It seems like everyone from celebrities to makeup artists have launched beauty brands—so why should YouTubers stray away from starting their own? While the Paul brothers probably won’t be competing against Kylie’s lip kits anytime soon (thankfully), YouTube make-up guru Tati Westbrook’s Halo Beauty line is debuting soon (in less than a day). While Westbrook has a ticker countdown to her inaugural beauty line, here’s what we already know about her launch:

Halo Beauty isn’t going to be a typical beauty brand.

Westbrook started her journey as a beauty vlogger, where she’s tested and reviewed hundreds of products from luxury foundations to affordable drugstore products, seven years ago, initially beginning her YouTube career during a time when she was unemployed. 

Because Westbrook has spent years comparing beauty products and trying bizarre beauty gadgets and giving honest advice about what expensive beauty items are worth the hype, she has extensive experience with a variety of beauty commodities.That's also why Halo Beauty will likely host a hybrid of products. In Westbrook’s YouTube video that announces her brand, she explains that Halo Beauty is “neither” a skincare nor beauty line.

Even the name of Westbrook’s beauty line promotes inclusivity.

In her official announcement video, Westbrook also explains the meaning behind Halo Beauty: “To me Halo Beauty means that everyone is included. Everyone is under a halo. Everyone is thought of, and no one is left out,” Westbrook says. After Fenty beauty launched its remarkably inclusive foundation shades, it’s no wonder that upcoming brands (like Halo Beauty) are also aiming to cater to every beauty lover.

Halo Beauty isn’t just about conventional beauty. Beyond traditional beauty products like skincare and makeup, Westbrook’s company will also sell vitamins.

After all, vitamins are essential for keeping your beauty body healthy. Bustle reveals that Westbrook will include a Hair, Skin, Nails Booster as one of the first products. The Beauty Booster is designed to help support your skin’s health, which will obviously help your overworked skincare regime. Plus, this Beauty Booster is also vegan-friendly, according to Plant Based News. In fact, the whole line will be cruelty, as Westbrook explains in her Q&A video.

While Revelist notesthat fans had mixed reactions about the vitamin release, Westbrook reassured her fans by saying, "I wanted something that would actually deliver you results that you would look in the mirror and you would see a difference." After all, we'd rather have a sensational product that works rather than another over-hyped moisturizer any day. (And we really should start taking take more vitamins.)

Although Westbrook is opening her line with supplements meant to make your body feel good (that will also help support your outward beauty), Halo Beauty will also sell traditional skincare and makeup products, someday.

Aside from bolstering Westbrook’s success and net worth, Halo Beauty will obviously cater to Westbrook’s fans. In a Q&A video about the upcoming brand, Westbrook actually scrolled through tons of her followers’ questions and critiques. Because she’s willing to tune in to her viewers (and post vlogs five times a week), it shows that she’s eager to please her consumers.

Whatever products Halo Beauty inevitably sells, we’re just excited to see that after several years of reviewing other brands, Tati is finally starting her own.

(Image: Tati Westbrook / YouTube)

As much as we love Uber, it’s so easy to spend tons of money without realizing it. That was certainly the case for Kenneth Bachman, who spent more than $1,600 on a ride from Morgantown, West Virginia to Sewell, New Jersey last night. The good news? He's home safe (albeit with a significantly lighter wallet.)

The New York Postreports that Kenneth was partying near West Virginia University’s campus when he ordered a pricey UberXL, which he has "no memory" of doing. 

According to CBS Philly, Bachman said, “We went to a frat party and then went to the bar. I was getting drinks all night; I probably spent like $200 at the bar after already drinking all day. Basically, I kinda just blacked out. The last thing I remember was being at the bar and then I just woke up in the Uber next to an older dude telling me I was an hour out from Jersey.”

The car ride was five hours long, spanning over 300 miles, according to Google Maps. (So, at least he got a nice nap?)

His reaction? “I was just like … that’s crazy!”

Kenneth will be returning to Morgantown to pick up his bags, and he told CBS Philly that if anyone sees him, they should say "What’s up!"

Will do, Kenneth. Will do. 

That's pretty low-key for someone that blew a typical college student's entire savings account when he was blackout drunk. But it sounds like a good night for that Uber driver!

You don’t have to be a beauty guru to know that the brand, E.L.F. — Eyes, Lips, Face — is the actual GOAT when it comes to giving you a high quality, wide range of products and amazing prices. It feels like they’re always releasing products that are made to make our lives easier and their newest product is no different as PopSugar reported this week, the newest member in the E.L.F. family: Line and Define Eye Tape!

Say goodbye to painstakingly sitting in front of the mirror trying to perfect that cat eye or using scotch tape or spoons to pull off your flick! These easy to use little pieces of tape stick to your skin (and aren’t annoying about it) while you draw on your liner and the result is the perfect cat eye.

One of the best parts is that it’s only $2 for 40 strips. I did the math, so you don’t have to, and that’s only 5 cents per strip!

I am actually screaming and running to CVS right now — BRB.

The University of Pittsburgh chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha has been suspended until further notice after allegations of hazing have surfaced and police investigate the conduct of the chapter. 

These allegations come after a mother of one of the pledges noticed bruises on her daughter's arm. She called the police after her daughter told her that she was involved in a hazing incident for AKA pledges. According to the pledges, they were taken to the basement of a private home about 10 miles away in Penn Hills.

As NBC News reports, the mother and daughter, as well as other pledges, met with the police but have not yet determined if a crime was committed. The Police Chief told CBS Pittsburgh, "During the course of [their time in the basement], they were maybe hit with a paddle of some sort," Burton said. "We've got a lot of girls who don't want to talk about it. If they don't want to be victims there's not a heck of a lot we can do with that."

The Vice Provost and Dean of Students wrote a letter to Pitt students warning that this incident could affect the future of Greek Life on their campus and reiterating that the University prioritizes the mental and physical well-being of their students.

Because of Pitt's Spring Break, the investigation will reportedly likely be delayed. 

"We have placed our trust in you, as Pitt Panthers, to act responsibly, to treat others with respect, and to practice care and compassion for one another," Bonner said in the letter. "We are a community that promotes mutual respect, dignity and genuine concern for the well-being and safety of others, and we will not tolerate behavior on our campus that directly opposes our most basic institutional values."

He then commended students for coming forward with their concerns about hazing and promised to continue investigating allegations and make sure students are held accountable for their conduct.

Back in September, experts had found that hazing had reached epidemic levels on college campuses, following the news of Penn State student Tim Piazza's hazing-related death, so this news comes less as a surprise and more of a disappointment.

For more information on how you can help prevent hazing on your college campus you can visit StopHazing.org for more information. 

Meghan Trainor has been a household name ever since the release of her 2014 hit “All About That Bass,” and it looks like she plans on it keeping that way.

Trainor’s new single, “No Excuses,” just dropped today, and it already looks poised to be mega-popular.

Like all of Trainor’s songs, it’s ridiculously catchy (it’ll be stuck in my head for days!) and the music video is all kinds of colorful fun (watch it below). This is the first song we’re hearing from her new album, so it seems like a good omen for other songs to come. However, Trainor did tell PEOPLE that “No Excuses” is “one of the only songs [on this album] that is my sassy, 'Meghan Trainor' self that I think everyone will recognize on the radio,” so I guess we’ll have to wait and see what she has in store.

