On the Brink

Fears loom of a war between Israel and Lebanon. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( July 29, 2024 Good morning. We’ve got more on the strike that killed 12 children in an Israeli-controlled territory, and what it means for the war against Hamas. And later… You-know-who is back: Covid is once again on the rise, so we’ve got a look at [the states with the biggest surge]( and the latest subvariant making the rounds. We’ll share all that, plus [Dr. B’s advice for starting hormone therapy after 60]( and [how to score a deal on Wake-Up Call’s favorite pillow](, below.   In the News [Thousands dress in black for the funerals of 12 children killed in a strike from Lebanon on Saturday.]( Thousands attend the funeral for the children killed in rocket attack on Golan Heights. (Getty Images) On the Brink A rocket fired from Lebanon into the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights on Saturday killed 12 children who were playing on a soccer field and injured dozens more. The attack raises further concerns of a wider war in the Middle East. Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said, “Hezbollah is responsible for this and they will pay the price,” though the Iran-backed militant group “firmly denies” it was behind the barrage. (U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken agreed with Israel’s determination.) The strike devastated the Druze town of Majdal Shams, and marked the deadliest attack on Israel or one of its territories since Oct. 7. The IDF says it has launched airstrikes "deep inside Lebanese territory" as U.S. officials urge de-escalation. This all comes as negotiators meet in Rome to discuss a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza.   More Stories [Trump in front of big screen reading ''believers & ballots'']( Getty Images Democrats and VP Kamala Harris's campaign are voicing unease over Donald Trump's remarks on Friday, when he told a conservative Christian crowd: "In four years, you don't have to vote again. We'll have it fixed so good, you're not going to have to vote." Rep. Adam Schiff tweeted: “This year democracy is on the ballot... we must vote against authoritarianism." Both Venezuela’s autocratic leader Nicolás Maduro and the opposition declared victory in the country's election today, raising serious concerns abroad. With 80% of votes counted, Maduro had 51% — but the opposition claims that its records show its candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia, won 70% of the vote. A new blood test is 90% accurate at catching Alzheimer's — far better than specialists, who correctly identified it 73% of the time, and primary care providers, who were 61% accurate. The tests could speed up Alzheimer's trials to develop new medications. Robert Downey Jr. announced his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe at San Diego Comic-Con, where it was revealed he'll play Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. Meanwhile, Deadpool and Wolverine scored a $200 million-plus opening weekend in the U.S. and Canada.   Going for Gold [Simone Biles]( Getty Images The 2024 Olympics are serving drama, photo finishes, and stunning feats of athleticism. Here’s a roundup of Team USA’s can’t-miss moments: After withdrawing from the Tokyo Games due to a mental block, Simone Biles made her triumphant return. The 27-year-old injured her calf while warming up, but still dazzled in qualifying: She placed first in the vault and floor events, putting her comfortably in the lead for the all-around competition. She’ll be back in action tomorrow in the team final. Kevin Durant led Team USA in its 110-84 win against Serbia, sinking his first eight shots. Sophia Smith scored two goals in the U.S. women’s soccer team’s 4-1 win against Germany. And Torri Huske swam to Olympic gold in the 100m butterfly, beating her teammate Gretchen Walsh by 0.04 seconds.   In Focus [Covid wave]( We’re in the middle of another summer Covid-19 wave fueled by two new, highly contagious variants: KP.3 and its offshoot KP.3.1.1. Here’s the latest on these strains and the states where the rates of the virus are highest. [READ MORE](   Extra Credit [Rob and John Owen Lowe, Look in the Mirror book cover, Elizabeth Taylor posing with her sunglasses in her mouth]( KCM 5 things you can't miss: From a new look at Elizabeth Taylor's career and legacy to a jaw-dropping thriller, there's so much to tune into this week. [Here are the TV shows, books, and movies we're eyeing](. Ask the expert: When a Wake-Up Call reader wrote to me about starting menopause hormone therapy after 60, I knew just who to turn to: my OBGYN, Dr. B. Here's [her advice for starting MHT later in life and relieving menopause symptoms](. Dress to impress: Save a pretty penny on eye-popping dresses, smart blazers, and more during Ann Taylor's sale, where you can take [up to 60% off markdowns](.   Katie's Corner [Katie Couric posing in front of her hydrangea bushes wearing the Walker & Wade Carrie Dress]( Walker & Wade / KCM See this gorgeous dress I'm wearing? My friend Laurette, the founder of Walker & Wade, got the inspiration for its blue hydrangea and dahlia pattern from my hydrangea bushes. (And it's called the Carrie dress, which is named after my daughter.) So I'm thrilled to team up with Walker & Wade for a giveaway. We'll be gifting one lucky Wake-Up Caller and a friend this Carrie dress, a coordinating hat, and a bouquet of hydrangeas! Follow the [instructions to enter right here]( by Wednesday.   Loud and Clear [Person holding a hearing aid]( [hear.com]( Ready for a revolutionary innovation in how you experience the world? Meet Horizon IX, [the world's first dual processing hearing aid]( from our partners at [hear.com](. It uses cutting-edge engineering to separate speech from background noise, providing clarity unlike anything you've ever heard. Want to soak up this sharpness of sound for yourself? Try it risk-free for 45 days right now! [LEARN MORE](   Rest Easy Wake-Up Call's favorite pillow from Cushion Lab is [now available in a travel version](! It rolls up into a compact carrier, so you can get a good night's sleep wherever you go. And it's $40 off right now — what are you waiting for? [Cushion Lab travel pillow on background of purple clouds]( [BON VOYAGE](   [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. 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