Finally Unsealed

More than 150 names related to Jeffrey Epstein will be revealed. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( [Wake-Up Call] [by Katie Couric Media] January 4, 2024 Good morning. The national debt hit a record, and not in a good way. We’ve got more on [how that could play into a government shutdown](. Then, we’re explaining what’s going on with those newly-released Jeffrey Epstein files — and [the unexpected feud they've caused]( between two celebs. We’ve also got [the best “golden” rom-coms to watch]( ahead of Gerry and Theresa’s wedding tonight and [our editors’ favorite splurges](. Let’s begin.   In the News [picture of Jeffrey Epstein]( Getty Images Finally Unsealed The first batch of hundreds of court documents related to the late Jeffrey Epstein was [released to the public on Wednesday](. The materials — more installments of which will be unsealed over the next few weeks — come from a 2015 civil lawsuit against alleged Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre and his longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. Within those files are nearly 200 previously hidden names of people who were connected to Epstein, including witnesses, victims, and alleged co-conspirators and perpetrators. The deposition transcripts revealed so far contain references to former president Bill Clinton (who was not accused of misconduct) and Prince Andrew, who settled a sexual abuse lawsuit filed by Giuffre in 2022. It’s worth noting that those named aren’t all accused of criminal wrongdoing, nor were they necessarily former clients of Epstein’s. But these revelations have been the source of speculation, public disputes, and one unlikely feud between two A-listers. [We’ve got more on that spat, here](. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fentertainment%2Fcelebrities%2Fjimmy-kimmel-aaron-rodgers-jeffrey-epstein-list-comment%2F   More Stories [Donald Trump giving the thumbs up]( Getty Images Rising pressure: Donald Trump has asked the Supreme Court to overrule the [Colorado decision removing him from the state's 2024 presidential ballot](. In a court filing seen by CNN, Trump's attorneys wrote: “In our system of ‘government... Colorado’s ruling is not and cannot be correct.” The state's senior election official has however confirmed that unless SCOTUS rules otherwise, Trump's name will be certified on the primary ballot tomorrow. Fears of a wider war: It's been impossible for much-needed aid to reach parts of northern Gaza for three days, according to the United Nations. As fighting in the Strip continues, fears of a wider conflict in the region are amplifying following the deaths of dozens of people in two explosions in Iran. Iran has blamed Israel for the blasts, and says it will pay a "heavy price." The leader of the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah meanwhile has promised a "limitless" response if Israel wages war on Lebanon. Arrests made: Two suspects have been arrested following the killing of 18-year-old Savanah Soto and her boyfriend, 22-year-old Matthew Guerra, in Texas last week. Soto was nine months pregnant when she died. Christopher Preciado, 19, was taken into custody on capital murder charges, and his father, 53-year-old Ramon Preciado, was arrested on suspicion of abuse of a corpse. “It appears to be a narcotic-related deal that went bad,” San Antonio police told the press. Potential risks: The FDA is probing reports of side effects from [popular weight loss drugs]( and “evaluating the need for regulatory action.” Hair loss, medical aspiration (accidentally inhaling food or other objects), and suicidal ideation have all been reported by patients using a group of weight loss medications including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound. Anyone using these drugs, known collectively as GLP-1 receptor agonists, is advised to speak to their healthcare provider about any concerns.   In Conversation Ava DuVernay needs no introduction. The award-winning and trailblazing filmmaker recently set her sights on translating Caste, a so-called "unadaptable" book, for the silver screen. (Of course, she pulls it off beautifully.) On this week's episode of Next Question, I chatted with DuVernay about the innovative production process for her new film, Origins, and the freedom it provides; the incredible story of a non-professional actor who blew her away and ended up in the movie; and more. [Check it out right here](.   Must-Reads [U.S. Capitol building]( Indebted The U.S. national debt hit a record $34 trillion. Here’s how we got here and what this means for a potential government shutdown. [Read More »]( [Illustration of woman crossing legs with hands in front and a box with a ?]