And even though the song is less than three minutes long, Trainor is by no means lacking in substance: the song has vintage vibes, an empowering message, and even a possible cameo from her fiancé Daryl Sabara. All of this comes together to show that even though this is the first new song she's released since she had a second vocal surgery last year, she’s not letting anything hold her back.

Trainor revealed that she drew inspiration from the recent conversations surrounding the entertainment industry in light of the Time’s Up and #MeToo movements. “I love how so many women are standing up for what’s right. I wanted to write us all a powerful anthem," she explained. "Sometimes, people talk down to me, because I’ve only been doing this for four years, so I wrote this song. It’s my modern version of ‘R-E-S-P-E-C-T.’  It’s all about equality and being kind.”

Considering the song’s lyrics, “I don’t disrespect you, don’t you disrespect me” and “There ain’t no excuses, excuses, babe / Your mama raised you better than that,” I’d say she’s definitely accomplished that goal.

Trainor’s new album comes out later this year, and if “No Excuses” is any indication, it’s going to be a good one.

If you follow Kylie Jenner on Snapchat or Instagram then you’ve definitely seen her newest palettes inspired by her baby girl, Stormi.

One is named “Eye of the Storm” and the other is “Calm Before the Storm.” A part of Kylie’s weather collection, the two palettes each include 10 new colors, ranging from light pink and purple to a deep glittery black.

Eye of the Storm definitely has a darker feel to it and is a lot more moody (and we love a good moody palette for our dramatic night looks.) Calm Before the Storm is full of lighter, pastel looking colors that are perfect for Spring. Of course, both palettes are stocked with glitter because what would a palette be without glitter?

However, if that’s not enough glitter for you, there’s even more glitter products to come in the Weather Collection.

The whole Weather collection includes the two palettes, three lipsticks, a gloss, four glitter eye colors, a Kyliner, a Kylighter palette and a new individual Kylighter.

You can shop the whole collection on the Kylie Cosmetics website —but go quickly because items are already selling out!

Imagine you’re opening the door to an elementary school classroom. Look at the students sitting at their tiny little desks as you walk inside. In elementary school, they’re too young to drive, too young to see a PG-13 movie without a parent, and probably even too young to cook their own meals. And yet, according to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), 40-60 percent of the girls in that classroom are concerned about their weight or about becoming too fat. This concern will endure throughout the rest of their lives.

“30 million Americans will struggle with a full-blown eating disorder and millions more will battle food and body image issues that have untold negative impacts on their lives,” NEDA states on its website. For this reason, each year, NEDA hosts a week-long event called National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. This year’s theme is “Let’s Get Real.” Eating disorders are a national epidemic, but because of the stereotypes and misconceptions that surround them, many people don’t get the help they deserve and need.

Throughout NEDAwareness Week this year, Her Campus had the privilege of talking to several college activists about what they wish people knew about eating disorders. Time to get real, read up and educate yourself on this health issue. 

1. Eating disorders can affect people of any age, gender, or ethnicity

Because media representation of eating disorders tends to be limited to young white women, people often forget that mental illnesses don’t discriminate.

“I wish people knew that eating disorders can affect all people of different gender identities, race/ethnicities, sexual identities and physical abilities,” Alyssa Tabula, a junior at UCLA and co-director of UCLA’s student organization Body Image Task Force told Her Campus. “Although social media commonly portrays a single stereotype look for an individual with an eating disorder, they truly can affect anyone. There is a variety of different types of eating disorders, even some not visibly apparent.”

2. Eating disorders are more than just feeling insecure about food or your body

People tend to believe that eating disorders occur because people don’t like the way they look, and that if they could become more body positive, the disorder would be healed. In reality, it’s not that simple.

“Negative body image is not displeasure with one's reflection,” explained Mary Iellamo, a senior and president of Active Minds at Elms College. “It's a lot more than that. Imagine having this overwhelming fear of taking up space. Every breath, every step, every word—all of it reminds you of the fact that you have a body. It's that constant reminder that creates this mind-body division. That's where the eating disorder resides. It's not a diet. It's a denial of the flesh.”

Prachi Bisawi, junior at Rutgers and treasurer of Rutgers Eating Disorder Organization (REDO), has experienced misconceptions about body image firsthand.

“My body is the only one that my disorder transforms, everyone else looks the way they do,” she said. “That's why it used to be hard for me to talk about my eating disorder, because my very own friends would say things like, ‘If you think you're fat, then what am I?’ Like, that's the point, my disorder is dysmorphing my body, my brain is lying to me, and I can't help but believe it, and it has nothing to do with you.”

Holly Chok, junior at Rutgers and president of REDO, agreed, adding: “Eating disorders are NOT about the food. They are caused by an underlying issue like depression, OCD, etc. Food is used as a coping mechanism to gain control; focusing on food consumption and weight distracts from real issues—much like an addict uses drugs to mask the real problems.”

3. Dieting can greatly increase your risk for an eating disorder

“Any attempt to control or restrict food intake that is not medically necessary can lead to disordered eating,” share Kirstin Sandreuter and Mariah Stout, co-presidents of Body Positive Cornell. “Many people think that a temporary diet plan, cleanse or food group elimination will be beneficial for their health, but it is good to be mindful of how these efforts can drive the creation of rigid rules, shame around eating and an unhealthy relationship with food.”

Lisa Fix-Griffin, MS, LCPC, works at Bradley University Health Services, and has been a therapist thirty years (twenty of which were at a hospital-based eating disorders program) also agrees that diet culture can exacerbate predispositions toward developing eating disorders:

“A person may have a predisposition [to developing an eating disorder], but if they do not attempt to alter their body but reducing their food intake, the risk of developing the disorder is very low," Fix-Griffin said. "Some stats suggest dieting increases the chance by 4 times. This is why most in the field do not support Weight Watcher's new pitch to adolescents.”

4. Recovery doesn’t happen overnight

Because a lot of people don’t understand the seriousness of eating disorders, they may believe that if a person suffering “just eats”, all of the problems will go away. Elizabeth Hoang, a junior at UCLA and co-director of Body Image Task Force, said that recovery from eating disorders is not really that simple.

“I wish that people understood more about the recovery process,” she said. “Recovery is a difficult process and is different for everyone. A lot of people think that eating disorders can be treated over a couple of nights and that there is one plan that fits for all, but recovery can take many years or even reoccur later in life, and so patience as well as support from family and friends can all really make a difference and help with the recovery process.”

Even when a person begins eating properly and stops engaging in destructive behaviors, he or she might still experience a lot of guilt and anxiety surrounding food and body image, which means that recovery hasn’t yet been fully reached.

5. You can suffer from a serious eating disorder without losing weight

There is a stigma around eating disorders that may cause people only to recognize them in those who have lost a lot of weight. This is extremely dangerous, because those who suffer from eating disorders but haven’t lost weight might be hesitant to reach out for help.

