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 Administration Bans CDC From Using Words Such as ‘Transgender’ & ‘Science-Based’
CNN reports that, according to The Washington Post, the Trump administration has ordered officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stop using certain words in 2018 budget documents. The seven banned words include “diversity,” fetus,” transgender,” “vulnerable,” “entitlement,” “science-based” and “evidence-based.” Officials apparently provided some alternative word choices, but this change leaves many medical scenarios that CDC workers could struggle to describe without certain words. Plus, including “transgender” in the list of forbidden words could be interpreted as refusing to acknowledge an entire group of humans.
“The assertion that HHS has ‘banned words’ is a complete mischaracterization of discussions regarding the budget formulation process,” said Health and Human Services spokesman Matt Lloyd. “HHS will continue to use the best scientific evidence available to improve the health of all Americans. HHS also strongly encourages the use of outcome and evidence data in program evaluations and budget decisions.”
Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald, CDC director, addressed the list on Twitter, saying, “You may be understandably concerned about recent media reports alleging that CDC is banned from using certain words in budget documents. I want to assure you that CDC remains committed to our public health mission as a science- and evidence-based institution.”
CDC has a long-standing history of making public health and budget decisions that are based on the best available science and data and for the benefit of all people—and we will continue to do so.
— Dr Brenda Fitzgerald (@CDCDirector) December 17, 2017
Power Outage at Atlanta Airport Has Left Thousands Stranded
After a power outage occurred at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, which is reportedly the world’s busiest airport, thousands of passengers are now stranded. CNN reports that on Sunday morning, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop for flights to Atlanta, which meant those planes were remaining at their departure points. As of Sunday afternoon, crews are currently trying to find the cause of the outage, which could largely affect domestic and international air travel this week.
The FAA has set a ground stop for flights into #ATL due to the outage. A ground stop means flights to ATL are held at departure airports.
— Atlanta Airport (@ATLairport) December 17, 2017
Unicorn Cereal Is Coming to the United States
Yes, you read that right. Kellogg’s is planning to revamp its classic Froot Loop recipe and debut it as a limited edition Unicorn Cereal treat. Arriving in the States in March 2018, the cereal will first hit Manhattan’s all-cereal cafe Kellogg’s NYC, where customers will find red, blue and purple Froot Loop pieces with white “crunchlets” and a “magic cupcake” taste. The colorful breakfast initially launched in the U.K., where the cereal appeared in pastel-colored tones. I’ve never been a Froot Loops fan, but this will totally make some very gray mornings a little brighter.
Unicorn Cereal has been spotted at @KelloggsNYC and it will be coming to supermarkets near you in 2018: https://t.co/yLlvowGRqj pic.twitter.com/qsUuM0crxH
— Genius Kitchen (@geniuskitchen) December 15, 2017
What to look out for…
Today is Bake Cookies Day, aka the perfect opportunity for you to get a head start on your holiday baking. Bake a batch for your family Christmas dinner, your coworkers’ holiday celebration or even plan ahead and decide what to make for your squad’s New Year’s Eve party!