all the connections we need!

We’ve spent countless hours scouring magazine pages and blogs and spending our money on beauty products, but flawless, glowing skin still eludes us. If you’re putting time and effort into your beauty routine but still not getting results, your skin care routine could be the culprit. Some experts say several practices we swear by for perfect skin are actually bad for us. We talked to some beauty experts to find out which skin care routines you should skip!

1. Exfoliating too often

Many collegiettes think exfoliation is the holy grail of glowing skin, but while skin with dirt and bacteria looks less than desirable, scrubbing away at your skin like it’s your dorm floor is not the answer. Exfoliating too often with microbeads or natural granules like sugar can actually injure your skin. This can lead to dryness and inflammation, destroying healthy cells and promoting skin hyperpigmentation while stripping away natural oils.

New-York-based esthetician Reneé Rouleau agrees with the American Board of Dermatology that you should exfoliate your face and body no more than once or twice a week. This allows you to remove the dead skin without those other harmful effects. Using a chemical exfoliator? Opt for products with beta hydroxy acids over those with alpha hydroxy acids in the list of ingredients, like DHC Salicylic Face Milk ($19); they sting and irritate less than the latter.

2. Putting acne medication all over your face

For the most of the month your skin is normal, but on the week around your period, Mother Nature gifts you with five humungous pimples. So on your way back from class, you pick up some acne products at the campus drugstore. But instead of applying your acne cream to your spots, you put it all over your face. Big no-no.

Aesthetician Lisa O’Neill Flanagan of NYR Organic says, “Acne medication should only be used on spots. It can actually dry out your skin (healthy parts) and cause overproduction of oil, which can, in turn, cause more breakouts.”

If you’re faced with irregular breakouts, Rouleau instead recommends light exfoliation (remember, just once or twice a week!) to remove dry skin cells, unclog pores and help fade those post-breakout marks. Disinfect the area with a natural astringent like witch hazel to eliminate bacteria and help prevent the spread of breakouts. Finish by hydrating with a water-based moisturizer to keep your skin cells healthy. We recommend Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 35 ($11.99).

3. Slathering on thick eye creams

We know too well those eye cream commercials with the models dotting concoctions that look like yogurt under their eyes. Beauty companies are always updating their formulas to be thicker and supposedly more effective. But Rouleau says that “many heavy eye creams typically contain heavy oils, like mineral oil or petroleum [jelly].” These ingredients are not easily absorbed by the skin. They can sit on top of the skin, to an extent suffocating it, but companies use them because they provide a false sense of hydration. What you’re actually is feeling is grease, not moisture.

Flanagan says it’s never too early to start using eye creams, just opt for a lighter formula that sinks into the skin while still keeping it soft and moisturized. She says a good eye cream feels more like a serum, as the delicate skin around the eye area can’t tolerate an overabundance of creams. Try Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum ($22.99).

4. Using your fingers as tools

Remember that absurd little brush that came with your cream eyeshadow? It turns out you should actually use it! Your fingers may seem more convenient for a quick swipe across your lids, but by doing so, you’re actually contaminating the product with the bacteria from your hands. Flanagan recommends using clean brushes to apply your eyeshadows and lip products that come in jars. Check out Ulta’s Large Eyeshadow Brush $14). The synthetic brush works well on both cream and powder shadows.

5. Using cleansing wipes instead of face wash

Reaching for your facial wipes after you come home from a party may seem like a better option than sleeping in your makeup. However, these wipes only remove some of the dirt and makeup from your face, leaving behind irritating residue that can clog your pores.

“It’s better to remove the makeup with a cleansing wipe than not to remove it at all, but it’s always best to cleanse,” Flanagan says. She recommends looking for a face wash with organic and natural ingredients that are gentle on your skin. Try the Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser $7.99), which does not contain harsh chemicals.

6. Overloading on skin care products

Most collegiettes are beauty-product junkies, using creams and cleansers for acne, dry skin, hyperpigmentation and every other skin condition they can think of. But by over-treating your skin, you can run the risk of over-inflammation.

Forget about all those complicated serums and treatments! Flanagan suggests simplifying your routine to two steps: cleanse and moisturize. She also recommends trying a BB cream for an easy way to get everything your skin needs makeup-wise on a busy day. Try Maybelline’s Dream Fresh BB 8-in-1 Beauty Balm Skin Perfector ($8.99).

7. Washing your face in the morning

Cleansing your face may seem like a great way to start your day. But Dr. Jessica Krant, a dermatologist from New York, begs to differ. She says that while you’re sleeping, your skin regenerates, reestablishing its pH levels and increasing collagen production. Why would you want to wash off all this hard work?

Flanagan agrees that morning cleansing is unnecessary. “Just rinse with water in the shower or sink and, once again, moisturize!” she says.

On your journey to perfect skin, don’t give up hope. Stick to the basics, like a cleanser and moisturizer that are appropriate for your skin type. Consistency in applying your products and taking off your makeup is essential for getting your best results. It may be a matter of trial and error, but the combination of beauty practices for your best skin is out there!

While Reese Witherspoon was dropping hints about a second season of HBO's hit show Big Little Lies as early as May of this year, we finally have the official word that Big Little Lies season two is happening.

As Vulture reports, HBO announced Friday that season two, which will consist of seven juicy new episodes, is officially on its way. According to HBO's announcement, the majority of the cast is expected to return, and the company is already negotiating contracts in order to bring back the families of Monterey for a second season. 

Not only that, but we can expect to see some new characters this time around. While HBO hasn't confirmed anything yet, a casting breakdown sent to multiple casting agencies indicates that four new characters have been written into season two — including a new second-grade teacher at Otter Bay Elementary School, a new employee in the school administration office who becomes close with Jane, and Bonnie's parents, Elizabeth and Martin Howard.

