Strike, You're Out

This time, actors are calling for action. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( July 13, 2023 It's a weird day in Tinseltown: [This year's Emmy nominations](have given some Hollywood heavy-hitters cause for celebration, but there's a gloomy cloud hanging over it all as a [massive actors union prepares to strike](. Then, we’ve got the details on [the latest celebrity memoir that’s sure to make shockwaves](. If you haven’t cured your shopping bug just yet, we’ve got [the scoop on Nordstrom’s gigantic sale](. Let's get started!   In the News [woman striking for WGA]( (Getty Images) Strike, You're Out The last time a double strike took place in Hollywood, gas cost 31 cents per gallon, Dwight Eisenhower was president, and Ronald Reagan was in the midst of his first presidency — of the actor’s union, that is. Now, history is on the brink of repeating itself, with the Writer's Guild of America (WGA) already at a standstill, and the [Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) potentially hitting the picket lines too](. Having reached an impasse in negotiations with major studios and streaming services, SAG-AFTRA will take a vote on whether to strike this morning. Here’s what’s at stake. Clear demands: SAG-AFTRA, which represents around 160,000 actors, has asked for the same contract adjustments the WGA asked for in May: increased pay in the streaming era and certain protections from artificial intelligence. In a joint letter from both unions released yesterday, leaders emphasized their determination: “Together, our solidarity is not to be underestimated.” Heavy hitters: The actors’ union certainly isn’t lacking in leverage. A-listers like Jennifer Lawrence and Meryl Streep are threatening to strike along with the rest of the union. Meanwhile, in writer land: It's been over two months since the WGA went on strike, and Hollywood studio executives aren’t budging. Some of them recently laid out their entire negotiating strategy, and spoiler: it involves waiting until writers begin “losing their houses” before reviving talks. Here's more on SAG-AFTRA's demands — [and the entertainment heavy-hitters the union's pitted against.]( [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fculture%2Fsag-aftra-strike-hollywood-unions%2F   More Stories [Rob McElhenney]( Getty Images Speaking out: Rob McElhenney, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star and co-owner of the Wrexham soccer club alongside Ryan Reynolds, has shared some major personal news. “I was recently diagnosed with a host of neurodevelopmental disorders and learning disabilities! At 46!” he tweeted. He said he'd explain more soon, adding that he “figured there are others who struggle with similar things, and I wanted to remind you that you’re not alone." Cooling off: There's hopeful news on the financial front — inflation is easing at last. It's an encouraging sign for consumers, who've borne the sting of spiking food prices over the last few years. According to an NBC News analysis, a standard basket of groceries (things like eggs, coffee, and milk) costs nearly 40% more than it did in January 2020. Now, following a peak at the start of this year, sticker shock seems to be subsiding. "Completely unacceptable": A Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy punched a woman holding her three-week-old baby during a traffic stop last year. Body cam footage released yesterday shows the woman pleading with the male deputy for several minutes, before he steps forward and punches her twice in the face. The deputy is yet to be named, but per Sheriff Robert Luna, the case has been referred to prosecutors. Sticking around: NBA legend LeBron James has confirmed he's returning for his 21st season. Having hinted he'd step back after the Lakers’ loss to the Denver Nuggets in May, the league’s all-time leading scorer said Wednesday: "The day that I can’t give the game everything on the floor is the day I’ll be done. Lucky for you guys, the day is not today.”   In Focus [Katie Couric with Dr. Tara Sanft]( KCM Katie sat down with oncologist Dr. Tara Sanft to discuss the Breast Cancer Index test, a powerful tool from our partners at Biotheranostics, A Hologic Company, that can change the course of breast cancer treatment. Join us as we learn more about the impacts breast cancer has on patients well after their initial treatment is complete and [how this test can help doctors and patients]( make decisions about the future. [LEARN MORE]( [Supported by Hologic](   Must-Reads [Jennifer Coolidge, Abbott Elementary, The Last of Us, Beef cast]( And the Nominees Are... The Emmy nominations are out, and they contain more than a few surprises. Here’s who will be vying for television’s biggest honors. [Read More »]( [Britney Spears]( Stronger After a lot of anticipation, Britney Spears is releasing her memoir, The Woman in Me. Here’s when you can expect it to hit shelves. [Read More »]( [Illustration of woman sitting with her knees in her chest surrounded by judgmental eyes]( Not So Funny All too often, menopause is a punchline — but making gendered, ageist comments can actually make symptoms worse. [Read More »](   Extra Credit Tricky territory: There’s been a lot of talk about boundaries over the past few days, so we asked an expert to clear up what this term actually means and [how to set effective limits of your own](. Movie magic: It’s got a slightly new name, but the stellar selection of films is the same we’re used to. Here are [the best movies on Max]( this month. Go nuts: When’s the last time you had a nice handful of trail mix? Whether your go-to salty snack consists of pistachios, walnuts, peanuts, or another variety, we’re breaking down [the health benefits of nuts]( with the help of a registered dietician.   Sneak Peek [Coach wristlet, Nike sneakers, La Mer cream on teal background]( KCM Hopefully you’re not all sale-d out, because there’s another big shopping event on the horizon. If you’re a Nordstrom Icon, Ambassador, or Influencer, you’re in luck: You get early access to its [Anniversary Sale](, one of the greatest shopping events of the year, with brands like [La Mer](, [Spanx](, [Barbour](, and more, all heavily discounted for a limited time only. If you're not a cardholder, don't worry. The sale launches for everyone on the 17th, and we've put together [the best discounts we're keeping an eye on](. [SEE MORE SAVINGS](   One More Thing [Bill Murray, Michael J. Fox, John Molner]( Molner and Emmy nominee Michael J. Fox (plus Bill Murray!) at the premiere of Still at Lincoln Center in April. (KCM) Of all the luminaries nominated for Emmys this year, one of the contenders we're most proud of is the one and only Michael J. Fox! His documentary Still snagged the most nominations of any nonfiction project, and it's well-deserved. Molner and I got to congratulate Michael at the premiere this spring, and then [I chatted with him for my podcast](. Speaking of Next Question, Michael isn't the only Emmy nominee I've caught up with recently! You can also catch my conversations with Yellowjackets star [Melanie Lynskey](, Abbott Elementary star and creator [Quinta Brunson](, and The White Lotus creator Mike White]( about their incredible work that's garnering so many accolades.   [Know it all, and help your friends catch up, too. Share Wake-Up Call and you'll earn some superb swag.]( Thanks for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you have 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. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2023 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.