Sarah Goldstein, a senior at Northwestern University and one of the co-founders of the student organization Cats With Confidence, encourages us to be aware of this danger: “You can have a person of any gender who, despite being 300 pounds, has anorexia because they starve themselves desperately trying to lose weight. Society doesn't recognize the latter as someone in distress, but rather commends the person for their ‘incredible’ weight loss. With greater awareness, everyone who is struggling can learn that their struggles are valid and to be taken seriously, and the hope is that everyone learns that it's okay to seek treatment regardless of what they look like."

“You don't have to be ‘sick enough’ in order to receive help—in fact there is no ‘sick enough.’ You can have an eating disorder without looking a certain way,” Andrea Cheatle, a secondary English education major and president of Penn State University’s student organization Free to Be Me added. “I think that a lot of people think they don't deserve help until they reach a certain weight, I know I felt that way, but that's not true. Not only do you always deserve to get help, but you can still damage your body without being underweight.”

Kirstin and Mariah from Body Positive Cornell echo this sentiment: “Whenever thoughts and obsessions about food occupy a significant portion of a person's head space, or interfere with any other aspect of their lives, they should seek support. We all have amazing things to do in the world, and food should be fuel, not a setback on our journeys!"

6. Eating disorders are serious mental health issues triggered by a combination of different factors

It’s important to remember that just because a person diets chronically, or lost a lot of weight, or body shames himself or herself, he or she does not necessarily have an eating disorder.

“[Eating disorders] are serious mental illnesses. Like all psychiatric disorders, there are genetic, psychological and environmental aspects which precipitate their onset. Much of this is beyond a person's direct control,” Fix-Griffin explains.

Holly from REDO has experienced the importance of understanding this: ““Eating disorders are not the fault of any person or any one thing. It is a mix of biological and environmental factors. My parents thought they contributed to my eating disorder; they felt like they failed me. This is absolutely not true.”

7. There is still a lot we don’t know

Mental health is an area that even the top researchers in the world still have a lot to learn about. Chances are, when your grandparents or even parents were our age, they hadn’t even heard of mental health.

“We don't pretend to know everything about eating disorders. That's the beauty of being on a college campus with constant access to educational opportunities. Advocacy does not mean that we know everything; it means that we're willing to learn what's out there and that we're ready to seek what's not,” said Mary from Active Minds at Elms College.

Chances are you know someone, or will know someone, who is suffering from an eating disorder. The best thing you can do is listen and learn, instead of pretending to understand what they’re going through.

As NEDAwareness Week comes to an end, let’s make sure that we don’t leave eating disorder awareness in the past. Eating disorders are a national health crisis, so let’s get real and treat them like it.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, you are not alone and you can contact the National Eating Disorder's Association (NEDA) Helpline at (800) 931-2237 or the Eating Recovery Center (eatingrecoverycenter.com) to speak with a Masters-level clinician.

With less than a month until spring, we have to channel our inner travel agent and book an unforgettable getaway quick! But while a tropical beach sounds like the picturesque vacation spot you dream of, it can get a little redundant if you go there every year. Don’t fret, we found five totally underrated, out of the ordinary vacation spots you’ll be dying to visit!

1. Colorado Springs, Colorado

While there’s “spring” in the title, Colorado Springs, Colorado is not the very warm spot you’d usually think of for the typical spring break vacay. However, Colorado Springs can give you all the breathtaking views and invigorating experiences you’re looking for!

“Some of my friends and I went to Colorado last year for spring break. I know it's not particularly warm, but it was so much fun,” says Micki Wagner, a senior at the University of Missouri-Columbia. “We stayed in Colorado Springs and went to Pikes Peak, then we took a day trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park, which was crazy and so cool.”

Pikes Peak is one of Colorado’s most beautiful mountains, perfect for hiking or cycling to get a taste of fresh air and majestic views. This spot is perfect for the Cali or Florida girl who wants a real change of scenery, or any hiking aficionado who wants the premier hiking experience! You can visit the rest of Colorado Springs’ huge state parks or, get this, stay at a real castle there! That’s right; Colorado Springs has a castle called Glen Eyrie, where you can explore, enjoy a classy high tea lunch and even stay the night.

“It's not necessarily the most obvious, but Colorado was a really fun spring break destination,” Micki says.

2. Foreign mission trips

Your spring break doesn’t have to be a completely self-indulgent experience. In fact, you can use this one week of free time to gain volunteer experience and, most importantly, help others. Your university’s outreach clubs and organizations often plan mission trips to attend over spring break, which can be spiritually and experientially rewarding.

Parts of South America, Africa, and Asia are the common spots for mission trips, where you can volunteer to do things like teach schoolchildren, build water wells, and contribute to other developmental projects. These mission trips give you the opportunity to explore a new country, learn about a whole new culture, assist those in need, and build a loving community both with your fellow volunteers and the people you assist.

Mission trips are often funded by your university or offer some sort of financial aid, so a trip to a foreign country might not be as costly as you think. Consider this a fabulous, life-changing spring break experience you’ll remember forever!

3. Picnics by your local lake

Maybe you dream for the crystal blue water of sparkling lakes and rivers in the Midwest, but don’t necessarily have the budget for a lodge retreat. Well, why go somewhere else when you probably have a radiant lake to dip into right near you?

Visiting your local lakes or river destinations makes for a truly revitalizing vacation experience. Not to mention, you’ll have a wonderful bonding experience with friends when you can swim in the lake together, exercise teamwork through kayaking, or just chill by the shore and vent your semester woes.

“My friends and I are road-tripping to a nearby lake this year. We'll bring snacks and drinks and lounge by the lake all week and it'll be really rejuvenating. It's low-key, inexpensive and really recharges you for going back after the break,” says Marisa Pieper, a sophomore at Arizona State. Load up your car full of food and supplies and head for the lake to have a calming yet memorable spring vacation with your girls!

4. Explore a small town

Small towns are vacation treasures waiting to be discovered. They have their own intimate culture that only residents would know, which makes exploring them more adventurous. You get to know the town yourself, instead of being shoved toward typical tourist attractions. Locally owned businesses, boutiques, and cafes are lovely places to visit for unique products and atmospheres that only a small town can offer!

Kent, Connecticut is one small town that you can explore for its colorful art scene, pretty waterfall-filled state park, and the town’s similarity to Stars Hollow, for all you Gilmore Girls fangirls. Or, check out Rockland, Maine for a bright small town next to the sea, known for its awesome food scene from fresh seafood to warm delicious pies.

Looking for the best places to visit in a town is also entertaining as you usually have to ask the locals for their recommendations, so you get to know the townspeople as well. Town fairs and festivals are also fun attractions to attend. Try visiting a small town this year for a new yet homey spring vacation experience.

5. Montreal, Canada

If you thought Colorado was still on the warmer side of spring break vacation spots, then we recommend a trip to Canada! Montreal, Canada is perfect for a long road-trip destination with friends or family. When you arrive, you’ll have a whole new country to explore!

Montreal is notorious for its beautiful European architecture that makes you feel like you’re across the pond instead of across the border. If historic French architecture isn’t enough to astound you, Montreal is also a shopper’s fever dream, with a five-floor mall and museum known as the Eaton Centre. To top it all off, the nightlife is always vibing no matter what day of the week it is.

