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.)
A Woman Will Replace Al Franken in the U.S. Senate
Immediately after being named as Al Franken‘s temporary replacement in the United States Senate, Minnesota’s Lt. Gov. Tina Smith announced that she would also run for the position next fall, The New York Times reports. The 2018 election will focus on who represents the state for the remaining two years in Franken’s unfinished term. While many Minnesota residents are obviously pleased that a woman replaced Franken, who left office amidst sexual harassment allegations, they are also concerned that Smith is not a big enough name to win the future election for the Democrats.
Although she has time to improve others’ recognition of her, Smith powerfully summed up why the current climate of political, film and sports industries, among others, is important, saying, “I think in some ways, this sea change is being led by young women who tell women of my generation that maybe some of the things we put up with during our lives we shouldn’t have to put up with.”
NEW: MN Gov. Mark Dayton announces appointment of Lt. Gov. Tina Smith to replace Sen. Al Franken. “She will be a senator of whom all Minnesotans can be proud.” https://t.co/CFdzczE0fE pic.twitter.com/i13gQElyKn
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) December 13, 2017
PBS Host Tavis Smiley Is Suspended After Sexual Misconduct Allegations
CNN reports that PBS has suspended its distribution of the show Tavis Smiley after the titular host has found himself at the center of “troubling allegations.” Smiley has run his interview show on the network since 2004, often covering social justice topics, but as PBS does not produce his show, he doesn’t actually work for the public television network.
“The inquiry uncovered multiple, credible allegations of conduct that is inconsistent with the values and standards of PBS, and the totality of this information led to today’s decision,” a statement from PBS said.
No further details about the accusations against Smiley were shared, other than the investigation including interviews with witnesses.
“This investigation included interviews with witnesses as well as with Mr. Smiley,” a PBS spokeswoman told PBS NewsHour. https://t.co/6v7KU9O7ka
— NPR (@NPR) December 14, 2017
Your Favorite Girl Scout Cookie Flavor Will Now Be Available in Yogurts
I may have traumatic memories from the pressure of selling Girl Scout Cookies, but I love nothing more than a Thin Mint or a Samoa cookie. Now, we could possibly indulge in these special flavors all year round. Yoplait has announced that it will debut three new flavors inspired by the most popular Girl Scout cookies. Thin Mints, Peanut Butter Chocolate (Tagalongs) and Caramel Coconut (Samoas) yogurts will permanently join the brand this month, with Thin Mints and Peanut Butter Chocolate coming in the whipped, mousse-like formula and Caramel Coconut appearing as a regular yogurt. Sign me up for a dozen!
.@Yoplait is making all your dreams come true with new Girl Scout cookie yogurt! https://t.co/h0hSBDpNpz
— POPSUGAR Moms (@POPSUGARMoms) December 14, 2017
What to look out for…
I don’t mind wacky-sounding holiday if they’re an excuse to celebrate Christmas a little earlier, and seeing as today is Roast Chestnuts Day, I’m taking the time to play my favorite versions of the “The Christmas Song” and find an actual fireplace. After all, I have to celebrate by having chestnuts roasting on an open fire, right?