Inside the Compound

The hospital everyone is watching. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( [Wake-Up Call] [by Katie Couric Media] November 16, 2023 We begin this morning with another update from Gaza, and advice [on how to manage stress]( as the conflict unfolds. We also have guidance on [how to choose a cancer doctor,]( and [a moving text Jennifer Aniston got from Matthew Perry](. Then, some exciting news: My pal Jake Cohen is becoming a regular KCM columnist — and[his first mouthwatering recipe]( is not to be missed!   In the News [The Al-Shifa Hopsital in Gaza City]( The Al-Shifa Hopsital in Gaza City, pictured on Nov. 2. (Getty Images) Inside the Compound On Wednesday, Israeli soldiers entered the Al-Shifa Hospital, which is full of patients and other civilians, based on a claim that Hamas is running a command center there. Both Hamas and medical staff deny this. Here’s the latest: Eyes on Al-Shifa: The IDF says that soldiers found “technological assets, along with military and combat equipment used by Hamas” in a room inside, but is yet to present evidence of the massive complex it claimed was underneath the building. It adds that IDF soldiers brought incubators, baby food, and medical supplies to the hospital. Hamas says the hospital is now under Israeli control. The wider picture: The United Nations voted for "urgent and extended humanitarian pauses" in fighting in Gaza. The U.S., Russia, and Britain (who all have veto power) abstained. President Biden accused Hamas of committing a "war crime" for operating a command node under the hospital, and emphasized the need for a "real" Palestinian state after the war. Making sense of it all: Bearing witness to tragedies, at home or abroad, isn’t easy. My friend, Dr. Ken Druck, wrote [a helpful piece]( about being informed and productive so we can all be part of the solution. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Fopinion%2Fanxiety-news%2F   More Stories [Presidents Biden and Xi Jinping walk through a garden together]( Getty Images Biden-Xi summit: Expectations for President Biden's meeting with China's President Xi Jinping following a year of silence were low. Biden later told CNN that he still believes Xi is a "dictator," but appeared to leave reassured that tensions had been eased a little. That said, there were no major breakthroughs, and the risks posed by both countries' forces operating in close proximity in the Asia-Pacific remain. The pair did however agree to revive military comms, crack down on fentanyl trafficking, and work together to manage rapid AI developments. Forging ahead: The Senate passed a [stopgap funding bill]( last night, swerving immediate fears of a shutdown. It's been sent to President Biden to be signed — but a GOP rebellion on the House floor proved there's still a tough road ahead when it comes to agreeing on a long-term plan after the holidays. Sentenced: The mother of a [six-year-old boy who shot his teacher]( at school has been sentenced to 21 months in prison. Deja Taylor pleaded guilty to using marijuana while owning a gun, and making a false statement while buying the gun, as part of a deal with prosecutors. Taylor's also pleaded guilty to a state charge of felony child neglect, for which she'll be sentenced on December 15. Taylor's son, who according to her attorney, has “extreme emotional issues,” will not be criminally charged.   Good Taste [Katie Couric and Jake Cohen]( KCM You already know my buddy Jake Cohen, the fantastic foodie who’s behind some of the best meals we’ve shared with you here in Wake-Up Call. We’ve been cooking up something special that’ll give you the extra helpings of Jake’s creations that I know you’re all craving — he’ll share his latest and greatest dishes in our new column, Good Taste! We kick things off today with [this superb recipe for pumpkin coffee cake](. It’s moist, comforting, and made with instant espresso to give it an authentic coffee taste that plays perfectly with the other ingredients. Are you drooling yet? [LET'S DIG IN](     Tune In This week’s plus-one on Next Question is illustrious tech reporter Kara Swisher, who’s the perfect person to join me for [a fascinating conversation with Kevin Systrom](, the co-founder and former CEO of Instagram. He’s got a new venture called Artifact, a newsreader that uses machine learning to serve up personalized content. (The Verge described it as “TikTok for text.”) We chatted about his vision and much more. [LISTEN HERE](   Find Your Healthcare Hero [Hand waving a green flag]( KCM/Getty Images Feeling overwhelmed about choosing a cancer doctor? With support from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, we’ve laid out [how to spot red flags with a physician]( — and how to make sure the oncologist you choose has green flags across the board. [READ MORE]( [Sponsored by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center](   Extra Credit [The cast of ''Friends'']( Getty Images From the heart: Yesterday, we shared Matt LeBlanc and Courteney Cox’s moving words of remembrance for Matthew Perry. Today, we have a look at [emotional messages from Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, and David Schwimmer](. In this together: It’s World Pancreatic Cancer Day, a reminder of our commitment to lessening the impact of this ruthless disease. In partnership with Jean Trebek and Stand Up to Cancer, I recently launched The Alex Trebek Fund, which facilitates essential research in this arena. [Here’s how you can support our mission](. On a lighter note: And by that, we mean lightweight and silky-soft — the best attributes of [this superstar cashmere sweater](, which you can currently get for 25% off. It’s become a Wake-Up Call favorite, but if you’re not a convert yet, we'll explain [why it’s one of the most desirable gifts of the season](. Luxury for less: Ever coveted a hotel bathrobe so much you thought about stealing it? You can upgrade to an even better option (that hasn’t been worn by previous guests) with [these unmissable discounts on bed, bath, and more]( from Peacock Alley.   Quick-Shipping Surprises [Amazon Kindle, Laneige sleep mask, slippers, and AirPods]( KCM Even if you start your holiday shopping early, no one wants to spend weeks watching the mail while awaiting a precious package. But with our list of [the 30 best gifts on Amazon right now](, you can snatch up a fantastic find that'll be on your doorstep in days. [SHOP HERE](   [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! 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.