It looks like the only one who won't be returning is the show's original director, Jean-Marc Vallée, who has moved on to directing a different HBO series, Sharp Objects. Instead, Andrea Arnold, known for 2016's American Honey, will be taking the reins. 

Considering the show was originally supposed to only be a single season limited series (and was based on a novel with no sequel), many fans have shown concern over how the show's producers would handle a second season, if it happened — luckily, it sounds like BLL's team has already thought it through. Before committing to a second season, they even had the book's original author, Liane Moriarty, write her vision of what happened next to the characters she created.

"Everybody approached it from a place of love and care [for] these characters and this property, and again, with a little dose of skepticism along the way," HBO's programming chief Casey Bloys told Vulture.

The bad news? Bloys also says we'll have to wait until at least 2019 for season two. But better late than never, right? If the first season is any indication, it will be totally worth waiting for.

You’ve finally landed that coveted job interview. After much preparation, you glide through the hiring manager’s questions with ease, highlighting your skills and experience. Now comes the part that many of us dread: “Before we end, do you have any questions for me?”

It’s one thing to be prepared for the questions that your interviewer might ask you, but it’s another to have smart, thoughtful questions to ask them right back. Having intriguing questions to wrap up an interview will make you appear not only more conversational but also knowledgeable about the company and excited about the position.

If you sometimes draw a blank at this point in an interview and feel that you simply don’t have any questions, we’re here to help with a list that will impress any hiring manager, regardless of industry or type of job or internship.

1. “What are some qualities that you might not see on a resume (i.e. personality traits) that can help someone be successful in this role?”

This is a great question because asking it shows your interviewer that you want to be successful yourself in the role.

In addition, it allows you the opportunity to learn more about what is required of an ideal candidate beyond the job posting. If you find that the type of person they’re looking for doesn’t quite align with your values, you’ll discover the job is not right for you before spending months working in it.

Christina Albert, a junior at Vanderbilt University, agrees that this question can help one stand out. “The interviewer usually likes [this question] because it is not very common…It also opens a door for you to talk about how you have one or a few of these characteristics, if there are great stories or accomplishments that you haven’t worked into the interview so far.”

Related: 7 Steps to Ace Your Job or Internship Interview

2. “What do you love about working here?”

It’s no secret: people love to talk about themselves, even when they’re there to interview someone else. This question shifts the conversation and allows you to learn more about the company culture and values while getting a sense of what the people there are like and whether you could see yourself fitting in.

Jordan Chaffiotte, a recent graduate of Philadelphia University, has frequently used this question in past interviews and can speak to its success. She says, “[This question] is open-ended, personal and also gives you something that you might not have known otherwise.”

On the flip side, you might get subtle hints from the hiring manager that the company isn’t so great to work for. Sydnee Lyons, a second-year graduate student at Florida Atlantic University, says, “If the interviewer hesitates to think of something positive or seems dubious in their response, it’s usually not a good sign.”

Overall, by putting the ball in their court, you’re encouraging the interviewer to warm up to you by discussing what makes them excited about their job; no doubt a great way to end the interview!

3. “What are the best qualities in your best employee?”

Like the question about qualities beyond those on a resume that can help you be successful, this question allows you to get a better sense of the intangibles that make the most impact on the job. This question, though, is different in that it asks the interviewer to speak about their top employee(s) and what has made them stand out among the pack.

This question is impactful because it gives the interviewer the sense that you don’t plan to be an ordinary employee, but rather that you want to hit the ball out of the park from day one.

Dream McClinton, a recent graduate of Georgia State University, sees the value in this question beyond the interview itself. She says, “This way, [you can] prepare yourself if you do get the job.” If you are hired, you’ll immediately know what separates a good employee from a great one, setting yourself up for success immediately.

Related: The Best Questions to Ask During An Interview

4. “What’s something you wish you would have known before starting in this industry?”

Most likely, you are either a college student applying for internships or a recent/soon-to-be graduate looking for entry-level jobs, and thus you still have much to learn about your industry of choice. Whether you receive an offer or not, this question will provide much insight into your chosen career path and give you valuable advice, assuming your interviewer is somewhat honest.

This question also sets you up to have the interviewer sympathize with you since you are just starting out in the same industry. By asking it, your interviewer may act as more of a mentor in that moment in answering it and provide guidance.

5. “Are there any questions you have about my resume that I can help clarify?”

Of all of these questions, this one will likely get you the closest towards having a sense of the interviewer’s impression of you. They might have a small clarification question, or if they can’t think of anything (or choose not to disclose their opinions), they might even offer you some praise!

Alaina Leary, a second-year graduate student at Emerson College who works in publishing, has frequently used this question in the past to her benefit. She says, “It allows me to clear up anything if they misunderstood me, or to add in some more convincing facts that might sway them toward me as a candidate.”

Deena Abramson, a Human Resources professional, equally validates the value of this question. She says, "I think that's a good question particularly when it comes to a gap in a resume. Often people have a few months or even years gap in their resume and it is unclear what they were doing during that time...Examples of gaps could be medical leaves, raising children, or a temporary position that the person left off of his/her resume. It is important to show an employer that you were productive in your time between jobs!"

There isn’t a foolproof list of questions guaranteed to land you the job; however, these questions are insightful and are a win-win, allowing the employer to get a sense of how you think and allowing you to gain valuable information that you wouldn’t normally receive about the position. These questions can benefit any job applicant and can be supplemented with more specific questions that demonstrate your knowledge of the company and interest in the position at hand. End your interview on a high note!

On Saturday morning, organizers at the Art Miami festival in Miami, Florida, shut down the area for several hours after police dogs reacted to a "suspicious" crate — which actually just turned out to be a portrait of a really badass-looking Hillary Clinton.

