A Devastating Toll

In families' own words. October 13, 2023 Today, we’re sharing a number of necessary conversations I’ve been having about what’s going on in Israel and Gaza. I've heard stories of pain: the agony of missing family members, of confusion and chaos, of violence. It’s been an incredibly difficult week, but I think it’s important to hear what so many have witnessed and are going through as we speak. Thank you for reading.   In the News [Keren Schem with her daughter Mia and Yoni Asher with his daughters]( From Left: Keren Schem with her daughter, Mia; Yoni Asher with his daughters. A Devastating Toll It’s been almost a week since Hamas’ attack on Israel, and it’s hard to grasp the devastation. The numbers are stark. In Israel, at least 1,300 people have been killed and more than 3,300 are wounded; in Gaza, at least 1,500 people have been killed and more than 6,250 wounded. Airstrikes have displaced 423,000 people, and the United Nations says it will be impossible for people in Gaza to heed Israel's order to evacuate southwards without "major humanitarian consequences." Hamas has ordered Palestinians to stay at home. The human toll of this tragedy is still mounting. I had painful but essential conversations with some of the people affected by the violence. Rebecca Brindza, an American living in Tel Aviv, recounts [what it was like “waking up to rockets”]( and discusses what she wants fellow Americans to know about the aftermath. Keren Schem tells us about [the immense pain and fear she faced at the hands of Hamas]( after her daughter Mia was kidnapped from a music festival in southern Israel. Yoni Asher opens up about [the “nightmare” he’s been living]( since he discovered his wife, young daughters, and mother-in-law were kidnapped by Hamas — when he recognized them in a video posted online. Then, to help us all understand the complicated dynamics at play, New Yorker journalist Robin Wright provides vital context, including what led to the horrific attack and [how the conflict could expand](.   More Stories [Rep. Scalise looking down]( Getty Images Turmoil in the House: House Majority Leader Steve Scalise has dropped out of the race for speaker after failing to muster sufficient support among his fellow Republicans. "We need to open up the House again. But clearly, not everybody is there. And there are still schisms that have to get resolved," he said. Rep. Jim Jordan, who Scalise defeated 113-99 in the GOP conference, is the natural runner-up — but many Republicans are set against him. Per CNN, Rep. Don Bacon is concerned about “rewarding bad behavior,” after Jordan's backers blocked Scalise’s bid. Members will meet at 10 am this morning to discuss possible options. Split decision: A Colorado jury yesterday split its decision in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain, an unarmed 23-year-old Black man who died after being placed in a chokehold by first responders (including police) and injected with ketamine. Officer Randy Roedema was found guilty of criminally negligent homicide and assault, while officer Jason Rosenblatt was acquitted of all charges, including reckless manslaughter. “This is not a victory... This is not justice,” Elijah's mother, Sheneen McClain, told KUSA afterward. On the bleachers: Taylor Swift took a break from promoting the release of her smash-hit The Eras Tour movie to cheer on Travis Kelce as the Kansas City Chiefs faced the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium last night. She certainly seems to be a lucky charm for the Chiefs, who've been undefeated since her first appearance in the crowd alongside Kelce's mom in September, and clinched a stunning 19-8 victory Thursday.   Think (and Shop) Pink [Pink and gray sneakers, Check Yourself sweater, and elemis pro-collagen rose micro serum on pink background]( KCM Paying off the credit card bill hurts a little less when you know the items you bought are helping others, too. We scoured all our favorite brands — from the comfy-shoe geniuses at Easy Spirit, to my cozy sweater go-to, to the skincare brand our staffers always stock up on — to find out [who’s giving back for Breast Cancer Awareness Month](. Rest assured that you can shop all 11 of these products while making a difference. [READ MORE](   Must-Reads [Woman leaned back in desk chair with post-its covering her eyes, eyes are drawn on the post-its.]( Working Hard... ...Or hardly working? "Lazy girl jobs" are all the rage on TikTok, but the creator of this term explains why she's not rejecting work ethic. [Read More »]( [Illustration of women with mastectomy scar crossing arms]( The Full Picture Radiation therapy can be effective, particularly when it comes to breast cancer — but there are some side effects to be aware of. [Read More »]( [Illustration of people standing apart from each other]( Alone Together Thanks to social media, we're more connected than ever — but the quality of our relationships is suffering. Here's more on this paradox. [Read More »](   Extra Credit [Gerry Turner, Kaitlyn Bristowe, and Jesse Palmer]( ABC/John Fleenor Not here to make friends: Tensions are rising on this week's Golden Bachelor. [Here's everything you missed]( from last night's episode. Spook-tacular viewing: It's Friday the 13th, and if you want to get in the spooky mood without giving yourself nightmares, we've got just the thing. [The funniest TV episodes about Halloween]( are all treats, no tricks. Silky sheets: What's better than upgrading your bedding? Resting assured that you got a good deal. Get [up to 70% off Peacock Alley]('s luxury linens, like [this sumptuous sateen set](.   In Conversation Remember a time before social media? It's wild to think about how more and more people can't. I was excited to speak to Taylor Lorenz, a columnist at The Washington Post who covers technology and culture, about [the rise of online platforms]( — and that now-infamous video of me from 1994 not understanding what the internet was!   Photo of the Day [Bear standing in water] NPS Photo/F. Jimenez/Katmai National Park and Preserve When it comes to packing on the pounds to survive a brutal Alaskan Winter, this year’s Fat Bear Week champion knows how to get it done. Her name is 128 Grazer and she beat her final competitor (32 Chunk) by more than 85,000 votes. This marks the momma bear’s first win — and it might not be her last. First identified by park rangers in 2005, she’s known for her clever fishing skills after successfully raising two litters of cubs.   Luxury For All [Women wearing Quince sweaters on purple background]( KCM We already know how much you love Quince's [$50 cashmere sweater](, and why wouldn't you? This lightweight, versatile, and — best of all — truly affordable piece is the best deal you'll find on such a fine material. It comes in a staggering 18 colors (including six brand-new ones), and if you like what you see, you'll also want to check out [the fantastic dresses, hats, accessories, and more]( in their expanded cashmere collection. [SHOP HERE](   [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.