Bar hop (yes, it’s allowed!) across the many nightclubs and enjoy the many music festivals they host in the city. There’s even a three-level building that’s a bistro, nightclub and bar that tourists can’t get enough of. Montreal seems like the perfect spring break spot for any city-dweller who wants to travel on a budget!

With spring break comes the chance to make lasting memories for your new year, so skip the run-of-the-mill places you’ve been to before and try these new spots to enjoy your week-long breather. These places are definitely underrated but they will make you see your spring vacation experience in a whole new way.

While Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber have not yet confirmed that they are dating again, Gomez did post a special message for Bieber on Instagram to celebrate his 24th birthday, according to Billboard, and it’s giving us all the feels.

According to PEOPLE Magazine, Gomez shared a picture of herself with what could be a polaroid of Bieber stuck to her forehead.

“March 1, 1994 someone I know that happens to be super cool was born. Boom,” she captioned the photo. How sweet! 

Gomez also posted — but then soon deleted  — a photo of black and blue balloons with a silver “24,” PEOPLE reports. In the picture, there are polaroid pictures on the wall, and it looks like it might be pictures of the pair. What do you think Jelena shippers?

The two singers reunited shortly after Gomez’s split from The Weeknd.

Even though their relationship isn’t official, it seems like they are definitely going strong this time.

“Their relationship is very special. They have both changed, their lives are so different and it really seems things could work out great this time,” a source told PEOPLE. “Justin realized that he needed to change, reached out for help and is doing very well.”

Honestly, we will forever be shipping Jelena and we are so happy that things seem to be going really well for them.

Kylie Jenner marked her daughter turning one month old by sharing her first official photo with her daughter, PEOPLE Magazine reports.

“My angel baby is 1 month old today,” Jenner captioned the adorable photo of her cradling Stormi.

While Jenner and Stormi’s father, Travis Scott, have shared photos of Stormi on social media, we’ve only seen glimpses of Stormi’s hand and foot. This is the first time we have been able to see adorable baby Stormi with her mom.

Scott also posted a celebratory message on Snapchat for Stormi’s first month birthday, PEOPLE reports.

“My lil mama 1 month today,” he wrote, with a picture of Stormi‘s sweater that reads “DADDY” inside a red heart. “Her favorite unit of course,” Scott joked.

According to ELLE Magazine, Jenner also posted a video of her post-baby body on Instagram and Snapchat. She looked absolutely incredible, rocking a crop top and a pair of black underwear.

Jenner had kept her pregnancy quiet and her family never directly confirmed that Jenner was expecting her first child. On February 4th, three days after Stormi was born, Jenner announced that they had welcomed Stormi, ELLE reports.

“I’m sorry for keeping you in the dark through all the assumptions,” Jenner wrote in her announcement. “I understand you’re used to me bringing you along on all my journeys. My pregnancy was one I chose not to do in front of the world. I knew for myself I needed to prepare for this role of a lifetime in the most positive, stress free, and healthy way I knew how. There was no gotcha moment, no big paid reveal I had planned. I knew my baby would feel every stress and every emotion so I chose to do it this way for my little life and our happiness.”

“Pregnancy has been the most beautiful, empowering, and life changing experience I’ve had in my entire life, and I’m actually going to miss it. I appreciate my friends and especially my family for helping me make this special moment as private as we could. My beautiful and healthy baby girl arrived February 1st and I just couldn’t wait to share this blessing. I’ve never felt love and happiness like this I could burst! Thank you for understanding,” Jenner added.

We are so happy that everything is going well for Stormi and Jenner. Happy one month birthday, Stormi!

In his annual state of the nation address on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia has developed new nuclear weapons, and claims that they are invincible, BBC News reports.

Putin claimed in his speech, which comes less than three weeks before the presidential election, that Russia has successfully tested nuclear-propulsion engines that would allow nuclear-tipped cruise missiles and underwater drones to “reach anywhere in the world” as well as “invulnerable” to any interception, The Washington Post reports.

The nuclear-powered cruise missiles were, according to Putin, tested in late 2017, and supposed video of the tests were shown during the speech, ABC News reports. The video showed the missile firing into the sky, and then switched to a graphic that simulated the missile flying around the globe, and ultimately landing somewhere along the west coast of the United States, ABC News reports.

“The missile's test-launch and ground trials make it possible to create a brand-new weapon, a strategic nuclear missile powered by a nuclear engine," Putin told the audience. "The range is unlimited. It can maneuver for an unlimited period of time.”

“No one in the world has anything similar,” Putin said as the crowd applauded.

According to BBC News, Putin said of the West: “They need to take account of a new reality and understand ... [this]... is not a bluff.”

Putin warned, according to The Post, that if any country were to engage in a nuclear attack on any of Russia’s allies, it would consider it an attack on Russia itself and react accordingly, but did not specify which countries it considered to be its allies. According to The Post, Putin made it clear that Russia’s latest weapons development was due to the U.S. creating a new arms race by resisting arms-control negotiations, developing new missile-defense systems and for being more aggressive in its nuclear strategy.

Putin argued that the U.S. had not taken Russia’s strength seriously, The Post reports.

“No one listened to us,” Putin said. “Listen to us now.”

“We're not surprised by the statement,” Dana White, the Pentagon's chief spokesperson, told reporters. “And the American people should rest assured that we are fully prepared.”

According to ABC News, U.S. officials had been following the missile’s development, and said that it wasn’t actually operational. A U.S. official told ABC News that the missile was still in research and development and had crashed in testing multiple times.

White also rejected Putin’s claim that Russia decided to bolster its weapons because of developments and buildups in the West, The Post reports.

“Our missile defense has never been about [Russia],” White said.

According to The Post, top U.S. Generals had given warnings about the developments of these new weapons, urging Congress and the Pentagon to step up technology that could better defend against them. Russia has developed new cruise missiles “with the capability to hold targets at risk at ranges we haven’t seen before,” Air Force Gen. Lori Robinson, the Commander of U.S. Northern Command said in Senate testimony last month.

Alexander Golts, an independent Russian military analyst, said that he was in “shock.”

“This is the start of a new Cold War,” Golts said. “This is an effort to scare the West.”

According to The Post, Russia’s military spending is significantly smaller than the United States’, which would make it difficult to engage in an arms race. However, Putin’s presentation had demonstrated that Russia plans to match the U.S. as a nuclear power.

 As you book your flight and pack your bikini, chances are you can’t stop picturing the stunning beaches and festive cocktails waiting for you at your spring break destination of choice. But did you ever consider you might be one bad decision away from a spring break nightmare? What about getting all of your valuables stolen so a thief can dine on unlimited breadsticks at the Olive Garden? Or attempting to get a sexy tan, but winding up looking like a full-fledged lobster? Read on for some tips and testimonies about the 5 most common spring break horrors and how to avoid them.

1. Sexual encounters of a dangerous kind

“We were in Ibiza, Spain my freshman year of college. One night, I ended up getting separated from my girlfriends and going back with a guy, but I didn’t realize my phone was dead. My friends didn’t know where I was, and had spent all night looking for me and trying to think of ways to tell my parents that they lost me. It definitely scared all of us, because I had no clue where my girlfriends had gone, and there is nothing scarier than being in a foreign country and not knowing where your girls are.”- Krista, Simmons College

By now, we’ve all heard about Natalee Holloway and the dangers of hooking up with strangers. While it might seem like an extreme example, it’s important to recognize that hooking up with someone you don’t know puts you in an infinitely more vulnerable position than hooking up with a friend from home. But that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in a little spring fling romance. Here are some ways to keep your hookup from crossing into the danger zone.

