Tensions Flare

Netanyahu leaves the White House confused. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( March 26, 2024 Good morning. We’ll start off in international relations — particularly, why they’re a little tense between the U.S. and Israel right now. Then, we’ve got a closer look at the brewing mutiny inside NBC. On the lighter side, we’re sharing [a heartwarming story Footloose fans will love](, [grandparenting advice from the Wake-Up Call community](, and [a way to reframe infidelity](. Let’s begin.   In the News [Joe Biden and Bejamin Netanyah]( Getty Images Tensions Flare The relationship between President Biden and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is more strained than ever after the U.S. paved the way for a U.N. resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza. Here’s more: The details: After four failed attempts, the U.N. Security Council on Monday adopted a measure demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan and an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. The U.S., which vetoed previous ceasefire attempts, abstained from the vote, allowing it to pass. The backlash: Netanyahu objected, saying the ceasefire wasn’t conditional on the release of the hostages. He demanded the U.S. use its veto or else he’d cancel an upcoming delegation visit to Washington to discuss alternatives to Israel’s planned operation in Rafah. When the U.S. abstained, Netanyahu bailed on the meeting. The tension: White House spokesperson John Kirby insisted the abstention “does not represent a shift in our policy,” adding that the administration was "kind of perplexed" by Netanyahu's decision. This disconnect comes at a delicate time, as Israel says it needs to invade Rafah to defeat Hamas. VP Kamala Harris said this “would be a huge mistake,” and that she wouldn’t rule out consequences if Israel did invade.   More Stories [Trump making a first on a street in New York]( Getty images Trump legal latest: Donald Trump appeared in court yesterday for a hearing ahead of his [hush money trial](. His lawyers failed to persuade the judge to delay the start of the trial, which is now set to begin April 15 — and Trump [told a bizarre story]( about the New York Stock Exchange. Elsewhere, a state appeals court cut the bond in his civil fraud case from $464 million to $175 million, due within the next 10 days. Breaking: The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed in the early hours of this morning after a large ship collided with it. Several cars have fallen into the Patapsco River, and rescuers are looking for at least twenty people. Officials say the collapse is a "mass casualty, multi-agency incident." Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott made his way to the site just after 4am ET. U.S. news: Homes belonging to Sean "Diddy" Combs were raided by Homeland Security yesterday. A source who spoke to CNN said the rap star is a target of an investigation by a team that specializes in human trafficking. Meanwhile, Rebel Wilson claims that Sacha Baron Cohen is trying to halt the release of her forthcoming memoir, Rebel Rising. The pair both starred in The Brothers Grimsby in 2016. Sports: Caitlin Clark set the women’s record for points in a single season with 1,113 points as the Iowa Hawkeyes fended off West Virginia to win in the second round of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament. Meanwhile, Nebraska guard Keisei Tominaga said emotion should be "celebrated" after going viral for crying when his Cornhuskers lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.   On the Record NBC News is facing a public mutiny with its on-air talent over the hiring of former RNC chair and 2020 election denier Ronna McDaniel as a political analyst. In [his newsletter The Warning](, political commentator Steve Schmidt offers harsh but interesting insight into why critics are so upset about the network’s decision: "To lead global news coverage from a desk in New York City to tell the American people what is happening upon the occasion of the darkest hours... is a great responsibility and a profound public trust. This is why the vapid, dishonest disgrace [who] stayed silent and indifferent as the chairwoman of the third oldest political party in the world when Trump promised to release scores of violent felons who staged a coup should never appear on television with a serious NBC journalist as a colleague."   Must-Reads [Kevin Bacon]( Surprise! Kevin Bacon is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Footloose in a big way — and the sweet reveal is one you don't want to miss. [Read More »]( [open skull with mushrooms coming out of the head]( First-Person Amidst the rise in using unconventional drugs to treat mental illness, one writer took magic mushrooms to help with her PTSD. [Read More »]( [1950s era cartoon of woman catching a man cheating]( Silver Linings Playbook Infidelity is a dealbreaker for many couples. If you do choose to work through it, experts say there can be some benefits. [Read More »](   Photo of the Day [Diana Ross] Getty Images Music legend Diana Ross, seen here looking unbelievably fabulous during a 1965 shopping spree in New York City, turns 80 today! Her legendary career spans her work with The Supremes, the music she made as a solo artist, and film roles including Lady Sings the Blues and Mahogany — and she's still at it. Katie Couric Media's features director Ryan Buxton saw Ross perform live last month in Austin, TX, and it was unforgettable. "Diana mentioned her 80th birthday during the show," he remembers, "and she said she wanted to turn the 8 on its side so it became an infinity symbol, and then she’d never have to stop performing." We can dream!   Extra Credit Words of wisdom: As you may have heard, I'm officially a grandma! I wanted some advice as I navigate this new stage, so I turned to you Wake-Up Callers for [how grandparents can best support their kids](. Out of office: Be honest, are your vacations completely free from work and distractions back home? If not, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Here’s [how to truly unplug]( and relax in your off-time. Sole searching: White tennis shoes pair perfectly with all your spring garb, from dresses to athleisure. We combed through a plethora of online options to bring you [the best and comfiest sneakers](.   Hole In One Interested in a little fore-play? Kate Spade just launched [a super cute golf-inspired collection](. Get ready to show off your style at the clubhouse with subtle gingham accessories and bold, whimsical designs alike. [Kate spade windmill purse, golf purse, and white loafers with golf designs on them]( [SHOP HERE](   One More Thing [A bird floating in the water and staring at the camera, with a snowy mountain in the background]( Cristina Mittermeier We're all thinking a lot these days about how to preserve our planet, but sadly, it's not often that this conversation is a positive one. That's why we're so excited about the next issue of our newsletter Ripple Effect — when it hits inboxes later today, photographer and activist Cristina Mittermeier will share the fantastic story of a major environmental victory that's good news for us all. [Subscribe here]( so you don't miss it! [SIGN UP FOR FREE](   [Good Taste by Katie Couric Media]( Thank you 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! 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