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HC Wake-Up Call: The House of Reps. Passes Law on Concealed Carry Reciprocity, White House Officials Say Jerusalem Decision ‘Derails’ Peace & Starbucks Introduces Christmas Tree Frappuccino

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 House of Representatives Passes Bill on Looser Gun Regulations

CNN reports that the House of Representatives approved a bill on Wednesday called “concealed carry reciprocity,” allowing those with permits to have concealed weapons to travel with said weapons to other states. The freedom to do has reportedly been a strong goal for the National Rifle Association (NRA).

While Republican Rep. Doug Collins of Georgia said that his right to bear arms shouldn’t “be undermined simply because I travel to another state,” the politician representing Newtown, Connecticut, understandably felt differently. Democratic Rep. Elizabeth Esty called the legislation “an outrage and an insult” to families of gun violence victims.

White House Officials Admit That Trump’s Jerusalem Decision Affects Road to Peace

Following President Trump’s controversial decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, two White House officials have admitted that the choice has stalled the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. “We’re prepared for derailment—temporary, I hope,” said an official. “Pretty sure it will be temporary.”

The officials also confirmed that Trump’s peace team hasn’t spoken with Palestinian officials since the news broke. “In terms of a moment where [the announcement] could happen, where it could be the least disruptive at a moment in time, this is the moment,” the other official said. “We know there will be some short term pain, but think it will help in the long run.”

Starbucks Is Making Yet Another New Holiday Drink

Beginning today, Starbucks is bringing us another new addition to the family of holiday drinks. This time, we have the Christmas Tree Frappuccino to look forward to. Forming a base from the Peppermint Mocha Creme Frappuccino blend, the drink will also include a matcha whipped cream serving as the tree and candied cranberry, caramel drizzle and a freeze-dried strawberry as the ornaments, tinsel and star. Unlike regular seasonal drinks, this special concoction will only stay in stores until Dec. 11, so if you’re one of those lazy people that doesn’t get their Christmas tree out until the last minute, maybe trying this drink out can be your motivation!

What to look out for…

Today is National Cotton Candy Day, and I know no better way to embrace your inner child as we get closer to the weekend. While the sugary treat is a little hard to track down if you’re not at the circus or a carnival, you can always attempt making your own!

Kristen Perrone is a Siena College Class of 2018 alumna. She studied English during her time at Siena.