The Countdown Is On

The race to avoid a government shutdown. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( November 14, 2023 Many of us joke about how we’re not working post-Thanksgiving, but could that be a reality for the U.S. government? This is [the new plan to avert a shutdown](. Then, we examine [why more seniors are experiencing homelessness]( and [why Taylor Swift interrupted a recent concert](. All that, plus [our unbeatable gift guide for the women in your life](, coming right up!   In the News [House Speaker Mike Johnson]( Republican Mike Johnson is facing his first real test as House speaker. (Getty Images) An Unconventional Approach Newly minted House Speaker Mike Johnson is getting creative ahead of Friday’s fast-approaching government shutdown deadline. Here’s [what we know about his proposal](. The details: Johnson’s two-step measure would extend funding for some federal agencies, like transportation and housing, until Jan. 19, while continuing funding for others until Feb. 2. It notably doesn’t include the steep budget cuts demanded by hardline conservatives, or White House funding requests for Israel and Ukraine. The reaction: At least seven conservatives, including Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Chip Roy, say they’ll vote no on the plan, while Democrats are calling it “gimmicky” for its two-step approach. But some are keeping an open mind, and President Biden hasn’t ruled out signing it into law if it reaches his desk. If lawmakers don’t reach a deal, the government will come to a grinding halt on Saturday. Here’s [how that would affect your Thanksgiving holiday](. [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%2Fgovernment-shutdown-2023-mike-johnson-two-step-funding-measure%2F   More Stories [Trump in a blue suit]( Getty Images Back in the game: Former British Prime Minister David Cameron is returning to politics as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's new foreign secretary. Cameron famously called the 2016 referendum on whether Britain should stay in the European Union, triggering a schism in the British public, and — following his remain campaign's shock defeat — a chaotic Brexit process. Cameron's replacing Suella Braverman, who recently called pro-Palestinian demonstrations “hate marches” and homelessness a "lifestyle choice." She's also believed to have been [lining herself up to replace Sunak if he loses the next election.]( Rising hate crimes: A 19-year-old man from Michigan has pleaded guilty to threatening a mass shooting of Jewish people. Seann Pietila sent messages via Instagram back in June saying that the slaughter would be livestreamed in hopes of inspiring others to “take arms against the Jewish-controlled state.” This comes as the Jewish school Yeshiva Gedola in Montreal is struck by gunfire for the second time in less than a week. Truth hurts: Donald Trump's social network Truth Social has recorded a $73 million net loss since its launch. The sum was revealed in a filing from Digital World Acquisition Corp, a special purpose acquisition company that plans to merge with the platform. The filing also showed that Trump Media & Technology Group — which owns Truth Social — believes its financial status raises serious doubts over its ability to continue. Unsettling: The gap in life expectancy for men and women has widened significantly. As of 2021, women's life expectancy is 79.3 years, versus 73.5 years for men. The shift comes alongside an overall drop in life expectancy since the pandemic, but men appear to have been affected more. Higher Covid-19 fatalities and drug overdoses among men account for some of the disparity, but diabetes, suicide, homicide and heart disease appear to be longer-term drivers.   Weigh In We've been hard at work helping you find holiday gifts for your family and friends (and we've got more recommendations below!), but those aren't the only people who deserve a token of appreciation this time of year. We're curious: Who else deserves a small gift or a tip this season, and how much do you spend? Tell us about the less obvious recipients on your list and what you usually give them, whether it's a gratuity or a thoughtful present, at [ask@katiecouric.com](mailto:ask@katiecouric.com?subject=Holiday%20tipping).   Must Reads [taylor swift]( Center Stage A dangerous trend is popping up at concerts — and Taylor Swift paused her own stadium performance this weekend to address it. [Read More »]( [cup full of sugar cubes with a straw in it, on a light pink background]( Sweet Tooth Is swapping sugar worth the downsides of artificial sweeteners? A registered dietician sounds off on the best and worst options. [Read More »]( [Homeless person on the street as people walk by]( Don't Look Away This National Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week, my friend Kathy Izard wrote a powerful piece on the human impact of being unhoused. [Read More »](   Whodunit? [True Crimes with John and Deana and other true crime podcast artwork]( KCM/iHeart Podcasts If you spend your weekends bingeing Dateline and the latest true crime docs on Netflix, we’ve got a carefully curated collection of podcasts you'll love. We explored the depths of our streaming apps to find [the latest and greatest true crime chronicles](, from a new show by the investigative duo who brought us Don’t F*** with Cats to the tragic mysteries that rocked small towns in the U.S. [CHECK IT OUT]( [Sponsored by iHeart Podcasts](   Extra Credit Bring the heat: Soup weather is in full swing, and [Jennifer Garner’s black bean chili]( is the perfect comfort meal. (It’s so hearty, you won’t even notice it’s vegetarian!) Stop surfing: The platform formerly known as HBO lives up to its name of having the max amount of content available. Before you give up on picking something to watch and decide to binge SATC again, we’ve rounded up [the 10 best movies on Max right now](. Join the club: Pro tip: Signing up for memberships now can score you major deals in the long run — like Sam’s Club, where you can join in for [as little as $20]( (which is so low, it’s almost like you’re getting paid to try the free samples).   Just For Her [Gold hoops, gold Tory Burch apple watch band, and chanel red lipstick on red background]( KCM Make shopping for the perfect item for your mom, sister, daughter, grandmother, or best friend easy, with these [22 gifts they’ll swoon over](. Here are some of our top picks: - This chic [Tory Burch Apple Watch band](, so she can wear the tech to formal events like weddings without having it stick out like a sore thumb. - The [viral mask face mask by Hanacure]( lifts and smooths mature skin. Even celebs like Drew Barrymore have sung its praises, calling it "a professional level treatment at home." - This [cute travel tumbler]( comes in a variety of eye-pleasing hues and is perfect for gals on the go. - There’s a reason [Chanel lipstick]( is timeless — and with a whopping 44 shades to choose from, there’s no doubt you’ll find the right one for whoever’s on your list. [SHOP THE FULL GUIDE](   [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. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2023 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.