In Limbo

Texas's immigration showdown heats up. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( [Wake-Up Call] [by Katie Couric Media] March 21, 2024 Good morning. We’ll start with celeb news: We're [decoding Richard Simmons's slightly confusing health updates]( and sharing [a potentially major Golden Bachelorette clue](. In politics, we’re examining [the high-profile Republicans who’ve denounced Donald Trump]( and unpacking the legal whiplash surrounding a controversial Texas immigration bill — plus, I asked an expert to [break down this issue’s long, complex history](. Thanks for waking up with us.   In the News [crowd of migrants surges against barbed wire as guards stand on the other side]( Getty Images Confusion at the Border The controversial immigration bill SB4 was frozen by a trio of Texas judges. Now, law enforcement officers and migrants alike are in limbo until the final verdict comes down. A lengthy battle: Texas lawmakers approved SB4, which empowers police to arrest and deport migrants suspected of entering the country illegally, in 2023. It was supposed to go into effect this month, but a series of appeals and emergency filing requests froze the bill until courts could decide its constitutionality. Back and forth: Earlier this week, the Supreme Court allowed Texas to enforce SB4 — but hours later, a panel of judges from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit halted it again. They heard arguments yesterday, and are yet to hand down a judgment. Rising tension: As the legal debate becomes more intense, so does the border crisis. U.S. border crossings are at an all-time high: an average of 300,000 per month this year. Biden and Trump have made it a top campaigning issue for the election. Migration is top of mind for voters, so I turned to Theresa Cardinal Brown, director of immigration policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, [to make sense of these thorny issues.]( [WATCH THE CONVERSATION]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dvbr9wmMdA0c   More Stories [Blinken gets out of car surrounded by men in suits]( Getty Images World news: Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the U.S. has submitted a draft resolution to the United Nations calling "for an immediate ceasefire" in Gaza "tied to the release" of hostages held by Hamas. Meanwhile, the U.N. General Assembly will vote today on what would be its first resolution on artificial intelligence, aiming to ensure emerging tech remains “safe, secure and trustworthy.” Breaking: Lawmakers unveiled a $1.2 trillion funding package this morning. They have until tomorrow night to pass the legislation and avoid a government shutdown that would affect the departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and Education, among others. House GOP rules stipulate that members have 72 hours to review a bill's text before voting, but that requirement could be waived in theory. Criminal justice: A fourth former Mississippi sheriff’s deputy has been sentenced for his role in the torture of two Black men by a group of racist white officers self-titled “the Goon Squad.” The judge sentenced Christian Dedmon to 40 years, saying he committed the most “shocking, brutal and cruel acts imaginable.” Meanwhile, a manhunt is underway in Ohio, where an inmate escaped custody during a planned ambush at a Boise area hospital. Sports: The Los Angeles Dodgers have fired Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter Ippei Mizuhara amid "massive theft" allegations. Mizuhara is accused of using Ohtani’s money to pay off gambling debts incurred with an illegal bookmaker. According to ESPN, the wire transfers totaled at least $4.5 million.   Must-Reads [Donald Trump stands with his hands clasped]( Breaking Rank Donald Trump's kept a tight grip on the Republican Party — but here are some prominent GOP members who don't support him. [Read More »]( [Person in white hazmat suit spraying crops with pesticides]( Eat Clean The annual “dirty dozen” list of the produce with the most pesticides is out. We’ve got a look at the worst offenders. [Read More »]( [Richard Simmons clasps his hands in a prayer motion]( Words of Warning Richard Simmons opens up in an emotional social media post about grappling with a cancer diagnosis — and shares his advice for others. [Read More »](   Hair Shedding During Menopause [Nutrafol Women's Balance]( Nutrafol Dealing with straggly strands during menopause? Our partners at Nutrafol understand why: "Aging introduces hormonal, dietary, lifestyle, and environmental changes that can impact hair shedding," says Dr. Brianna Diorio, Director of Product and Education. "These variables can result in less hair growth activity, hair thinning, and hair density decline." The [Nutrafol Women’s Balance hair growth supplement]( utilizes high-quality, clinically tested ingredients to target key root causes of this issue before, during, and after menopause, with reports of improved growth in 3-6 months. [LEARN MORE](   Extra Credit [The ladies of the Golden Bachelor in black gowns]( ABC/Ricky Middlesworth Rose and thorn: Who will be the Golden Bachelorette? It looks like we just got a big clue as to [who it won't be]( — read on for our insight. Real talk: Can't get enough of the new Apple TV+ miniseries, Palm Royale? We spoke Laura Dern one of the show's stars, about what drew her to this story and [her advice for anyone with aging parents](. Round of applause: We're all about longevity at Katie Couric Media — and that includes professional longevity, too. That's why we're so thrilled to congratulate our friend Kevin Conroy on his 15th anniversary as CEO of Exact Sciences! [Our collaboration with this groundbreaking team]( has been so fulfilling that we're not surprised the company was just certified as a Great Place to Work for the fifth year in a row. Here's to all the fruitful innovations still ahead in Kevin's tenure!   Pucker Up [Nutrafol Women's Balancered lipsticks on periwinkle background]( Merit Beauty The brand-new matte lipstick from our partners at Merit is soft and lightweight enough that you'll forget you're wearing it — but you'll definitely be reminded when you get compliments on [one of these eight stunning shades](. In addition to looking fabulous, they're made with hyaluronic acid and sesame seed extract to plump and moisturize your lips for long-lasting comfort. If you ask us, that's something to smile about. [SHOP HERE](   One More Thing New product drops tend to come with full prices, but not at Saks! They're giving you [25% off new arrivals]( — that includes everything from [a classic Barbour jacket]( to [cozy Barefoot Dreams throws]( and [Michael Kors flats]( — all on sale.   [Ripple Effect by Katie Couric Media]( Thanks for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you have questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! [Alternate text] Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2023 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.