Power in numbers

Before you hit the dance floor, develop a game plan with your girlfriends and stick to it. It’s easy to get lost in a crowded club, so agreeing on a time and place to meet at the end of the night is a great way to keep track of each other. The website SpringBreakSafety.org, suggests: “Go out with your friends, go home with your friends. It’s one of those things that keeps you a whole lot safer, and eliminates about 98% of the bad drama.”

Pick a location

If you do meet a guy you want to hook up with, try to go somewhere you feel safe, preferably in a place that’s near your friends so they know where you’re headed and how to reach you. Always use your hotel room instead of his, since your friends can access it if necessary. Or, if you don’t mind a little PDA, stay at the club and get a little smooch time in there. While it may not be the classiest behavior, at least your girls can keep an eye on you.

Watch your drink

Drugs like GBH, Ketamine, and Rohypnol (“roofies”) are popular date rape drugs because they can be discreetly slipped into a drink and take effect quickly, often lasting several hours. At first, when a person is slipped a date drug she’ll just seem really drunk, often making it difficult for friends to realize the person has been drugged before she’s sauntered off with the guy and it’s too late. Stay in control and be aware of your surroundings by making sure you know exactly what’s in your drink and holding onto it the entire night. If a guy offers to buy you a drink, walk over with him to the bar and watch him order it. And if you notice your drink tastes or looks a little funky, pour it out. GBH can make drinks saltier and Rohypnol can change the color of a drink.

Also, remember that the more you drink, the more self-control you lose. While there’s no shame in having a little fun, monitoring how much alcohol you consume and making sure to not exceed your limit will help you evaluate a hookup situation with more clarity and better judgment. And if nothing else, at least you’ll choose a guy without the influence of the beer goggles effect. 

Can I get your number?

It's always a good idea to carry around the number and address of the hotel you're staying in. And before you leave for Spring Break, exchange phone numbers with your friends' parents. Their parents will feel better knowing they can contact you, and you'll know how to get in touch with them in case of an emergency. Also, if you think you might be spending the night somewhere else, bring your phone charger with you. It's a small device that could make a huge difference.

2. Getting robbed

"I went to Las Vegas and on my first night out in a club, my phone got stolen out of my purse. Then the second night, I was at a club, dancing with one of my friends with my purse securely (or so I thought) strapped over my shoulder. All of a sudden, I realized that my purse weighed absolutely nothing. My ID, money, credit cards, passport—it was ALL gone. I had no clue where it all went. Luckily I was able to get the charges canceled on my credit card...so I can now laugh about what the thief spent my money on: $300 at WALGREENS (what do you even buy there for $300?!), and a meal at the Olive Garden... someone really classy stole my stuff!" - Cassidy, Emerson College

“I was at the airport on my way back to California when my purse got stolen. I lost everything—my IPod, camera, all of my identification and over $100 in cash!” - Nicole, Emerson College

Between flying on an airplane, staying in a hotel and running around town, there are an unfortunate amount of opportunities for thievery on Spring Break. San Diego-based travel agent Bonnie Sherman says vacation destinations are a hot spot for theft because “places that tourists gather are prime targets.”  She also claims that TSA agents are notorious for stealing out of travelers’ luggage. However, there are some things you can do to minimize your risk.  

Lock it up

Sherman says using a neck safe or a money belt, instead of a purse, is the most effective way to keep your valuables safe while flying. If you are planning on packing some valuables, make sure to pack them in a carry-on bag instead of your checked luggage. Once on vacation, many hotels will offer safes in the room, but bringing your own is also an option.

Copy important documents

If you’re traveling outside of the United States, Sherman suggests making two copies of your passport: one to leave in the hotel room, and a colored copy for your parents at home. Better yet, scan and store all your key documents in Google Docs so that you have access to them anywhere.

Mix up your money

When figuring out what kind of money to bring, plan on bringing a few different kinds of payment. Sherman suggests carrying both cash and a credit card, and keeping them in separate places. she recommends bringing a debit card rather than a credit card, because “parents can reload it if needed, but if it’s lost, there isn’t a large amount at risk.”  If you’re traveling internationally, make sure to call the credit card company and let them know you’re going away beforehand; otherwise they might think your card was stolen and cancel it when they see the foreign charges! Also, ask your bank what kind of fees they charge for withdrawals overseas and what kind of foreign currency exchange fees they impose. Many banks now offer to refund ATM fees, so shop around for the best deal. And your bank may have a partnership with a bank in the country you’re going to so you can withdraw from there and won’t have to pay the ATM fees at all.

Lighten the load

When considering what to pack, ask yourself, “do I really need this?” Cutting down the amount of prized possessions you bring might seem like a sacrifice at first, but chances are you really won’t need your grandmother’s pearls in the Bahamas, and you’ll never forgive yourself if they got lost or stolen. And consider leaving your laptop, iPad, and other hefty electronics behind. They draw attention, add weight, and most hotels have a business center if you need to check your email during the trip. 

Related: The Complete Spring Break Packing List

3. Attack of Montezuma’s Revenge (and other stomach bugs)

“When I was in the Dominican Republic last spring break I got some sort of allergic reaction to the sun or water or food—they didn't know—and my eyes and face swelled up like a marshmallow. I looked like an avatar and I could hardly see. Our hotel had no real medical care and there were no real hospitals nearby, so they put me in this rusty 1950s-era ambulance and drove me to this ‘clinic’ that was a terrifying excuse for a medical facility. After waiting for four hours, they let me know they didn't actually have any of the medication I needed and it needed to be transported across the island. When my medication finally arrived they said my insurance didn't cover it and charged me 500 dollars for the meds. When I came back I showed them to my doctor, and guess what I paid 500 bucks for? Zyrtec and Advil!” – Amanda, Cornell University

“We went to the most beautiful little islands in Antigua where we were the only people there because you could only get there by boat. We would anchor in the middle of the ocean at night and have dinner and casual drinks on the deck. So perfect. On Tuesday night, my boyfriend, Alex, started to feel really sick. Early the next morning, we contacted a hospital and took him in the dinghy to land and got him to a hospital. They did some tests and found out it was E. Coli!” –Kara, Emmanuel College

Tropical destinations like the Caribbean are a Mecca for stunning beaches, gorgeous people and unfortunately, food-borne illnesses. Getting sick on vacation is never fun, but when you’re in a foreign country it can become a total nightmare. Keep a few of these items with you to avoid a gastronomic catastrophe!

Purify your H2O

Places like Mexico are notorious for having poor water quality. Some resorts claim to have filtered water, but if you’re unsure, it’s always better to buy bottled water or bring along a filtered water bottle. And if you’re ordering a drink, make sure to get it without ice!

Stock up on medications

Finding medicine on vacation can be an expensive and challenging feat. Come prepared and pack a first aid kit with some basic medications. If you do get sick, it will save you from the hassle and possibly the hospital.

