Hanging in the Balance

The human impact of Alabama's IVF decision. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( February 28, 2024 Good morning. In the wake of the recent state Supreme Court decision that deemed embryos children, I connected with an Alabama couple whose family planning was thrown into disarray — check out [our unflinching conversation right here](. Then we’ve got a fascinating op-ed about [the religious link that might be fueling a TikTok lifestyle trend](. Over in entertainment, we’re sharing [a sneak peek of the new season of Survivor]( and [surprising facts about the Queen of Pop](. Away we go!   In the News [A close-up of an embryo culture dish used in IVF treatments]( Getty Images Hanging in the Balance Last week's Alabama Supreme Court ruling that embryos are legally considered children has thrown IVF procedures in the state into chaos, and put fertility treatments nationwide at risk. Since then, some Republicans have tried to distance themselves from the decision — with even Donald Trump expressing support for IVF to be available "in every state." Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers are hoping to pass a plan to protect access at the federal level this week. But for the families caught in the middle of this alarming decision, the fallout has been gut-wrenching. I spoke to Julie and Len, who have their embryos stored at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, about their journey to start a family and [what it's been like since the ruling came down](. [WATCH HERE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fp%2FC332yHnR1Na%2F   More Stories [poster of a ballot card indicating Joe Biden and ''uncommitted'']( Getty Images Politics: Both President Biden and Donald Trump won their Michigan primaries — but Biden faced a [sizeable protest vote from those opposed to his handling of the Israel-Hamas war](, and a formidable proportion of Republicans voted against Trump. Over in Congress, it's looking ever more likely that lawmakers will have to pass a short-term funding bill to avert a government shutdown come Friday. Texas wildfires: A nuclear weapons facility in the Texas Panhandle has evacuated staff as massive wildfires rage nearby. At least five active wildfires have scorched more than 370,000 acres so far, and residents of Panhandle towns have been forced to evacuate. Gov. Greg Abbott has issued an emergency declaration "to ensure critical fire response resources are swiftly deployed." AI latest: A Beverly Hills middle school is investigating students who've been sharing AI-generated nude photos of their classmates. The school district reported the incident to the police last week, and a student told NBC Los Angeles that “people can’t feel safe to... come to school,” for fear that others will share explicit pictures. This comes as a bipartisan group of senators looks to introduce a bill that would give victims of sexually explicit deepfakes a way to hold those who create and share them accountable.   Going Strong [Ryan Cooper]( James Dimmock Push-ups, squats, and crunches are great, but if that's all you're doing, you might be neglecting a crucial part of the body: your back. Never fear — Ryan Cooper's literally got your back with [an accessible routine to strengthen your muscles]( (and prevent aches and pains in the future), and all it takes is two minutes. [GIVE IT A GO](   Must-Reads [Survivor Season 46]( The Tribe Speaks Survivor's 46th season kicks off tonight. Until then, we've got a sneak peek at the 18 hopefuls competing for the big prize. [Read More »]( [Abstract image of happy woman on pink background]( Pleasure Principle There's one menopause symptom we don't talk about enough. It happens in the bedroom (and no, it's not trouble sleeping). [Read More »]( [Bust statue next to syringe]( Under the Knife Plastic surgery has become less stigmatized, which means there are more and more procedures cropping up to fix perceived "flaws." [Read More »](   First-Person [Illustration of two women holding hands]( Shutterstock In her buzzy book BFF: A Memoir of Friendship Lost and Found, Christie Tate embarks on a "brutally honest exploration" of how these meaningful personal relationships change over time. In [this thought-provoking excerpt](, Tate unpacks how her recovery from bulimia has affected her friendships — and what we need from our nearest and dearest when we find ourselves struggling. [READ MORE](   Extra Credit [Doll of woman and little girl in front of LDS churck]( Getty Images Hot take: Ever wondered why all tradwives online seem to behave in an uncannily similar way? This op-ed by KCM editor Caro Burke offers a compelling theory for [what these conservative homemakers have in common](. One-name wonder: How much do you really know about the Queen of Pop? Since she's currently embarking on a long-awaited greatest hits tour, we're serving up these [6 little-known facts about Madonna](. Perfect fit: If you're on the shorter side, finding jeans can be a struggle (it's one I know all too well). So we found up [the very best denim for petite frames](. Plus, we love [these cropped styles by Frame Denim]( that don't require any hemming.   Step It Up How about treating yourself to some fabulous footwear? We're loving [this classic, comfortable loafer]( from Tory Burch. It comes in a whopping 15 color options, and a ton of these fabulous shades are currently on sale. [Loafers from Tory Burch]( [SHOP HERE](   [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. 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