Home Sweet Home

A ranking of the best cities to live in. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( December 29, 2023 Another day, another batch of our greatest content of the year! We'll kick things off with [a fascinating ranking of U.S. cities](, then share illuminating personal essays on everything from [how religion influences family dynamics]( to [the ways fashion affects body image](. All that, plus [a celebrity hack for a better breakfast](, coming right up...   Home Sweet Home [Illustration of cityscapes, featuring skyscrapers, trees, water]( Getty Images Deciding where to put down roots is a huge decision. Your place of residence influences a whole lot about your day-to-day, and this list of [the 20 greatest American cities to live in right now]( includes a few surprising choices. If you're planning for the future, we also looked into [the best (and worst) states for healthy aging]( — and if you'll be winding down your career soon, don't miss our report on [retirement destinations you may want to think twice about](.   More Stories [Michelle Obama]( Getty Images First lady confidential: Ever wondered what it's like to trail a member of the first family? In [a revealing interview with Michelle Obama's former Secret Service agent](, we got the scoop on what she's like behind the scenes, her intense workouts, and a star-studded trip to the Grammys. Project 2025: It could be months before we know who gets the GOP nomination for president. But we've already gotten a preview of what it'll look like if that person wins the White House, thanks to [the extremist plan that's already in motion]( for the next Republican administration. Icons in the making: Take a trip back in time to the early days of Camelot with [the juicy story of how JFK and Jackie Kennedy got together]( — including fascinating details about their most intimate moments.   First Person [Illustration of a fractured silhouette of a woman's face]( Shutterstock We love bringing you fresh perspectives from people who are willing to share their unique life experiences. Here are a few that really got us thinking this year: - Katie Couric Media Deputy Editor Maggie Parker writes with vulnerability and honesty about [how infertility challenges a woman's identity](. - Digital creator Christina Grasso offers a personal look at [how working in fashion helped her face her eating disorder](. - Actress Nancy Travis explains [how her mom's atheism affected their relationship]( — and why current events have shifted her perspective. - When the Game Was War author Rich Cohen discusses [how he's seen basketball change]( in the internet era, when the best moment of any game is instantly at our fingertips.   Feel-Good Friday Where do you turn when you’ve moved to a new city and you don’t speak the language? For the Hispanic and Latino community in Cincinnati, the answer is Su Casa, an incredible nonprofit that provides basic needs like food, cleaning supplies, and personal-care items on top of ample emotional support. We paid [a heartwarming visit to this welcoming space]( to see firsthand what a difference it's making. [SEE MORE]( [Supported by P&G](   Extra Credit [Jennifer Aniston over a background of eggs]( KCM/Getty Images A-list breakfast: Rejuvenate your first meal of the day with [Jennifer Aniston's odd yet enticing trick]( for better oatmeal. Foundational texts: No offense to your high school teacher, but they probably left out some pretty important details about our country's past. These [10 books every American citizen should read]( will help fill in the gaps. We tried it: TikTok is a treasure trove of top-notch product recommendations, but not everything deserves the hype. [We tested the hair tool everyone's talking about]( to determine whether it's worth the money.   Serious Savings [Shopping cart with bags flying out]( Getty Images New year, new stuff! Get a fabulous start to 2024 with these sales we couldn't let you miss out on: - Give your living space an upgrade with [up to 60% off bestsellers from Wayfair](. - Spruce up your closet with classic pieces that are [up to 60% off at Everlane](. - Feeling like you deserve a little luxury? We agree — and you can get it for [an extra 25% off sale items at Tory Burch](.   [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. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2023 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.