4. Feelin’ the burn

“I wasn’t even in Florida for 24 hours before I looked like a full-fledged lobster! And my beet-red appearance wasn’t even the worst of it. The sunburn made my skin so sensitive that I couldn’t be touched without flinching in pain. Oh well, there went my hopes for any spring break hookups!”- Jenny*, Emerson College

“I went to Phuket, Thailand with my friends and got a sunburn because I did not re-apply my sunscreen enough throughout the day. I was having too much fun with my friends at the pool, bar, and the beach. It was very painful and red!” - Crystal, Emerson College

Getting a tan is at the top of every collegiette’s spring break to-do list. But the quest for the perfect tan can often result in the incredibly painful (and much less attractive) sunburn. Manhattan dermatologist Eric Schweiger, M.D. says tan skin likely represents damaged skin and doesn’t recommend tanning. But that doesn’t mean you have to skip out on enjoying the sunshine completely! Here are some ways you can get your Vitamin D fix, without getting sunburned.

Accessorize

Nothing looks more beach-chic than a flirty cover-up paired with Jackie O shades and a wide-brimmed hat. And this look isn’t just glamorous, Dr. Schweiger says, “Sun-safe clothing and hats are excellent ways to prevent UV damage.”

Give yourself a break 

The sun is most powerful between 10am and 3pm. So after a couple of hours in the heat, head inside for a break. Being wary of how long you’re in the sun will reduce your chances of getting sunburned and you can always come out later for evening cocktails on the beach!

Moisturize, Baby!

If you do get sunburned, Dr Schweiger recommends using the over-the counter topical cream, hydrocortisone 1% to reduce swelling and redness. You can also soothe your skin by taking cold showers and applying a moisturizer that contains aloe vera.

Be patient

While we all want to become tan the moment our feet hit the sand, our skin simply doesn’t work that way. While it might seem like you’re not getting as tan as you hoped, remember to be patient. If you let your skin burn to a crisp, you’ll most likely peel without ever getting brown, and you’ll have to stay indoors the rest of your vacation. But by reapplying sunscreen (a 30 SPF or higher every two hours), you’re much more likely to get that sun-kissed glow.  

5. Intoxication overload

“My friends and I went to Cabo San Lucas and my one friend got a little too much sun and had a little too much to drink one day/night that the next night she was sick and had to stay in bed. She missed the best night when we went on a booze cruise!” Michelle, Emerson College

“It’s five o’clock somewhere” has become the unofficial motto of Spring Break. But while drinking definitely ranks high on the list of popular activities, having a few too many can ruin your entire vacation. By drinking responsibly, you can immerse yourself in the Spring Break experience, without suffering the next morning. According to NYC-based nutritionist and author, Cynthia Sass, “most women who drink 3-5 drinks will get a hangover.”  But she says that if you do get a hangover, the following foods and practices may lessen the headache, nausea and dehydration that stem from a night of heavy drinking.

Pace yourself

“Your liver can process about one drink an hour. One drink equals 12 oz of regular beer, 5 oz of wine or a 1.5 oz shot of liquor. Drinking no faster than that rate and drinking plenty of water with and between drinks may help prevent a hangover,” Sass says.

Snack attack

While we traditionally think of pancakes as classic hangover food, Sass says scrambled eggs are better. “Eggs contain two amino acids that go to work to help you feel better: taurine and cysteine. Taurine has been shown in studies to reverse liver damage caused by a night of heavy drinking and help the body flush out toxins more quickly.” She also recommends bananas or coconut water for a much-needed boost of electrolytes and potassium.

You’ve booked a hotel, bought your plane tickets, and done your safety research. Now it’s time for some well-deserved fun in the sun! By arriving prepared and staying aware, you are well on your way to creating a spring break that’s fun, fabulous, and most importantly, disaster-free!

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.)

National Security Adviser to Exit White House by the End of the Month

White House National Security Adviser Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster may be leaving his post at the end of the month, according to a White House official, CNN reports.

The administration official said that the general is not likely to return to the military and will most likely just retire as a three-star general.

According to CNN, two sources said that McMaster has talked with leadership at Hoover Institute about a position there upon his exit from the White House, but another source said that no deal had been finalized.

Michael Anton, National Security Council spokesman, dismissed the reports of McMaster's exit, telling CNN, “I was just with President Trump and H.R. McMaster in the Oval Office. President Trump said that the NBC News story is ‘fake news,’ and told McMaster that he is doing a great job.”

White House principal deputy press secretary Raj Shah commented on the matter, saying, “We frequently face rumor and innuendo about senior administration officials. There are no personnel announcements at this time.”

According to CNN, rumor regarding McMasters’ departure has been circulating for months as there has been tension with President Trump for months due to clashing on policy matters. A senior Republican source told CNN that Trump had privately expressed frustration with McMasters due to differences in “personality and style.”

McMasters allegedly stayed in his position due to the optics of appointing a third National Security Adviser in less a year, after the first National Security Adviser, Michael Flynn, resigned amid controversy over his contact with Russian officials shortly after taking the post, CNN reports.

Sen. Marco Rubio Outlines How He Plans to End Gun Violence

In a speech billed as “plan,” Sen. Marco Rubio outlined on Thursday what actions he plans to take to combat gun violence, ABC News reports.

Rubio, however, didn’t introduce any new legislation. Instead, the senator only outlined a list of existing and hypothetical bills that he would support, and urged his fellow senators to do the same, ABC News reports.

He said that he plans to support bills written by his colleagues, including the FIX NICS bill, which would strengthen the background check system and the Stop School Violence Act, which would increase security and training at schools and create school threat assessment and crisis intervention teams.

“Ultimately, there are things that we can do that have widespread bipartisan support that we can act on that we can pass that will actually make a difference. These are impactful things,” Rubio remarked.

Rubio said that he plans to introduce bills that establish gun violence restraining orders, propose changes to the Promise program to prioritize reporting dangerous to students and prosecute individuals who try to buy guns when they are prohibited from buying them, ABC News reports.

Given that the Parkland shooting was on February 14, Rubio was questioned about why he hadn’t introduced any of these measures yet. An aide, according to ABC News, said that Rubio had been spending the last two weeks with investigators, law enforcement, students and teachers and did not want to rush into filing or signing onto any legislation. His office also did not give a timeframe on when the senator plans to introduce these measures.

Rubio, however, did participate in a meeting on gun violence with President Trump and members of both parties in the House and Senate on Wednesday and said that the main causes that resulted in the Parkland shooting was the fact that multiple institutions knew about the shooter being a potential threat but were not communicating with one another, ABC News reports. He argued that the Stop School Violence Act would help to strengthen communication between schools and law enforcement.

Barack Obama's Photographer is Throwing Shade at President Trump Again

Barack Obama’s photographer, Pete Souza, has been known to criticize President Trump quite a bit on his Instagram account, particularly when Trump is in the news regarding something negative, Popsugar reports.

So, when Trump ended up in the news when he said that he would have run into the school if he were at the Parkland shooting, Souza took to Instagram to take a dig at Trump.

The former White House photographer shared a picture of Obama running up a flight of stairs, and paired it with quite a biting caption regarding Trump’s physical fitness.