As the Miami Herald explains, the crate in question set off security dogs during a pre-show security check of the area around 8 a.m. Thinking the package contained possibly dangerous items, police cleared the area — including nearby streets and public transportation routes — while they searched the suspicious package.

What they actually found when they opened the package was, well, not really dangerous. Inside the crate was a portrait of Hillary Clinton, who was stylized by the painting's artist to look like a punk rocker with pink, shaggy hair and a studded leather jacket — a ~nasty woman~ look that we've gotta say we're very much here for. Even when the artwork was put through an X-ray machine, police say noting suspicious turned up. 

The painting in question (officially and aptly named "Punk Hillary") was created by Orlando-based artist Scott Scheidly, who created it as part of a series of satirical paintings of politicians like Barack Obama, Adolf Hitler and Queen Elizabeth II. In case you're wondering, there's also a Donald Trump version, called "Pimp Trump" depicting the POTUS in a zebra-printed jacket and hat, as well as a gold chain.

The event was re-opened several hours later, but police still have yet to figure out what possibly could have set the dogs off. All we know is that we're officially putting a copy of "Punk Hillary" at the top of our Christmas lists — though it might be a hard sell considering Scheidly's work apparently goes for $4,000. But a girl can dream!

Whether you’re talking about a boyfriend, brother or guy friend, every girl has sent a text or two like this to her best friend. Maybe you’re frustrated with the male species or unsure how you’d live without them, but at least your best friend (usually) has all the right answers.

1. "Do you think his first name would sound good with my last name?"

"And tell me I'm not being creepy."

2. "Why are guys’ pants either too baggy or super tight?"

"I will never understand men’s fashion."

3. "How can I tell if he’s into me?"

"Other than asking him directly, obviously."

4. "What does it mean when he texts you ‘Hey, what’s up?’"

"He can’t simply just want to know how I’m doing."

5. "Do you think he’s a fuckboy?"

"I don’t want to give my heart to another player!"

6. "What in the world do you buy a boy for Christmas?"

"They’re seriously the hardest people to buy for."

7. "I wonder if he's as good a kisser as his mouth makes him seem."

"Are your suuuuure I'm not a creep?" 

8. "Why are boys so confusing?!?!"

"They don’t know how hard they are to deal with."

9. "How do I tell him I just want to be friends?"

"Because I think he’s looking for a bit more than friendship."

10. "He’s hurt me for the final time. We’re done."

"Okay, I mean we’ll actually be back together by next week."

11. "I think he's the one."

"Even though we're only a couple hours into our first date." 

12. "Do you think that we’d make cute babies?"

"I’m most definitely a creep now." 

13. "What kind of girls do you think he’s into?"

"Aka. Do you think I’m his type?"

14. "OMG that guy from last night just sent me a dick pic."

"And yes, it’s making me very uncomfortable."

15. "What dress do you think he’ll notice me in?"

"I just want him to notice me when I walk in a room."

16. "Boys suck."

"Please bring over some ice cream and Nicholas Sparks movies ‘cause it’s going to be a long night."

17. "Why can’t all boys be like Ryan Gosling?"

"Every time he plays a different character I fall in love all over again." 

18. "Seriously, what would we do without boys?"

They drive us crazy, but we love them anyway.

If anything is true, it’s that boys can definitely be confusing. Whether you need your friend’s help decoding a message or figuring out if he’s into you, we bet you’ll always be sending texts like these to your girlfriends to help you figure out what’s going on inside the male mind.  

SaveSave

A bagel emoji might be coming in 2018. [Elite Daily]

The importance of dumb mistakes in college. [The New York Times]

Your whole life is a lie. [BuzzFeed]

Make your glitter eyeshadow stay put. [Us Weekly]

Royal wedding fails. [Cosmopolitan]

Weird beauty tools and how to use them. [allure]

Starbucks has gone insane. [Jezebel]

The best and worst U.S. cities for driving. [USA Today]

Tiny gifts that leave a big impression. [Refinery29]

How Hinge got this girl to get a f**kboy to apologize for screwing her over. [Betches]

During college, you probably started collecting odds and ends, like lamps and wall decorations and rugs and end tables, for your dorm or apartment. When you did that, were you thinking about your space in that moment, or were you considering what you might do with it after? A brand new floor rug and side table probably feel really great to purchase when you’re just starting out in college and searching for your own room furnishings, but when you move into your first unfurnished apartment, the last thing you’re going to be able to afford is a home full of brand new furniture and décor. What can you do instead? Fill your new home with new-to-you items by shopping secondhand! Antique stores, flea markets, consignment shops, yard sales and more can get you everything you need, from vintage status to barely used!

Related: How to Make Your First Apartment Look Incredibly Chic

Check in with family and friends

Before hitting the shops, you might want to see what you can get from your friends and family for free. Mom and Dad will probably be happy to give you your great-grandmother’s coffee table that’s been gathering dust in the basement if you ask nicely, and when your aunt buys a new set of pots and pans she’d probably be glad to have you take her old ones off her hands! If your friends have an old entertainment center on the curb the next time you visit them, take it!

Rachel Cisto, a reporter at The Chief-Leader in NYC, furnished her first apartment entirely through hand-me-downs from a family friend. “One of my father’s friends said he had some furniture to get rid of, and a few days before I moved, I got a storage unit full of stuff—a coffee table, lamps, side tables, cabinets, a queen-sized bed, and two couches!” she says.

Haleigh Kopinski, Social Media Manager at American Eagle Outfitters for Aerie, also furnished parts of her home with the help of her family. “One of the most under-utilized source for second-hand resources is family,” she says. “Our couch is from my dad and our storage stand in our bathroom is from my boyfriend's dad—he was going to throw it out because it was scratched wood with a missing knob.”

