Boiling Point

The U.N.'s alarming warning. December 1, 2023 Is it hot in here? It’s not just us — the U.N. says 2023 is almost certainly the hottest year on record. We’re looking at [how extreme heat could impact your retirement](. Then, we’ve got more on a hot true crime story: Here are [5 things you didn’t know about the Murdaugh saga](. We’ll end with [our final Golden Bachelor recap]( and [Molner’s go-to sweater]( (which is also a great gift). Here we go!   In the News [A man pours water on his head]( A man cools off during a heat wave in Phoenix, Arizona, this July. (Getty Images) Boiling Point We’re about to hit a new high, and that’s not something to celebrate. The World Meteorological Organization announced at the U.N.’s climate summit that 2023 is “virtually certain” to be the hottest year in recorded history. Here’s the latest from COP28. Heating up: So far, this year has been an unprecedented 2.52 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than pre-industrial levels. The past decade has also been the warmest 10-year period in the past 174 years of scientific observation. Broken records: The U.N. agency also reported record amounts of greenhouse gas in the air, the highest sea levels since we first began tracking it in 1993, and the warmest ocean temperatures. Words of warning: During his opening address this morning, King Charles III told world leaders that the world is heading for “dangerous uncharted territory" as critical signs are ignored. He said: "It worries me greatly that we remain so dreadfully far off track,” adding that he prays COP28 will mark the beginning of "genuine transformational action.” Certain parts of the U.S. are becoming intolerably hot, and many are popular retirement destinations. Here’s a look at those literal hot spots and [why you may want to reconsider relocating](. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fhealth%2Fwhere-to-retire-to-avoid-extreme-heat-climate-change%2F   More Stories [Hostages are transported in International Committee of the Red Cross vehicles from the Gaza Strip through the Rafah land crossing on November 30]( Hostages taken from the Gaza Strip through the Rafah land crossing on Nov. 30. (Getty Images) Israel-Hamas latest: Israel's military has resumed combat in Gaza following a seven-day ceasefire. Israel accused Hamas of violating the truce deal and urged civilians to evacuate parts of southern Gaza, where it claims Hamas leaders are hiding. Meanwhile, Egypt and Qatar are working to negotiate another ceasefire deal. Among the final group of hostages released yesterday was [21-year-old French-Israeli Mia]([Schem.]( I [spoke to Mia's mom last month]( about the agonizing wait to discover what had happened to her daughter. Arguments begin in Fulton County: Donald Trump's lawyers will defend the former president in Georgia's election subversion case for the first time today. Trump, along with 18 of his former allies, is accused of numerous charges relating to their [alleged attempt to overthrow the 2020 presidential election in Georgia](. Four defendants have cut plea deals, but the remaining 15, including Trump, have pleaded innocent. Standoff: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and California Gov. Gavin Newsom faced off on Thursday in a debate that showcased their contrasting leadership styles. The moderator, Sean Hannity, challenged Newsom about his state's tax rates, while Newsom focused more on DeSantis' 2024 campaign, making digs about his poor polling. DeSantis told Newsom to "admit" he's going to run as well, but Newsom seized the opportunity to talk up President Biden's record. Von Miller allegations: Buffalo Bills linebacker Von Miller has turned himself in after an arrest warrant was issued for the assault of a pregnant woman. Dallas police say they responded to a "major disturbance call" on Wednesday morning, and ascertained that a verbal argument had occurred, and that Miller had allegedly assaulted a woman. Miller has posted $5,000 bail and been released, and the Bills say they're "in the process of gathering more information" about the alleged incident.   The Final Rose [Gerry Turner in Costa Rica dressed in a blue suit, preparing to give out the final rose]( Disney/John Fleenor The Golden Bachelor reached its dramatic conclusion last night. I-love-yous were said, tears were shed, and of course, one final rose was handed out. Need to catch up on the action? We've got [our biggest and best recap right here](. It’s no secret this show has been a runaway success among multiple generations. Here’s more on why audiences of all ages are connecting with The Golden Bachelor and [what this could signal for future shows](.   Big Ideas [New York Times columnist Andrew Ross Sorkin speaks with Elon Musk. (Getty Images)]( New York Times columnist Andrew Ross Sorkin speaks with Elon Musk. (Getty Images) This week's DealBook Summit in New York was packed with thought-provoking conversations with marquee names like Vice President Kamala Harris, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Disney CEO Bob Iger, and many more. Perhaps you heard about the biggest headline-making moment, when Elon Musk shared a blunt message for X advertisers who've threatened to leave the platform over his antisemitic posts. (That message, ICYMI: "Go f--k yourself.") Congratulations to our friend Andrew Ross Sorkin for pulling off such a fantastic conference, [which you can watch right here](.   Extra Credit Guilty as charged: The Murdaugh murders might be one of the most shocking true crime stories of all time — but you probably don't know everything about this saga. Mandy Matney’s new book contains a number of revelations, and we combed through it to bring you [5 shocking bombshells about the family dynasty](. Power cycle: Spin classes can be seriously addictive, but those $40 drop-ins add up quick. Enter: [SoulCycle’s at-home bike](, which delivers all the fun of the studio and none of that whole leaving-the-house thing. (Plus, it's discounted right now.) Go ahead, take it for a spin. Jingle all the way: December 1st is the holiday season, as far as we’re concerned. So it’s officially socially acceptable to park it on the couch and binge [these 15 classic Hallmark movies]( all month long!   Ask Me Anything Need a little guidance in life? Well, you're in luck, because we're giving you the chance to get help from a person who loves to share advice — yours truly! Send in a note to [ask@katiecouric.com](mailto:ask@katiecouric.com?subject=Ask Katie Anything) and share your questions about career goals, finding love, or optimizing your routine. I'll be answering some of them in a future newsletter!   Highly Recommend One of Molner's wardrobe mainstays is this soft, yet breathable [Peter Millar half-zip sweater](, which has now been upgraded with an elevated suede trim detail. Gift it to a loved one this season or add it to your wishlist. [Navy quarter zip on red background]( [SHOP HERE](   One More Thing Macaulay Culkin shot to superstardom when Home Alone turned into a box-office behemoth back in 1990 — and he quickly became one of the most recognizable child actors of all time. Now 43, he's finally getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this afternoon. To celebrate, let's look back at [my adorable interview with him]( from a 1991 episode of TODAY.   [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.