Races to Watch

What's at stake this Election Day. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( November 7, 2023 Good morning! As Americans all over the country prepare to head to the polls, we’ve got [a guide to 6 key races to watch]( — and what’s at stake this election day. We’re also sharing [one Uvalde mom’s moving story]( of turning pain into political action and digging into [the story behind the bold cakes you’ve seen all over Instagram](. Later, we’ve got an explainer on [Robert De Niro’s legal troubles](. Read on…   In the News [''i voted'' stickers with a pink background]( Getty Images Races to Watch It’s time for another Election Day in America — and while we’re still a year away from deciding who will hold the highest political office in the country, there are a number of critical decisions being made today, with far-reaching implications. From the fate of abortion access in the Midwest, to the future of all 140 state legislature seats in a major swing state, to the emotional mayoral election taking place in a town ravaged by gun violence, these races are poised to shape the political fabric of our nation for years to come. Here are [the election results we’re watching most closely today.]( [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Fpolitics-and-policy%2Felection-day-2023-races-to-watch%2F   More Stories [Trump in a blue suit]( Getty Images Trump takes the stand: There were echoes of the campaign trail as Donald Trump testified yesterday, calling his $250 million civil fraud trial a "political witch hunt." The former president said New York AG Letitia James “should be ashamed of herself," and the judge "beseeched" his lawyers to “control him.” Asked to clear up some financial discrepancies regarding his Aberdeen golf resort, Trump replied: “It’s the greatest golf course ever built." He acknowledged some mistakes, notably in the Trump Tower apartment valuation. Israel-Hamas war: Gaza's Health Ministry, which operates under the political arm of Hamas, claimed this morning that more than 10,000 people have died in Israeli strikes, including 4,100 children. The figure hasn't been independently verified, but a Pentagon spokesman said: “We know the numbers are in the thousands.” The U.N. chief warned the strip is "becoming a graveyard for children." Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told ABC that Israel will have the "overall security responsibility" in Gaza after the war ends. We (didn't) Work: WeWork, the office sharing startup once valued at $47 billion, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company made a botched attempt to go public in 2019, and the Covid-19 lockdowns in combination with stiff competition and other factors proved ruinous. “We remain committed to investing in our products, services, and world-class team of employees to support our community,” CEO David Tolley said in a statement. Tragic loss: F.L. “Bubba” Copeland, a small-town Alabama mayor and preacher, has apparently died by suicide after a conservative news site claimed that he posted photos of himself dressed in women's clothing online. NBC News reports that he told a friend before he died: "It’s been some dark days." The tragedy underlines the potential dangers of outing — ie, revealing someone's actual or perceived sexuality or gender identity against their will.   Sound Off We spent some time yesterday digging into [the recent poll from NYT/Siena College]( that found President Biden is losing his edge in key battleground states — and we want to hear what you make of the new numbers. What do you think is behind the results? Will it change the way you vote? Drop us a line at [ask@katiecouric.com](mailto:ask@katiecouric.com?subject=NYT/Siena%20College%20Poll)and let us know your thoughts.   Best of October [Becca Rae-Tucker holding up a jar of sprinkles, surrounded by 2 of her pro-abortion cakes]( Baking a Difference Talk about having your cake and eating it: We interviewed the activist who's promoting reproductive rights with her confections. [Read More »]( [Robert De Niro]( Courtroom Drama Robert De Niro is in court over a gender discrimination suit filed by his ex-assistant. Here's what to know about this explosive trial. [Read More »]( [Pajamas, Olly sleep supplements, headphones, mulberry silk pillowcase on green background]( Drift Off Still struggling to adjust to the time change? We uncovered products that can help you get shut-eye and wake up refreshed. [Read More »](   In Her Own Words Kimberly Mata-Rubio was your average small-town mom until tragedy struck Uvalde, Texas, and her 10-year-old daughter Lexi was one of the 19 students killed in the mass shooting at Robb Elementary. Now, she’s running for mayor of Uvalde with the hope of ending gun violence. We spoke with Kimberly about [how she’s fighting to keep her community safe](. [WATCH HERE](   Extra Credit Dropping off: November will be over before you know it, so make sure to add these [titles leaving Netflix at the end of the month]( to your queue. One and done: Is the headache of tidying up keeping you from experimenting in the kitchen? I tried this [delicious one-pot pasta recipe]( that's a breeze to make (and just as easy to clean). Business on bottom: We’re pretty sure everyone wants pants that are comfortable but don't look sloppy. [These trousers from J.Crew]( fit the bill: They've got a forgiving elastic waist, but fit like chinos. (And even better, they’re on sale right now!)   Curated by You [Inkey List plumping lip balm, Fitness tracker, weighted blanket on green background] KCM Before we're inundated with holiday shopping and seasonal sales, how about treating yourself? We took a little peek at what your fellow Wake-Up Callers have been eyeing lately. From tech to beauty, you're chock-full of good ideas. - [The Inkey List's plumping balm]( delivers naturally fuller lips in just a matter of weeks — without tingling or irritation. - You're getting ready to cuddle up underneath [this weighted blanket](, which is also a favorite of KCM's Assistant Editor, Diana Valenzuela. - For coziness you can take with you on-the-go, [J.Crew's cashmere wrap]( is perfect for layering or snuggling under. - [Apollo's wearable tracker]( actively improves your health, rather than just tracking it, and is a serious investment in your well-being.   [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.com. See you tomorrow! [Alternate text] Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. 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