Deadly Attacks

A second set of explosions in Lebanon. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( [Wake-Up Call] [by Katie Couric Media] September 19, 2024 We’ll begin today with the latest on the escalating tensions between Israel and Lebanon. Then, we’ll bring you… - A primer on [the controversial new addition to Trump’s entourage]( - [Melania Trump’s latest eyebrow-raising video]( - [Our first Golden Bachelorette recap]( of the season Ready to get going?   In the News [remains of an exploded pager]( The remains of an exploded pager in Beirut. (Getty Images) Lebanon and parts of Syria have been subject to deadly attacks the past two days. Pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to the militant group Hezbollah exploded out of nowhere killing at least 32 people, including children, and wounding thousands of others. The covert operation is seen as one of the most significant security breaches for Hezbollah, who have already vowed retaliation. Though Israel has not claimed responsibility, it is widely believed to be behind both incidents. Israel's Defense Minister said the war has entered "a new era," and “the center of gravity is moving north,” referring to the Lebanese border. Lebanon’s Foreign Minister told CNN he fears the attacks mark a shift to "an introduction to war." Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has pushed for all parties in the Middle East to take a step back. “We remain very clear about the importance of all parties avoiding any steps that could further escalate the conflict that we’re trying to resolve in Gaza,” he said on Wednesday.   More Stories [Jerome Powell on a podium in front of American flags]( Powell speaks after the September meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee. (Getty Images) The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by an aggressive 0.5%, marking a new phase after a long period of slowing the economy to cool inflation. "The labor market is actually in solid condition — and our intention with our policy move today is to keep it there," Fed chair Jerome Powell said. Sean "Diddy" Combs is believed to have been denied bail due to a credible risk of witness tampering and obstruction of justice. Prosecutors argued that he was dangerous and violent, and that his "power gives him a unique ability to influence and intimidate witnesses and victims." The House failed to pass a GOP-led $1.6 trillion stopgap funding plan that was tied to new rules targeting noncitizen voting. Speaker Mike Johnson is yet to outline his next steps, with government funding set to run out at the end of the month. The U.S. healthcare system is failing according to a shocking new report which found Americans die the youngest and see the most avoidable deaths compared to nine other developed countries — despite spending nearly double what they do on healthcare.   Photo of the Day [House Speaker Mike Johnson poses with Wanda Jackson to accept a Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of Mary Jackson.] House Speaker Mike Johnson poses with Wanda Jackson to accept a Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of Mary Jackson. (Getty Images) The women who worked in the U.S. space program from the '30s to '70s were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on Wednesday. Among them were the families of Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Dorothy Vaughan — whose stories were depicted in the Oscar-nominated film Hidden Figures — and Dr. Christine Darden, who was the first Black woman to become Senior Executive Service at NASA. House Speaker Mike Johnson said, "These women dared to step into the fields where they had previously been unwelcome... They actually laid the very foundation upon which our rockets launched and our astronauts flew and our nation soared."   Must-Reads [Melania Trump standing next to a poster of one of her modeling shots]( The Naked Truth Melania Trump took to social media to emphatically defend her past modeling work — and send a message to her critics. [Read More »]( [Laura Loomer]( Who is Laura Loomer? Her racist and sexist remarks have made her a star among fringe conservatives. Here’s a look at the newest member of Trump’s entourage. [Read More »]( [Joan Vassos and Jesse Palmer]( And So It Begins Did you miss all the action on The Golden Bachelorette? Never fear, our recap is back to walk you through the most notable moments. [Read More »](   Book of the Day Ready to get swept away by a heart-rending true story? 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How's that for efficiency? [TRY THEM HERE]( [Supported by Ben's Original](   In Focus [Caramel layer cake on pink background]( @erinadamsphotography / KCM You might remember [my dad's favorite caramel cake]( from my book, Going There. The bakery behind it, Caroline's Cakes, is a proud partner of SU2C and their September campaign supports Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Try the delicious dessert for yourself and get an exclusive [10% discount on the 7-Layer Caramel Cake]( with code SU2C.   New and Improved Beauty Pie just made a good thing even better: The new formulation of their [bestselling anti-aging moisturizer]( got a vitamin boost. With added vitamin C for radiance and vitamin B for skin barrier protection — in addition to the original hydrating and lifting ingredients — it's a moisturizer that does it all.   Take Charge Say goodbye to pawing around your nightstand for your charging cord. Lumicharge is a [desk lamp and charger all in one](. It's wireless, works with most phones, and can charge a smart watch at the same time. [Lumicharge charging station and a hand reaching for the phone on the charger]( [SHOP HERE](   One More Thing Molner's favorite clothing brand, Peter Millar, just released its fall collection. From cozy wool sweaters to elevated polos, there are so many [suave styles to check out](.   Thanks for reading! Want to stay connected? Subscribe right here: 💪 Wake up well: [Body and Soul]( 🍴 See what's cooking: [Good Taste]( 🌎 Explore the planet: [Ripple Effect]( 🛒 Bargain-hunt: [The Shop Edit]( 👔 Clock in: [Wake-Up Call at Work](   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.