“Back in the day when our President could run,” Souza captioned the picture.

Ouch! What a burn!

Souza is definitely the master of shade, and it looks like Trump will need some ice for this burn.

What to look out for…

The Oscars are this Sunday!

Jennifer Lawrence made an appearance on Watch What Happens Live where she played a game of Plead the Fifth. Going through a few lightning rounds with host Andy Cohen, Lawrence was given her most difficult proposition of the night — rank the Kardashians from favorite to least favorite.

“Oh god, I hate this,” Lawrence said, going on to label it the "Sophie’s Choice of challenges." But she was forced to respond because she had already used her plead the fifth to dodge another question about celebrity pet names.

Initially listing off Kendall, Khloé, Kim, and Kourtney, she had difficulty fitting in Kris, and wondered if Kanye West now counts as part of the clan, too. In the end, the Kardashian obsessed Lawrence settled on Kris Jenner as her top choice and "the rest, I guess they’re at the bottom.”

Lawrence has hung out with the Kardashians and Jenners before and it's not a secret that she loves them. As she said herself before interviewing Kim Kardashian for Jimmy Kimmel Live in November, “I have been obsessed with our first guest and her family for over a decade in a very, very healthy way."

Her shameless adoration for the Kardashians is nothing but hilarious, and it's hard not to identify with her struggle over ranking her favorite one.

Two individuals were fatally shot at Campbell Hall, a dorm at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Michigan on Friday. According to the university, the two shot were not students and there were no additional injuries. Police said they believe the shooting arose from a domestic situation. As of 10:43 am, the shooter was still at large and the campus was on lockdown.

According to The Mount Pleasant Morning Sun, the victims were the shooter’s parents.

At 10:23 am, the City of Mount Pleasant tweeted that the person of interest is a black male of nineteen years old wearing mustard yellow jeans and a blue hoodie. He is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached.

CMU was to begin spring break on Monday, so many parents were arriving on campus to pick up their kids. The university says that “those planning to come to campus today to pick up students for spring break should stay off campus until further notice.” They are asked instead to go to a nearby Comfort Inn.The Morning Sun reports that all schools in Isabella County are in lockdown and that a helicopter is on campus to help with the search. Agents from the FBI are also reportedly on their way.

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder tweeted that he is contact with the police: “The priority right now is the safety of those still on campus and I thank all first responders involved for their swift action.”

No one wants to be taken advantage of, especially at an internship. You work incredibly hard and know you’re gaining valuable insight into your potential career field. As people with little experience in the workforce, interns often jump at the chance to overwork. However, regardless of your position, you must make taking care of yourself a number one priority. Here are five signs your internship supervisor is taking advantage of you.

1. Your supervisor expects you to stay late

Working extra hours or shifts to meet a crucial deadline is normal, but if it becomes a regular occurrence, politely mention it to your supervisor, and request to be informed if this will happen again. If it does, remind them of the terms and hours you agreed upon when you started your internship, and say you cannot work overtime. Tasha Summer, a junior at George Mason University, says, “From day one of my internship, I was expected to stay after hours and finish work that other employees didn’t get to. After the fifth day, I spoke to my supervisor and let him know I was just as valuable as the other employees, and I should be given the same respect. Your time is valuable, do not let anyone take that away from you.” Take this advice to heart, and don’t be afraid to speak up.

2. You run too many errands

While the stereotype of interns retrieving coffee and mail may seem expected, there is a limit to how many errands you should be running. If the errands seem more personal, such as picking up dry cleaning and constantly running out for coffee for your supervisor, you may want to bring the issue to his or her attention. If you’re worried about a face-to-face conversation, send an email asking to discuss the issue. That way your supervisor will already be aware of your concern. Also, if you’re expected to use your own car to run errands, you should expect to receive compensation for the gas you use. Your time is valuable, and even though you’re only an intern, you should be respected like an employee.

Hannah Smith, a senior at NC State University, notes, “My first internship in college involved me driving to local businesses delivering promotional material for the company I was interning for. I assumed I would receive compensation for the gas I was using, but when I brought it up to my boss, she said they wouldn’t reimburse me. I quit the next day. I knew my internship was giving me great experience for my resume, but I now value myself and my time equally.” Learning this lesson the hard way is sometimes the best work experience you give yourself.

Related: 6 Common Misconceptions About Internships

3. Your supervisor doesn’t follow through

One of the best parts about being an intern is gaining experience and insight into a possible career field. Your internship supervisor should be providing quality feedback and insight into your work. You should expect routine check-ins, and feedback when you request it. Career counselor and career builder, Debbie Baker says, “Any internship should be treated as a learning experience. If your internship advisor is not teaching you, you have to step up to the plate and ask for more guidance. Sometimes you land a great internship and your advisor is there with you every step of the way and other times you have to work a little harder. That’s the reality of any office. Either way, your internship advisor should be following up and checking in regularly, just like any boss would.” You landed the internship, therefore, you’re qualified. Don’t hesitate to ask.

4. You’re completing the same task another employee is being paid to complete

While many internships are launching pads for a career at the same company, you should not be expected to complete the same volume of work that another employee is doing, for no compensation. While many internships require you to complete the same level of work actual employees complete, this is not your sole job, so be sure the hours you’re putting in are what you agreed upon. Your internship should give you valuable insight and hands-on experience, and ultimately benefit you and your future career.

5. You’re not included in team outings

As an intern, you are a valued member of the team, and you should be included in team functions. While some functions are for employees only, you should be allowed to enjoy getting out of the office with your department. These outings will give you opportunities to network on a new level with your colleagues and learn more about the company in a more relaxed setting. Sarah Bartee, a senior at Baylor University, states, “During one of my internships, my department would have Friday lunches out of the office. I was never invited and expected to eat and work through lunch at my desk. I found if very degrading and often times was assigned work that I needed to ask the very people eating out for lunch could only answer. So, it was a complete waste of time. After weeks of this, I casually asked my supervisor if I could join them for lunch on Friday, and much to my surprise he said, “Absolutely!”  Sometimes, all it takes is just asking for what you want!” While you may not always get the response you want, it’s important to stick your neck out there and go for what you want.

Internships can give you incredible work experience, a foot in the door and help you make connections. However, if your internship advisor is making it a regular routine to commit any of these five signs, you might want to reevaluate your internship and have an open conversation with your supervisor. Good luck, collegiettes!

Tinder wants interracial couple emojis, and they want them now! While emojis have certainly evolved over time, with same-sex emojis and diverse skin tones hitting our keyboards in 2015, Tinder is seriously shook by the complete lack of interracial couple emojis. Enter the Interracial Couple Emoji Project, a project created by Tinder to #RepresentLove.

Intrigued by a recent study that suggested the Tinder app and other dating apps that followed have contributed to an increase of interracial marriages, Tinder decided to conduct their own study, according to the project's website. Their Global Tinder Survey on Interracial Relationships found that 61 percent of respondents are "very open" to the idea of interracial dating and marriage, and 52 percent of respondents believe that interracial couples are very underrepresented in social media expressions such as emojis.

