"A Legislative Miracle"

Could the new tax deal really pass? [For the best experience, read in browser.]( January 17, 2024 Good morning! Today we'll teach you about [the nerve that could hold the key to fighting inflammation](, check in with Ryan Cooper for [a surpisingly simple way to de-stress](, and investigate [why your joint pain may be flaring up right now](. But first, we've got the scoop on Congress's big tax deal — and the obstacles it faces in order to become a reality. Let's get started...   In the News [A piggy bank attached to a balloon]( Getty Images "A Legislative Miracle" In a rare bipartisan move, top congressional negotiators reached a $78 billion tax deal on Tuesday. Here’s a closer look at what it includes and why it might face steep odds of becoming law. What's in the proposal? The plan aims to expand the per-child tax credit from $1,600 to $2,000 and boost low-income housing benefits, leading to the construction of more than 200,000 affordable housing units. It would also reinstate a trio of business deductions for research and development costs, interest payments, and capital investments. What are lawmakers saying? Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden estimates that the proposal could help up to 15 million children who are dangerously close to the poverty line. While some Republicans don’t support bolstering the child care tax credit, Democrats remain optimistic about passing it. "I don’t want to say a legislative miracle, but it almost is,” said Sen. Sherrod Brown. Will the bill pass? That’s the big question. Wyden said he aims to pass the package before the start of tax season on Jan. 29, but legislators have their hands full with efforts to push forward a funding bill by Friday to avert a partial government shutdown.   More Stories [Ron DeSantis in front of an American flag wearing a forced smlle]( Getty Images Survival mode: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis took to the stage at a CNN town hall last night to make the case that he, not Donald Trump or Nikki Haley, can unite the Republican party. “If Donald Trump is the nominee, the election will revolve around all these legal issues,” he said. ABC News called off its upcoming GOP primary debate after Haley said she wouldn't participate unless Trump does. Trump meanwhile has refocused his attacks on Haley ahead of the New Hampshire contest, which her team has pitched as a "two person race" between her and the former president. Here's [a closer look at the candidates]( — and a reminder of who's dropped out of the race. A chilling development: The twisted story of serial killings in Gilgo Beach, NY, just got even darker. Rex Heuermann, who was arrested last summer in connection with the murders of three women, is now under investigation for the death of a fourth victim. [Here's what we know about the newest accusations against him.]( Club Q shooter: The Colorado shooter who pleaded guilty to state murder charges will also plead guilty to 74 counts of federal hate and gun crimes, per just-released court filings. The plea agreement means that prosecutors won't seek the death penalty for Anderson Lee Aldrich, 23. Instead, he'll serve "multiple concurrent life sentences plus additional consecutive sentences totaling 190 years" for the 2022 massacre at Club Q in Colorado Springs that left five people dead. An open threat: Elon Musk has vowed to develop artificial intelligence independently if Tesla refuses to increase his share of the company's stock, which currently stands at 13%. "I am uncomfortable growing Tesla to be a leader in AI and robotics without having ~25% voting control," he said. "Enough to be influential, but not so much that I can't be overturned." AI is central to Tesla's development ambitions and market value, which would drop if it were seen to be falling behind.   Going Strong [Ryan Cooper]( Photo by James Dimmock Fitness guru Ryan Cooper definitely knows how to get our blood pumping, but he can also show us how to effectively slow down. This week he's sharing [a specialized breathing practice for relieving anxiety and stress]( — and we can say from experience that you'll be feeling extremely zen after just 9 minutes. [LET'S GET STARTED](   A Warrior for Justice [Cover art for ''The Godmother'']( iHeart You know the name Lucky Luciano, but what about the incredible woman who brought this legendary criminal down? [The fascinating podcast The Godmother]( shines a well-deserved light on Eunice Carter, one of the first Black women to become New York's assistant district attorney — and a writer, teacher, social worker, and unheralded pioneer. Join host Nichole Perkins for insights into a part of history that everyone should know about. [LISTEN HERE]( [Sponsored by iHeart Podcasts](   Extra Credit [Illustration of the vagus nerve inside the body]( Shutterstock/KCM Ask an expert: Acute inflammation is meant to help the body fight off infection and heal from injury, but it often malfunctions — and when it does, it can wreak havoc. A doctor explains [why one "game-changing" nerve could transform the treatment options](. Feeling the forecast: If your aches and pains have been worse over the last few days, you might be tempted to blame it on the arctic temperatures chilling the country. We asked a rheumatologist [whether the weather really affects our joints](. Confident and comfortable: Look and feel your best in the bedroom with our recommendations for [the most sophisticated lingerie on the market](. Let's sweat: Finding the motivation to get to the gym is 10 times harder when it's freezing out, but [Beyond Yoga's fan-favorite leggings]( will give your attitude a big boost. Who could be grouchy with 16 happy colors to pick from?   Hydration Station Give your skin a drink with The Inkey List’s bestselling [hyaluronic acid serum](, which hydrates on contact and won’t leave your face feeling tacky. If you ask us, $10 a bottle is a small price to pay for a plumped, healthy glow. [Inkey List hyaluronic acid serum]( [SHOP HERE](   One More Thing [Bobo, a Rafeiro do Alentejo dog] Getty Images How old does this dog look to you? His name was Bobi, and he was reportedly 31 when he died last year on a Portuguese farm — so long in the tooth that he held the Guinness World Record for oldest dog ever. But was his claim all bark and no bite? Guinness has announced that it's suspending Bobi's title while it investigates questions from veterinarians who doubt this canine was as advanced in age as his owner claimed. (Then there's the fact that his breed, Rafeiro do Alentejo, usually has a lifespan of only 10-14 years.) We'll have to stand by for more, but in the meantime, we can at least agree that he looks like a very good boy.   [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.