On the Brink

Congress is heading for a shutdown. September 29, 2023 With no budget in sight, the government is careening towards a shutdown. We’ve got more on the small group of lawmakers preventing an agreement — and leading the charge on Joe Biden’s impeachment. For lower-stakes drama, we recap [what happened on The Golden Bachelor last night](. Then, we’ll banish your work stress before sending you off into the weekend, with [ways to find fulfillment from your job]( and [a stretch break to relieve tension](. Read on!   In the News [Matt Gaetz, Kevin McCarthy, and Marjorie Taylor Greene] From left: Matt Gaetz, Kevin McCarthy, and Marjorie Taylor Greene. (Getty Images / KCM) On the Brink With a Sept. 30 deadline looming, a small band of Republicans is driving Congress toward a shutdown. Here’s a closer look at the unfolding drama. What’s happening? At least 10 hardline House conservatives declared they wouldn’t vote for any temporary measures to keep the government open unless they include deep spending cuts and strong border control measures. They’ve also threatened to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy from his leadership role if he tries to work around them by turning to Democrats for help. Who are they? Led by Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, the group consists of several other far-right Republicans, including Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Texas Rep. Chip Roy. The group also has a cheerleader — former President Trump, who’s hoping the move will stop the criminal prosecutions against him. What’s next? As the Senate tries to push through its own continuing resolution, McCarthy plans to hold a vote for a short-term funding bill today. While it faces steep odds, the hope is that its measures to “secure the border” will placate those who have been vocally against any stopgap bill. Whether or not they maintain funding, Republicans, including the ones holding up a budget deal, plan to press ahead with their impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. “We’re going to keep going,” said House Oversight Chairman James Comer.   More Stories [Michael Gambon poses in front of Canterbury Cathedral]( Getty Images A life well-lived: Sir Michael Gambon, the British actor who starred as Albus Dumbledore in most of the Harry Potter movies, is dead at 82. His publicist said he died "peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia." Though Gambon was recently most recognized as Dumbledore, he enjoyed a storied career spanning six decades, winning renown in the theatre before his film debut in 1965's Othello, and receiving four BAFTA awards for his work in the 1980s TV series The Singing Detective. A vile act of vandalism: A historic British sycamore tree was cut down in the night in what authorities described as an "act of vandalism." A 16-year-old boy has reportedly been arrested. The 300-year-old tree was made famous by a scene in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, during which Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman's characters walk along Hadrian's Wall. The tree stood in a dip in the hills alongside the wall, which was built in 122 AD to mark the frontier of the Roman Empire. A dicey move: Authorities were dispatched to Britney Spears' house after she posted a video of herself dancing with knives to Instagram. “Some would argue this is her expressing her creative freedom, and some might argue this is dangerous,” a member of the sheriff's office told CNN. The singer's head of security met the sergeant who came to her house, and explained that she was safe. Her attorney later emphasized that there are "no issues" with Spears' health, "mentally, physically or otherwise." Stadium tour: Swifties, brace yourselves: Taylor is set to watch the Kansas City Chiefs take on the New York Jets in New Jersey on Sunday night, per NBC News. Her [appearance in Kansas City]( to cheer on Travis Kelce last weekend saw ticket sales for Chiefs home games triple, so we're pretty confident she'll receive a warm Welcome to New York...   Must-Reads [Gerry Turner and the Golden Bachelor cast]( Here for the Right Reasons Our first Golden Bachelor recap is here! We watched so you don’t have to (but honestly, you should). Check out the juiciest moments. [Read More »]( [Illustration of girl sitting on top of a giant happy face with a laptop in her lap]( Do What You Love Unhappy at work? The grass might not be greener at another company. An expert has tips for finding fulfillment no matter where you work. [Read More »]( [Six bubbles depicting people in offices stretching at their desks]( Straighten Out Consider this your daily reminder to stop slouching. My Pilates instructor Ashley Patten has moves to improve your posture. [Read More »](   Got Milk? [Pink abstract illustration of circles and lines, suggesting the shape of breasts]( Getty Images Whether you, your daughter, or another lady in your life is expecting, we've got a report you don't want to miss: A veteran lactation expert from The Lactation Network [debunks common myths about breastfeeding]( — and tells us about the unsung heroes of maternal health who are there for new parents when the nursing journey gets complicated. [READ MORE]( [Sponsored by The Lactation Network](   Extra Credit "You whine, I wine": Jokes about "mom juice" are pervasive in our culture, but [this honest (and surprising) conversation about mothers and drinking]( goes beyond the punchlines and delves into the controversy. Perk up: It's National Coffee Day, but you don't need a holiday to enjoy top-notch java — and you don't even have to leave the house. We've got a guide to [simple ways to elevate your at-home coffee game](. Soft spot: We're pretty obsessed with [Cozy Earth's supple, bamboo bed sheets](, and you can get them on sale right now. Use the code KATIECOURIC to get 30% off sitewide until Oct. 20.   Feel-Good Friday [Taylor Swift celebrating at the Chiefs game] Giphy There's no denying Taylor Swift's impact. Her rumored romance with Travis Kelce caused sales of his jersey to skyrocket 400%; her Eras Tour boosted the economy; and her recent social media push encouraging voter registration led to 38,000 new signups. And it's not just Swifties singing her praises — California Gov. Gavin Newsom had a lot to say, too. "Taylor Swift stands tall and unique," he told TMZ. "What she was able to accomplish in getting young people activated to consider that they have a voice and they should have a voice in the next election, I think it's profoundly powerful."   Level Up If you're looking to enhance your pickleball game, we've got the scoop on [6 ways to keep your energy high while you work up a sweat]( (including the snack that you'll definitely want close by during matches). [READ MORE]( [Sponsored by Wonderful Pistachios](   Sweater Weather [Models wearing Sara Campbell blue and olive green sweater]( Courtesy of Sara Campbell It's that crisp-breeze time of year again, and sweaters are singing their siren song from the shelves of our favorite retailers. Our partners at Sara Campbell knocked it out of the park with [this classic (and versatile) crewneck]( that boasts adorable button cuffs for preppy flair. For a different silhouette, we're also hitting "add to cart" on [this chic mockneck](, which has structured panels and side slits to make it ultra-flattering.   [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! [Alternate text] [For the best experience, read in browser.]( 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.