A Father's Nightmare

His daughter was taken hostage by Hamas. November 17, 2023 Good morning. Today in politics, we're digging into [the damning ethics report about George Santos]( that's got everyone talking. Then, we'll pivot to entertainment with [a trip inside the Golden Bachelor's fantasy suites]( and a look at [the twisted true story]( behind the new movie starring Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore. But first: Almost six weeks ago, Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 Israelis and kidnapping hundreds of others. I spoke to the father of one of the hostages about [his efforts to bring his nine-year-old daughter home.](   In the News [Thomas Hand and his daughter Emily]( Courtesy of Thomas Hand A Father's Nightmare It’s been 41 days since some 240 civilians — including babies, children, and seniors — were taken hostage by Hamas. The weeks since have been unimaginable for Israelis with loved ones who were killed or kidnapped in the attacks. I connected with Thomas Hand, whose daughter Emily was abducted while visiting a friend in the Be’eri kibbutz. Today is Emily's ninth birthday, and Thomas learned last week that she may still be alive. He opened up to me about [how he’ll be honoring Emily today]( and what this excruciating time has been like for him. [WATCH HERE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DjYchIn-nPRE   More Stories [Close-up of David DePape's face]( David DePape pictured in 2013 (San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images) Convicted: A conspiracy theorist who broke into Rep. Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and beat her husband Paul with a hammer has been found guilty of federal crimes. David DePape, 43, faces up to life in prison, and still faces a slew of state charges including attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. U.S. Attorney Ismail Ramsey told reporters the verdict shows that "regardless" of your beliefs, you cannot "physically attack a member of Congress or their immediate family." An ethical nightmare: New York Rep. George Santos says he isn’t running for a second term following a damning report from the House Ethics Committee. It found “substantial evidence” that the congressman broke multiple laws, including using campaign funds for “personal purposes,” like a $4,127.80 designer bag (you might be surprised [what else House investigators uncovered](). The drama's not over yet — Santos also faces 23 federal charges. Dangerous pattern: Antisemites are claiming that Elon Musk is on their side after he replied to a tweet repeating an antisemitic conspiracy theory with: “You have said the actual truth.” Musk then criticized the Anti-Defamation League, which has been tackling extremism on social media. ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt called his behavior "indisputably dangerous," and IBM pulled its advertising from X. Grim accusations: R&B mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs has been accused of rape and physical abuse that lasted years by his former girlfriend, Casandra Ventura. Ventura's federal suit claims that not long after she met Combs at 19 (he was 37) he "lured" her into a "drug-fueled lifestyle" and a romantic relationship, and signed her to his label soon after. She claims he beat her, forced her to have sex with male prostitutes on camera, and eventually raped her. A lawyer for Combs has vehemently denied all accusations.   Must-Reads [Mary Kay Letourneau]( Based on a True Story Remember Mary Kay Letourneau? As a new film inspired by her story hits theaters, we look back at the shocking details of her case. [Read More »]( [Network of Lies by Brian Stelter]( "Network of Lies" Brian Stelter dishes on Fox, the real reason why he thinks Tucker Carlson was fired, and more from his explosive new book. [Read More »]( [Gerry Turner and Jesse Palmer in Costa Rica]( Behind Closed Doors What did Gerry and his final two ladies get up to in the fantasy suites? Find out in this week's recap of The Golden Bachelor. [Read More »](   Extra Credit Up and at 'em: If you find yourself waking up on the wrong side of the bed more often than not, maybe it's time to shake-up your routine. We've got [5 ways to improve your morning mindset]( (on top of starting the day with Wake-Up Call, of course). We will always love her: Country queen Dolly Parton has new music out today — a rock album, marking yet another evolution for this undeniable icon. And speaking of undeniable, [Dolly's incredible cinnamon bread recipe]( never lets us down, so that's what we'll be snacking on today. Calling all early birds: Boots, cardigans, and trench coats, oh my! You don't have to wait until Black Friday to take advantage of [these incredible discounts from J.Crew](.   Wish List [Man's hand, brown boots, iphone with 76% and green sweater on red background]( KCM The holidays have snuck up on us once again. Where did the time go? If you haven't even begun to think about what you want, we've compiled a list of [27 great gifts for any guy](. Here's a preview: - Could your trimmer use an upgrade? [Meridian's quality grooming tools]( are designed for use in and out of the shower and come in a few bold hues. - [This three-piece skincare set]( is a great starting point for anyone looking to take better care of their visage. The trio moisturizes, removes blemishes, and there's a shaving cream in there. - If you're looking to level up your workout or gain insight into your rest, you have to get on the Whoop train. The [high-tech wearable tracker]( charts all kinds of data to provide personalized coaching to optimize your health. [SEE 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.cominfo@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! [Alternate text] [For the best experience, read in browser.]( 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.