"A New Level of Danger"

Examining the rise in political violence. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( [Wake-Up Call] [by Katie Couric Media] July 18, 2024 In an unfortunately all-too-timely conversation, I spoke to Gretchen Whitmer about the rise in political violence — and [what she’d say to the alt-right group who planned to kidnap her](. Then, we’ve got more on [the latest high-profile Democrat urging Biden to step down](. From there, we’ll head to Hollywood to reveal [the full list of 2024 Emmy nominees](. All that and more, from [a novel solution to pet allergies]( to [serums for sensitive skin](, right here.   In the News [Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer]( Getty Images "A New Level of Danger" Saturday’s attempted assassination on former President Trump shocked the nation, but it’s just the latest disturbing incident among a steady rise in violence against U.S. public officials. Following the attack, several lawmakers spoke out, including Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who said in a statement that it was part of an “alarming, years-long trend” in American politics. For Whitmer, this issue is personal, having been the target of an attempted kidnapping plot in 2020. In an interview with me, she recalled the exact moment she knew she was in serious trouble. “They had a Barbie in a noose that looked like me,” she said. “That was the moment when I realized, ‘Wow, this has taken a whole new level of danger.’” In our sit-down, Whitmer also shared how her own brush with this brutality affected her outlook on life and [what she thinks is behind these alarming incidents](. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fpodcast%2Fnext-question%2Fmichigan-governor-gretchen-whitmer-kidnapping-plot%2F   More Stories [Pelosi in foreground (blurred), Biden in background (in focus)]( Getty Images President Biden withdrew from a campaign event Wednesday after testing positive for Covid-19. “I feel good,” he told reporters. Meanwhile, CNN reports that former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi privately told Biden that polls show he cannot beat Trump, and he must step aside for the Democrats to have a chance in November. Biden apparently pushed back, saying polls showed he could win. Here's [more on the Democrats urging Biden to step down.]( Ohio senator (and former Trump critic) JD Vance has accepted the Republican nomination for Vice President. Addressing the RNC, he called it a "night of hope" following the assassination attempt on Trump, and appealed to white working class voters in swing states. Researchers in Denmark have found that moving frequently in childhood is linked to depression as an adult. The associated health risks were worse than those linked to living in a deprived neighborhood. Cavan Sullivan just became the youngest Major League Soccer player in history, at 14 years and 293 days old. He entered the Philadelphia Union's game against the New England Revolution in the final minutes, helping to see out their 5-1 win.   "Our Imperiled Democracy" [Donald Trump at a campaign rally]( Getty Images Donald Trump has radically changed American politics, and his approach to governing gives veteran educator James F. Jones, Jr., unsettling flashbacks to the evil that shaped WWII — a movement he spent years trying to comprehend. In a thoughtful opinion piece, Jones shares [the eye-opening books]( that taught him how the most frightening leaders come to power. [READ MORE](   On the Record [Mitt Romney getting into a closing elevator]( Getty Images Mitt Romney's September 2023 comments about J.D. Vance have resurfaced since Trump's running mate was announced. Romney said, "I don’t know that I can disrespect someone more than J. D. Vance” over [the Ohio Senator's]([st]([ark reversal]( on supporting Donald Trump. “It’s not like you’re going to be famous and powerful because you became a United States senator," Romney added. "It’s like, really? You sell yourself so cheap?" The scathing remark was just one rebuke Romney shared of his GOP colleagues in his biography — and last year, I got the scoop from the author of the book about [what else went on behind closed doors](.   For Your Entertainment [Carmen and Sydney from The Bear; Jodi Foster and Kali Reis from True Detective Night Country; Steve Martin and Selena Gomez from Only Murders]( Patrick Harbron/Hulu; Courtesy of FX; Michele K. Short/HBO & KCM The nominations are in! The 2024 Emmy contenders have officially been announced, and they contain a number of records — and a few surprises. How did your favorite shows stack up? Check out [the full list right here](. [READ MORE](   In Focus When you get into a pinch in your personal life, how does your boss treat you? While factors like salary, PTO, and benefits are essential parts of the work equation, the way your company supports the team in times of need is just as important. We checked in with our partners at P&G about [what an employee wellness program should look like]( — and how to make the most of it. [READ MORE]( [Supported by P&G](   Extra Credit [BareMinerals serums on gray background]( KCM To the rescue: If you have sensitive skin like me, you'll be glad to learn bareMinerals recently launched [three dermatologist-approved serums]( that are safe for people prone to irritation. Ready in no time: Craving a delectable homemade dinner? Whip up [these super simple 15-minute tacos]( for a delicious meal. They taste like you've spent hours in the kitchen, all thanks to the culinary genius of our partners at Ben's Original. Take it from us: "I’ve been sleeping on Avocado's Green Mattress for over a year now, and let me tell you, it’s like sleeping in a hotel bed every single night," says commerce editor Katie Pittman. Right now, [save up to $1,100 off mattresses](, and up to 50% on select bedding, during the brand's summer sale.   [Ripple Effect by Katie Couric Media](   Friends Fur-Ever Siyang always dreamed of owning a pet. So when she finally got one — an absolutely adorable cat named Miao Miao — she couldn't wait to cuddle up. Then came the unfortunate discovery that Siyang was actually allergic to her new companion. But this story has a happy ending: Thanks to [a game-changing solution]( that keeps the allergies at bay, Miao Miao and her human are both living the happy, luxurious lives they deserve. [SEE MORE]( [Sponsored by Pacagen](   Price Drop [Model in pink tweed suit sporting pink and orange ombre Kate Spade purse]( Whether you're in the market for a staple bag, trusty wallet, or something a little more whimsical, Kate Spade has you covered. Take [an additional 40% off sale styles]( through Sunday. [SHOP HERE](   Thanks for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! 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