A Constitutional Crisis

Israel undergoes major judicial shift. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( July 25, 2023 Good morning. We’re sharing [a heartwarming update on Jamie Foxx’s health](. Then, we asked a therapist about [how to support a loved one with a chronic illness](. We’ve also got [a powerful meditation on the value of domestic work]( from my friend Elizabeth Kroft Mondry, and we’ll celebrate the magic of cooking with [Martha Stewart’s flavorful lemon cake](. But first: We explain the contentious judicial reform in Israel and President Biden's response. Thanks for waking up with us.   In the News [Israelis protest the judicial overhaul] Israelis protest the constitutional reforms. (Getty Images) A Constitutional Crisis For the last several months, Israel has been in the grips of a constitutional crisis. That shifted to chaos this week when its right-wing governing coalition, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, passed the first of several laws intended to weaken the authority of the judiciary. We’re breaking down the measures and how they may impact Israel’s relationship with the U.S... Unreasonable: Netanyahu’s polarizing law effectively strips the Supreme Court of the power to declare government decisions “unreasonable.” It passed 64-0 after opposition members of the 120-seat Knesset walked out. Supporters of the prime minister claim this measure (and other upcoming ones) aims to provide checks and balances. Critics are calling it a coup. Historic protests: Netanyahu called the law “a necessary democratic move” and said it was “fulfilling the will of the voter.” But Israelis have been protesting against it for 29 weeks, with thousands gathering outside the Knesset on Monday. What Biden is saying: Before the vote, the White House reportedly warned Israel against moving forward. President Biden has been unusually outspoken, saying the plan “doesn’t make sense,” and suggesting that it could undermine relations between the two countries. The White House called the law’s passage “unfortunate.”   More Stories [Buoy barriers are prepared for installation during a water-based border operation in Eagle Pass, Texas.]( Buoy barriers are prepared for installation in Eagle Pass, Texas. (Getty Images) "Violating federal law": The Justice Department is suing Texas over its installation of a buoy barrier intended to deter migrant crossings over the Rio Grande. Gov. Greg Abbott has refused to back down, writing to President Biden on Monday: “If you truly care about human life, you must begin enforcing federal immigration laws... In the meantime, Texas will fully utilize its constitutional authority to deal with the crisis you have caused.” "There was no kidnapping": Carlee Russell has apologized after admitting that she never saw a toddler on the side of the highway and that she lied about being abducted after calling 911 to report the fake story. Russell returned home 49 hours later, and Alabama police are yet to account for her actions during that time. Local police are consulting with the DA's office regarding potential charges. The case has tragically upended a shameful trend that sees missing women of color receive [significantly less public attention and help from authorities than missing white women.]( Class is in session: Race-based college admissions may have been struck down, but some commentators say "affirmative action for the rich" is still in full swing. We've got a primer on [what's happening with controversial legacy admissions]( and why getting into a "good" university is more complicated than ever. Women's World Cup: The BBC has apologized for an "inappropriate" question one of its journalists asked the captain of the Moroccan team ahead of its 6-0 loss against Germany yesterday. The reporter asked Ghizlane Chebbak: “In Morocco, it’s illegal to have a gay relationship. Do you have any gay players in your squad and what’s life like for them in Morocco?” The question was potentially dangerous, as Moroccan law punishes homosexual relations with prison terms.   In Focus I sat down with oncologist Dr. Tara Sanft to discuss the Breast Cancer Index test, a powerful tool from our partners at Hologic 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. [READ MORE]( [Supported by Hologic](   Must-Reads [Jamie Foxx]( "To Hell and Back" Jamie Foxx broke his silence after being hospitalized in April. Here’s what he said about his health scare and how fans are reacting. [Read More »]( [Illustration of hand reaching out to sad woman with flowy blue hair]( Handle With Care Over half of American adults have a chronic illness, so we asked a therapist how to support a loved one living with a long-term disease. [Read More »]( [Shark fin visible from the water]( Basic Instinct You might've heard that if you cross paths with a shark, you should punch it in the nose. That’s not quite true: Here’s what you should do. [Read More »](   First-Person [Vintage illustration of a woman holding a cooked meal while her husband looks on]( Getty Images Several summers ago, my friend Elizabeth Kroft Mondry got quite the declaration from her 78-year-old mother: “When I die, you’re only going to remember me for my cooking.” Her mom — an accomplished cook, yes, but also a former manager of political campaigns — followed that up with this: "I’ve done things your kids know nothing about. Real things.” Sound familiar? This thoughtful essay about [how women's domestic duties impact our life's legacy]( will resonate with so many parents who worry they'll be defined by wearing an apron. [READ MORE](   Extra Credit Ciao: If it feels like everyone you know is relaxing in the Amalfi Coast right now, you’re not alone — visitors to Italy are up 8.6% from 2019. Taking a Eurotrip can get pricey (especially if you’re going during the busy season), so we dug up [hacks for planning an affordable vacation](. Main squeeze: We all want to be the guest who “wins” the summer barbecue with a show-stopping dish — and you can be that person with [Martha Stewart’s lemon pound cake](. Eat up: There's still time to take advantage of the incredible 40% discount we snagged for you on [this 44-piece dining set]( from Leeway Home. Just use code KCM40 on the solid blue colorway and you'll instantly earn more than $100 off!   Photo of the Day [greta Greta Thunberg smirking as she's being carried away by police] Greta Thunberg is carried away by police officers after taking in a climate action in Malmo, Sweden. (Getty Images) Activist Greta Thunberg is no stranger to putting it all on the line in her fight against climate change. On Monday, a Swedish court fined the 20-year-old about $240 for disobeying police during a protest last month. Hours later, she was back on the front lines — only to be removed by police while attempting to block access to an oil facility. Thunberg told the court earlier that day that her actions amounted to self-defense against the fossil fuel industry and told reporters, "We will not back down."   New Arrivals Everlane just added a ton of new items to their sale section. Snag some [summer essentials up to 70% off](, or stock up on must-haves for fall — like [these famous "butt-boosting" trousers](, which are only $29. [Everlane wide leg pants on blue gradient background]( [SHOP NOW](   [Know it all, and help your friends catch up, too. Share Wake-Up Call and you'll earn some superb swag.]( Thank you 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.