On the Lookout

What to know about the new Covid variant. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( [Wake-Up Call] [by Katie Couric Media] December 21, 2023 Good morning! Health officials have their eyes on a new Covid strain — [here’s what you need to know]( before we head into the holidays. Speaking of, we’ve got tips on [how to make planning your celebrations easier]( and [a delightfully festive cranberry crumb cake]( recipe. But before you sign off, we’ve got [can’t-miss words of advice for managers]( and [my eye-opening conversation with Melissa Etheridge](. Read on!   In the News [People in a crowded square]( Getty Images On the Lookout The World Health Organization has designated a new Covid variant of interest, just in time for holiday gatherings. JN.1 is an Omicron subvariant that accounts for about 21% of new coronavirus cases in the U.S., and 32% of new ones in the Northeast, according to the CDC. But how concerned should we be? Here's more on that, plus [the new strain’s symptoms and how to stay safe]( this winter. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fcovid-19%2Fcovid-variant-jn1%2F   More Stories [Faded picture of Donald Trump's head and shoulders in front of the American flag]( Getty Images Trump vs the courts: Donald Trump has asked the Supreme Court to delay its decision on whether he has "absolute immunity" for alleged crimes he committed while he was president. His tactic appears to be to attempt to hold off the trial, which is currently scheduled for March 4, until after the 2024 election. This comes as social media is flooded with violent threats against Colorado Supreme Court justices, who [kicked Trump off the state's primary ballot]( earlier this week. Israel-Hamas war: United Nations agencies are backing calls for a ceasefire as the WHO chief warns of a "toxic mix of disease, hunger, and lack of hygiene and sanitation" in Gaza. A vote on a resolution to pause hostilities to allow aid into the Strip has been pushed to today. President Biden says the U.S. is still negotiating the "contours" of that resolution at the U.N., and that America "may be able to agree" to it. Stiff penalty: A federal judge yesterday ordered Rudy Giuliani to immediately pay $148 million in damages to two former Georgia election workers he defamed, saying he might “conceal his assets” if the ruling was delayed. The judge noted that Giuliani had avoided revealing his wealth by ignoring prior court orders to pay the women other money he owed them, refusing to hand over evidence, and claiming that he was broke — even though he's been able to manage financially in recent months. Keeping it in the family: A European billionaire has begun the process of legally adopting his gardener so that he can leave at least half his wealth to him. Nicolas Puech, 80, is descended from the founder of the French luxury fashion house, Hermes. He'd previously intended to leave his $13 billion fortune to a charity he founded. The charity is contesting the change of plans, saying in a statement shared with CNN: “A unilateral cancellation of the contract of inheritance seems void and unfounded.”   A Closer Look How will the Israel-Hamas war end? I recently came across [an interesting op-ed in the New York Times]( that offers a compelling answer to this question. Two former USAID Mission Directors to the West Bank Gaza Mission argue that the U.S. should make history by recognizing the state of Palestine. This idea might seem improbable, and it’s not the only option, but it made me stop and think. I hope it does the same for you.   In Conversation [Katie Couric, Julianne Moore, Charles Melton, Natalie Portman, Samy Burch and Todd Haynes]( NBCUniversal/Bravo Everyone knows Melissa Etheridge is a renowned singer, songwriter, musician, and guitarist, but I bet there’s plenty you don’t know about her. To celebrate the release of her memoir, [Talking to My Angels](, I interviewed Etheridge on Next Question, where we talked about everything from her childhood to her recent journey experimenting with ayahuasca — and that’s just scratching the surface. You don’t want to miss our raw conversation, so [dive in right here](. [CHECK IT OUT](     Must-Reads [Illustration of beds on top of sleep waves]( Between the Sheets Cameron Diaz made waves when she said she supports couples sleeping in separate bedrooms. Here's how it could save your relationship. [Read More »]( [Illustration of businessman falling down stairs]( A Thankless Job Amid reports of rampant burnout among middle managers, we asked a career pro about dealing with workplace friction. [Read More »]( [Illustration of hands cutting out wrapping paper for holiday gifts]( Take a Load Off Let's be honest: Having to cook, clean, and prep for the holidays is a ton of work. We tapped an expert for advice on divvying up the load. [Read More »](   Gear Up for Good Times Whether you're a social butterfly or a cozy cook, our partners at P&G have stellar products that can help to make your holiday gatherings exactly what you're hoping for. [Take this quiz]( to find out which one is best for you! [Supported by pP&G](   Extra Credit Sink your teeth in: We’re entering the holidays, when time is an illusion and sweets are considered round-the-clock meals. To that point, Samantha Seneviratne‘s [delightfully gooey cranberry crumb cake]( makes for a delicious dessert or tasty breakfast. Bang for your buck: Sometimes, it really is true that you get what you pay for. Augustinus Bader’s appropriately dubbed Rich Cream is well worth the investment — [read our honest review]( to see why. Smoothed out: Knicks and bumps getting you down? It might be time to switch what you shave with. [Athena Club's razors]( deliver a super-close shave with no burn, and they come in a bunch of cute colors.   One-Of-a-Kind Finds [Black woman doing exercise jab, white woman holding up two free weights]( obé Fitness / KCM We might be cutting it close on shipping dates for the holidays, but don’t give up hope on locking down the perfect present. We’ve found thoughtful gifts that will make an impact — and that you don’t have to pick up in a store. - Get the exercise enthusiast in your life [a subscription to obé Fitness](. The digital platform has thousands of online classes — from yoga to HIIT to dance and more — so you can rest assured this is a gift they’ll actually use and never get bored of. - Who doesn’t need a little help picking out a good bottle of wine? [Naked Wines’ subscription club]( has so much variety, and right now, you can get up to $100 off personalized packs. - Memories are priceless, and [Giftory has]([a ton of experiences]( on offer. You'll choose the activity, and your recipient will get a voucher, so they can pick the date that works best for them. No guesswork involved, and these don't expire, either!   [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 have questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! 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