Intensifying Pressure

The U.N. General Assembly calls for a ceasefire. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( December 13, 2023 Good morning. All eyes are on Israel and Gaza as calls for a ceasefire intensify. We’ve got more on that below, plus [an update on the reckoning in higher education](. Then we’re peeling back the curtain on [the plan that could reshape American democracy in 2025](. Later on, we’ll share more details on [Jennifer Aniston’s final conversation with Matthew Perry](. Let’s begin.   In the News [Protestors rally holding signs that read: ''UN Women your silence is loud.'']( Getty Images Intensifying Pressure Divisions are widening between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu as calls for a ceasefire amplify. Here’s more: Global response: The U.N. General Assembly has called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. On Tuesday, 153 nations voted in favor of the resolution, while 10 (including the U.S.) voted against it and 23 abstained. The resolution is non-binding, meaning it doesn’t carry legal weight, but it could have some political sway. This comes a week after the U.S. blocked a similar resolution in the Security Council, saying it was “imbalanced” and “will only plant the seeds for the next war.” Biden’s warning: President Biden cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel “can’t say no” to a Palestinian state, signifying a possible rift. On Tuesday, POTUS said Israel is starting to lose support “by indiscriminate bombing that takes place.” Holding out hope: Biden will meet today with families of Americans still held captive by Hamas. The White House says eight Americans remain hostage after several were released last month, including [4-year-old Abigail Mor Edan](. Biden met the families virtually about a week after Oct. 7 and called the conversation “gut-wrenching.”   More Stories [Climate protesters outside COP28]( Climate protesters outside COP28 (Getty Images) Landmark commitment: The COP28 climate summit ended this morning with nearly 200 nations agreeing to a deal that would see them "transitioning away" from fossil fuels. The agreement, dubbed the Global Stocktake, represents a major step — but it still avoids the stronger call to "phase out" oil, coal, and gas that many countries and advocacy groups favor. Instead, it asks countries to "contribute" to "accelerating action in this critical decade." Tough sell: President Biden has announced $200 million in aid for Ukraine after President Zelensky's visit yesterday. Zelensky received a colder welcome than usual on Capitol Hill, where members of the GOP made it clear that they weren't interested in his argument that protecting Kyiv against Russia was vital to the safety of the West. “Here’s the problem,” Sen. Lindsey Graham told him. “It’s got nothing to do with you.” Biden said that without supplemental funding, the U.S. is reaching the "end of our ability to help Ukraine." The hit list: Netflix has released [detailed viewing figures]( for the first time ever, following pushes for more transparency during the Hollywood strikes. By the numbers, the most-watched TV shows on the platform from January to June this year were: The Night Agent, Ginny & Georgia, The Glory, Wednesday, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, and You. RIP: Andre Braugher, star of Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Homicide: Life On The Street, has died at 61 after a short illness. The two-time Emmy winner was "the actor that others... would always aspire to be," said NBC Entertainment. His Brooklyn Nine-Nine co-star Terry Crews wrote on Instagram: "I’m honored to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you and shared 8 glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent. This hurts.”   In Focus [Woman performing self breast exam]( Getty Images You’ve probably heard of breast cysts — maybe you’ve even had one. But what are they, exactly? With help from Exact Sciences, we’re exploring [why some women develop these little lumps](, and some “breast practices” for if you discover one. [READ MORE]( [Supported by Exact Sciences](   Must-Reads [Jennifer Aniston with her arms around Matthew Perry]( "He Wasn't Struggling" In a new interview, Jennifer Aniston revealed she texted Matthew Perry hours before his death and shared insight into his state of mind. [Read More »]( [Red picture of the U.S. Capitol with big crack in the middle]( Looking Ahead Have you heard about Project 2025, the presidential plan that could lead to an autocracy? Here’s what you need to know. [Read More »]( [Mitch Albom's The Little Liar book cover on navy background]( Book Talk Since I read Tuesdays With Morrie, I've looked forward to Mitch Albom's books — and his latest WWII novel is all too relevant right now. [Read More »](   On the Court Calling all pickleball fanatics (and we know there are plenty of you): We spoke to a yoga teacher and Humana Neighborhood Center coordinator about [what you should do before and after your games]( to prevent injuries like falls and ankle twists. [READ MORE]( [Supported by Humana](   All Evened Out [Hands holding up BeautyPie Super Retinol, Youthbomb repair cream, and another pot of skincare on a purple gradientbackground]( Beauty Pie / KCM We love a skincare product that goes beyond the call of duty, and these three from our partners at Beauty Pie banish winter dryness and tackle persistent complaints like fine lines and dark spots. Start a two-month free trial to get them at discounted member prices, and take $10 off all orders right now with code BEAUTYPIE10. - This [Wake-Up Call reader favorite]( contains retinol to diminish dark spots on the back of hands while making skin feel soft and silky smooth. - Use this [hydrating, luminizing cream]( to brighten your under-eye area and seal in all-day moisture. - This [supercharged moisturizer]( may be lightweight, but it's loaded with ingredients that help plump, firm, and nourish the skin. [SHOP MORE BESTSELLERS](   What a Year [ I interviewed Taylor in 2012, back when she was "just" a country star! (Getty Images) I probably don’t need to remind the Swifties that today's Taylor Swift’s birthday — and from the looks of it, she’s been having a pretty good year. One week ago, she was named TIME’s Person of the Year and [reflected upon her stardom](. It’s impossible to deny her influence, and [this moving personal essay]( shows just how deeply she impacts her fans. Happy birthday, Taylor, and here’s to many more!   Loud Luxury [LAKE blue-and-white striped pajamas, black ferragamo bag, emerald ring and gold diamond bracement]( KCM We’ve already rounded up [gifts for the person who has everything](, and among those gems are a few investment items. Go really big with these stunners: - Jewelry is always a standard, and Ben Bridge has you covered on everything from [beautiful sterling silver accessories]( to brilliant diamonds. - You haven’t truly known comfort until you’ve tried [LAKE’s silky soft pajamas](. Wake-Up Call readers love them too! - If you’re looking to really splurge, this [gorgeous Ferragamo crossbody]( is so classically elegant that it'll easily pass the cost-per-wear test. [SEE THE FULL GIFT GUIDE](   [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! 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