Refurbish or repurpose

If that old couch is too boring for you, or you hate the color of your stand, refurbish them! Pick out a new upholstery for the cushions and a fresh shade of paint for the stand to make those hand-me-downs look brand spanking new! “A coat of fresh paint and updated hardware made it a cute statement piece that always gets complimented,” Haleigh says of the stand. “And paint is my best friend, so our TV stand Craigslist find was a paint project as well.”

You can also repurpose old pieces you find into something entirely different! “We created a really chic night stand out of a wooden fruit crate. Thanks, Pinterest!” Haleigh says.

Alexandra Blessing, a PR intern, and her fiancé used two twin size beds that they already had to create a larger bed when they moved in together. “We're trying to spend as little as possible at the moment, and he had two twin size beds with frames, so we combined them,” she says. “There's a very fluffy mattress pad that spans over both beds, so we can't even feel the difference!”

Curbside browsing

When you’ve exhausted your free options, it’s time to hit the streets! You may get lucky right within your own neighborhood thanks to yard or estate sales. When someone down the road decides to do their spring-cleaning, and get rid of the contents of their attic, you never know what you could find, from dishes to a curio cabinet to an armchair! You might find entire room sets at an estate sale, when families are cleaning out their elderly or deceased family members’ homes. You might even find a perfectly good desk on the side of the road, ready to be taken to the dump.

Check Facebook or other apps

You might not even have to leave your house if you use your resources correctly. Thanks to the power of the internet, you might find some great deals on virtual yard sales. “One of the biggest places I find furniture for super cheap and even free are flea market groups on Facebook,” Haleigh says. “You can post what you're looking for, search posts in the group, or just view them as they're posted. It's kind of like Craigslist, but you can directly haggle and ask any questions you have.” Sometimes the sellers are so desperate to get rid of it that they’ll even deliver it to you!

You can also try downloading or visiting letgo, an app that uses your location to allow you to see what others have for sale locally. It shows you how long ago the item was listed, where it’s located and offers options to make offers or ask the seller questions.

Visit flea markets or consignment shops

If you’re ready to venture out to search for your next great piece, consignment shops and flea markets are the place to head to. From Goodwill to little mom-and-pop antique shops to full blown warehouse fairs, you could find anything you need. “Our coffee table was a Goodwill find for $70. It looked brand new and, when I looked online, I found that it was over $300 when bought in store,” Haleigh says.

Rachel Cisto’s town dump has a program called The Trading Post where people can drop off things in good condition that they don’t want. “I got a full set of dishes for a family of four, plus tons of glasses and mugs, a beanbag chair and one of those giant round saucer chairs from there,” she says.

Margeaux Biché, a junior at Barnard College, browses flea markets for furniture for her dorm, which she plans to reuse in her apartment. “You can always find things with great character at flea markets or consignment stores,” she says, “and you can often negotiate the price of items you're interested in! I have gotten some great rugs and pillows and other little decorative trinkets that really make my space my own.”                    

The things you’ll find if you take your time will make great conversation starters, because they’re so unique. “People always ask me about these items because they don't look anything like what everyone has from Urban Outfitters or other commonly-shopped-at places, so they provide a great story, too,” Margeaux says.

Related: How to Stock Your First Real Life Kitchen

It might take a little bit of time to figure out what you’re looking for and to find something that is the quality you need, but the time spent searching for it will be well worth your while. You never know what kind of hidden treasures you’ll find while searching for second hand furniture, and with the right pieces you’ll always have something to discuss with guests.

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's and oh yeah, your birthday. If you were born in November, December or January, you know the pain of celebrating your birthday close to the holidays. Maybe someone forgot to get you a present because it's so close to the holidays. Or maybe they just forgot your birthday completely because they have so much going on this time of year. We're here for you, collegiettes. Having a birthday around the holidays can be rough. Here are 16 things you'll only understand if your birthday is around the holiday season. 

1. You've received a birthday present wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper before

2. You know the pain of a "dual gift"

"Oh, I'll just give you a two-in-one present for Christmas and your birthday!"

3. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing if you've got some bigger, more expensive items on your wish list

4. Oh yeah, it's called a "wish list" because your Christmas list and birthday list are probably combined

5. When you were younger, you probably asked to have a half-birthday party so you didn't have to combine it with the holidays

6. Holiday decorations double as birthday decorations

Twinkling lights? Sure, they're beautiful! A Christmas tree? Okay, fine. Stockings and candy canes and Santa hats? Come on now…

7. You might not even get to be home for your birthday with all of the traveling for holidays

8. In elementary school, you might not have ever gotten to go to school on your birthday, bring treats and have your class sing to you

At my school, they read birthdays on the announcements, so missing that would be a super bummer.

9. On the other hand, having a birthday during break isn't a bad thing!

10. There's not much to look forward to during the rest of the year

Every kid looks forward to the holidays and their birthday, but when they come together, what else is there to look forward to that's on that level?

11. And when you're older, it's super hard to find a night to go out or have a party that doesn't interfere with holiday parties or traveling for the holidays with extended families

12. At least you're an awesome Scorpio

Brave and passionate.

13. Or Sagittarius

Generous and funny.

14. Or Capricorn

Responsible and traditional.

15. Or Aquarius

Independent and kind.

16. Look on the bright side! It really is the most wonderful time of the year

We'll always remember your birthday, collegiettes! Happy holidays—and happy birthday! 

