Sounding the Alarm

Explaining a terrible online trend. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( May 18, 2024 We kick things off today with [a frightening warning]( about teens and the internet — and speaking of what's happening online, we've also got the scoop on [the controversial speech that prompted big reactions]( and a fascinating take on [the TV show everyone's talking about](. Then we'll share [tips for making friends later in life]( and much more. Let's dig in...   A Terrifying Trend [Teenage boy sitting alone in a dark tunnel]( Getty Images Are you familiar with ["financial sextortion"](? The term describes what happens when a teenager is manipulated by a stranger who convinces them to send sexually explicit images online, then threatens to make those images public unless the teen pays up. The FBI has reported a recent uptick in these schemes, and at the moment, they're especially affecting young boys. John Shehan, a senior vice president at The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, tells us boys are increasingly being targeted by "overseas offenders" who pretend to be girls of the same age and "lead the young boys to let their guard down, believing they may have met an attractive romantic partner, only to realize they are being blackmailed. Once the imagery is exchanged, the extorters escalate very quickly, within minutes or hours, including threats of blackmail and violence, if they are not sent payment." And the consequences are severe: Shehan says NCMEC is "aware of more than two dozen male minors who have committed suicide because of the financial sextortion scam." We've got more on [what to do if your child becomes a victim](. [READ MORE](   More Stories [Harrison Butker]( Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker (Getty Images) Dicey discourse: It's been a busy week for arguments about what's appropriate to say in public. We've got the scoop on [the headline-grabbing graduation speech]( that's causing quite the uproar, and we'll also share [a major update on the controversy over a billboard]( that was removed from Times Square. Peas in a pod: Friends enrich our lives in big and small ways, but there's no shame in admitting that it gets harder to make new ones as we get older. With the help of a therapist from our partners at Talkspace, we'll explain [how to enhance your social network as you age](. Big reveal: We know how much Wake-Up Callers loved The Golden Bachelor, so we're sure you'll be eager to find out [which contestant is returning to become the Golden Bachelorette](! And before the season gets started, here's [the advice this lucky lady gave us about finding love](. Booked: Scottie Scheffler, the world's top-ranked golfer, was [arrested on Friday morning]( in Kentucky, where the PGA Championship is taking place. He's accused of ignoring instructions from police and dragging an officer to the ground when he accelerated forward. Scheffler is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday morning on four charges, including second-degree assault on a police officer.   Saturday Spotlight [Kelly Clarkson]( Opening Up In a candid new interview, Kelly Clarkson answers the questions everyone has been asking about what's behind her dramatic weight loss. [Read More »]( [Illustration of a hand holding an hourglass]( The Age-Old Question During which decade does menopause actually begin? Here's the latest intel from researchers about when "the change" starts (and ends). [Read More »]( [A still from ''Baby Reindeer'']( What It All Means Obsessed with Baby Reindeer? We got therapist Lori Gottlieb's take on the characters' psychology — and the ending. [Read More »](   Katie's Corner [Katie Couric and Frank Bruni]( Getty Images What a week! My calendar's been stuffed with exciting engagements, and in case you missed any of them, now's the perfect time to catch up... - On this week's episode of Next Question, I had [a must-hear conversation with Frank Bruni]( about his new book, The Age of Grievance. - Forbes' Moms First Summit was packed with thought-provoking chats, and I was especially moved by [Ashley Judd's words about her late mother's mental health struggles](. - I also recently got to officiate a wedding for the first time — in Istanbul, Turkey — for my friends Peter Cincotti and Zeynep Onaran. [Here's what I said as I married them!](   Ripple Effect [Hand holding tiny pieces of plastic]( Getty Images Almost everyone understands by now that all the plastics in our daily lives aren't great for the environment, but you might not realize just how dangerous they are for human health, too. In next week's installment of our sustainability newsletter, our friend Cristina Mittermeier shares an eye-popping essay about what these materials are doing to us — and what we can do about them. [Sign up here]( to make sure you don't miss it! [SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE](   Holistic Health [An adult toy from plusOne]( plusOne/KCM Only one in three women feel comfortable talking to their doctor about sex, according to plusOne's Intimate Wellness Survey — but if you aren't bringing up what's happening in the bedroom during your appointments, you're missing out on essential conversations. In partnership with plusOne, we'll explain [what you should be asking your doctor about intimacy]( and share tips for getting better acquainted with your body's specific needs. [READ MORE](   Serious Savings [Bags flying out of a shopping cart]( Getty Images Memorial Day weekend is around the corner, but we've already gotten a jumpstart on shopping holiday sales. The best early bird specials available now include [major markdowns on mattresses]( from Cocoon, [big discounts on TVs]( at Best Buy, and [25% off sitewide at Rugs USA](. And stay tuned — we'll have our eyes peeled for [more can't-miss deals]( over the next week! [SEE MORE SALES](   Classically Cool No wardrobe is complete without a crisp white shirt, and if it's time to refresh your own, you won't go wrong with this fantastic find. [This oversized button-up from Madewell]( is traditional, on-trend, and one of my personal favorites. [White shirt from Madewell]( [SHOP HERE](   One More Thing [Tina Fey and Katie Couric]( Getty Images Happy birthday to the one and only Tina Fey! This comedic genius has given us so many laughs over the years — and she's a fellow UVA alum, which [we bonded over]( when she stopped by my daytime talk show. If you're in need of a weekend read, Tina's book [Bossypants]( is one of the all-time greats.   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 next week! [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.