Walking Out

Student protests disrupt graduation ceremonies. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( May 13, 2024 Good morning. We’ll begin with the latest on the campus protests making ripples at commencement ceremonies — plus, my pal Michele Willens offers insight on [how this movement compares to the anti-war demonstrations of the ‘60s](. Then, my friend Allie Signorelli opens up about [the challenges of living with young-onset Parkinson’s disease](. Later on, we'll upgrade your lunch with [an inventive chicken salad recipe]( and your bookshelf with [this week’s hottest reads](. Here we go!   In the News [a student wears a ''divest now'' mortarboard]( Several students walked out of Virginia Commonwealth University's commencement over the weekend. (Getty Images) Walking Out Pro-Palestinian demonstrations continue to disrupt commencement ceremonies at colleges across the country. Here’s a closer look at the latest student protests: At VCU: Dozens of students walked out while Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin delivered the commencement speech. Last week, police dismantled encampments at the school, and several students were arrested. At UNC: Protestors defaced a building on the Chapel Hill campus with red paint and wrote “UNC has blood on its hands” hours before the graduation ceremony. Students also erected a new encampment and held a “people’s graduation” for those who had been suspended at an earlier protest. At Duke: Several students left the ceremony just before Jerry Seinfeld, who’s supported Israel since the outset of the war, was about to give his address. As the comedian spoke, they chanted, “Disclose, divest, we will not stop, we will not rest” from the parking lot. As the protests carry on, my friend, journalist Michele Willens, decided to look back at the wave of activism that animated campuses in the 60s and [what one of its most prominent figures would have to say]( about today’s student movement. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Fcampus-protests-2024-1968%2F   More Stories [Sergei Shoigu salutes]( Sergei Shoigu is expected to run Russia's security council, replacing Nikolai P. Patrushev. (Getty Images) In a surprising shake-up, Vladimir Putin replaced defense minister Sergei Shoigu and tapped economist Andrei Belousov for the role. The Kremlin said the move would help the Russian military innovate and better integrate its military budget into the country's economy. Wildfires have erupted in Western Canada, forcing thousands of people to evacuate in British Columbia, where a blaze that erupted just outside of Fort Nelson’s city limits has spread to more than 6,000 acres. Meanwhile, in Alberta, residents were told to prepare to leave the area if the fires continued to rage out of control. The first recipient of a genetically modified pig kidney has died just two months after he underwent the procedure. Doctors said there was “no indication” that his death was the result of his recent transplant. Richard Slayman, 62, was one of nearly 90,000 people on a waiting list for a kidney donation and said he decided to undergo the groundbreaking operation to “provide hope for the thousands of people who need a transplant to survive.” Golden Globe and Emmy award-winning actor Steve Buscemi was assaulted in midtown Manhattan. He was punched in the face in broad daylight on Wednesday, similar to how [women on TikTok were being attacked]( earlier this spring. The 66-year-old suffered bruising, swelling, and bleeding to his left eye — but "is ok and appreciates everyone’s well wishes," per his rep. The investigation continues, but so far no arrests have been made.   Photo of the Day [The northern lights visible from California] Getty Images Can you believe this photo was taken in California (and isn’t A.I.)? Thanks to geomagnetic storms, the aurora borealis — that spectacular displays of purples, greens, and yellows — was visible from coast to coast throughout the weekend, and as far south as Florida. Did you spot them? [Slide into our Instagram DMs]( and send us your photo!   First-Person [Black and white hands holding a string that conneects them]( Getty Images I've recently gotten to know Allie Signorelli, who was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's at just 47 years old. In this moving essay, Allie opens up about [the unique challenges of dealing with this disease]( as a younger woman and how she built a support group that's become a lifeline. [READ MORE](   In Focus [Close-ups of two people wearing women's black and green briefs]( Getty Images Everyone knows about hot flashes, but there’s another not-so-uncommon symptom of menopause that deserves attention: vaginal dryness. We spoke to a trusted gynecologist about [how this discomfort affects sexual intimacy]( and what you can do to get much-needed relief. [READ MORE]( [Sponsored by Bonafide](   Extra Credit [Book covers for The Last Time She Saw Him; Very Bad Company; Chasing Hope; Last House]( Getty Images New chapter: Is your bookshelf looking a little empty? Here are [5 new books you need to read](, all out this week. This list has it all, from a moving memoir and deeply reported investigation to thrilling page-turners. Fresh flavors: Hold the mayo! We've got [a delicious chicken salad recipe]( that uses a zesty mustard dressing to kick things up a notch. (For more tasty twists on old favorites, [sign up for Good Taste](.) Underneath it all: Say goodbye to leaks with Knix's absorbent underwear, [now 30% off]( during their anniversary sale.   Ciao, Bella! There's a reason [this breezy frock]( screams "Italian coast": It is dubbed the Positano dress, after all. Snag it and other summery ensembles at Kenny Flowers — and get [the matching sets]( to coordinate with the whole fam. [Three women wearing sun hats and lemon-printed dresses]( [THE MORE, THE MERRIER](   [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.