Here We Go Again

Covid cases are on the rise. August 4, 2023 It’s not déjà vu — covid is on the rise again. We’ve got more on [how bad cases are now](. Then, we reveal a [ranking of the smartest states in the U.S.]( (we use the term loosely). Over in celebrity news, [Lizzo’s firing back at those harassment allegations](, and we’re sharing her statement. We also have the scoop on [how to stay at Gwyneth Paltrow’s guesthouse](, and you can [watch me bake divine chocolate chip cookies](. But first, we're taking you over to the courts...   Day in Court [Donald Trump holding up a black umbrella that says ''trump'' and boarding a plane]( Getty Images As predicted, Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to four criminal charges related to his efforts to interfere with the 2020 election at his arraignment yesterday in Washington, D.C. He was released pending trial. His next hearing was scheduled for August 28th before U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan. Speaking to reporters on the tarmac at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport afterward, Trump said, “This is a very sad day for America.” He called the case “persecution of a political opponent." If you're hoping to watch Trump's courtroom battles play out on your screen, you might be in for a letdown: The law generally doesn't allow for cameras in federal court. Everyone's favorite legal analyst [Neal Katyal sounds off on why that needs to change]( ahead of the historic trials against Donald Trump.   In the News [a bar chart with outlines of pathogens]( Getty Images/KCM On the Rise Covid-19 has spiked every summer since 2020 — and this year is no exception. But is this a wave or a ripple? Here’s [what we know about the uptick](: What’s happening? According to the CDC, hospitalizations began rising last month for the first time since the U.S. ended its Covid-19 public health emergency. An analysis of the nation’s wastewater also shows that more people are becoming infected. Is it a surge? Over 8,000 Americans were hospitalized in the week ending July 22. That’s not good, but it’s not as bad as what we saw this time last year, when 44,000 patients were admitted with the virus. Despite the bump, the CDC says the number of positive cases is still “near historic lows.” We’ve got more, including a look at [the regions where the virus is spreading fastest]( and why Covid-19 seems to make these summer comebacks. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fcovid-19%2Fcovid-summer-surge-2023%2F   More Stories Back in business: Two Democratic state reps in Tennessee who were expelled by Republicans in April for protesting in favor of gun safety on the chamber floor have won their old seats back. Justin Jones, 27, and Justin J. Pearson, 28, became famous as members of the "Tennessee Three" alongside fellow Democrat Gloria Johnson, 61. Their protest came just days after three nine-year-old children and three adults were [killed in a Nashville school shooting](. Grim history: A man accused of kidnapping and imprisoning a woman in a makeshift cell in Oregon also allegedly threatened to kill the mother of his two children, per NBC News. Negasi Zuberi, 29, who also uses the aliases “Sakima,” “Justin Hyche” and “Justin Kouassi,” was arrested on July 16 in relation to the kidnapping case. Per the FBI, he's been linked to at least four violent sexual assaults in four states. Courage and kindness: An 87-year-old woman in Maine fought off a teenage intruder, then fed him after he told her he was "awfully hungry." Marjorie Perkins woke abruptly on July 26 to see a shirtless young man looming over her. The intruder threatened to "cut" her. She fended him off with a chair, and he hit her before heading to the kitchen, where, thinking quickly, she gave him some peanut butter, honey crackers, two protein drinks, and two tangerines. [Here's what happened next.](   Blooming Locks [Colorful combs with a few daisies interspersed on a light purple background]( Getty Images Struggling with thinning hair? It's often par for the course, but there are prescription-strength solutions for regrowing your tresses. (And you don’t even need to visit a dermatologist’s office to get your treatment plan.) We spoke with a board-certified dermatologist about [Hers' personalized treatment options](: how they work on women, their potential side effects, and how long it takes to get fuller hair after starting treatment. [READ MORE]( [Sponsored by hers](   Must-Reads [Hands taking sections out of a DNA double helix]( In Your Genes Genetic testing goes far beyond finding long-lost family members. Here’s the science behind how it can change lives. [Read More »]( [Lizzo wears a black leather corset-style top over a lime green tank]( "I Am Not the Villain" After three former dancers filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and weight-shaming, Lizzo fires back. We’ve got her statement. [Read More »]( [lightbulb where the filament is an outline of the United States]( Bright Spots How brainy is your state? We’ve got a ranking of the “smartest” states in the U.S. — and why that designation is a bit problematic. [Read More »](   Extra Credit [Katie Couric in front of background of chocolate chip cookies]( Getty Images/KCM Warm and gooey: It’s National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, and I’m celebrating with a warm batch of these baked goods and a cold glass of milk. [I whipped up “the best chocolate chip cookies,”]( according to TikTok, and put them to the (taste) test. Hi, Barbie: Think you know everything there is to know about the world’s most famous doll? You might want to think again, because these [six fun facts about Barbie]( will definitely stun you — while also providing perfect small talk fodder at your next dinner party. A-List treatment: Ever wondered what it’s like to live like a celebrity? You’re in luck: Gwyneth Paltrow is listing her guesthouse on Airbnb. Here’s [how you can get a chance to stay there.](   Dive In [Tommy Bahama swim shirt, J.Crew swim dress, floral swim skirt] KCM Not everyone’s a fan of the itsy bitsy teenie weenie bikini fit — and that’s perfectly OK. We found swimwear that provides added coverage for comfort and always-welcome sun protection. But trust us, you're not sacrificing style with these amazing options: - [This nautical-looking rash guard]( keeps your skin safe from harsh UV rays in and out of the water. - Switch up your silhouettes! Say goodbye to wedgies with [this ridiculously cute swim skirt](. And this [flirty and fun swim dress]( from J.Crew is majorly discounted right now. - Swim… leggings? We understand if you think that’s made up, but they’re real — and quite comfortable, might we add. [These offer high protection]( and even have pockets!   Final Words I was really moved by [this unflinching essay by Nick Hungerford](, which I found after I connected online with his wife, Nancy. Nick is fighting bone cancer and is setting up a charity to support children who lose a parent to terminal illness. His piece is incredibly powerful — but you might want to have some tissues close by when you give it a read.   [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.cominfo@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! 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