Rocky Rollout

The problems with the new Covid booster. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( September 25, 2023 Good morning! I spent the weekend in Austin at the Texas Tribune Festival, and I’m so excited to tell you all about my experience and [the speech that really stuck with me](. I also recently got the lowdown on [how to rock the biggest fall trends]( from fashionista Freya Drohan. We've also got [a sobering look at “forever chemicals”]( and [which cities are safest from natural disasters](. We’ll get into all that, after we discuss [what’s causing issues with the new Covid-19 boosters](. Thanks for waking up with us, and to everybody observing Yom Kippur, we wish you an easy fast.   In the News [syringes]( Getty Images A Rough Start The CDC is urging Americans to get the updated Covid booster, but getting vaxxed has proven to be a little trickier this time around. Here’s [what to know about the new vaccine’s rocky rollout](: What’s happening? Some people have reported that their vaccination appointments have been canceled abruptly — or that they were denied coverage and billed up to $200 for a jab. Why? This is the first time that the federal government hasn’t bought and distributed Covid vaccines itself, relying instead on the commercial market to get the new formulation out to Americans. So far, it seems they’re still working the kinks out of the new process. Shipments of the new boosters have been delayed, and some insurers haven’t updated their billing systems to cover the vaccines. We’ve got more on the situation — and [what you should know about the shot and your insurance coverage](. [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%2Fnew-covid-vaccine-booster-insurance%2F   More Stories [Writers holding strike placards outside HBO]( Getty Images An end in sight? [After a monthslong strike](, the Writers Guild of America has reached a tentative deal with the major film and television studios. “What we have won in this contract... is due to the willingness of this membership to exercise its power, to demonstrate its solidarity, to walk side-by-side, to endure the pain and uncertainty of the past 146 days,” the union told members in an email. The terms of the deal aren't yet known, but per a source who spoke to CNN, writers could be back at work within days. Shutdown looming: Federal workers risk seeing their pay stop indefinitely at midnight on Saturday if House Republicans remain unable to reach a compromise over a new budget. Conservative rebels are holding out for spending cuts that the Democratic-run Senate and White House are unlikely to accept anyway. Unless Congress [acts soon to avoid a government shutdown](, millions of workers — thousands of whom earn $15 per hour, and live paycheck to paycheck — will be in a desperate situation. Calling it out: Sen. John Fetterman and others have been quick to call for the resignation of Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey following bombshell bribery allegations against him. Menendez and his wife were indicted on Friday over their alleged acceptance of “hundreds of thousands of dollars,” gold bars, and a luxury car to aid the authoritarian Egyptian government and give three New Jersey businessmen official favors. A surprise outing: Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, made a rare public appearance at the Plains Peanut Festival in their Georgia hometown this weekend. "We’re betting peanut butter ice cream is on the menu for lunch!" the Carter Center tweeted. Carter, 98, who's the longest-living president in U.S. history, has been receiving hospice care since February. He lives at home with Rosalynn, who was diagnosed with dementia in May.   Katie's Corner [Katie Couric at the Texas Tribune Festival 2023]( Texas Tribune Festival / KCM I spent the weekend in the Lone Star State for the Texas Tribune Festival. [I was interviewed by Emily Ramshaw](, the CEO and co-founder of The 19th — an independent, nonprofit news organization that features a diverse staff of reporters. The next day I took on the role of moderator for a conversation with former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and Senator Mark Kelly about [Gabby’s continued recovery and their indefatigable efforts to reduce gun violence](. I also attended a bunch of fascinating sessions, including one where Texas Tribune co-founder Evan Smith gave a compelling speech on the importance of journalism — particularly local journalism — in our often chaotic, fragmented media landscape. I was inspired by what he said, and I thought you might be too — [check it out right here](! [READ MORE](   Must-Reads [A grid of illustrations of natural disasters: A tornado, cars trapped in a flood, thunderstorms, earthquake, snow on mountain, wildfires]( High-Risk More people are considering climate change when planning their next move. These are the cities most prone to natural disasters. [Read More »]( [Gloved hand holding up water balloon]( Something's in the Water The warning bells about "forever chemicals" have been blaring, so we asked an expert how worried we should be about exposure. [Read More »]( [blue-tinted photo of woman with ponytail pinching skin between her eyes]( Empathy Gap There's (rightfully) been a lot of focus on the inadequate parental leave in the U.S., but there's another important benefit that's overlooked. [Read More »](   Meal Prep Monday [Salad with mandarin slices and pistachios]( The Wonderful Company Need a little lunch inspo for the week ahead? We spoke to a registered dietitian about [6 ingredients that'll kick your salad up a notch]( — and how you'll benefit your body by using them. [READ MORE]( [Supported by The Wonderful Company](   Extra Credit [ Black crescent-shaped bag, burgundy blazer and brown platform Mary Janes on a teal background]( Ready to wear: It's one thing to see styles parade down the runways, but a totally different thing to incorporate those looks into your own wardrobe. I spoke with fashion guru Freya Drohan about [fall's hottest trends and how to wear them](. 5 things you can't miss: We searched high and low to bring you an eclectic sampling of [books, TV shows, and movies coming out this week](. From history buffs to reality TV enthusiasts to horror fans, there's something for everyone. Shop smarter: The lotions and potions we use on our most personal areas (and, yes, the toys we use there, too) do us a lot of good — but they can also be dangerous if you pick the wrong one. Play it safe with answers to [6 questions you should ask before buying]([any]([intimacy or body products](, courtesy of our partners at maude.   Worth the Hype Makeup that actually improves your skin? It's not too good to be true. KCM editors swear by [Kosas' foundation](. See for yourself what the buzz is about — and [take 20% off sitewide]( — during the biannual sale, going on now. [Kosas foundation and eyeshadow on mint green and periwinkle gradient]( [SHOP HERE](   Final Words Kimberly Mata-Rubio tragically lost her 10-year-old daughter Lexi in the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, in 2022. Now she's running for mayor of Uvalde in honor of Lexi, in the hope that she can bring the fractured community together. We spoke to Kimberly about her journey from mother of five to activist and [how she hopes to make a difference](.   [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.