Following several formerU.S. gymnasts coming forward with their stories of sexual abuse from former team doctor Larry Nassar, Nassar was sentenced to 60 years in prison on child pornography charges this past Thursday, the New York Times reports. Although they were not permitted to participate in the courtroom hearings, many of the athletes harmed by Nassar submitted victim impact statements to court beforehand, and 2012 and 2016 Olympian Aly Raisman has continued speaking out on her experiences with him. The gold medalist published a powerful, lengthy statement on The Players' Tribune about the difficult aftermath sexual abuse victims face and why it is crucial to continue speaking about it. Girl, preach.

"I've chosen to open up about my experience because I want change," Raisman wrote on the site where athletes share personal stories with readers. "It is very hard and uncomfortable to talk about. I have learned that everyone copes differently. There's no map that shows you the path to healing. Some days I feel happy and protected for sharing my story. Other days I have bad anxiety and either feel traumatized from Larry Nassar's abuse or I fear something else will happen in the future."

Raisman previously gained attention for speaking to CBS News about the U.S. Gymnastics organization's failure to do more to protect its athletes. According to NPR, more than 125 women have claimed that they experienced abuse from Nassar. 

In her recent piece, Raisman said of her anxiety, "I try my best to find things to help me manage my fears. I go for a walk outside. I read a book. I meditate and practice my breathing exercises...And I remind myself I am in control and that I will be okay."

"I also want people to understand that abuse is never okay," Raisman said. "One person is too many and one time is too often. We must protect the survivors and people who are suffering in silence. We must support those who come forward, whether it is today, tomorrow, in three months, one year from now, 10 years from now. Whenever it is, everyone must show support. Victim shaming must stop."

Raisman, who captained the past two Olympic women's gymnastics team, pointed out that sexual abuse never goes away for the victim, saying that "it is forever. Healing is forever." She also emphasized how, after much consideration, she wanted to go to Nassar's sentencing and read her victim impact statement aloud. "I felt the judge would agree to have Larry listen to these survivors, to hear their stories about the harm he inflicted," she said, becoming more anxious as the sentencing approached and she didn't hear from court. "One week before his sentencing, I was told the upsetting news that the judge had denied Larry's survivors an opportunity to speak. I was also disappointed that the other survivors wouldn't be given the choice to speak because they may have found it healing in some way."

Also sharing the letter she planned to read in court with the website, Raisman also addressed an important point that applies to all industries affected by sexual abuse. "Those who looked the other way need to be held accountable too," she wrote. "I fear that there are still people working at these organizations who put money, medals and reputation above the safety of all athletes. And we need to change how we support those who've been abused."

Her letter planned for Nassar's sentencing is equally emotional and powerful, focusing on her bouts of anxiety and how she struggled to separate gymnastics from Nassar for a time. Both Raisman's letter and essay are solid reminders that many sexual abuse victims will not be silenced, and that awareness of these plights only needs to grow. 

The initial casting of Johnny Depp as Gellert Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them franchise stirred up plenty of debate among Harry Potter fans, who were concerned about production company Warner Bros. employing an actor who had allegedly physically and verbally abused his ex-wife Amber Heard. This past week, J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter author and screenwriter of the first two Fantastic Beasts movies, defended Depp's involvement in the films, saying in her own statement, "The agreements that have been put in place to protect the privacy of two people, both of whom have expressed a desire to get on with their lives, must be respected. Based on our understanding of the circumstances, the filmmakers and I are not only comfortable sticking with our original casting but genuinely happy to have Johnny playing a major character in the movies.”

Warner Bros., speaking on behalf of Fantastic Beasts director David Yates and producer David Heyman, agreed, saying in a statement, "We are of course aware of reports that surfaced around the end of Johnny Depp’s marriage, and take seriously the complexity of the issues involved. This matter has been jointly addressed by both parties, in a statement in which they said 'there was never any intent of physical or emotional harm.' Based on the circumstances and the information available to us, we, along with the filmmakers, continue to support the decision to proceed with Johnny Depp in the role of Grindelwald in this and future films.”

Now, Heard has addressed these comments in a quiet but defiant way, Cosmopolitan says. Posting an image of the joint statement she and Depp released when they settled their divorce case and Heard dismissed allegations of Depp's domestic violence in August 2016, she wrote on Instagram, "For the record, this was our FULL joint statement."

Obviously referring to Warner Bros. only citing the statement's claim of there never being an intent of harm in their relationship, Heard wrote in her caption, "To pick and choose certain lines and quote them out of context, is just not right. Women, continue to stand up and stay strong." 

As opposed to the excerpt Warner Bros. used in its defense of Depp, Heard's image of the joint statement emphasized that her relationship with Depp "was intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love."

Before the past week's statements about Depp's role in the films, director Yates previously said to Entertainment Weekly, "With Johnny, it seems to me there was one person who took a pop at him and claimed something. I can only tell you about the man I see every day: He’s full of decency and kindness, and that’s all I see...By testament, some of the women in [Depp’s] life have said the same thing—‘that’s not the human being we know.’ It’s very different [than cases] where there are multiple accusers over many years that need to be examined and we need to reflect on our industry that allows that to roll on year in and year out."

The sequel Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, which will likely feature Depp in a prominent role, hits theaters on Nov. 16, 2018. 

If you have a disability, planning to attend college might seem like a nightmare — but in reality, with a bit of preparation, you can do anything you put your mind to. It’s important to know your rights as a disabled student and know what you have to do to get ready for the next stage in your life. We’ve talked to Bryan Mac Murray, an outreach specialist at Disability Benefits Center, to help you prepare for college when you have a disability. You’ve got this, collegiettes.

1. Distinguish between high school and college

High school and college are two different ball games and it's important to recognize the difference. “Like typically-abled students, it may be a bit hard to get used to the lack of structure, more specifically if your disability is one that requires a bit of planning to compensate for,” Mac Murray says. “For instance, if your college/university has different campuses and uses shuttle vans/busses to get to each, it's possible that the bus/shuttle that comes through isn't accessible to someone who is para/quadriplegic. If your disability is one that is mental in nature, it can be difficult to adjust to a new environment, which can be compounded by the everyday experience of being a college freshman.”