( Burning Questions Bad news: You can't escape UTIs as you age. We tapped Dr. B to explain what causes these infections and why older women are at risk. [Read More »]( [Woman flexing and her shadow is a superhero with a cape]( Head High We've all heard the advice of "fake it 'til you make it." An expert shares 6 little-known tips for feeling, and being, more confident. [Read More »](   Ask the Experts Checking up on your savings account is not something you want to delay. In fact, being smart with your money is all about "critical preventative care," according to Adam Davis, the vice president of Financial Health, Inclusion and Liquidity at Capital One. “We aim to help customers diagnose financial issues and find solutions — especially better ways to save — before they become a bigger problem,” he says. If you haven't given this much thought lately, fear not: We've got [a helpful guide to determining whether you're saving enough](, plus an eye-opening (and totally free!) online course that'll get your funds into fantastic shape. [READ MORE]( [Sponsored by Capital One](   Extra Credit [Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candace Bugen and Mary Steenburgen clinking wine glasses]( Giphy The gilded screen: Can't wait for the Golden Bachelor wedding tonight? We'll be covering all the tear-jerking moments, but in the meantime, get your romance fix with [these delightful rom-coms for folks over 40](. Are we having fun yet? Spend 10 minutes on Instagram and you’ll likely come across pictures of a bachelorette party that looks like it cost a small fortune. That's probably because it did. Here's [what's behind the rise in extreme pre-wedding parties](. Urge to splurge: Sometimes you really do get what you pay for — like when you invest in a high-quality piece of clothing, jewelry, or tech. [The KCM editors dished on their favorite buys]( from Nordstrom that are well worth the price tag.   Sound Off [Pregnant Ellie taking a selfie with a funny face]( KCM As many of you know by now, I’m going to be a (gulp!) grandmother this year! Ellie is due in March 23 — and no, they don’t know what they’re having. She and Mark are going old school and keeping it a surprise (I was the same way). So here’s the drill. All you Grannies, Mee-maws, Gigis, Nanas and even Pop-pops, Grandpas, and Granddads out there: What’s the best advice you have on being the best grandparent ever? What should I do (and not do)? All tips welcome! Drop me a line [right here](mailto:ask%40katiecouric.com?subject=Advice for grandparent-to-be). I can’t wait to read your wise words and share them with our community. (Don’t worry, we won’t reveal our sources!)   The Write Move [3 planners on a purple background]( KCM Is 2024 the year you finally commit to getting organized? We're with you, and if you need a little support, we rounded up the best planners to help you jot down all your goals. Best overall: No fuss, no frills, no time wasted. Grab [this leather-bound 2024 planner]( that looks as chic as it is helpful with monthly and weekly calendars, plus sections to jot down goals and to-do lists. Get smart: Do you like the convenience of plugging appointments into your Google calendar, but miss the experience of hanging up a paper one? [Skylight Frame]( has the best of both worlds. Their digital frame is a smart touchscreen calendar that synchs with your devices, and can be displayed on your desk or hung on a wall. Meal planning: We're all guilty of forgetting a few ingredients when we go grocery shopping. [This meal planning chart]( will help you map out each week's menu so you never have to double-back again. Investment: If you want your agenda to last you beyond 2024, [this luxe notebook from Smythson]( lets you refill the pages year after year.   One More Thing Curious about emerging trends across tech, healthcare, and more? We asked the brightest minds in business for their predictions on what the new year has in store. Here’s what Lyft President Kristin Sverchek has to say about the future of work. For more insights and expert advice, //link.katiecouric.com/click/33885167.761125/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlua2VkaW4uY29tL25ld3NsZXR0ZXJzLzcwNDE4MjE0NjQ4NDQ0NzY0MTYvP2Rpc3BsYXlDb25maXJtYXRpb249dHJ1ZQ/64ad542fa06bf6ade80ad77fCb9060160[subscribe now to our LinkedIn newsletter](. "The first few years of the pandemic were all about remote work arrangements, and 2023 was all about returning to the office. But by and large, employers haven't demanded that employees come back five days a week. Rather, we've seen hybrid, remote, and in-person experiences become the norm, and employers will need to continue to grapple with how to make the in-office experience inviting and exciting while balancing the needs of the remote workforce, ensuring that no matter where you're physically located, you experience a sense of belonging."   [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! 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