A Deal Is Done

Some hostages will be released. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( November 22, 2023 A deal to release some of the hostages held in Gaza has been reached. We’ve got more on that, plus [a plea from the brother of a man abducted by Hamas](. I also had [an eye-opening conversation]( with the CEO of Save the Children U.S. Then, on the 60th anniversary of JFK’s assassination, we ask an expert to [fact-check]([some “new” revelations](. Later on, I'm sharing [one of my favorite Thanksgiving memories]( and [my go-to side dishes](. Let's begin.   In the News [A screen showing the hostages taken by Hamas]( Getty Images A Deal Is Done Israel and Hamas announced this morning that they've reached a deal to pause the fighting and free some of the hostages taken by Hamas on October 7. Here’s the latest, plus some insight into the ongoing humanitarian efforts in Gaza: An agreement: Israel and Hamas have agreed to a four-day ceasefire that will begin in the next 24 hours to secure the release of 50 hostages by Hamas. Israel has promised to extend the ceasefire by one day for every 10 additional hostages freed. It's understood that women and children held in Gaza will be exchanged for 150 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. Qatar, which is a key mediator, has said the pause will allow aid and fuel to enter Gaza. Families are desperate to see their loved ones returned safely. We spoke to a man whose brother was kidnapped and sister-in-law was murdered by Hamas about [his heartbreaking ordeal](. Eyes on Gaza: The pause in hostilities will offer a brief respite to thousands of civilians who have suffered on an unprecedented scale in Gaza. “The sheer number of children killed, injured, maimed is beyond belief,” says Save the Children U.S. CEO Janti Soeripto. Soeripto gave us an inside look at [the “horrifying” conditions on the ground](, the aid workers fighting to save lives, and more.   More Stories [Sam Altman]( Getty Images Drastic U-turn: Sam Altman has returned to OpenAI as CEO, days after his sudden removal sparked a massive revolt among the company's staff. The board that ousted him is being replaced by a new lineup chaired by former co-CEO of Salesforce Bret Taylor, with other members including former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers. The historic shakeup has sparked major questions over how quickly the arms race to develop artificial intelligence should move. Altman tweeted that he's "looking forward" to returning to OpenAI and "building on our strong partnership" with Microsoft. Dropped: Susan Sarandon is no longer represented by United Talent Agency following recent comments she made at a pro-Palestinian rally. A video taken by the New York Post showed Sarandon telling the crowd: “There are a lot of people that are afraid, that are afraid of being Jewish at this time, and are getting a taste of how it feels to be Muslim in this country.” Her remarks come amid rising concerns over antisemitic incidents in the U.S. Dog owners, beware: A mysterious respiratory illness affecting dogs is spreading fast, infecting pets in Colorado, Massachusetts, Oregon, Rhode Island, Illinois, Maryland and Wyoming. Symptoms are similar to those of kennel cough, including a cough, fever, and loss of appetite — but they can last far longer, and in some cases, prove fatal. The cause is so far unclear, and vets are divided as to whether it's a bacterial or viral infection.   Must-Reads [Cell phone on colored background]( Unfollow Ahead of the holidays, we spoke to an expert about why social media can cause tension at family gatherings — and how to keep it civil. [Read More »]( [President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy ride through Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963, moments before his assassination.]( Kennedy Confidential Sixty years ago today, JFK's death stunned the world. We asked a historian about the conspiracy theories and the role the first lady played. [Read More »]( [Gerry Turner holds a red rose]( The Final Two The Golden Bachelor is taking a week off. While we wait to see who'll win Gerry's heart, check out our experts' predictions for the finale. [Read More »](   Birthday Wish 🎂 [Billie Jean King and Katie Couric]( KCM Happy birthday to an icon — and one of my "sheroes" — Billie Jean King! The tennis champ and social justice advocate turns 80 today. In this uplifting video, she discusses [what motivated her to keep fighting for equality](, even though it was an uphill battle. As if we needed a reminder of all the reasons she's a barrier-breaking superstar!   The Perfect Fit [Spanx pants on green and blue gradient background]( Spanx / KCM Our partners at Spanx may be best known for their shapewear, but in our humble opinion, their apparel is where they really stand out. We're talking [light-as-air loungewear](, zipper-free [jeans that support your every move](, and [workwear you can live in]( — and it's all [20% off during Spanx's biggest sale of the year](.   Extra Helpings [Katie Couric at the Thanksgiving Day Parade through the years, wearing various hats]( Katie Couric/NBC Live from New York: From 1991 to 2005, I helped America celebrate a TV tradition that is as American as well, turkey and pumpkin pie: the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Now, I'm giving you [the inside scoop about what it's like to prep]( for the big event, and what my biggest challenge was. Let's dish: Jell-O at Thanksgiving? It might sound unconventional, but it's one of my favorite fixings. Take a peek here at [my go-to sides and how to make them]( — and the ones I won't be digging into. Now playing: Need a post-meal activity that doesn't involve getting up? We rounded up the [10 best Thanksgiving movies]( so you don't have to waste precious family time scrolling.   Dig In The economy might be a topic of conversation at your Thanksgiving dinner, but do you know how much inflation will show up at the table? We took a gander at how much the price of turkey has gone up over the years. Check it out: [moving image of bar graph showing how much the price of turkey has increased per pund from 2017-2022 with turkeys on top of the bars]   Savings Season [Mejuri A gold necklace, Coach green back, bombas socks on purple background]( KCM It's time for a wardrobe update! Good thing so many of our favorite fashion destinations are slashing prices across departments. Here’s [a peek at what we’re shopping](: - Can’t fathom the idea of buttoning your jeans after Thanksgiving? Get [30% off sitewide]( at AMO Denim. - Give your sock drawer a much-needed refresh with [20% off at Bombas using code HOLIDAY20](.* - Score a great deal on cold-weather must-haves like stylish and toasty parkas and [take 40% off at G-Star](. - Treat the jewelry lover in your life to stunning pieces they’ll never take off (like [this personalized gold necklace]() with [20% off purchases $150+ at Mejuri](*. (Yes, the jewelry lover can be you.) - Go ahead, get another bag: Coach has a number of early Black Friday deals, plus [25% off select full-price styles]( with code Take25. That’s not all — Kate Spade's offering [a whopping 50% off]( on certain pieces, plus an additional 25% off on new markdowns! *denotes paid placement [SHOP MORE SALES](   [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.