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President Biden visits Israel. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( [Wake-Up Call] [by Katie Couric Media] October 19, 2023 Good morning. President Biden touched down in Israel yesterday, and we've got the details of his visit below. We’re also breaking down [the latest in the struggle to pick a Speaker of the House](. Later on, we’ll [answer your questions about breast cancer]( and share [a positive side to A.I.]( Let’s begin…   In the News [President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu]( Getty Images Show of Support President Biden arrived in Israel on Wednesday with the aim of easing tensions and reaffirming America’s support for the Israeli people. Here’s a breakdown of his rare wartime visit: Biden’s message: He compared Hamas’ Oct. 7 terror attack to Sept. 11, telling survivors and relatives of the victims in Tel Aviv: “I understand. Many Americans understand…. You can’t look at what has happened here… and not scream out for justice.” The president also urged restraint in the wake of recent horrors, warning: “I caution this: While you feel that rage, don’t be consumed by it.” Hospital blast: After reviewing satellite data and other evidence, Biden backed Israel’s claim that it was not behind the hospital explosion that killed hundreds in Gaza earlier this week. “Based on what I’ve seen, it appears as though it was done by the other team,” Biden said during an appearance with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Help on the way: Biden said he secured an agreement with Israel to allow some humanitarian aid into Gaza as the strip’s two million residents suffer critical shortages. Trucks filled with food, water, and fuel are now parked on Egypt’s border, waiting to cross into the besieged enclave. Biden also pledged $100 million in aid to help civilians in Gaza and the West Bank.   The Vote Continues Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan came up short once again for the coveted speakership position. In the latest tally, he earned 199 votes — one less ballot than before — and is still shy of the 217 votes needed to win. He’s made it clear he’s not giving up, and there’s another round of voting today. We’ve got a primer on the Republicans opposing Jordan and [what this stalemate could mean for the House](. [READ MORE](   More Stories [German Shepherd looking through balcony railings]( Beth Holloway in front of an image of Natalee (Getty Images) An answer, at last: Joran van der Sloot, the man who has long been suspected in the 2005 disappearance of 18-year-old Natalee Holloway, has finally admitted to killing her. Van der Sloot said he bludgeoned Natalee to death after she rebuffed his sexual advances on a beach in Aruba. His confession came as part of a plea deal in a related federal case in Alabama, in which he pleaded guilty to extorting and defrauding Natalee’s family. “It’s over… He is the killer,” Natalee’s mother Beth said. UPenn crisis: Former University of Pennsylvania trustee Vahan Gureghian is calling for the school's president to resign following backlash over how antisemitism has been handled on campus. “She is negligent and not really up to the job,” he told CNN. High-profile donors have withdrawn funding since the campus hosted a Palestine Writes Literature Festival last month including speakers with a track record of antisemitic remarks. This comes alongside a new Axios review of FBI data revealing that anti-Jewish hate crimes rose 36% in 2022 compared to 2021. Raising the game: The Las Vegas Aces won their second consecutive WNBA title Wednesday, defeating the New York Liberty 70-69 in Game 4 to become the first back-to-back champions since the Los Angeles Sparks in 2001-2002. Aces forward A’ja Wilson scored a game-high 24 points and 16 rebounds on her way to finals MVP honors, with guard Jackie Young adding 16 points.   Must-Reads [finger pressing phone touchscreen]( Machine Learning A.I. seems like this totally out-there technology — but the reality is most of us have already been using it for years. Here are a few ways. [Read More »]( [Pink ribbon with megaphone]( Think Pink There are so many questions about breast cancer, from the signs to the causes. We attempted to answer them in this handy resource guide. [Read More »]( [Person lifting hamburger bun to reveal person sleeping on hamburger patty]( Sleepytime Eats You may know about the sleep-inducing effects of warm milk or chamomile tea. Here are other foods that can help you catch some ZZZs. [Read More »](   Helping Hands [A Humana employee shakes hands with a customer]( KCM Navigating the healthcare system is something we all must do, but it certainly doesn't come naturally to everyone. That's where our partners at Humana come in: [This heartwarming story]( about how one of their agents became an essential advocate for an old friend is the perfect illustration of why the right kind of support can be a true lifesaver. [LEARN MORE]( [Supported by Humana](   Tune In Twenty-five years ago this month, the death of 21-year-old Matthew Shepard kicked off a national reckoning about homophobia in America. I interviewed his parents, Judy and Dennis, less than six months after Matthew died, and I'm catching up with them again this morning to discuss how they honor their son's legacy now. Don't miss this important conversation in the 8 a.m. hour of the TODAY Show on NBC.   Extra Credit Grab the popcorn: Sick of endlessly scrolling the streaming services in search of something that's actually worth your time? We rounded up [the 10 best movies]( available on Max right now. Step it up: Look chic while you sweat with this list of [fall workout gear that'll make you want to exercise](, including leggings, sports bras, shoes, and more. Liven up your lunch: If your usual midday meals are feeling a little stale, you can kick things up a notch with [this buzzy salad recipe]( that's gotten tons of traction on Instagram (and is inspired by a celeb-favorite market in Los Angeles).   Take It From Us [Tatcha dewy skin cream]( KCM "My toxic trait is that I’ve spent $70 on [this magical moisturizer]( multiple times. But seriously, this is the richest cream I’ve ever used and it’s full of antioxidants thanks to the magic of Japanese purple rice. It’s worth the splurge, but I won’t feel bad about purchasing it on discount." – Diana Valenzuela, Editorial Assistant [SHOP HERE](   One More Thing [Van with the words: One small snip for man, one giant leap for humankind(ness)] Courtesy of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri See that van? It’s not just a vehicle — it’s a mobile vasectomy clinic (called “the Nutcracker”). From Oct. 19-21, Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri is offering 100 free vasectomies to mark World Vasectomy Day. It’s the third year PPSLR is offering these appointments, which are all the more important lately. There's been a massive increase in men looking to get snipped since Roe v. Wade was overturned.   [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.