New Year, New Laws

Here's the legislation taking effect in 2024. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( January 2, 2024 Good morning. New Year's resolutions aren't always known for going the distance, but lawmakers have seen to it that some major changes will stand the test of time this year. We're taking a look at [new laws coming into effect in 2024](. We'll also explore [an all-too-common mental obstacle]( and serve up [a superb weekday lunch recipe](. Thanks for waking up with us!   In the News [A participant holds a sign calling for the protection of abortion access during the annual LA Pride Parade on June 11, 2023]( A participant holds a pro-choice sign during the LA Pride Parade on June 11, 2023. (Getty Images) New Year, New Laws There was no shortage of controversial proposals on lawmakers' ballots last year, and 2024 will see much of that legislation take effect. Here are some [key areas seeing major change this year](: Min. wage: Nearly half of U.S. states are increasing their minimum wage, with roughly 40 cities and counties following suit. Washington, DC., which raised its minimum wage as of yesterday, continues to have the highest rate at $16.28 (up from $15.74). Abortion access: As of yesterday, a shield law in California will protect abortion providers from legal action from other states if they care for patients from states with restrictive laws. Meanwhile in Washington, new or renewed health insurance plans are banned from requiring cost sharing for terminations as of Jan 1. Gun ownership: Illinois is banning high-powered semiautomatic rifles, Washington State is expanding its waiting period for gun purchases, and Californians won't be allowed to carry guns in most public places as of this year. Gender-affirming care: At least 20 GOP-controlled states passed restrictions on gender-affirming care last year. These took effect in Louisiana and West Virginia yesterday — though the latter includes some exceptions. California providers will be shielded from out-of-state litigation. We've got extra detail on all this, [plus important changes on our roads, in the workplace, libraries, and more, here](. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Fhere-are-the-new-laws-taking-effect-in-2024%2F   More Stories [A house damaged by an earthquake is seen on January 02, 2024 in Nanao, Japan.]( A passenger plane collided with an aircraft involved in relief efforts at Tokyo's Haneda Airport early this morning. (TR/JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty Images) Disaster in Japan: A 7.5 magnitude quake shook the western coast of Japan yesterday, triggering aftershocks that flattened hundreds of buildings, sparked devastating fires, and raised tsunami alerts. At least 48 people are dead, and rescuers are scrambling to reach those still trapped in the wreckage. President Biden has said that the U.S. is poised to provide "any necessary assistance." The situation escalated early this morning, when a Japan Airlines jet burst into flames after a collision with a coast guard aircraft involved in relief efforts. Per CNN, everyone on the passenger plane made it to safety, but five people on the other plane are still unaccounted for. Eyes on Israel: Israel has announced that it will pull thousands of soldiers out of the Gaza Strip as it prepares for the next phase of the war. Though this signals a shift towards lower-intensity fighting, Israel has stressed that it foresees hostilities continuing throughout 2024. Meanwhile, divisions in the country were reinforced yesterday as the country's Supreme Court struck down the government's bid to limit judicial powers. New kids in town: Step aside Gen Z, there's a new demographic incoming! Gen Alpha, born between 2010 and 2024, are mostly the children of millennials, grew up entirely online, and are all younger than the iPhone. According to Mark McCrindle, the social researcher who defined Gen Alpha, it's expected to be the largest generation in history, at an estimated two billion people. Michigan makes it: Top-seeded Michigan advanced to its first College Football Playoff championship game, beating fourth-seeded Alabama 27-20 in the Rose Bowl on Monday. Coach Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines came together just in time, with Blake Corum scoring the winning touchdown on a 17-yard run in overtime. The Wolverines will face Washington in Houston on Jan. 8, when they'll play for their school’s first national title since 1997.   In Focus You'll remember John Ellis from [our riveting conversation about Fox News]( last year, but you should also know about his daily newsletter News Items, one of the most thoughtful news summaries Molner and I read regularly. (You can [subscribe right here](.) For a taste of Ellis's expert analysis, this piece about [where Joe Biden stands heading into 2024]( is filled with fascinating insight.   Must-Reads [Blueberries, kiwi, strawberry]( Bring It Down We got advice from a doctor about the best foods to eat to lower your blood pressure — and the dishes you'll want to avoid if it's already high. [Read More »]( [Woman swimming in a pool]( Take the Plunge Dive into this insightful essay about the life lessons one woman learned after trying open-water swimming for the first time at 53. [Read More »]( [Silhouette of a human head with a person sitting inside it]( "A Hidden Epidemic" You've heard of FOMO — the fear of missing out — but what about FOPO? Find out how this mental trap could be holding you back. [Read More »](   Fit for a Queen [A woman holding a gift basket themed for ''The Crown'']( Photo courtesy of Michael Gentes After I got the most beautiful gift basket from Netflix in celebration of The Crown's final season, I decided to give it away to one of my followers — and I got the sweetest note from Wake-Up Call reader Michael Gentes, who wanted to surprise his mother, Renee. Michael remembers his mother sharing her love for the royal family (and the news!) as they watched our TODAY coverage of Princess Diana's death, and The Crown became a major bonding moment for them. "After watching an episode, we regularly deep dive into discovering what was historically accurate," he says. Michael took this photo after sharing the basket with Renee, and he tells us she was "caught off guard, but very touched" by the unexpected gift. Enjoy, you two!   Extra Credit Liven up your lunch: Don't resign yourself to a depressing midday meal just because you're busy with work. [This simple salmon salad recipe]( doesn't take much to throw together, but it packs a flavorful punch. Brain food: We spoke to a medical anthropologist and a pharmacologist about [the natural supplement that can keep your mind sharp]( — and how it differs from pharmaceuticals that could come with unwelcome side effects. In step: You've probably seen your friends raving about [these super-popular sneakers](, but how good are they really? [We put them to the test.](   Let's Get Moving [Activewear from Amazon]( KCM We're always in search of high-quality athleisure that makes us feel great and can arrive at our doorstep in a flash. Our list of [the best activewear on Amazon]( is filled with picks that'll do just that — and they all look adorable, too. [SHOP HERE](   [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.