A Second Stage

Could the conflict in the Middle East widen? [For the best experience, read in browser.]( October 30, 2023 Good morning. Today, we've got the latest on the Israel-Hamas war — which some experts worry is on the brink of escalating — and a terrifying antisemitic riot in Russia. Later on, we're remembering Matthew Perry and sharing [what we know about the Friends star's death](. We've also got my fascinating conversations about [Mitt Romney's real feelings about Donald Trump]( and [a new documentary I love](. Thanks for waking up with us.   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.]( Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to the press in Tel Aviv on Oct. 28. (Getty Images) A Second Stage As the Israel-Hamas war enters a new phase, fears are growing that the conflict could spread. Here's the latest: “We are ready”: On Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the war had entered a “second stage” whose aims are “to destroy the military and governmental capabilities of Hamas and bring the hostages home.” Israel's military says it's struck 600 "terror targets" in recent days and killed dozens of Hamas fighters overnight. Footage shared on Israeli media appears to show IDF troops two miles into the Gaza Strip. Breakdown in Gaza: Palestinian health officials say more than 8,000 people have died in Gaza. On Friday, Israeli strikes caused a near-total internet and cellphone service blackout. The main U.N. agency in Gaza says “thousands” have broken into its warehouses, taking "basic survival items." On Sunday, the Israeli military ordered an evacuation of Al-Quds Hospital, the second-largest in Gaza City. Fears of a wider conflict grow: On Sunday, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi said that Israel had “crossed the red lines, which may force everyone to take action.” However, Iran's Foreign Minister told CNN: “We don't want this war to spread out.” Meanwhile, the IDF struck several sites used by Hezbollah after claiming the group had launched rockets from Lebanon. Two U.S. officials told CNN that a Marine rapid response force is moving closer to Lebanon and Israel.   More Stories [Mourners gather at an outdoor vigil for the dead in Lewiston, Maine]( Mourners gather at a vigil in Lewiston, Maine. (Getty Images) Coming together: Residents from all over Maine gathered on Sunday to remember the 18 people killed in [last week's mass shootings.]( �€œWe’re social animals,” Mr. Hynes, 65, told the New York Times. “We need other people.” In the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Lewiston, a community leader signed the names of deaf victims Billy Brackett, Bryan MacFarlane, Joshua Seal, and Stephen Vozzella — adding: "I love you." Details are still unfolding. ABC News reports that the gunman, Robert Card, attempted to buy a silencer three months ago, but was declined after disclosing mental health issues. Antisemitic riot: A mob targeting Jewish passengers arriving from Israel stormed an airport in Makhachkala, Russia, on Sunday. At least 20 people were injured, two critically, and passengers were forced to hide in planes for fear of violence. The RIA news agency reported this morning that 60 protesters had been detained. Footage posted to social media shows hundreds of young men, some carrying Palestinian flags, attempting to break into planes. Bowing out: Former VP Mike Pence has ended his presidential bid. Announcing his decision in Las Vegas, he urged his party to resist the “siren song of populism.” Pence has repeatedly expressed pride over his time in the White House, but his refusal to block the 2020 election result alienated both former President Trump and many GOP supporters. Since Pence's exit from the race, Trump has said he "should endorse me." Taking on AI: President Biden issued a sweeping executive order on artificial intelligence this morning, aiming to harness the tech's potential and put regulations in place to mitigate its risks. In one major shift, developers of new models will be compelled to notify the federal government of safety test results before those systems are released. "We have to move fast... ideally faster than the technology itself,” White House chief of staff Jeff Zients said.   Saying Goodbye [Matthew Perry]( Getty Images Could we be any more heartbroken? On Saturday, Matthew Perry, known for playing the delightfully sarcastic Chandler Bing on Friends, passed away at just 54 years old. We're sharing [what we know so far about his tragic death](. Perry’s wry wit and masterful comedic timing were unmatched, and his loss is being felt around the world. [I reflected on the time I interviewed Matthew]( as Friends was ending.   Being Mitt Romney [Mitt Romney, with Donald Trump in the background]( Getty Images The surprisingly revealing biography Romney: A Reckoning is packed with incredible reporting about the man who was once at the very top of the Republican Party. [I spoke to author McKay Coppins]( about Romney's isolation from his colleagues, his relationship with Donald Trump, and much more. [WATCH HERE](   Must-Reads [Statue with no head or arms with pink vines wrapped around it]( In Your Genes Many of us are aware that the BRCA gene is an indicator of one's breast cancer risk. Here's how much of a role it truly plays. [Read More »]( [Illustration of person drawing a circle around themselves as another woman looks on]( Easier Said Than Done It can be hard to say no to nosy family members or an overbearing boss. An expert offers tips for setting and enforcing strong boundaries. [Read More »]( [Person walking while holding a laptop]( Changing Loyalties Younger generations are often criticized for job hopping, but here's what's behind all that moving around (and it's not laziness). [Read More »](   "A Lost Era" [Tom Wolfe]( Getty Images I loved the new documentary Radical Wolfe, a fascinating look at legendary journalist Tom Wolfe's rise to fame — and, in some cases, infamy. The film is available today on Amazon and Apple TV, so I checked in with the director, Richard Dewey, about [the legendary story that still inspires debate today](, how Wolfe redefined nonfiction storytelling, and much more. [READ MORE](   Meal Prep Monday [Chicken and avocado rice bowl on yellow background]( KCM What is it about eating out of a bowl that automatically makes any dish that much more enjoyable? [Jessie James Decker's chicken and corn rice bowls]( serve up a ton of flavor without requiring much effort. That's a win-win in our (cook)book! [READ MORE](   All Ears [A collage of art from various iHeart Podcast series]( KCM/iHeart Podcasts With so many podcast options in your feed, choosing one you really love can be tough. That's why we're thrilled to share [five remarkable podcasts led by women]( that we know will resonate, whether you've got a mere five minutes or a generous half hour to spare. The conversations cover a wide spectrum — from uncovering closely-guarded family secrets to quick vignettes on female trailblazers — and we promise you’ll be intrigued. [READ MORE]( [Sponsored by iHeart Podcasts](   Think Pink [Queen Letizia of Spain, Florence Pugh, and Katie Couric in pink suits]( From left: Queen Letizia of Spain, Florence Pugh, and me! (Getty Images/KCM) Hi, Barbie! Everyone seems to be on a pink streak this month, specifically when it comes to power suits. Here's how you can rock this trend: - Follow suit with [the eye-popping Argent blazer I wore]( on Watch What Happens Live! a few weeks ago. - This [velvet number from J.Crew]( is perfect for the cooler temps. - Want to test out this style without a huge investment? We found a [bubblegum blazer for under $40](.   [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! 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