Change of Heart

Mike Johnson's departure from hardline Republicans. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( April 22, 2024 The House passed a major foreign aid package — we've got more on the bipartisan effort and [why it could cost Speaker Mike Johnson his job](. We've also got the latest on Israel’s strike in Rafah. In health, we explore [the link between microplastics and heart disease](. Then, for Earth Day, we’ve got [a guide to sustainable spring cleaning]( — and be sure to [sign up for Ripple Effect]( for the latest environmental news. All that, plus [a flavorful, Passover-friendly breakfast,]( right here.   In the News [House Speaker Mike Johnson]( Getty Images Change of Heart Speaker Mike Johnson risked his job to push through a $95 billion foreign aid package despite fierce opposition from ultraconservative Republicans. On Saturday, the House passed a series of separate bills to send funds to Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific. Less than 24 hours later, GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene vowed to remove Johnson from the speakership. The threat's drawn criticism from Republicans and Democrats alike. “The House of Representatives this weekend achieved great bipartisan success and demonstrated it can govern,” Republican strategist Rob Stutzman tells us. “A few malcontent GOP arsonists might object, but I think for the vast majority of the members, they are relieved.” We took a closer look at [why Johnson defied members of his party]( to pass the aid — and some of his unlikely supporters. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Fmike-johnson-foreign-aid-bill-ukraine%2F   More Stories [Aerial view of tents outside Columbia university]( An aerial view of pro-Palestinian protesters on campus. (Getty Images) Columbia University is in crisis as Passover approaches, with tensions on campus showing no sign of abating. A rabbi has urged Jewish students to stay home, and school officials said they may attend classes virtually from today due to safety concerns. Health officials say Israeli strikes in Rafah overnight killed 22 people, including 18 children. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has promised "additional and painful blows" to come. Israel's military intelligence chief meanwhile resigned over his unit's failures on October 7. Former American Media CEO David Pecker is believed to be one of the first witnesses who'll be called in Donald Trump's criminal hush money trial, a source tells CNN. He's expected to be called after opening statements, which are due to start today. Terry Anderson, the Associated Press reporter who was held captive by Islamic militants for nearly seven years, has died at 76. Anderson was abducted from the streets of Lebanon in 1985, and later wrote a bestselling memoir about his grueling imprisonment. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2024 has been announced. [Inductees include]( Mary J. Blige, Cher, Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Kool & The Gang, and Ozzy Osbourne.   In Focus [Illustration of a woman sleeping in bed next to a giant alarm clock]( Getty Images What’s the opposite of sleeping like a baby? According to 52-year-old Sonya and thousands of women like her, it’s occasional sleeplessness associated with menopause. She tried everything from prescription medication to over-the-counter sleep aids to no avail. Then, she was turned onto a new solution from an unlikely source: her dog. Find out [how she found the answer for her insomnia](, then experience the tranquility for yourself with 30% off sitewide at Cornbread Hemp using promo code KCM30. [READ MORE]( [Sponsored by Cornbread Hemp](   Must-Reads [Microplastic particles on a spoon]( Concerning Connection Microplastics have been discovered in our bodies, and research has linked them to heart problems. We've got the details. [Read More »]( [Kevin Bacon]( A Day to Remember Kevin Bacon paid homage to Footloose's 40th anniversary in an unforgettable way — take a look at the impactful tribute. [Read More »]( [A clock where the face has hands holding each other in a circle]( It Takes a Village Diet and exercise aren't the only factors that play a role in longevity — here's why you should pay attention to your relationships. [Read More »](   What's the Buzz? [Honeybee flying toward pink flower]( Getty Images We've got a surprising bit of news to share this Earth Day: After a worrisome decline in America's honeybee population, which began falling dramatically around 2006, these little pollinators have made a serious comeback. A Washington Post report found that the U.S. has seen more than a million new bee colonies in the last five years. (The whole story is a bit more complicated — [here's more](.) We're sharing stories like this every other Tuesday in Ripple Effect, our new (and free!) environmental newsletter. If you're not on the list, make sure to [sign up here]( before tomorrow's edition, featuring an optimistic essay from photographer and activist Cristina Mittermeier about how we can all bring the power of Earth Day into the rest of the year. [SUBSCRIBE HERE](   Extra Credit [The Jinx Part 2 poster, Next Question with Katie Couric, Funny Story by Emily Henry book cover on dark blue background]( KCM 5 things you can't miss: From Emily Henry's next highly anticipated rom-com to the sequel to The Jinx, here's [what we're watching, reading, and listening to]( this week. Eat up: [Jake Cohen's frittata recipe]( packs greens and protein into one delicious breakfast — plus, it's kosher for Passover! Give forward: Do you have mounds of spring cleaning you need to find a new home for? [Here's where to donate clothes](, books, electronics, and more.   Go Green [Pink pots and pans on a green background]( Talk about shopping for a cause: All Earth Month long, Green Pan, the PFAS-free cookware brand, is planting a tree for every purchase. Plus, take 40% off sitewide on everything from [nonstick pans]( to [a slow cooker](. [SHOP HERE](   [Good Taste by Katie Couric Media]( Thanks for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you've got 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.