Home and Away

An expert's take on the top international stories. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( November 21, 2023 Good morning. There’s so much going on in the world, so [I asked foreign affairs expert Richard Haass]( for some insight into the top international stories. In lighter news, we’ve got the scoop on [how Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce met](. Then, before you jet off for the holidays, a warning about [the worst plane behaviors to avoid](. We’ve also got [a scrumptious fall dessert]( courtesy of my friend Jake Cohen and [17 small but thoughtful gift ideas](. Read on!   In the News [A plane unloads supplies for Gaza]( Humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza is unloaded at an airport in Egypt. (Getty Images) Home and Away Richard Haass, a veteran diplomat and respected international relations scholar, is someone we’ve turned to time and again for his valuable insight into global affairs. When we last spoke, a little over a week after the war between Israel and Hamas began, he gave us his view on how the conflict could play out. Now he's back for yet another deep dive on the rising tensions in Gaza and more of what's happening around the world. [Watch our full conversation, here.](   More Stories [Elon Musk]( Getty Images Fighting back: A Jewish student is suing Elon Musk for more than $1 million for amplifying the false accusation of an online mob that he was an undercover agent in a neo-Nazi group. Ben Brody, 22, told CNN that he and his mom were forced to flee their home at one point due to threatening posts, some of which were amplified by Musk's engagement with them on social media. Musk's lawyers have until January 5th to file their response in court. Israel-Hamas war: A Hamas leader has said the group is “close to reaching a truce agreement” with Israel, echoing assertions from the White House that a deal on releasing hostages is drawing nearer. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak told CNN that Hamas is using bunkers under Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital that were built by Israel "decades ago." Meanwhile, 28 premature babies who were evacuated from Al-Shifa have now arrived in Egypt. Search underway: Colorado police are on the hunt for a suspect following a shooting that left two men and a woman dead and another woman wounded. The incident, which took place around 1pm yesterday, apparently involved a dispute over property lines. The suspect has been identified as 45-year-old Hanme K. Clarke, who authorities say has been involved in "civil disputes" in the past. OpenAI backlash: Hundreds of OpenAI staffers are threatening to quit in the wake of former CEO Sam Altman's sacking by the board. Per the New York Times, more than 700 of its 770 employees have signed an open letter saying they'll defect to Microsoft — where Altman's now heading up a new AI team — if he's not reinstated. An OpenAI board member tweeted that he "deeply regrets" his involvement in Altman's ousting. To complicate matters further, Microsoft holds a roughly 49% stake in OpenAI.   In Focus Not sure about your cancer doctor? With support from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, we’ve laid out [what to avoid when picking a provider]( — and how to know when you've found the right fit for you. [READ MORE]( [Sponsored by Memorial Sloan Kettering](   Must Reads [Kansas City Chiefs Star Travis Kelce]( Meet Cute Travis Kelce opened up about his budding romance with Taylor Swift: “Somebody was playing Cupid.” [Read More »]( [Person on plane putting their feet up on the seat in front of them with no socks]( Don't Be That Person They say hell is other people, and that's especially true at the airport. Be sure to avoid these 7 offensive plane habits next time you travel. [Read More »]( [Close up of people handing out food]( Forever Grateful We talk about giving thanks this week, but what about giving back? Here are some places where extra support would go a long way. [Read More »](   Photo of the Day [President Biden pardoning a turkey in front of the White House] Getty Images Yesterday, President Joe Biden officiated over a classic White House tradition: the annual Thanksgiving turkey pardon, where the lives of two turkeys (aptly named Liberty and Bell) were spared. Per usual, the day was filled with a high concentration of puns, including this mouthful from POTUS: "The votes are in, they’ve been counted and verified, no ballot stuffing, no fowl play. The only red wave this season is going to be if [my dog] Commander knocks over the cranberry sauce."   Extra Credit [Katie Couric and Jake Cohen]( KCM Good Taste: My pal Jake Cohen has shared a bunch of delicious recipes here in Wake-Up Call, and he's got another one that couldn't be better this time of year. His fluffy pumpkin coffee cake is as quintessentially fall as it gets — [check out the recipe right here](. Before it's too late: Can you believe it's almost December? There's one thing you need to do — and no, it's not put up your holiday decorations. We're talking about watching [these movies leaving Netflix at the end of the month](. Tiny but mighty: Big things come in small packages, especially during the holidays. We hunted high and low to bring you [17 terrific trinkets]( for a stocking stuffer or gift exchange.   Skincare Savings [Beauty Pie super retinol, L''Amarue serum, Medik8 liquid peptides on periwinkle background]( KCM If you’ve been scraping the bottom of your moisturizer tub, you’re in luck: Black Friday is starting early for a bunch of beauty destinations. Here are [the best deals on skincare]( that you can snag right now: - Score 30% off [Medik8's dermatologist-approved products for all skin types]( — like [potent retinoids]( and [fine line-busting moisturizers]( — until Nov. 28.* - Skin at Work’s transformative day and night duo moisturizer lives up to its name, and you can [take 40% off]( the multitasking set. - Beauty Pie is offering [$20 off orders $60+ with code 20OFF]( and 60 days of free access to their members-only pricing. That's what we call discounts on discounts.* - Take [25% off L’AMARUE’s “cell-communicating” superstars](. These ingredients work with your skin to stimulate collagen, reduce inflammation, and moisturize. - Love, Indus is practically giving away high-end skincare, with [free full-sized products]( as a gift with certain purchases. *denotes paid placement [SEE MORE SALES](   [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.