High school is a teaching environment where you acquire facts and skills, while college is a learning environment where you must take responsibility for thinking, reasoning and applying what you’ve learned. Being aware of the differences and prepared to tackle them will leave you ready to go.

2. Know your rights

As a student with a disability, you shouldn’t be facing any discrimination. According to Mac Murray, disabled students have exactly the same rights as able-bodied students. “However, under the ADA, they do have the right to ask for reasonable accommodation,” he says. “As an example, someone who has a musculoskeletal disorder that inhibits his or her mobility might ask for housing closer to campus." Schools can deny you these accommodations under these three circumstances: 

• If it's an undue financial or administrative burden
• If the accommodation is over a personal nature (i.e. going to the bathroom)
• If it would fundamentally alter the school's academic standards (if they require you to take a class to graduate and your your disability would make it hard or even impossible to pass)

“In addition, religious schools who do not accept federal financial aid may not be subject to the rule of the ADA and may not need to accommodate your request,” Mac Murray adds.

You aren’t required to tell the school you have a disability. However, if you want an academic adjustment, you must let them know about your disability. It’s ultimately up to you, but you’ll have more opportunities for equity if you let them know about it.

Related: People Are Not Happy With The Portrayal of Disability In 'Me Before You'

3. Figure out what school is best for you

Mac Murray says research is key when finding the right school for you. “Many schools have ADA coordinators or administrative staff that can help you figure out if that school is right for your chosen course of study, what problems you might have at the school,” he says. “Assess what you can do, what the school offers, and find out if you can meet in the middle.”

If you’ve established an academic adjustment and it’s not working, it’s important to let the school know as soon as you can. There’s nothing worse than feeling hopeless and not reaching out for help. Work with your school to figure out what works for you, and don’t give up until you find something that does.

4. Love yourself

In a transition time like this, it’s extremely important to love and accept everything about yourself. You’re you and there’s no reason to feel ashamed of that.

Jacqueline Marchioni, a senior at the University of British Columbia, knows just how true this is. “If you don't already love yourself, fight like hell to learn to,” she says. “Speaking as an autistic, I know there are very big, very well-funded hate groups (like Autism Speaks) that say that autism is a terrible thing and want to rid the world of us. In order to help you love yourself in the face of odds like these, seek out supportive communities of other disabled people.” Jacqueline also suggests that autistic women see if there is a chapter of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network near you.

The most important thing is finding a community of people who will love and accept you for who you are. You’re beautiful you, and you must love yourself for that.

5. Try everything

Mac Murray suggests not holding back when it comes to personal life. "The one thing I really regret is that I wasn't as outgoing in college as I could have been," he says. Don't be afraid to try something new. You never know where it may lead you!

Getting ready for college is an extremely exciting time in your life, so don’t let a disability prevent you from having the best experience you can. You’re strong, you’re important and you can do anything you put your mind to. Reach out to your school’s Section 504 Coordinator, ADA Coordinator or Disability Services Coordinator for any questions or concerns you may have. You have a support network there for you.

Washing your face seems like it should be the easiest step in your skincare routine. All you have to do is lather up with your favorite cleanser and wash it away, right? While cleansing your face is easy, there are a few small details you might be missing. If you’ve noticed that something about your skin isn’t quite right (it's dry or oily, or you're experiencing excessive breakouts, for example) your cleansing routine could be to blame. The good news is, all it takes are a few simple tweaks to see serious improvements. We've gathered guru advice from Alissa Chasen, a licensed esthetician, acne specialist, the founder of POREspective Acne Control and an all-around expert on everything you need to know about washing your face. Here are five of the most common cleansing mistakes and how to fix them.

1. You don’t fully remove your makeup

Many of us make the mistake of thinking that our skin is clean just because it looks clean, but this isn’t always the case thanks to leftover product residue. Try adding another small step into your routine by using a makeup remover and then a cleanser. We love using Neutrogena's Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes ($6.99, Walgreens) and then cleansing as we would normally.

"Rinsing too fast without letting the cleanser soak in and do its work is one of the biggest mistakes I see in my acne clinic," Alissa adds. For reference, just think of how much cleaner a greasy baking dish gets when allowed to soak! "It’s best to start with wet skin, massage the cleanser in well, then let it sit for 30 seconds before rinsing in order to pull the grime out of the pores and get the skin really clean."

2. You don’t wash your hands first

This is a big one that a lot of people overlook. But if you think about it, our hands touch tons of dirty surfaces throughout the day. Even if you’re a die-hard hand sanitizer fan, germs can lurk in unexpected places, like under your fingernails. So do your face a favor and give your hands a thorough scrub before you touch anything else. "Those of us who are 'germaphobes' instinctively wash our hands before touching our faces," Alissa says, "but young women definitely need to be instructed to always wash their hands before splashing the skin with water and washing their face." 

3. You exfoliate too often

There’s no denying that giving your face a good scrub is super gratifying. There’s nothing better than ultra soft and clean skin! But if you’re scrubbing too often, you could be breaking blood vessels in your skin, causing unnecessary redness and damage. Luckily, there's a way to reap the benefits of an exfoliant without paying the price—just stick to a less frequent routine, and try for a gentler option, like an exfoliating cream. "I love to add a creamy scrub to my client's home care routine 2x/week to get some extra physical exfoliation," Alissa says. "It really brightens the complexion!"