From all the facts and figures, Tinder concludes that online dating broadens your horizons and social network and opens people to new experiences, which explains the increase in interracial relationships. BuzzFeed News reports that "more than 4,000 people ages 24 to 45, carried out by marketing analytics firm Morar HPI, 72 percent of people who used dating apps thought Tinder was the most diverse app." 

So now that it's clear that Tinder users "swipe right on diversity," Tinder wanted to do something about it. The project includes a video surrounding the hashtag "represent love," as well as a Change.org petition that calls for 15,000 signatures. The petition's description poses the thought, "Isn’t it time all love was represented?"

Let's be real: Emojis are an incredible part of today's culture, so how awesome would it be to see interracial couples get the representation they deserve? Although Tinder warns that the process of getting proposed emojis approved can take up to two years, you gotta start somewhere, right?

Here's some #GirlPower news to get you hyped: Kerry Washington is teaming up with Reese Witherspoon to star in and executive produce a limited series adaptation of Celeste Ng's best-selling novel, Little Fires Everywhere.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Witherspoon's company, Hello Sunshine, snatched up the rights to Little Fires Everywhere shortly after its publication last year, and brought it to ABC Signature Studios topper Tracy Underwood. The TV series has yet to find a home, though several premium cable networks and streaming outlets are bidding on the project. The show will be produced by ABC Signature Studios, the cable-focused arm of ABC studios.

Little Fires Everywhere follows the events that unfold when a custody battle erupts over the controversial adoption of a Chinese-American baby divides the wealthy town of Shaker Heights, Ohio — and friends Elena and Mia. According to Ng's website, Little Fires Everywhere "explores the weight of secrets, the nature of art and identity, and the ferocious pull of motherhood — and the danger of believing that following the rules can avert disaster."

I don't know about you, but I am really looking forward to seeing Little Fires Everywhere on screen, and I am SO excited to see these two powerful women together on TV.

SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

Letitia Wright may play Shuri in the record-breaking film Black Panther, but word on the street is Amandla Stenberg was in the pool of actresses up for the role. At the time, Stenberg decided it'd be best to step away from the opportunity. And her reasoning is one of the most applaud-worthy, respectful, genuine, mindful and necessary rationales.

The 19-year old The Hate U Give actress revealed that she stood a good chance of being Shuri in the film, but taking it just "didn't feel right." 

"I was in the audition process for it, then I decided to not continue with the process because I thought that it wouldn't be right for me as a biracial, light-skinned American to be playing [the role]," Stenberg told ESSENCE. "I don't think visually it [would've] make sense and it wasn't appropriate for me to go after that role. Black Panther is one of the only films that we have that has darker-skinned representation. That's what was so beautiful about it." Dang, girl. I love how real this response is.

When you think about it, her response makes sense. A study found that dark-skinned actors and actresses have a harder time getting the lead roles in films.

Praise has been rolling in for Stenberg since she shared her decision to back out of the role.

We couldn't be prouder to see someone so young take such important action. Bravo, Amandla!

College is a fun four (sometimes more) years. It’s an opportunity to take classes you don’t know anything about, find out what you’re really good at and meet new people. Sometimes, though, those four-ish years can become overwhelming- especially trying to balance a full course load and evolving social life.

However, in an atmosphere that encourages going out, it’s hard to say no sometimes. Who wants to pass on a night out with friends, even if it means a night of really heavy drinking that you might not even be up for? Hannah, a University of Michigan sophomore, noticed this drinking culture over the past year and decided to change her habits. “It's easy to get caught up in campus culture, and a lot of the time, drinking isn't even really something you want or intend to do. It just happens on weekends because you go with the current,” she says. Realistically, going out can be a huge part of college, but those nights can start to add up and affect much more than just your caloric intake for the night.

According to Dr. Roy Stefanik, a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Georgetown University School of Medicine, overdrinking consistently “can damage the tissue lining to your stomach and cause liver damage.” Long term drinking causes more than just physical damage, though. “Emotionally, alcohol can significantly worsen depression or bipolar disorder. If you are prone to mood swings or impulsivity, it can make it much worse, as well as contribute to poor judgement and irritability,” says Dr. Stefanik. Mental and physical health aside, constantly drinking too much can also cause problems in your relationships and overall productivity, too.

If you have found yourself over drinking as part of your going out routine, it might be time to consider minimizing your consumption or seeking additional help. Here are signs that your drinking may require attention.

1. Apologizing to friends after a night out

Dr. Stefanik notes aggressive or uncharacteristic behavior while drinking as a possible indicator one is drinking too much or too consistently. So, if you often find yourself apologizing to your friends, parents or siblings after a night out that may be a sign your drinking has become unmanageable.

2. Using alcohol as an eye opener

Dr. Ellen J. Mangin, an internal medicine specialist at Abington Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, notes that using alcohol as an eye opener can be a warning sign of alcohol abuse. “You often see this in patients who wake up, and drink alcohol first thing,” says Dr. Mangin. One way this sign may present itself is by having a drink to calm your nerves or drinking after a night out to control your hangover.

3. Self medicating with alcohol

Another subtle sign of alcohol abuse that is often seen with college students is self medication. According to Dr. Mangin, patients often do this so they are able to function. “We find a lot of people who have a dual diagnosis, where they have an underlying depression or bipolar or anxiety, using alcohol as a tool to manage their symptoms,” says Dr. Mangin. Although this may seem to be helping, it’s actually worsening your symptoms.

4. Getting into legal trouble as a result of over drinking

In addition to arrests for underage drinking and disorderly conduct, which are two of the most common reasons college students are arrested, DUI’s are also common on college campuses. All of these cases will likely affect your college standing and future, and may also injure others as well. If you have found yourself in legal trouble after over drinking, it could be the result of a one-time incident, or it may be a sign that there is an underlying problem. 

5. Not remembering parts of the night

“Blacking out,” or not remembering parts of the night can seriously affect your mental capabilities. In fact, in recurring cases, over drinkers’ mental functioning can be affected through “tremors, seizures, weight loss or gain and altered sensorium (reaction time),” says Dr. Mangin. You don't need to over drink to have a good night. Try incorporating a two drink maximum next time you go out instead.

If you checked “yes” to more than one of these signs of a possible reliance on drinking, a sober semester might be the right option for you. Stefanik also recommends “reducing your academic load at your current school or taking a job for the semester, which may promote structure for your day while you obtain care.” However, if you really feel like you’ve lost control, Dr. Stefanik suggests attending a community college closer to home so you are near a support system.

Making the decision to forego alcohol for a semester, even though you know it is the right step, may require changing your lifestyle. For example, finding a new hobby or making new friends that share your mindset will keep you on track.

Before taking the leap, Dr. Stefanik suggests getting evaluated by a mental health provider either through the school counseling center, a private practitioner or the community mental health center. “Many colleges have Alcoholics Anonymous groups (AA) on campus that support sobriety,” Dr. Stefanik says.

At the end of the day, being honest with yourself about your drinking is the first step to taking control of the college drinking atmosphere. It may end up that setting a maximum drink quantity, or limiting the amount of nights you go out, works. If not, there are other options for you and people to help you get control of your life back.

If you are concerned about your drinking or a friend’s drinking, find out more about the Alcoholics Anonymous near you.