Ramping Up

An increased U.S. presence in the Middle East. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( October 23, 2023 We begin with details of the U.S. military's plans to increase its presence in the Middle East amid ongoing violence between Israel and Hamas. Then our Breast Cancer Awareness Month coverage continues with [the tattoos that are helping survivors]( and the scoop on [a new type of cancer screening](. Plus, we'll lean into fall with [my go-to apple pie recipe]( and [the spookiest horror movies]( to watch right now. Let's get started...   In the News [U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant speak during a press conference following Hamas' Oct. 7 attack.]( U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant speak during a press conference following Hamas' Oct. 7 attack. (Getty Images) Ramping Up The U.S. is preparing in case fighting between Israel and Hamas spills into a larger conflict throughout the Middle East. Here’s what we know so far. What’s happening? Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin [said Sunday]( that he’s “concerned about potential escalation” against U.S. troops and other Americans throughout the region. Officials have already reported attacks from Iranian-backed militias against American military bases in Iraq and Syria. How’s the U.S. responding? In what marked a major shift, the Pentagon redirected the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, along with its associated warships and fighter jets, from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea to the Middle East. Additional missile defense systems will be also deployed to the area, and even more military personnel have been put on standby. What's the goal? The Pentagon hopes these moves will not only protect the U.S., but also deter further violence in the region amid threats from Iran and the militant group Hezbollah. Austin put it bluntly: “If any group or any country is looking to widen this conflict and take advantage of this very unfortunate situation that we see, our advice is: don’t."   More Stories [Detroit police officers walk near the scene where Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue president, Samantha Woll, was found dead.]( Detroit police officers walk near the scene where Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue president Samantha Woll was found dead. (Getty Images) Under investigation: Samantha Woll, president of the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue, was found fatally stabbed outside her home on Saturday morning, and local law enforcement teams are working to track down her killer. But police chief James E. White says there has been no evidence suggesting that it was motivated by antisemitism//link.katiecouric.com/click/33108763.791772/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY25uLmNvbS8yMDIzLzEwLzIyL3VzL2RldHJvaXQtcHJlc2lkZW50LXN5bmFnb2d1ZS1raWxsaW5nLXN1bmRheS9pbmRleC5odG1s/64ad542fa06bf6ade80ad77fC9b898440, even amid concerns of heightened violence around the world as a result of the war between Israel and Hamas. Square one: House Republicans are scrambling once again to find a new House speaker after GOP Rep. Jim Jordan dropped out of the race on Friday. Lawmakers are expected to hold a GOP candidate forum today, and a vote could happen as soon as tomorrow. [Here are a few contenders who could be selected for the job.]( Weighing her options: Former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney told Jake Tapper yesterday that while she plans to spend the next year "helping to elect serious people, helping to elect sane people to Congress," she might still decide to make a run for the White House herself in 2024. (We've got a look at who she'd be competing against with [the full list of Republicans currently running for president](.) On the rise: As the temperatures drop, there are three big viruses in the mix: the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (better known as RSV), and Covid-19. Last year alone, an estimated 40% of U.S. households were hit with at least one of these viruses. With other strains also on the uptick (some of which can cause bronchitis or pneumonia), experts are keeping a close watch.   Must-Reads [Gloved hand holding vial of blood between index finger and thumb]( A New Frontier You might have heard of a new form of cancer detection called liquid biopsies. We answer some FAQs about this screening. [Read More »]( [A hand holding a paintbrush, next to to round limes]( More Than Skin Deep Tattoos for your nipples? It's actually an important part of reconstruction for breast cancer survivors. We spoke to a top artist in the field. [Read More »]( [Hidden Potential by Adam Grant; Next Question with Katie Couric; The Woman in Me by Britney Spears]( 5 Things You Can't Miss From Britney's highly anticipated tell-all to my interview with John Stamos, here's the content we're consuming this week. [Read More »](   Meal Prep Monday [Katie Couric at an apple orchard holding apples]( KCM OK, so this might not be a meal per se, but if you recently got back from a trip to the apple orchard and are wondering what the heck to do with your bags and bags of picks, I've got just the thing: [my apple pie recipe](. (I used Honeycrisp, but you can't go wrong with any variety!) [READ MORE](   Extra Credit [Katie Couric with ballet dancers]( KCM All the right moves: I'm doing joyful pirouettes over this news — tomorrow is the American Ballet Theatre's Fall Gala, and they're honoring yours truly! Here's [a behind-the-scenes look at my visit with these amazing dancers](, and you can learn more about this special event (and buy tickets) [right here](. Make your bed: Could your room use a reset? We've got [the much-needed linen upgrades your heart desires]( — including a ginormous blanket you can practically get lost in. Scary good: If you're in the market for the type of rush you can only get from a good horror film, [these 18 movies on Netflix]( are sure to keep you up at night. Assembly required: Thanks to the rise of a certain Swedish retailer, there's practically no limit on furniture you can put together at home — even a couch. Does that sound like a real pain in the rear end? We tried it, and we're spilling [the pros and cons of a DIY sofa](.   Step It Up It's officially boot season! If your closet is aching for an update, you can get your next pair for [up to 50% off at DSW](, which has deals you can't miss on standout brands including Dr. Martens, Cole Haan, and Hush Puppies. [Brown boot]( [SHOP HERE](   One More Thing I’ve known diplomat Richard Haass for nearly 40 years, and I’ve often depended on his expertise to understand complicated situations (like during [our enlightening interview]( from last week about what's happening in the Middle East). [The latest post from his newsletter Home & Away]( is a great read on that conflict, President Biden's messaging about it, and the drama unfolding in the House of Representatives.   [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! 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