Red Flag

Why this gun law is getting major attention. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( November 1, 2023 Good morning. As more details emerge about the horrific shooting in Lewiston, we’re examining [the law that failed to prevent this tragedy]( and retracing [the complicated history of the assault weapons ban](. Later on, we’re sharing [an inspiring essay about reclaiming trauma]( and [Matthew Perry’s ex-fiancé’s tribute]( to the late star.   In the News [gun law gumball machine]( Getty Images/KCM Red Flag This summer, an Army reservist received psychiatric treatment for two weeks after his family alerted authorities that he was talking about shooting up an army base. Months later, he went on a rampage in Lewiston, Maine, killing 18 and wounding 13 others. Now, people are questioning [how he fell through the cracks]( — and the laws that are supposed to prevent these tragedies. Regional disparities: Currently, 21 states have red flag laws that allow authorities to remove firearms from the possession of anyone deemed to be a threat to themselves or others. Maine has a “yellow flag” law, which has the same aim but entails more bureaucratic steps. We’re diving into the finer details of these measures, plus a possible explanation for [why they fell so short in Maine.]( It's up to individual states to pass gun reform because federal legislation on assault weapons has been stalled for years. Here’s [a quick primer on the assault weapons ban]( and why it expired. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Fwhat-are-red-flag-laws-gun-control%2F   More Stories [A view from the area after Israeli airstrikes on Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza.]( The remains of the Jabaliya camp. (Getty Images) Israel-Hamas war: Israeli forces claim that an airstrike on the Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza has killed one of the top Hamas commanders responsible for the Oct. 7 massacre. Per CNN, the head of a nearby hospital estimates that scores of people died in the strike. Israel says 11 IDF soldiers died during ground fighting yesterday. The U.K. says there are "credible reports" that some of Gaza's most seriously wounded residents may be allowed into Egypt to seek medical treatment today. In custody: A Cornell University junior has been charged in connection with violent online threats against Jewish students. According to prosecutors, Patrick Dai, 21, allegedly posted disturbing messages on an online board, including threats to "shoot up" a campus building, "stab" or "slit the throat" of Jewish men, and rape Jewish women. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul says she'll combat "hate and bias wherever it rears its ugly head,” and Cornell has pledged to maintain heightened security on campus. Major breakthrough: The FDA is a step closer to approving a groundbreaking treatment for sickle cell disease, a devastating chronic condition that mainly affects Black people. The treatment, known as exa-cel, uses a gene-editing tool to delete the section of DNA that causes patients' cells to mutate. Left untreated, the misshapen cells can lead to strokes, organ damage, and horrific pain. The only known cure is a bone marrow transplant. Now that an advisory committee has declared exa-cel safe, the FDA is expected to make its final ruling by December 8.   In Focus [Katie Couric and Jean Trebek]( Jean Trebek and I will be on the TODAY show this morning. (KCM) November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. My sister Emily was diagnosed in 2000, and 14 months later, she died at just 54. Alex Trebek, the beloved host of Jeopardy!, also died of pancreatic cancer, three years ago this November 8th. I got to know his wife Jean after his death. She's a wonderful person who's determined to turn her pain into purpose. Today, Jean and I are launching the Alex Trebek Fund with Stand Up To Cancer. Since Alex was always in search of the right answer (in the form of a question), we think it’s fitting that this fund will help the incredible scientists taking on this ruthless disease. It’s also being supported in memory of cinematographer Barbara Hanania, who filmed interviews of some of the 20th century's brightest minds. In honor of Alex, or anyone you know who might have been diagnosed, [you can make a gift here](. You can also tune into the TODAY show this morning to hear more. [DONATE HERE](   Must-Reads [Actor Matthew Perry]( Paying Tribute Matthew Perry’s ex-fiancée Molly Hurwitz broke her silence about the actor’s death. Here’s what we know about her. [Read More »]( [2 black pickleball paddles with a yellow ball in between them, laying on the corner of a pickleball court]( Game On Pickleball injuries are painful but preventable. So before you hit the court, make sure you do this warm-up, courtesy of Ashley Patten. [Read More »]( [Amanda Nguyen posts in front of mannequins of clothing, holding one fist in the air.]( "What Were You Wearing?" This question is often asked of sexual assault survivors — not only is it not helpful, it's traumatizing. Here's how one CEO is reclaiming it. [Read More »](   In Conversation So many of you joined my interview with historian and author Heather Cox Richardson last week. Whether you want to rewatch it or check it out for the first time, [catch up on our discussion right here](. It's an all-too-important analysis of the fragile state of American democracy and the historical precedent that got us here. [WATCH HERE](   Extra Credit The wait is over: A new month means a slew of new movies and TV shows coming to Netflix. From the long-awaited final season of The Crown to the TV adaptation of All the Light We Cannot See, here’s [what else we're adding to our queue](. Face value: While most of us can't afford a professional glam squad every day, we've got the next best thing: [celebrity makeup artists' top foundation picks]( and their secrets for long-lasting application. Check this out: Does your work wardrobe need a refresh? Snag some new blouses, pants, and other snappy attire at Ann Taylor and [take 30% off your purchase](.   Dream Away [Beam sleep powder on pink background with white chocolate and crushed peppermint next to it]( Courtesy of Beam We’d do a lot for a better night’s rest, so we’re more than a little excited about the [before-bed drink that’s clinically shown to improve your shut-eye]( from our partners at Beam. It’s formulated with sleep-boosting ingredients that help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly without leaving you groggy in the morning, and it’s now available in a deliciously festive White Chocolate Peppermint flavor. [Get 50% off sitewide with early access to Beam's Black Friday Sale](. [SHOP HERE](   [The Shop Edit. Love shopping as much as we do? Subscribe to our latest newsletter and you'll never miss another trend, money-saving sale, or hard-to-find gem!]( 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.