Under Fire

The case that could unravel the NRA. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( January 8, 2024 Good morning. As the civil trial against NRA leadership kicks off, we’re explaining why the case could upend the organization. We’ve also got more on Congress's deal to avoid a government shutdown and [the fast-spreading Covid variant]( that’s responsible for the majority of U.S. cases. Later, we’ll head to Hollywood, where we’ve got the scoop on [all the Golden Globes winners]( from last night and [the looks we’re still thinking about](. Read on!   In the News [Wayne LaPierre]( Getty Images Under Fire After more than three decades as head of the NRA, Wayne LaPierre announced his resignation last week. Today, he’ll stand trial for corruption in a case that could have major implications for the powerful lobbying group. Background: In 2020, New York Attorney General Letitia James sued LaPierre alleging he misspent millions on private jets, luxury vacations to the Bahamas, and yacht trips. Former NRA Chief of Staff Joshua Powell, who was one of three other execs named in the suit, settled last week and has agreed to testify against LaPierre. What’s at stake: James had hoped to oust LaPierre and called his resignation an “important victory,” adding: “It will not insulate him from accountability.” James is also seeking to ban the former CEO from holding any leadership position at the org and to force him to pay the NRA restitution. The bigger picture: Over the past few years, the NRA’s membership has plummeted and its legal fees have skyrocketed. This case could deal another blow to the group. [Shannon Watts](, founder of Moms Demand Action, tells us: “LaPierre was forced to resign after we shined a light on his unethical, immoral and corrupt misdeeds for over a decade. We broke the powerbroker of the most dangerous special interest that’s ever existed.”   More Stories [U.S. Capitol Building reflected in a rain puddle at daybreak ]( Getty Images Crisis (almost) averted? After weeks of negotiations, House and Senate leaders announced yesterday that they've reached an agreement on topline 2024 spending. It's encouraging news, but Congress still needs to reach deals on individual spending bills, and it's not clear whether there's time to cement this agreement and pass it into law ahead of a partial government shutdown in a fortnight. The deal sets total spending at $1.59 trillion for fiscal year 2024, and includes an increase in Pentagon spending to $886.3 billion. Boeing backlash: The missing door plug that flew off an Alaska Airlines plane mid-flight on Friday has been discovered in a Portland school teacher's back yard. The incident led to the grounding of Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft over the weekend, and National Transportation Safety Board chair Jennifer Homendy told CNN: "It's fortunate no one died." The NTSB revealed yesterday that Boeing Max 9 planes had been barred from long trips over water because the pressurization warning light had gone off on three previous flights. It's too soon to say whether that issue is related to the accident. Under scrutiny: Deputy defense secretary Kathleen Hicks, the Pentagon’s No. 2 leader, was not told Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had been hospitalized when she assumed his duties on January 2 — and even President Biden was kept in the dark about his condition for three days, it's been revealed. Austin was hospitalized for severe pain on January 1 following an elective medical procedure on December 22. The secrecy surrounding his admission is prompting questions both from the public and the White House.   A Closer Look [Taylor Swift wearing a purple dress standing in front of screen of lavender field]( Getty Images Taylor Swift has been the subject of countless think pieces — including [a controversial new op-ed in the New York Times]( that expounds upon a long-held fan theory that the singer is queer. Swift has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ people, but has never said she’s part of the community. The piece has come under fire for speculating on her sexuality — including by a source close to the superstar, who called it “invasive, untrue, and inappropriate.” They added: “Because of her massive success, in this moment there is a Taylor-shaped hole in people’s ethics.”   Going For Gold [Margot Robbie, Quinta Brunson, and Timothee Chalamet at the 2024 Golden Globes]( Getty Images Last night’s 81st annual Golden Globes celebrated significant achievements in film and television — but before that, Hollywood’s biggest stars showed up and showed out on the red carpet. We couldn’t take our eyes off the stunning looks — [check out a few of our favorites right here](. Then, it was on to the ceremony, where Jo Koy made his hosting debut and Barbie and Oppenheimer duked it out for the most wins. If you didn’t catch the awards, don’t worry: [We’re recapping the biggest moments]( and sharing all the winners.   Extra Credit Going viral: The newest Covid variant of interest makes up a whopping 61% of cases in the U.S. Here's [what to know about the contagious strain]( and its symptoms. The doctor is in: I've had eczema for a long time, and one thing that's really helped me lately has been Dr. Cheryl Lee Eberting's skincare line — so I reached out to the doctor herself [to answer my biggest questions about flare-ups](. In the spirit: Are you participating in Dry January — or Damp January, the new trend that emphasizes drinking less (rather than zero) alcohol? We've got [3 delicious mocktails]( to raise a glass with.   Meal Prep Monday [Miles Davis in front of bowls of chili]( KCM / Getty Images Feel that chill in the air? We've got the perfect antidote: a nice warm bowl of hearty chili. Jazz legend Miles Davis was famous for [his rich, flavorful recipe]( which can be devoured on its own like a stew or poured over pasta for an extra-filling meal. [READ MORE](   Looking Ahead We asked outstanding business leaders for their predictions about the biggest professional trends they're expecting in 2024, and we'll share their answers throughout January. Today, we turn to Alex Amouyel, president and CEO of Newman’s Own Foundation “I’m excited about reclaiming philanthropy and celebrating the everyday philanthropist. When we think of philanthropists, we tend to think about the billionaires who create large foundations. But the most generous Americans on a percentage basis are those making $50,000 a year or less, who give away 8% of their income, versus an average of 2.1%. New innovative models and organizations are helping to tap into the collective power of small donations and to move decision-making to communities, and I can’t wait to see more of these in the years ahead.”   Unreal Deals Kohl's always has a treasure trove of affordable finds, but right now they're hosting [a massive clearance event](. Score up to 70% off everything from 14k gold jewelry to Bluetooth earbuds to cozy cardigans. [White earbuds, gold ball earrings, tan cardigan on purple gradient background]( [SHOP THE SALE](   [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. 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