Seizing the Spotlight

One candidate dominated the GOP primary debate. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( August 24, 2023 Eight Republican presidential candidates took to the stage for the first debate of the 2024 race last night — and [one in particular stole the show](. We've got the highlights, below. After that, we’re talking sustainability with a deep dive into [the existential threat to electric cars](. Then, we’ve got a list of [the cities with the worst traffic]( — see how yours stacks up. If that makes you want to get out of town, we’ve got just the place: [This wine lover’s paradise]( is delightfully off the beaten path. Let's get going.   In the News [GOP candidates at the FOX News debate]( (L-R), Asa Hutchinson, Chris Christie, Mike Pence, Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, Nikki Haley, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. (Getty Images) Seizing the Spotlight There was no love lost during the first 2024 Republican presidential primary debate last night. While all the candidates were swift to dunk on President Biden and each other, one in particular drew overwhelming fire: Ohio entrepreneur and political newcomer, Vivek Ramaswamy. [Here's what went down](. Ramaswamy stands in for Trump: Most candidates were keen to avoid mentions of Donald Trump, who remains the clear frontrunner for the GOP nomination. However, those who've positioned themselves firmly against the former president turned their attention to Ramaswamy, his most vocal defender on the stage. Former VP Mike Pence took the first jab, saying: “Vivek, you recently said a president can’t do everything. Well, I’ve got news for you, Vivek. I’ve been in the hallway. I’ve been in the West Wing. The president of the United States has to confront every crisis facing America.” DeSantis hangs back: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was set to be the center of attention, but his performance was surprisingly muted. He hesitated before raising his hand when candidates were asked whether they'd support Trump if he is convicted, and leaned on rehearsed lines. He opened with his familiar declaration "Our country is in decline," and re-emphasized that illegal immigrants to the U.S. would wind up "stone cold dead" under his administration. We've got more on all this, [plus the lowdown on an embarrassing moment for former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, here](. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Ffirst-gop-presidential-debate-takeaways%2F   A Closer Look [Rudy Giuliani's mugshot] Rudy Giuliani's booking photo. (Fulton County Sheriff's Office) Former President Trump is expected to surrender today at Georgia’s Fulton County Jail on charges related to trying to overturn the 2020 election. Don’t expect any special treatment, though — he’ll be processed just like everyone else, which includes having a mugshot and some fingerprints taken. But since Trump has already negotiated a $200,000 bond agreement, he won’t be held in custody after turning himself in. Meanwhile, some of his 18 co-conspirators, including former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, have already been booked and released. [More updates, here.](   More Stories [People gathered around remnants of a plane]( INVESTIGATIVE COMMITTEE OF RUSSIA/HANDOUT Plane plummets: Russian authorities say Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner mercenary group that [attempted a mutiny against Russia's military leadership this June](, was listed as a passenger on a plane that crashed yesterday, leaving no survivors. It's yet to be confirmed for sure, and neither the Kremlin nor Russia's Defense Ministry has commented yet. At least 10 people were on the flight. Prigozhin's aborted mutiny was the greatest challenge to President Putin's authority in decades, and President Biden appeared to hint that Putin had a hand in his death, commenting: "I'm not surprised." Speaking of Russia: A Moscow court this morning extended the pretrial detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. It'd been due to end on August 30, but will now extend until November 30. President Biden stressed last month that he's "serious" about a prisoner exchange to release Gershkovich, who's been held on [espionage charges that he, the WSJ, and the U.S. government firmly deny]( since March. Cook's Corner shooting: At least four people are dead following a mass shooting at a biker bar in Orange County last night. Six other victims, five with gunshot wounds, have been transferred to a local trauma center. The attacker, who was killed at the scene, appears to have been a retired law enforcement officer. Undersheriff Jeff Hallock called it “an absolutely tragic event,” adding that deputies responded within minutes of receiving 911 calls.   Drink Up! When it comes to America's most verifiably fabulous vineyards, Napa tends to get most of the attention. But we've got the scoop on [the lesser-known wine destination you simply must visit]( — and the history of the innovative vintner who put this spot on the map in the first place. [READ MORE]( [sponsored by Justin](   Must-Reads [Car driving on white sand visible through the sideview mirror]( In Demand You’ve likely used a lithium ion battery — there's one in your phone. But the ubiquity of this invention is causing some problems. [Read More »]( [Illustration of cars in traffic]( Road Block Every city says they have the worst traffic (and drivers), but they can’t all be that bad. See where your city ranks on the congestion scale. [Read More »]( [Illustration of children of various races]( Shut It Down When kids return from summer break, they may be met with unwelcome (but well-meaning) comments about their looks. Here’s how to deal with them. [Read More »](   Extra Credit Piece of cake: We recently sung the praises of Martha Stewart’s no-bake cheesecake, and her desserts do not miss. The [DIY legend’s lemon pound cake]( contains a surprising ingredient that gives it an extra pop of flavor. What the buzz is about: Therabody massage tools are the holy grail of recovery and wellness gadgets, and the [Theragun mini is on sale right now](. This is one product that’s actually worth the hype — check out [our honest review]( if you’re not convinced. Do you believe: You don’t become a global superstar like Cher without having a few weird rumors circulate about you. We’re fact-checking some of [the most persistent myths about the Goddess of Pop](.   Influenced [Men's bathing suits]( KCM “I recently caved and made the switch from AirPods to [Srhythm’s NC25 wireless headphones](. I didn’t want to shell out a couple hundred dollars for noise cancelling headphones (who does?) so when I saw the price and reviews on the NC25’s, I was immediately sold. These headphones are so comfortable, have amazing noise cancelling capabilities, and have a great battery life. Feel free to thank me later.” — Julia Lewis, Producer Shop these headphones, and [more deals we found on Amazon right here](. [SEE MORE](   [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.