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.)
Out of All the Places They Will Go, Dr. Seuss Books Won't Go to This School Library
To celebrate National Read a Book Day earlier this month, First Lady Melania Trump sent a box of Dr. Seuss books to a school in each state that had a reputation of educational excellence. Boston-based school librarian Liz Phipps Soeiro wasn't pleased with the gift, calling the choice of Dr. Seuss "cliche" and disapproving of the books because their illustrations are "steeped in racist propaganda, caricatures and harmful stereotypes."
In a blog post, Soeiro also recommended children's books that focused on gender and racial inclusion, telling the First Lady that she should have sent books to "underfunded and underprivileged communities" rather than thriving ones. The First Lady's office responded to the remarks, saying, "Turning the gesture of sending young school children books into something divisive is unfortunate, but the First Lady remains committed to her efforts on behalf of children everywhere."
#HBFamilyReading: "Dear Mrs. Trump": @reflectlibrary says, Thanks but no thanks to the First Lady + Dr. Seuss... https://t.co/98SUPkjUN6pic.twitter.com/3t6U6vvwPI
— The Horn Book (@HornBook) September 26, 2017
Russia Warns the United States to Back Away From Its Media
In case anyone was wondering, Russia definitely won't like it if the United States takes any hits at its media outlets, specifically the government-funded television network RT. CNN reports that Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova released a statement warning of Russian retaliation if the U.S. tried to weaken these news sources.
"When it comes down to a fight with no rules, when the law is twisted and turned into an instrument for the destruction of a TV company, every step against a Russian media outlet will be met with a corresponding response," Zakharova said at a weekly briefing.
This warning follows RT's claims that it received a letter from the U.S. Department of Justice saying that RT is obligated to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, because of its ties to RT America. Zakharova is reported to have described the request as leading to "restrictions on the freedom of speech."
The #Kremlin threatens retaliation if RT is forced to register under FARA, which #Russia claims would impact its editorial choices. pic.twitter.com/WYeUW9mFGD
— Julia Davis (@JuliaDavisNews) September 28, 2017
Keep Calm, but Vodka Ice Cream Is Now a Thing
In a move you didn't even realize you needed until now, the Baltimore-based company Arctic Buzz has announced that it has created an entire line of ice cream flavors that include vodka in them. Producing Cookies & Cream, Key Lime Pie, Raspberry, Coconut, Vanilla and Chocolate, Arctic Buzz has varied alcohol content levels in each flavor (coconut has the highest amount, btw). The ice cream is only being sold at Maryland liquor stores, so you might want to plan a road trip to snag yourself some!
What to look out for...
Today is easily one of the greatest days of the year: National Coffee Day! Check out the list of where and how to get your free cup of coffee this morning to celebrate the start of the weekend.