The 11th Hour

Congress is racing to keep the government open. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( January 9, 2024 Good morning! Today we’re looking at what’s in the proposed government spending bill — and [the battle brewing over getting it passed](. Speaking of clashes, we’re [unpacking those controversial remarks from the Golden Globes](. We’ve also got [10 underrated shows to add to your list]( and [the sale you don’t want to miss](. Read on!   In the News [Speaker Mike Johnson]( Getty Images / KCM The 11th Hour Congress has finally hammered out a deal to keep the government open — and lawmakers don’t have much time to pass it. Here’s a look at the proposal and [why the pressure is on for Speaker Mike Johnson](. What’s going on? As you might recall, the House passed a two-tiered extension in November, but cash is set to run out on Jan. 19. Lawmakers hatched a plan, and on Sunday, Johnson’s office announced that the cost of funding the government through this fiscal year would be $1.59 trillion. What’s included in this agreement? The deal was modeled after the one then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy struck with President Biden, which prompted a rebellion from hardline conservatives and ultimately cost McCarthy his gavel. But Johnson’s version has some “key modifications” to offset expenses, including clawing back $6.1 billion in leftover pandemic aid. While Johnson admitted that “these final spending levels will not satisfy everyone,” he added, “this represents the most favorable budget agreement Republicans have achieved in over a decade.” We've got more on why some are still not pleased — and [here’s a look at some of its key hurdles.]( [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Fpolitics-and-policy%2Fspeaker-mike-johnson-government-shutdown%2F   More Stories [Trump pointing]( Getty Images Breaking the mold: Donald Trump will appear in the Washington, D.C. Court of Appeals today to watch his lawyers claim that because he was president when his alleged offenses took place, he has “absolute immunity” from prosecution in his federal election interference case. The argument, just six days before the Iowa caucuses (which already look to be upset by "near-blizzard" weather conditions](), could have a seismic impact on the powers of those who hold presidential office in the future. The pressure is on: While Trump continues to juggle his campaign alongside multiple legal challenges, President Biden spent yesterday in South Carolina hoping to rouse the state's Black voters, who, along with Rep. Jim Clyburn, he credits with spurring his 2020 success. Former first lady Michelle Obama meanwhile has confessed that she’s "terrified” about the outcome of the coming contest. Speaking to Jay Shetty on his podcast On Purpose, she said the implications for our democracy "keep me up" at night. Israel-Hamas war: Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Israel today advocating for better protections for civilians in Gaza. This comes alongside the news that President Biden has been pushing Israel to reduce ground troops in the Strip, as Palestinian officials claim one in 100 people there have died since October 7. Tensions in the region have intensified since Israel claimed responsibility for the death of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon, plus a Hamas militant in Syria. Wolverines triumph: The Michigan Wolverines defeated the Washington Huskies to win Monday's College Football Playoff title game 34-13. The victory — in a game pitched as a standoff between Michigan's formidable defense and Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. — marks Michigan's first national title since 1997. "What they’ve done for the last 372 days is amazing," said coach Jim Harbaugh. "We’re champions... national champions.”   Firing Back [Jo Koy hosting the Golden Globes]( Getty Images There were a lot of exciting winners at Sunday night's Golden Globes... but the one person who lost big? Comedian Jo Koy, whose jokes left much to be desired. Koy used his stage time to take shots at women artists — much to his own detriment. In [this thought-provoking piece](, my friend Liz Plank examines the sexism on full display during the ceremony and how these misogynistic attitudes hurt men, too. [READ MORE](   Extra Credit [Collage of Bad Sisters, Shrinking, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart]( KCM/Apple TV/Hulu Hidden treasures: If you’ve already burned through your list of shows to binge, we uncovered [10 underrated gems to stream right now]( — so you don’t have to re-watch The Office for the millionth time. Get loose: Whether you spend your days hunched over a computer or just want to improve your everyday flexibility, stretching should definitely be part of your fitness routine. My Pilates instructor Ashley Patten has [the perfect moves to wake up your body]( (some of these are my favorite stretches). Luxury for less: Elevate your makeup routine without depleting your wallet during high-end beauty site Space NK’s winter sale (which, if you couldn’t tell, is happening right now). You'll find bargains on [Diptyque candles](, [Fresh's cult-favorite firming cream](, and so much 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 Katie Williams, U.S. chief marketing officer at Haleon: “I’m energized by the explosion of honest conversations about women’s health. In 2024, we’ll be keeping an eye on innovation happening across reproductive health and menopause, while staying apprised of emerging trends. We’ll continue to respond to what women need to support their well-being and help strengthen the community of expert and peer voices they can turn to for trustworthy, actionable information.”   Winter Wonders It's the last day to take 40% off plus an [extra 20% off sale styles]( at Ann Taylor. Score a deal on warm-weather must-haves like [these cozy shearling booties]( and [this bold statement coat]( — but only if you act fast. [Ann Taylor pink and red plaid coat and tan shearling booties]( [SHOP HERE](   [Know it all, and help your friends catch up, too. Share Wake-Up Call and you'll earn some superb swag.]( Thank you 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. 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