Stay Woke?

This buzzword may be losing steam. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( August 7, 2023 Is the war on “wokeness” worth fighting? We’ve got more on why culture debates may not sway voters — and [the issues that will drive people to the polls](. In other contested topics, we explore [some misconceptions around working from home](. Then, we share [a guide to finding in-season produce]( and [my favorite summer dishes]( that make your fruits and veggies shine. And because “you are what you eat,” we’re [explaining Tomato Girl Summer]( and why it’s taken the internet by storm.   In the News [Illustration of red and blue paper heads crinkled looking at each other]( Getty Images Stay Woke? Considering how often we hear some politicians and pundits crusading against “wokeness,” you’d think it’s an issue that’s top of mind for voters. But that may not be the case. When given the hypothetical choice, just 24% of Republican voters would back a candidate who focused on fighting “woke” issues like racial injustice, compared to 65% of those who preferred the one who instead prioritized law and order, such as border security and crime. That could spell trouble for some 2024 hopefuls like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has made attacking the ideology a centerpiece of his campaign. Here’s more on how voters feel about fighting “PC culture” and the [surprising conservative who is not a fan of the term.]( [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Fpolitics-and-policy%2Fanti-woke-republicans-desantis%2F   More Stories [United States midfielder Julie Ertz (8) on the field after being elevated from the 2023 FIFA World Cup by Sweden ]( United States midfielder Julie Ertz grieves after the team's defeat by Sweden. (Getty Images) Women's World Cup: The U.S. Women's National Team was knocked out of the Women’s World Cup in a stunning conclusion against Sweden on Sunday. After a nail-biting penalty shootout, Sweden won a 5-4 victory when Lina Hurtig’s kick crossed the goal line by a fraction of a centimeter. “I’m just devastated, it feels like a bad dream,” U.S. striker and co-captain Alex Morgan said after the game. “I feel like we dominated. It’s a tough one to swallow.” Derail and distract: Donald Trump has so far followed a familiar script in his response to [his indictment over his efforts to overturn the 2020 election]( — the former president's third criminal case this year. He's suggested that he'll seek the recusal of the federal judge overseeing the case, and try to move the trial out of Washington. His lawyer John F. Lauro claimed on the Sunday news shows that Trump didn't direct VP Mike Pence to reject votes for Joe Biden, but "asked him in an aspirational way.” X marks the spot: The potential grudge match between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg will be live-streamed on X, formerly known as Twitter. Zuckerberg posted on Threads: “Shouldn’t we use a more reliable platform that can actually raise money for charity,” adding: “I’m ready today. I suggested Aug 26 when (Musk) first challenged, but he hasn’t confirmed. Not holding my breath.” It's a Barbie world: Greta Gerwig's Barbie just surpassed $1 billion at the global box office, becoming the highest-grossing movie directed by a woman and nearly doubling Oppenheimer's $552 billion total. Barbie's topped the previous $821.8 million record held by Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman — and crossed the $400 million mark in the U.S. faster than any other Warner Bros. movie, including the Harry Potter series. "Barbillion has blown even our most optimistic predictions out of the water,” said Jeff Goldstein and Andrew Cripps, who oversee distribution for Warner Bros.   Must-Reads [illustration of woman trying on jeans, looking distressed]( Just a Number Do you feel like finding your clothing size is a total gamble? There’s a reason it's so confusing — and it can take a real toll. [Read More »]( [Illustration of people working at laptops inside their homes]( Return to Normal? With even Zoom employees returning to the office, some are wondering if remote work is over. Read why this CEO thinks it’s here to stay. [Read More »]( [Pineapple, onion, peaches, kiwi, cucumber and beets on green background]( Ripe for the Picking It’s National Farmers Market Week, so before you go shopping, check out which fruits and veggies are at peak freshness right now. [Read More »](   Photo of the Day [Miles Davis in front of Chili background]( Getty Images That photo? It's not upside-down — that's Simone Biles, casually flipping through the air on the balance beam. After taking time off for her mental health, Biles made her triumphant return to competitive gymnastics over the weekend at the Core Hydration Classic in Illinois. The four-time Olympic gold medalist finished with an all-around score of 59.1, winning the all-around, balance beam, and floor titles and achieving the highest vault score. She admitted she “was really nervous to compete again” but said after: “I feel really good about where I am right now, mentally and physically.”   Extra Credit Get moving: Do you find it a struggle to work out during the week? A new study might have the news you’ve been waiting for: [Here’s how long you need to exercise for heart health](, no matter how you divvy it up. 5 things you can’t miss: Clear your schedules, because a number of long-awaited TV shows, movies, and books are finally coming out this week. (Only Murders in the Building, anyone?) Here’s [everything we’re diving into](. Look fresh: It’s not too late to get in on this season’s hottest trend: Tomato Girl Summer. (And, no, it has nothing to do with pizza — sorry!) We’re breaking down this spin on the coastal grandma aesthetic and [how to make it work for you](.   Meal Prep Monday [Katie Couric in front of peach burrata salad]( Getty Images / Shutterstock / KCM Cooking in the summer is kind of a dream — ripe produce abounds, just waiting to be the star of your next meal. [My favorite summer dishes]( incorporate fresh picks from my garden and are a snap to put together. Take my go-to peach burrata appetizer, which is sweet, savory, and ready to serve in no time. [READ MORE](   Trend Spotting Wake-Up Callers love Cariuma’s sustainable canvas sneakers, and the brand just launched a [fun leopard print version](. Whether you consider the pattern a neutral or the star of your ‘fit, these comfy shoes add a fun pop. [Cariuma leopard canvas sneakers on striped pink and orange background]( [SHOP HERE](   [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've got 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.