One Month Later

Reflecting on the Oct. 7 attack. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( November 8, 2023 Good morning. With the Israel-Hamas war entering its second month, I spoke with diplomat Dennis Ross about [what’s next for Israel and Gaza](. Then, as some GOP presidential hopefuls gear up for the third debate, we’re examining [whether these forums are actually necessary]( — especially if frontrunner Donald Trump won’t even be there. Speaking of the Trumps, we’ve also got a look at [what Ivanka has been up to lately](. All that, plus the results from elections around the country, coming right up...   In the News [Two men stand at a memorial for the October 7 attack]( Getty Images/KCM One Month Later Yesterday marked the one-month anniversary of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel. In the weeks since that appalling massacre, the Israeli government has unleashed a retaliatory bombardment on Gaza. Across the globe, support for Palestinians is rising — as is antisemitic sentiment. How did we get here? [Where is Israel in its mission to eradicate Hamas?]( What does the next stage of this war look like? And is a peaceful future possible? To get to the bottom of these questions (and many more), I spoke with Ambassador Dennis Ross, a diplomat who dedicated decades of his career towards peace-brokering efforts in the Middle East. His perspective on this topic is unflinchingly honest, and extremely insightful. You can [check out the interview here](. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Fdennis-ross-israel-hamas-war%2F   More Stories [Abortion rights activists lined up cheering]( Getty Images U.S. Elections: Reproductive rights drove Democrats to major victories last night in defiance of President Biden's weak polling. Ohio — which twice voted for Trump — enshrined the right to abortion in its constitution, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear was re-elected in deep-red Kentucky, and both Virginia's Senate and House are now blue, dashing rumors of a presidential bid by GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin. [Here's more.]( Tensions rising: California officials are appealing for help as they unpick the events that led to the death of a 69-year-old Jewish man during rival demonstrations over the Israel-Hamas war on Sunday. Paul Kessler fell and suffered a fatal head injury while confronting a pro-Palestinian protestor — but it's unclear what caused the fall. This comes as the House censures Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib for her actions regarding the war, including posting a video showing protestors chanting "to the river, to the sea," which is considered an antisemitic call for the destruction of Israel. Second Amendment case: The Supreme Court on Tuesday seemed inclined to uphold a federal law that prevents anyone under a domestic violence restraining order from owning guns. This would limit the scope of the court's own 2022 ruling in favor of the right to carry firearms outside the home. The justices appeared interested in applying a standard that would disarm people who are considered "dangerous," which would include domestic abusers. Greatest gig ever? Journalist Bryan West just landed a job as the world's first Taylor Swift correspondent for USA Today — but the news has divided the internet. Some have noted the potential conflicts in hiring a self-avowed fan to cover such a powerful pop cultural figure, while others have queried the decision to pick a man for the job, reposting Swift's lyrics: "I'm so sick of running as fast as I can, Wondering if I'd get there quicker, If I was a man." (What do you think? Let us know at [info@katiecouric.com!](mailto:info@katiecouric.com))   Photo of the Day [Patrick Dempsey in tux adjusting tie]( Getty Images The (other) results are in! PEOPLE announced its pick for the Sexiest Man Alive, and the winner is... Patrick Dempsey! It's been nearly two decades since the 57-year-old hit our screens as neurosurgeon Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd in Grey's Anatomy, and it's fair to say the news took him by surprise. "This is a joke, right?" he asked. "I’ve always been the bridesmaid!”   In Focus [Talbots flowered blouse, white hat with pom-pom, cranberry cocktail and gingerbread house on purple backgroud]( Talbots, Getty Images, Half Baked Harvest Did you know that people who decorate early for the holidays are happier? That’s because the spirit of the season puts even the most stubborn scrooge in a good mood. This year, make the most of that seasonal spirit with a new idea called “wintertaining.” With support from Talbots, [we’ve got five unique and fantastically fun]( out-of-the-(gift)-box entertaining ideas so you can live your most wonder-filled life. [READ MORE](   Must-Reads [GOP primary debate]( Whose Win is it Anyway? With Donald Trump planning to skip tonight's GOP primary debate, we looked into whether these contests still matter. [Read More »]( [Ivanka Trump and the profile of Donald Trump, out of focus]( Where's Ivanka? The former First Daughter has laid low, but she’ll be back in the spotlight today to take the stand. Here’s what she's been up to since 2020. [Read More »]( [Yellow laptop with Google pulled up to the home screen with a pink magnifying glass resting on the keyboard]( Tech Tips Google is much more than a place to type in random questions. Here are other useful tasks the search engine can help with. [Read More »](   Honoring a Legend [Alex Trebek]( Getty Images It's hard to believe it’s been three years since the world lost Alex Trebek to pancreatic cancer. Countless fans cherished his wit, wisdom, and charm as the host of Jeopardy!, and [this touching video pays tribute]( to Alex’s incredible impact. Earlier this month, Jean Trebek and I launched the Alex Trebek Fund through Stand Up to Cancer, which supports research to fight this ruthless disease. You can [donate to this important cause here](.   Extra Credit Couples therapy: Marriage takes work, and we could all use a relationship refresh from time to time. An expert shares the most common problems couples face and [how to solve them](. Hot right now: The weather is cool, and so are [these 6 seasonal trends](. We’ve got tips from a style expert for taking them from the runway to everyday wear without looking ridiculous. Any way you slice it: Need a crowd-pleasing sweet to bring to a potluck, but can’t bear to bake another loaf of banana bread? [Joanna Gaines’s blueberry loaf]( is here to save the day, with a few secret ingredients to add moisture and flavor.   Season of Shine [Hands sporting Mejuri jewelry]( Courtesy of Mejuri Coco Chanel might have said to take one thing off before you leave the house, but frankly, that’s not the attitude we take toward jewelry. Fortunately, Mejuri’s handcrafted designs look elegant stacked together or on their own, and they're made with the highest quality materials at a fair price. [Mejuri+ members]( get early access to their annual sale on Nov. 13 (and perks year-round), and in the meantime, here’s what we’re pre-adding to our cart: - This [mixed metals ring]( makes a statement on its own or alongside other jewelry. - These [14K gold huggie earrings]( are good for everyday wear and special occasions alike. - This [dainty but durable necklace]( can be layered with other pieces or worn solo.   [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.