Supreme Court Showdown

We break down Trump's ballot challenges. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( January 3, 2024 Good morning! With Maine joining Colorado in removing Donald Trump from the primary ballot, I caught up with Neal Katyal for his thoughts and [a preview of what could happen next](. Then, we've got a vital analysis of [why President Biden's 2024 odds keep getting tougher](. We also reveal [the best U.S. cities to retire in]( and [what doctors want you to know about health insurance](. But first… drumroll please… We said we had exciting things in the works this year, and we’re ready for our first reveal! We teamed up with fitness entrepreneur Ryan Cooper on [a weekly wellness series called Going Strong]( that’s all about elevating your mind and body. Here we go!   In the News [Donald Trump at a UFC fight]( Getty Images Supreme Court Showdown Donald Trump has officially appealed Maine’s decision to remove him from the primary ballot under the 14th Amendment’s insurrection clause. This comes as his legal team prepares to file a separate appeal to the Supreme Court in response to a similar move in Colorado. These decisions are raising questions about whether Trump will be able to run for president — and whether the mounting lawsuits against him may be helping his campaign. At the last count, he's facing 91 felony counts across four criminal cases, up to five trials this year, plus verdicts in two civil cases that could cost him and his business hundreds of millions of dollars — yet he remains the clear GOP frontrunner. I asked our favorite legal expert Neal Katyal to weigh in on all this, and [whether keeping Trump off the ballot upholds or undermines our democracy](. [WATCH HERE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fp%2FC1nvhHVtCOE%2F   More Stories [Saleh al-Arouri sitting in front of a microphone]( Saleh Al-Arouri makes a speech in Cairo, Egypt in 2017. (Getty Images) Israel-Hamas latest: Senior Hamas leader Saleh al-Arouri has been killed in a drone strike in Beirut. A U.S. official reportedly told CNN that Israel launched the strike, but Israel is yet to claim responsibility, stoking fears of heightened tensions in the region. Experts who spoke to NBC News said that the attack will be read as a warning to Iran, which has supported Hamas. The U.S. meanwhile has denounced calls from a far-right Israeli official to resettle Gazans outside of the Strip. Stepping down: Harvard President Claudine Gay has resigned after just six months on the job amid accusations of plagiarism and antisemitism on campus. Pressure mounted after a Congressional hearing during which Gay [and other university presidents]( failed to explicitly condemn calls for the genocide of Jewish people as bullying. Attention then turned to her academic record, including instances of "inadequate citation" in her 1997 PhD dissertation. She described the decision to step down as “difficult beyond words.” New indictment: New Jersey Democrat Sen. Robert Menendez has been accused of accepting tens of thousands of dollars in bribes to help Qatar’s government. Federal prosecutors say Menendez, who's previously been accused of taking bribes to benefit Egypt, made positive statements to help a New Jersey developer secure a a multimillion-dollar investment from a Qatari-linked investment fund. Menendez's lawyer said Tuesday that the accusations “stink of desperation.” Colorado shooting: The man accused of firing a weapon inside Colorado's Supreme Court building will appear before a judge this morning. Brandon Olsen, 44, was reportedly involved in a two-car accident early Tuesday. He apparently fled the scene, shot through a window of the judicial center, and entered. He allegedly stole a security guard's keys, fired his gun a few more times, and began a fire in a stairwell. Denver officers say Olsen turned himself in at around 3 am without a struggle. His alleged actions aren't thought to be related to recent threats against the court's judges.   In Focus [Joe Biden speaking to reporters]( Getty Images Now that it’s officially 2024, all eyes are on the upcoming presidential election — and if the efforts to remove Trump from the ballot aren't successful, we could very well be in for a 2020 rematch. We turned to John Ellis, expert analyst and the editor-in-chief of the brilliant News Items newsletter, for a crystal ball into November. He explains [why President Biden’s path to victory will be tougher]( this time around, and why the election could come down to a mere 400,000 votes. Check out this insightful read, and don’t forget to [subscribe to News Items](. [READ MORE](   Must-Reads [Couple driving into the sunset]( The Next Chapter Many Americans relocate for retirement — but how do you decide where to go? Start with this list of the 10 best U.S. cities to retire in. [Read More »]( [Orange pill bottle with cash getting shredded through it]( Doctor's Orders Navigating the maze of insurance is confusing for patients and doctors. Here's what a physician wants you to know about coverage. [Read More »]( [Person journaling]( Take Note Journaling has many benefits, but maintaining the habit is easier said than done. We've the motivation to keep you going. [Read More »](   Going Strong [Ryan Cooper running, doing a push-up, and squatting]( Wong Sim and James Dimmock If you believe you’d benefit from more movement, whole foods, and mindfulness this year — no aggressive gym membership required — you’re in luck. We’re partnering with fitness entrepreneur Ryan Cooper for a new weekly series called Going Strong. Learn more about Cooper's inclusive approach to health [right here](, and if you really want to get up close and personal, we’ve got an exclusive discount on his programs. Use [KCM50 for 50% off any package](! [READ MORE](   Extra Credit Snack attack: We don't know who needs to hear this, but eating better doesn't have to mean giving up treats. This [viral "healthy Snickers bar"]( will satisfy a sweet tooth and deliver benefits from antioxidants and fiber. Flower power: The flower for January is also one of the most popular bouquets — carnations are having a big moment right now. My pal (and floral expert) Jill Brooke gives us an inside peek at their enduring symbolism and shares [tips for caring for these beautiful blooms](. Tighten up: Wake-Up Callers are obsessed with [this neck-firming cream](, and you can score it at a discount right now — along with all of [DermElect's top-notch skin solutions](. Use code NY20 for 20% off.   Superb Sheets Set the tone for your mornings — and unlock a new level of comfort — with [luxury linens from Peacock Alley](. Thanks to their supreme quality and buttery-soft feel, you'll never wake up on the wrong side of the bed. [Peacock Alley bed sheets]( [SHOP HERE](   [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! 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.