4. You’re using the wrong cleanser

The skincare aisle at any drugstore is a pretty overwhelming sight. There are hundreds of different cleansers on the market, and many of them are targeted toward different skin types or concerns, so if you’re not sure which one is right for you, try sticking with something that’s gentle (but efficient) and agrees with all skin types. "I also recommend staying away from the ingredients sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate in cleansers," Alissa says. "These are pore-clogging." 

On the other hand, the POREfessional site is a great place to start if you know what you're looking for. Not sure what your skin type is? They can help you with that, too! They offer video consultations, so you can visit an esthetician from your dorm room or apartment.

5. You use water that’s too hot

We know it’s soothing to wash off all your makeup with hot, steamy water. It feels like a facial! But be careful with the temp because water that’s too hot can actually cause long-term damage to your skin. Hot water can burst capillaries, causing a lot of redness. It can also disturb your skin’s natural oil balance and dry you out. Worst of all, this dryness can begin an endless cycle by making your skin produce more oil to compensate, which tends to lead to breakouts. Not fun! "Warm water is recommended because it expands the pores and allows the cleanser to get in there to do its work," Alissa says. "Cold water closes the pores and should be avoided with washing."

So when you go to wash your face tonight, don’t forget to put these mantras to good use. If you’re suffering from a serious skin issue (like acne) even the smallest change in skincare can make a huge difference—give your skin the TLC it deserves, and it’ll thank you later!

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 Records a Robocall in Support of Roy Moore

CNN reports that President Donald Trump has recorded a robocall in support of Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore as the important elections on Dec. 12 nears. Confirmed by deputy White House press secretary Raj Shah, the call marks another move by Trump to boost Moore's favorability after the Alabama candidate was accused of having sexual relationships with teenage girls while he was in his 30s. Trump has also been vocal about how wrong Democratic candidate Doug Jones would be as a representative for Alabama, tweeting, "Last thing the Make America Great Again agenda needs is a liberal Democrat in Senate where we have so little margin for victory already. The Pelosi/Schumer/Puppet Jones would vote against us 100 percent of the time...VOTE ROY MOORE!"

Sen. Cory Booker Calls on Trump to Resign Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations

In the midst of several politicians resigning over sexual misconduct and abuse allegations made against them, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker has called on President Donald Trump to step down over the more than a dozen sexual misconduct allegations against him, Huffington Post reports. While appearing at a campaign event in support of Doug Jones, Alabama's Democratic candidate for Senate, Booker said to VICE News, "I just watched Al Franken do the honorable thing and resign. My question is—why isn't Donald Trump doing the same thing? Who has more serious allegations against him, with more women who have come forward?"

At least 19 women have accused Trump of sexual misconduct since the 1980s, and Booker is not the only politician who has spoken out about their opinion that Trump should leave office. Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen. Jeff Merkley also recently expressed feelings that Trump should consider resigning in wake of these allegations. 

Wear an Ugly Sweater to Score Free Chipotle This Week

If you're craving a burrito bowl during your finals this week, take note: on Dec. 12, Chipotle is offering a free side of queso to anyone who buys an entree while wearing an ugly Christmas sweater. Admittably, Chipotle's fairly new queso recipe has gotten some slack for not being that great, and customers didn't hold back in sharing that with the chain's free offer. I'm sure queso mixed with different flavors makes up for a subpar recipe, though.

Today's the official kickoff of the televised awards season, as Golden Globes nominations are scheduled to be announced around 8:15 EST this morning. There have been plenty of noteworthy films hitting theaters in the past few weeks, so if you need a guide of what to check out before the Oscars roll around, these nominations are a perfect starting point. 

An explosion in the underground passage between subway stations at Time Square and Port Authority Bus Terminal interrupted the morning commute on Monday as areas were evacuated and New York City Police Department (NYPD) began investigating the cause of the blast, according to NYPD on Twitter. 

Police said that the The Police Department evacuated the A, C and E trains and the Port Authority bus station. In a follow-up tweet, they added that one suspect was in custody and urged people to avoid the area. 

As The New York Timesreports, the suspect was reportedly alone with a device that appeared to have gone off "prematurely" while in the underground passage. The suspect reportedly sustained serious injuries and is being treated at Bellevue Hospital. 

The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) also confirmed around 10 a.m. EST that "a total of 4 injuries reported at the scene of an explosion at Port Authority. All injuries are non-life-threatening."

Later Monday morning, New York City and State officials held a press conference to address the incident. Governor Andrew Cuomo, Mayor Bill de Blasio and James P. O'Neil, the NYPD Commissioner, urged witnesses and people with information on the individual behind the explosion to come forward. 

During the press conference de Blasio said that the incident was an attempted terrorist attack on the city.

“Our lives revolve around the subway. The choice of New York is always for a reason, because we are beacons of the world. And we show that a society of many background and many faiths can work," de Blasio said. “The terrorists want to undermine that. They yearn to attack New York City.”

Her Campus will continue to update this story as it develops. 

It's the most wonderful time of the year: no, not the holidays, but the announcement of the new contestants we'll be seeing on the next season of The Bachelor — and things are already shaping up to be especially interesting.

Of the 29 contestants we'll be seeing compete to win over Arie Luyendyk Jr.'s heart, fans are already taking note of one, who may actually be the youngest-ever contestant on the show. Bekah (Rebekah) Martinez, a nanny from Los Angeles, is the only Season 22 contestant whose age was not released with her name and headshot. Instead, her age is simply listed as "N/A." So what gives?

According to Reality Steve, Bekah is actually 22 years old and a UC Irvine student majoring in art. Some sleuthing done by Elite Daily seems to confirm this — as her Instagram would indicate, she celebrated her 21st in February of last year. It's unclear why The Bachelor's producers (or Bekah herself) would have opted to keep mum about her age, but considering she's a full 14 years younger than Luyendyk, it's possible that they were worried about facing backlash for the age gap.

