The Woman Everyone's Talking About

What we know about Trump prosecutor Fani Willis. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( August 16, 2023 Still got questions about yesterday’s indictment? [We’ve got answers]( about the D.A. leading the charges against Donald Trump and what’s next — plus, everybody’s favorite legal expert [Neal Katyal helps make sense of it all](. Over in the celebverse, we’re sharing [the latest twist in Kevin Costner’s divorce]( and [6 surprising facts about Meryl Streep](. Elsewhere, we’ve got [safety tips you need to read]( before your next beach outing, and I’m dishing out [my favorite spicy recipes](. Let's begin!   In the News [Fani Willis]( Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (Getty Images) Trump's Newest Adversary Before Donald Trump’s classified documents or Jan. 6 investigations, there was someone else looking into his activity from behind the scenes. Here’s [what we know about the district attorney leading the investigation]( into the former president’s alleged campaign to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia. Who is Fani Willis? First elected in 2020, Willis is the first Black woman to serve as district attorney in Fulton County. She’s currently leading the criminal investigation that resulted in 13 counts against the president (along with charges against 18 of his allies). What is RICO? In order to bring the charges, Willis is using Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO. It's based on a federal statute of the same name, which has been used to target organized crime. What experts are saying: Legal observers, including Georgetown law professor Neal Katyal, believe Willis makes a pretty strong case. “The indictment paints a pretty damning picture of the Trump operation, making it look very much structured, like those illegal enterprise operations,” he told me on Instagram live. [Here’s more on what he had to say](. Here are more details on Willis and [why her legal strategy may be controversial](. [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%2Fwho-is-fani-willis-georgia-trump-indictment%2F   More Stories [People handing out supplies in Maui]( Getty Images Maui latest: Survivors of the wildfires that have reduced much of the Hawaiian island to ash are reportedly organizing their own relief efforts as trust in the government wanes. "We are taking charge," Maui County Council Vice Chair Keani Rawlins-Fernandez said per NBC News. [As of this morning, the death toll has risen to 106](, with many of the affected areas yet to be searched. The estimated damage stands at $7 billion. "Revenge porn" suit: A Texas woman referred to in court documents as "D.L." has been awarded $1.2 billion in damages after claiming her ex-boyfriend sexually and psychologically abused her by sharing intimate images of her online without her consent. Marques Jamal Jackson apparently sent the photos to D.L.'s friends, family, and co-workers via various accounts — as well as using her bank account to pay his rent. Bradley backlash: Netflix just released its teaser trailer for Maestro — a biopic starring Bradley Cooper as the legendary composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein — and it's already drawing fire. Critics have zoned in on the prosthetic nose Cooper (who also directed, co-wrote, and co-produced the movie) wears in the role, blasting him for what some are calling "Jewface." "He should be able to play a Jewish man without any need for prosthetics," Jewish British actress Tracy-Ann Oberman told Page Six. Today in money: Michael Burry, the investor portrayed by Christian Bale in The Big Short — the hit 2015 movie about the 2007 financial crisis — is making waves again. Burry just gambled more than $1.6 billion on a Wall Street crash, betting against the S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100. (Don't panic — it's worth noting that Burry's bearish predictions tend to draw much more attention than his more upbeat ones, and that he U-turned on advice to sell earlier this year!)   The Gift of Time In 2010, Elizabeth O'Connor was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, one of the most dangerous forms of this terrible disease. But she's beaten the odds, and she's thriving all these years later, thanks to groundbreaking research by heroic doctors and scientists.[Elizabeth's moving story]( will encourage you to hold your loved ones closer — and, hopefully, to also [donate whatever you can to Stand Up To Cancer](. For more about the miracles your dollars can facilitate, don't miss [our star-studded telecast](, airing this Saturday at 8 p.m. Eastern. [SEE MORE](   Must-Reads [Red rescue tube in the water]( Safety Alert Drowning can happen in a matter of seconds — even if you know how to swim. A lifeguard has tips for dealing with danger in the water. [Read More »]( [Kevin Costner and ex-wife Christine Baumgartner]( Bitter Breakup Yellowstone star Kevin Costner has accused his ex of “gamesmanship of the worst sort” in a new court filing for their divorce. [Read More »]( [Person walking with open laptop and a paper plane flying out in front of them]( Time to Bounce The days of staying at the same company for decades are not a reality for younger generations. Here’s what’s driving Gen Z to job hop. [Read More »](   Extra Credit Star power: Meryl Streep needs no introduction. The Oscar winner has brought so many iconic roles to life, from Miranda Priestly to Margaret Thatcher. But there’s [plenty you probably don’t know about her](, from how she nearly missed her calling as an actress to her real first name. Heating up: Chop it up for guacamole, add it to a margarita — is there anything jalapeño can’t improve? I’m sharing [my favorite ways to use this pepper]( in everything from apps to wine (yes, really!). Deal alert: We've got a hot tip on discounted activewear. Hit the pickleball or the tennis court in [this super cute workout skort]( (rhyme not intentional), which is 20% off right now.   Face First [Obagi professional serum, Perricone MD neck and chest cream, dermatologica daily microfoliant, elta md uv clear sunscreen]( KCM There’s never been a better time to upgrade your skincare routine than during Dermstore’s Anniversary Sale, where you can [take up to 25% off with code CHEERS](. Here’s what we’re shopping: - [EltaMD’s broad-spectrum sunscreen]( is made for sensitive and acne-prone skin, and the oil-free formula is a favorite among Wake-Up Callers. - TikTok is obsessed with [this exfoliating powder]( that leaves your skin feeling baby-smooth and is gentle enough to use every day. - Don’t forget the decolletage! [This moisturizer made for the neck and chest]( is packed with ingredients that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark spots, and it contains SPF to protect against damage. - Many dermatologists recommend incorporating Vitamin C into your skincare routine, and [this professional-grade serum]( is praised in hundreds of five-star reviews. - See why [this lactic acid treatment]( from Sunday Riley is called “Good Genes”: It deeply exfoliates dull skin for a more radiant complexion. [SHOP HERE](   [The Shop Edit. Love shopping as much as we do? Subscribe to our latest newsletter and you'll never miss another trend, money-saving sale, or hard-to-find gem!]( 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.