Calls for Calm

Tensions escalate in the Middle East. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( [Wake-Up Call] [by Katie Couric Media] August 1, 2024 Good morning. Today we’re bringing you: - The latest on the tense situation in the Middle East - A front-row look at Simone Biles’s Paris prep - [Science-backed ways to keep your brain sharp]( - [My important PSA about breast cancer screening]( And more. Read on…   In the News [People in Iran protest the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh.]( People in Iran protest the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh. (Getty Images) Hezbollah confirmed the death of senior commander Fu’ad Shukr after Israel claimed it had killed him in a strike in Beirut. That, plus the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, has stoked existing concerns of a wider conflict. Iran's Revolutionary Guard promised a "harsh and painful response" against Israel. Hamas's military arm warned Haniyeh's assassination "takes the battle to new dimensions and will have major repercussions on the entire region." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to "settle the score with anyone who harms us" and said he is "not giving in" to pressure to end the war in Gaza. U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the U.S. was "not aware of or involved in" the strike on Haniyeh. He added that the White House remains focused on "trying to make sure that the conflict that occurred in Gaza doesn’t escalate." U.N. Secretary General António Guterres said the strikes in South Beirut and Tehran "represent a dangerous escalation." A U.N. spokesperson urged all parties to "exercise maximum restraint." Against this tense backdrop, the IDF confirmed early this morning that Hamas’ military chief Mohammed Deif, who was thought to be one of the orchestrators of the Oct. 7 attacks, was killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza in July. We'll continue to keep you up to date with the latest developments.   More Stories [Kamala Harris looks serious against a blue background]( Getty Images Kamala Harris has responded to Donald Trump's bizarre claim that she "happened to turn Black” a few years ago, dismissing his remarks as "the same old show." Meanwhile, Trump's nephew, Fred Trump III, told CNN that he'll be voting for Harris. The U.S. has reached a plea deal with alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, plus two other 9/11 defendants. They agreed to plead guilty to all charges, including the murder of 2,976 people — and the death penalty is off the table. Mercury could contain an 11-mile thick layer of diamonds beneath its surface, new findings suggest. A team of researchers who recreated the conditions of the planet's creation found that under extreme pressure, graphite turned into diamond crystals. U.S. swimmer Katie Ledecky nabbed her eighth Olympic gold medal in the 1,500-meter freestyle yesterday, tying with Jenny Thompson as the most successful female swimmer in the history of the games. Meanwhile, Frenchman Léon Marchand won two swimming gold medals on the same night — both in record time!   In Focus ⚕️One of my friends found out she had dense breasts — and because she's a Wake-Up Caller, she knew to ask for additional screening. This risk factor occurs in over 40% of women, including myself, and [this deeply personal message from me]( is one every woman needs to hear. 🧠Keep your mind sharp at every stage of life with these [four expert-approved ways to supercharge your brain](. 🫑 Dealing with creaky knees or a crick in your neck? We got a nutritionist's advice about [the best diet for pain-free joints](.   Time For Yourself No matter how much you love your job, it's probably not the only thing you want to be doing. But a traditional work schedule can keep you from other opportunities that enrich your soul, like off-the-grid travel or extended time with family. Thankfully, our professional world is more flexible than ever — and we'll tell you about [an increasingly popular way to take a month (or more) off](, along with success stories from people who actually did it. [LEARN MORE]( [Supported by P&G](   In Conversation [Simone Biles doing a split in the air] Getty Images These Olympics are looking a lot different for Simone Biles than her turn in Tokyo. She already has a gold in the team final and will compete for another this afternoon in the all-around event. Her journey back to the world’s biggest stage is the subject of a new documentary, Simone Biles Rising. We caught up with the director to talk about the G.O.A.T. and how she prepared for Paris. Katie Couric Media: How has the process of creating Simone Biles Rising been different from 2021's Simone vs. Herself? Katie Walsh: This time around, a theme that kept coming up for us was how the outside world perceives Simone, versus how she experiences the world around her. A lot has also changed in Simone’s life since we filmed Simone vs. Herself, which naturally made the process different. Simone now attends therapy regularly, is married to another professional athlete, and also travels a lot to be at his games. This became a part of the documentary as well. How did Biles's preparation for Paris compare to her training going into Tokyo? Going into Paris, Simone has a better balance with her life in and out of the gym. She's making sure she puts in the hours in training, but also makes time to have fun and spend quality time with her husband, friends and family. In Tokyo, COVID restrictions prevented her family from being able to travel and be there with her. Now she has had tons of family members in the stands during this competitive season, and many will be in Paris. People often forget how important that support is for elite athletes. At just 27, she’s the oldest female American gymnast to compete at the Olympics in 72 years. What do you think that says about Biles and the changing culture of USA gymnastics? While Simone is a once-in-a-lifetime athlete, it's also a testament to the choices she, her family, and her team have been making over the years. She is incredibly in tune with her body and mind, and makes smart decisions based on how she feels. With so many returning champions to this year's Olympics, it's also a testament to the whole culture shift in the sport. There is a greater acceptance of different body types in the sport, and athletes are now allowed to compete at the collegiate level and return to elite sports. Gymnasts now have a greater shot at longevity.   Flippin' Fantastic With so much great content about the Olympics, being called the best of the best requires clearing a high bar. We somersaulted our way through the options to find [these phenomenal shows]( from our partners at iHeart Podcasts — and there's no doubt that they each deserve a perfect 10.   Round of Applause KCM Big congratulations are in order for our friends at [Cedar Lakes Estate](, who hosted our fabulous KCM retreat earlier this summer. The gorgeous property was just ranked the #1 hotel in New York, #5 in the entire U.S., and #60 in the world by Travel + Leisure — and it's easy to see why! Our hats off to Lisa, Stephanie, and the whole team.   Curated by You So many of your faves are on sale at Nordstrom right now. We're talking about [the sunscreen you swear by](, the [body oil that leaves you feeling silky-smooth](, and [the seamless, buttery-soft underwear]( that feels like it's barely there! [Oribe body oil and Supergoop! Sunscreen stick]( [SHOP THE FULL SALE](   One More Thing Photo books are a great gift with a personal touch — but who has time to do all that scrapbooking? Mixbook uses A.I. tools to help you build a custom album that's easy and fun to create. [Check it out right here](.   Have questions or comments? drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. 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 © 2024 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.