In any case, regardless of her age, it's pretty clear already that Bekah (not to be confused with another Season 22 contestant Becca, a 27-year-old publicist from Minneapolis), is going to be one to watch. Reality Steve is hinting that she's "very outspoken," and will likely be the Corinne of Arie's season — apparently, the producers already told the audience to "boo" her on a group date, meaning there's definitely some drama brewing.

Stay tuned for when our fave show comes back on January 1, 2018.

We all know how hard it can be to keep up with the latest it-girl trends, especially on a college budget. Lucky for you, Aéropostale has seriously stylish, quality must-haves at prices that won’t emotionally destroy you. Read on for seven fashion-forward essentials under $40 that will have you dressing like Kaia Gerber in no time.  

1. The Boyfriend Jean

Be your own bae with this pair of distressed denim. Fact: boyfriend jeans look good with just about anything and Aero has the best denim ever, so if there’s one item you NEED off this list, this is it.

2. The Western Belt

Belts are your best friend and this double-buckle one can take any outfit to the next level. Plus, it also comes in black or grey for all your minimalist needs.

3. The Camo Crew Neck

Camo is ~everything~ right now and this lightweight long-sleeve is the perfect piece to layer into your looks all year long.

4. The Mini Backpack

You can take it to class, you can take it to the club, you can take it to a concert AND you can fit everything you need in it. This mini backpack can do no wrong, TBH.

5. The Fur Jacket

Every cool girl needs a cool jacket, and with this one you can look fashionable without risking frostbite. Our new favorite it-girl Sabrina Carpenter agrees.

6.  The Wide-Leg Pant

Dress ‘em up or dress ‘em down. These pants are made from a flattering crêpe material and they’re totally comfortable, making them a staple you’ll wear more often than you can imagine.

7. The Graphic Tee

Okay, so you didn’t make it to the Kanye concert to score some Saint Pablo tour merch. Channel your inner Yeezy with this long sleeve graphic tee. Get a size up for the ultimate oversized-shirt street style look.

What are you waiting for? Head over to Aéropostale to stock up today.

Lipstick preferences are truly tied to identity, so it’s only natural that your zodiac sign would be a huge indicator of your perfect shade. That’s why we’ve picked a L'Oréal Paris Infallible Paints lip color that matches your sign and personality, so you can find a lipstick that represents your core. Get astrological and read on to let the stars decide your signature color. 

Aries: DIY Red 

Aries gals are bold and independent, and this sign needs a confident lipstick to match. We suggest going with a timeless red, shying away from darker hues in favor of something brighter to highlight your flashy personality and style. Wear this gorge color on the day-to-day for a totally powerful statement lip.

Taurus: Peach Pit 

Though every Taurus loves to have fun with makeup, she still enjoys keeping her look natural. This light peachy shade is a must for the girl who wants to emphasize her natural beauty while still having a staple lipstick in her routine. Not to mention that the matte finish makes this lipstick next level chic!

Gemini: Sultry Sangria

Geminis are all about versatility, so they need a lip color that can be both lively or subdued depending on their mood. Paint on this shade before class and add another coat before a night out with friends––because sultry sangria knows how to ace that transition from work to play.

Cancer: Spicy Blush

As every Cancer knows, a lipstick is only good enough if it can multitask. Stick to mauve and gentle pink hues for a classic color that give your lips a nourished, plump look while still having a little bit of bite. You’ll be obsessed with spicy blush as soon as you put it on!

Leo: Liquid Venom

Leo babes thrive on being the center of attention, so they need a lipstick that’s all about the ~drama~. The glossy metallic finish takes this sunny red to the next level for a luxury look no other lipstick can compete with. NEED.

Virgo: Festival

Practicality is basically Virgo’s middle name, and they’re likely to pass on a lipstick that wipes off easily or struggles to blend with a variety of outfits. Luckily, festival is a long-lasting apricot matte that will carry Virgo though even the longest days on campus, so they can enjoy a full makeup look without having to reapply.

Libra: Wild Rose

Libras are social butterflies, and they will be obsessed with the way this feminine pink shade draws attention to their mouth while chatting with friends or striking up a conversation with the random stranger. Wild rose has no trouble keeping up with this friendly personality!

Scorpio: Smoldering Eclipse

Vampy colors are essential in every lipstick arsenal, and this smoldering eclipse with a metallic finish is guaranteed to be your next fave. Secretive, mysterious, sexy––everything about this shade is as magnetic as Scorpio’s intense personality.

Sagittarius: Galactic Foil

Glossy and fun, this lipstick seamlessly blends with Sagittarius’ bright personality. Wear this shade to show off your bubbly self during the week, or use it to give your look a little extra somethin’ during you’re your next big travel adventure.

Capricorn: Taupeless

Capricorns generally maintain a proper appearance and love feeling put-together. Though taupeless is a shade conservative enough for a day at your internship, it still lets your happy, spirited nature shine through. Who wouldn’t fall in love with your smile when it’s set off by such a gorgeous grey tinge?

Aquarius: Lilac Lust

Every Aquarius needs a color as original as they are, and with such an unconventional and expressive choice of style the obvious lipstick choice is lilac lust. A bold but delicate purple, put this shade on when you’re feeling creative, daring and ready for your next big move.

Pisces: Navy Spy

Dreamy Pisces loves having a lipstick that evoke feeling, and this navy spy is the ultimate #mood. Let the dark-blue hue transport you to your inner imaginative realm, and embrace the normalization of blue shades in your daily makeup routine. Trust us, you need this bold color in your life.

So, did the stars know, or did the stars know? Use these colors as the ultimate outward expression of everything happening inside, and pick up your destined L'Oréal Paris Infallible Paints lip color here. Enjoy your new staple lipstick!