On the Line

The abortion cases we're watching. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( December 12, 2023 Good morning. Abortion is back at the forefront, and we’re breaking down the key cases to keep an eye on this week. Then, we’ve got more on the Golden Globes nominees and [the struggle to find a host](. With the holidays approaching, we’re sharing [an appetizer that’ll spice up your next party]( and [my hand-picked gift recommendations](. Read on…   In the News [Woman holding pink sign that says ''abortion is health care.'']( Shutterstock On the Line Three cases that could decide the future of abortion access for millions of women in the West will be heard this week. Here’s what’s at stake: Arizona: The state Supreme Court will decide how to enforce two conflicting laws: A near-total ban that dates back to 1864 and a 2022 law that allows abortion up to 15 weeks. The justices, who are all conservative, could back one regulation or a blend of both. New Mexico: Abortion is legal in the state, but some cities and counties have passed local ordinances restricting providers, citing the federal Comstock Act. The act is being used in the Supreme Court to challenge the legality of mailing abortion medication, meaning this dispute could reverberate far beyond New Mexico. Wyoming: The state’s constitution gives adults the right to make their own healthcare decisions. A ban, which has been temporarily blocked, tried to circumvent that by saying that abortion doesn’t qualify as healthcare. A judge will hear part of the case this week. Meanwhile, in Texas: On Friday, the Texas Supreme Court blocked a lower court’s ruling that would’ve allowed Kate Cox, a 31-year-old mother of two, to have an abortion. Cox sought the procedure after learning her fetus has a fatal genetic condition and the pregnancy could impact her fertility. Now, she’s leaving Texas for care.   More Stories [Special Counsel Jack Smith ]( Getty Images Fast track: Special Counsel Jack Smith has asked the Supreme Court to decide imminently whether Donald Trump is immune from prosecution over [charges that he plotted to overturn the 2020 election](. By skipping the appeals court, Smith hopes to keep the trial, currently scheduled for March, on track. “This case presents a fundamental question at the heart of our democracy: whether a former president is absolutely immune from federal prosecution for crimes committed while in office," he wrote. Late last night, the judges granted Smith's request to move with exceptional speed, and asked Trump's lawyers to respond by December 20. Israel-Hamas war: The United Nations General Assembly will resume its emergency session on Gaza today. Just days ago, the U.S. vetoed a U.N. resolution calling for an emergency ceasefire, and has since approved a $106 million emergency arms sale to Israel. About 1.9 million people have been displaced in Gaza, where humanitarian zones are shrinking rapidly. President Biden last night reiterated his support for “the safety of the Jewish people and the security of Israel and its right to exist," but cautioned: "The whole world’s public opinion can shift overnight." Blow for Google: Google has lost its antitrust case against Epic Games, the maker of the hit game Fortnite. The jury agreed that Google quashed competition and that it charged unfair fees in its Play app marketplace. Google will appeal the verdict, but if the ruling holds up, it could upend how both Google and Apple manage the distribution of third-party apps on devices, giving app developers far more power.   Home Away From Home [Katie Couric pointing outside Capital One Cafe]( KCM Need a place to do some work, have a snack, or just chill out for a while? I recently stopped by a Capital One Café and was very impressed by what I found (including that you don't even have to be an account holder to be there). We've got a look at what I did during my visit and [how you can use these spaces across the country](. [READ MORE]( [Sponsored by Capital One](   Must-Reads [Golden Globes]( And the Nominees Are... The list of all the movies and TV shows vying for a Golden Globe is out! Here's more on that, plus the drama surrounding the host. [Read More »]( [Bust of head with hand holding syringe]( Under the Knife Buccal fat removal was only the tip of the iceberg. We scoured the internet for the obscure cosmetic surgeries you didn’t know existed. [Read More »]( [Illustration of man sitting on a wooden chair underneath a lamp]( Feeling Down This time of year isn't the happiest for those struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder. A psychotherapist shares ways to cope. [Read More »](   Cuddle Up [Haven Well Within fleece pants and cashmere sweater]( Haven Well Within / KCM 'Tis the season for curling up with a warm drink and your comfiest loungewear. We've got standout picks from our partners at Haven Well Within that'll keep you cozy when your radiator can't keep the chill at bay: - Leggings are great and all, but these [wide-leg fleece sweatpants]( are less restrictive and ridiculously comfortable. - Pair them with this equally [warm and fuzzy V-neck pullover]( for an elevated take on the sweatsuit. - Finish it off with these [seriously soft cashmere socks]( that will keep your toes toasty on the chilliest days.   Extra Credit 5 things you can't miss: Prepare to park yourself on the couch, because there are so many movies and TV shows coming out this week. Here's [what we'll be watching](. Getting back out there: Firing up apps or scheduling a meetup after ending a marriage is incredibly tough. Experts share their [top tips for dating after divorce](. One-bite wonder: You'll be the host with the most — without putting in the most effort — with this [deconstructed pasta salad appetizer](. This treat's so cute and tasty, you wouldn't believe how simple it is.   Just Trust Us Some things must be experienced firsthand in order to truly understand their greatness, and [this pleasure-inducing bundle]( from our partners at maude is one of them. Take it from the reviewer who says these products "brought sex back to my marriage" — yes, it's that good. Take 15% off orders $50+ with code gift-maude.   Katie's Corner [Augustinus Bader rich cream, Jo Malone candle, Jones Road mascara, pencils and pot of makeup]( KCM I’m a pretty good gift-giver, if I do say so myself. But don’t just take my word for it — The Cut praised [the picks in my gift guide](, too! So take a couple of pages out of my playbook this season. [My Augustinus Bader moisturizer](, a bundle of [my favorite Jones Road essentials](, and this [wonderful-smelling Jo Malone candle]( are sure to surprise and delight — and there are many more ideas where that came from. [READ MORE](   One More Thing The Wake-Up Call community is full of smart, engaged readers like yourself — and some other names you might recognize, like Harlan Coben, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over 35 novels. (A slew of his books have been turned into hit shows!) Here’s why he wakes up with us: “I might put twists and turns in my storytelling, but when it comes to the news, I like things straightforward. For the past few years, I’ve started every morning by reading Katie Couric’s Wake-Up Call because it is smart, direct, trustworthy, no-nonsense — and more than a little bit of fun. Hmm, not unlike Katie herself. There is never a day I don’t feel more enlightened, educated, and entertained by what Katie and her expert team have culled for me to read.”   [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.