File Away

How tax season could look different this year. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( January 30, 2024 Good morning! Tax season could get easier this year, thanks to the IRS’s new program — here’s [how to see if you’re eligible](. There’s more good news: King Charles and Princess Kate are out of the hospital, and we’ve got [an update on how they’re doing](. We also explain [why fighting can be good for your relationship](. All that, plus the latest in our Ripple Effect column: Cristina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen show us [the unique beauty of a famous Hawaiian town](. Let’s begin!   In the News [Illustration of piggy banks]( Getty Images File Away Are you dreading doing your taxes this year? You might be in luck: The IRS is piloting a brand-new program called Direct File, which will allow some taxpayers to file their federal returns for free online. There are a few caveats you should know about. The tool’s only available in 12 states for now, and not everyone will be able to use it. Here’s [a breakdown of whether you qualify]( and where it’s available. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Flifestyle%2Ffinance%2Fwhat-is-irs-direct-file-free-tax-service%2F   More Stories [Biden sitting at the head of the table in the Situation Room]( President Biden says he's been "briefed by members of my national security team" on the "latest developments." (From President Joe Biden via X) Eyes on the Middle East: The U.S. response to the drone attack that [killed three American soldiers in Jordan]( is expected to be stronger than any by the Biden administration so far — though concerns remain about igniting a regional war. It seems unlikely that the U.S. will strike inside Iran, but Sec. of State Blinken said the American counterattack may "come in stages and be sustained over time.” The victims of Saturday's strike have been identified as Sgt. William Rivers, 46; Specialist Kennedy Sanders, 24; and Specialist Breonna Moffett, 23. Trump watch: A retired conservative judge has urged the Supreme Court to keep Donald Trump off the presidential ballot. J. Michael Luttig says Trump's involvement in Jan. 6 "disqualified" him — and that his efforts to prevent President Biden from governing were "broader" than South Carolina's secession from the U.S., which triggered the civil war. Meanwhile, the ex-IRS contractor who was accused of leaking Trump's tax documents to the New York Times and ProPublica has been sentenced to five years in prison. Doping scandal: Kamila Valieva, the teen phenom who helped the Russian Olympic Committee win gold at the 2022 Winter Games, has been banned from international competition after testing positive for a prohibited drug. The ruling comes nearly two years after the Beijing Olympics, and clears the way for Team USA — who originally placed second in the team figure-skating competition — to finally bring home gold. [Here’s more on the controversy](, and the 17-year-old now caught in the middle. Health latest: A since-discontinued form of human growth hormone treatment has been linked to five cases of early-onset Alzheimer's, a study suggests. The patients were given shots of the hormone from cadavers as children, and it appears that amyloid beta protein — which forms plaques in the brains of Alzheimer's sufferers — was transmitted as well. It's not yet understood how this may have triggered the development of Alzheimer's, but it raises questions about [our approach to treating the disease](.   Ripple Effect [man surfing in Hawaii]( Paul Nicklen Hawaii is a sacred place in more ways than one. From the spectacular natural landscape to the distinct cultural heritage of the indigenous communities, there is so much on these islands worth celebrating — and worth fighting to preserve. In the next installment of Ripple Effect, SeaLegacy co-founders Cristina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen take us to a famous Hawaiian town called Makaha and give us [an intimate glimpse into a local community]( whose deep cultural traditions persevere despite facing marginalization and neglect. [READ MORE](   In Focus [Silhouette of Girl's profile covered in math equations]( Getty Images If you were asked to think of famous scientists, who comes to mind? Albert Einstein? Stephen Hawking? Thomas Edison? They're all geniuses — but they're also all men, and that's not reflective of how fields like medicine or mathematics should (or do) look today. We spoke to accomplished women from Exact Sciences about [how to bridge the gap for girls in STEM]( and why a gender bias in these areas actually hurts everyone. [READ MORE]( [Supported by Exact Sciences](   Must-Reads [Catherine, Princess of Wales and King Charles]( Back Home Both Catherine, Princess of Wales and King Charles are out of the hospital. We've got the latest updates on their conditions. [Read More »]( [Two hands pulling a rope, which is breaking]( Hash It Out Too much fighting can be the death knell of a relationship, but we spoke to renowned experts about why arguing can be good for a couple. [Read More »]( [Pill popped out of buble wrap on orange background]( In the Balance One of the medications used to terminate pregnancy is facing uncertainty in the Supreme Court — here's what to know about the pill. [Read More »](   Taking a Stand I was moved by [Jessica Bennett’s captivating NYT op-ed]( about E. Jean Carroll. Most of the coverage about Carroll has referred to her as a former advice columnist — when in fact, she was a trailblazing journalist in other areas as well. The piece traces the undercurrent of ageism that snaked through Carroll’s case against Donald Trump and poses the radical question: What is the value of an 80-year-old woman's reputation? We’ll feature more behind-the-scenes tidbits from Bennett later this week, but for now, we’ll leave you with this: “I've started saying to my friends, ‘Carry yourself with the confidence of an 80-year-old woman who has the audacity to demand her worth,’" she tells us.   Sound Off 📣 I came across this fascinating piece about [why more Baby Boomers don't want to be called grandma]( or grandpa. I can relate — "grandma" just doesn't feel like me. The article had a bunch of interesting alternatives (should I be G-ma? Gigi? Queenie? — OK, maybe not that last one), so I thought I'd turn to my Wake-Up Call community. Do your grandkids call you by a unique title, or do you have any suggestions? [Drop me a line](mailto:ask@katiecouric.com?subject=Grandma alternatives)!   Don't Wait Unfortunately, life doesn’t happen on the same schedule as your employer’s payroll, and unexpected expenses can really rock the boat when it comes to your finances. But with [Capital One’s 360 Checking](*, you can actually get funds from a direct deposit up to two days earlier than usual, which can make a difference in a pinch. Take it from Senior Director of Banking Derek Shay: “Having access to your paycheck that much earlier allows you to pay specific bills at the right time of the month, ensuring your cash flow stays on track." [LEARN MORE]( [Sponsored by Capital One]( *Terms apply. [Click here]( for details. Banking Products and Services provided by Capital One, N.A., Member FDIC.   Love Bite Move over, conversation hearts — there's a new Valentine's Day treat in town. [These delectable truffles]( are packed with superfoods and stuffed with brownie batter, cherries, or snickerdoodle flavors. Now that's sweet! [Chocolate hearts and pink rose on pink background]( [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. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2023 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.