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.)
The Minimum Wage Will Increase in 18 States on New Year’s Day
The Huffington Post reports that, starting today, minimum wage workers in 18 states will see a pay increase. While the federal minimum wage will remain at $7.25 per hour, these states are taking manners into their own hands and implementing minor increases. Some of the states even have laws requiring that the wage changes each year due to an inflation index. The wage increases range from $.04 to $1.00 among the 18 states.
Tomorrow, 18 states will increase their minimum wage. https://t.co/cymSyDUd2N #RaiseTheWage pic.twitter.com/DQKODmn7Nd
— Economic Policy Institute (@EconomicPolicy) December 31, 2017
UN Secretary-General Issues a ‘Red Alert’ for the World
In his New Year message, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a “red alert for our world,” calling for unity in the face of increasing global conflicts. Guterres said in the message, “On New Year’s Day 2018 I am not issuing an appeal, I am issuing an alert—a red alert for our world. As we begin 2018, I call for unity…We can settle conflicts, overcome hatred and defend shared values. But we can only do that together.”
Guterres, who started in his position in January 2017, encouraged worldwide leaders to make the same change and “rebuild trust by bringing people together around common goals.”
McDonald’s Is Bringing Back Its Buttermilk Crispy Tenders
I’m usually able to stay away from fast food, but every now and then the cravings hit me and I’m on line at the McDonald’s drive-thru. Although it’s tempting to start off 2018 healthily, those plans may have to be delayed. McDonald’s buttermilk crispy tenders are officially back in stores after totally selling out in the fall. When we were forced to experience this drought of crispy tenders, the chain promised the choice would be back by Dec. 28. Sometimes promises do hold true!
The #ButtermilkCrispyTenders that you love so much have returned! And guess who’s excited about having their free time back? pic.twitter.com/2CJhkZdxqV
— McDonald’s (@McDonalds) December 28, 2017
What to look out for…
Today’s the day we’ve been waiting for with bated breath: the premiere of Arie Luyendyk Jr.’s season of The Bachelor. Whether you’re an OG fan who watched Arie on The Bachelorette or if you’re still figuring out who he is, this season ought to be a perfect balance between being a trainwreck and genuinely (a little) sweet. The show premieres at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.