One Down, Two To Go?

University presidents are under fire. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( December 11, 2023 Good morning. After days of backlash, University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill has resigned. We’ve got the details of her departure and [why it’s spurred both celebration and concern](. Then, I interviewed senior Vox correspondent Zack Beauchamp about [how the Israel-Hamas war could end](. Later on, we’re sharing [Chris Evert’s heartbreaking health update]( and [what to consider before buying a Christmas tree](. As always, thank you for waking up with us.   In the News [Former Penn President Liz Magill ]( Getty Images One Down, Two To Go? University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill officially stepped down from her role amid growing criticism of her response at last week's Congressional hearing on antisemitism. On Saturday, the chair of the university’s board of trustees announced that Magill “voluntarily tendered her resignation.” She’ll stay on as interim president until the position is filled and remain a tenured faculty member at the Penn Carey Law School. As the Ivy League university looks for new leadership, here’s more on [why Magill's remarks drew such a backlash](, how her counterparts at Harvard and MIT are faring, and why her resignation is raising concerns about free speech. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Fpolitics-and-policy%2Funiversity-of-pennsylvania-president-liz-magill-resigns%2F   More Stories [The back of Trump's head]( Getty Images Reversal: Donald Trump is no longer planning to testify in his $250 million New York civil fraud trial today. “I have already testified to everything & have nothing more to say other than this is a complete & total election interference (Biden campaign!) witch hunt,” he wrote on Truth Social. Trump has already testified once, but today's hearing would've given him the chance to speak at length before the trial ends this week. A verdict is expected early in the new year. Buyers, beware: QR codes, the square bar codes that are scanned by phones and can be used as substitutes for paper tickets, to view restaurant menus, and more, are becoming increasingly popular with scammers. According to a blog post on the Federal Trade Commission's advice page, fraudsters have been covering legitimate bar codes — eg at public parking spots — with fake replicas. These replicas then direct consumers to websites that harvest users' data. Here's [how to spot a suspicious QR code](. Retail roundup: Sears, the formerly iconic retailer that declared bankruptcy in 2018, is making a (very) quiet comeback. It's reopened stores in Burbank, California, and Union Gap, Washington — but business observers suspect the move is more about protecting its leases than a serious effort to revive. Meanwhile Macy's, which had a strong third quarter but is struggling with the challenges that all department stores are facing, has received a $5.8 billion take-private offer from an investor group. No takers? Golden Globe nominations are set to be announced this morning — but another key part of the ceremony is hanging in the balance. Organizers are reportedly having trouble finding a host for the evening, with Chris Rock and at least four other top names having already declined offers, according to CNN. A source told the outlet that Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, who've proven popular co-hosts in the past, "would never do it" again.   On the Record The Israel-Hamas war brings up plenty of complicated feelings and opposing opinions. I sat down with Zack Beauchamp, senior correspondent at Vox, who wrote a widely discussed piece about how Israel should respond to Hamas's attacks. As the war continues with no end in sight, we discuss how the situation stands now and [what might unfold in the future](. [WATCH HERE](   Must-Reads [Chris Evert smiles close-lipped, wearing a hot pink blazer and a white shirt]( Heartbreaking Update Tennis legend Chris Evert revealed her cancer has returned two years after she was first diagnosed. Here's more on her condition. [Read More »]( [Illustration of businessman holding up depleted battery]( Running on E A survey found middle managers have the highest anxiety and the worst work-life balance. An expert explains what's going on. [Read More »]( [Hand throwing out fake Christmas tree]( Wood or Plastic? Are Christmas trees bad for the environment — or are fake ones worse? Here's how to choose planet-friendly holiday decorations. [Read More »](   Meal Prep Monday [Ree Drummond in front of bowls of lasagna soup]( KCM / Getty Images Some internet discourse has debated whether a hotdog is a sandwich, but we're asking: Is lasagna a soup? It can be, and it's delicious! [The Pioneer Woman's got a hearty recipe]( combines all the cheesy goodness of the baked pasta dish with all the comfort of a steamy bowl of soup. [READ MORE](   Get Gifting [Black personal groomer, cream J.Crew sweater, blue water jug]( KCM It's crunch time! Whether you need shopping tips or don't know what to put on your own wish list, we've got a few ideas. We scoured the internet for [a chic and comfy cashmere sweater](, a [high-tech beard trimmer]( that's just as much a statement item as it is a grooming tool, and [a practical — and affordable — find]( for anyone looking to up their hydration. [SEE THE FULL GUIDE](   On Our Reading List Looking for a top-notch book recommendation? Jordana Fichtenbaum, who chronicles her favorites on her [What's Jordana Reading]( Instagram account, suggests [The Palace by Gareth Russell](. "This detailed, easy-to-read book about the past 500 years of British history is told through the lens of Hampton Court, and it goes room by room to explore everyone who's lived there, from the Tudors to the modern age," she says. "If you like nonfiction and royals, this is for you."   Merry and Bright [Beauty products from ILIA]( KCM There's nothing like a pop of color to revive your face during the winter, and for that, we turn to our partners at ILIA. There's a shade and application style for everyone (all formulated with sensitive skin in mind), but we have a few favorites: - A few dots of this [concentrated cream color]( is enough to leave a dewy glow on your cheeks and creates a matte lip. - Keep it simple with the [bestselling Multi-Stick](, which you can practically apply with your eyes closed for a natural wash of color. - This [tinted lip balm]( hydrates and conditions your lips while adding rich, buildable color. [SHOP HERE](   Joining Forces We're big fans of [effective ways to ease the challenges of menopause](, so we're thrilled about this news: [Talkspace](, the company that reinvented online behavioral health, is partnering up with [Evernow](, the digital platform dedicated to supporting every woman's journey through The Change. Now, members of both services will get access to essential resources for navigating this transition — and even better, more and more offices will be able to share these tools with employees. Here's to a clearer path to self-improvement!   [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've got 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. 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