For the best experience, read in browser

December 4, 2024

After a wild week for the news, this long weekend couldn't come soon enough! However you're spending it, we've got you covered. Hosting a party? Our delicious recipes (including my favorite summer dinner!) are always a hit. Looking to shop? Get something you can wear now and later with our favorite summer-to-fall transition pieces. Want some TV time? Check out our guide for what to watch. Whatever you do, I hope you soak up every moment of this time to rest and recharge!

Friends don't let friends miss out on something great. Share Wake-Up Call with someone you love and you'll get free swag for yourself!

In the News

(De)classified: President Biden signed an executive order on Friday directing the DOJ to carry out a declassification review related to the FBI's investigation of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Just weeks ago, more than 1,600 people personally connected to the tragedy told Biden to avoid Ground Zero this year, unless he releases info the government has previously blocked.
More than medieval: When news of the harsh new abortion law in Texas broke, MSNBC legal analyst Neal Katyal went on air to say that the state was “on the verge of turning into something very medieval.” But might medieval Europe have been more forgiving? Find out here.
Lights on: Electricity is due to be restored in New Orleans by the middle of next week, after Hurricane Ida knocked out power to more than a million customers in Louisiana. Deputies are warning those heading back to rural communities to equip themselves like survivalists — while disaster response businesses thrive amid the chaos.
Help wanted... kinda: The U.S. economy gained 235,000 jobs in August versus the 720,000 expected, in a stark sign of the delta variant's impact. Meanwhile, the booming gig economy spells trouble for worker's rights...

Must-Watch Marvels

Photo illustration by Katie Couric Media

Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, so that means we're looking forward to all the hallmarks of autumn — crunchy leaves, cozy sweaters, and of course, amazing fall TV. We turned to pop culture king Danny Pellegrino, host of the podcast Everything Iconic, to get a rundown of the absolute best shows coming soon. Whether you love comedy, drama, documentaries, or reality shows, there's something for everyone on his list of incredible series we'll all be talking about.

(And if bingeing TV isn't your thing, don't miss Team KCM's recommendations for amazing books to read right now, the best fall movies, or the best things to wear to a football game.)

The Must-Reads

Last-minute gifts: If you need a token of appreciation for the host of the party you're attending this weekend, these fantastic finds from Amazon are a great way to say thanks.
Blast from the past: Need a heartwarming dose of nostalgia? Look no further than our list of the 11 best romantic comedies of the '90s.
Don't wait: We know back-to-school season has everyone busy, but we've got the scoop on the essential medical test you definitely do not want to put off.
Fertility 411: With so much confusion out there about whether the Covid-19 vaccine is safe for moms-to-be and those trying to conceive, we got definitive answers about how the shot affects pregnancy.
'Mother of the forests': You'll definitely want to meet this inspiring tree-lover who works to make sure the wood in your household products comes from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.
Power couple: You know Fyodor Dostoevsky for his classic novels like Crime and Punishment, but a new book from Andrew D. Kaufman reveals the must-read, real-life tale of the woman who saved his career — his wife.
Booster shots, explained: Over time, protection from vaccines can sometimes wear off, including childhood vaccines. In other cases viruses change or mutate, making the original vaccine less effective. Humana’s chief medical officer explains what booster shots are and why they can be sometimes be critical for preventing the spread of diseases.

Chow Down

A whole holiday weekend stretches before us, and that means plenty of time to treat yourself to some truly delectable meals. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or the entire block, these recipes are guaranteed to get the Labor Day party started.

As I love to share with you on Instagram, I've enjoyed some pretty incredible eats this summer. If you're looking to make something special with a batch of fresh veggies, my favorite summer dinner is a breeze — and a real crowd-pleaser.
Want your cookout to welcome everyone? These supplies for a meatless barbecue will keep the vegans happy without compromising taste for the burger lovers.
Speaking of burgers, shake things up with this delicious, non-traditional lamb recipe for a new spin on an old favorite.
If you need something between meals, this roundup of the healthiest snacks is approved by our taste buds and a trusted nutritionist.
Finally, what to use to cook it all? Once you invest in a set of quality kitchen knives, you'll never want to go back. And if you want to be the chicest chef in the neighborhood, our favorite gorgeous cookware is both fabulous and effective.

What We're Loving

As we head into Labor Day weekend, team KCM is pulling out our favorite summer-to-fall “transitional” pieces, as inspired by our favorite fashion TikToks.

Brooke is wearing her coziest (and surprisingly inexpensive) leopard print sweater as the weather gets crisper and cooler at night. We found a lookalike sweater at Old Navy that’s $20 off.
Corinne says she is a big jacket gal in the fall. She loves her jean and fabulous faux leather fall jackets, which she usually buys at a discount: “If you're looking to invest in a long winter coat, Nordstrom has amazing colors and patterns for a statement piece. I also wear Uniqlo basic tees literally every day in the fall and love to layer on top. They come in every color you could possibly need!”
Stacey’s favorite early fall item is her Soludos boots: “They are so comfortable, I have them in both black and grey. I wear them all the time to the office.”
Clare says her favorite short sleeve striped turtleneck will be in rotation for the next couple of weeks, under dresses and jackets: “I have a thrifted one, but it’s very similar to this style from Banana Republic.”

But wait, there's more: If you're ready to skip the transition and go full-on fall right now, these 13 perfect jackets are just begging for an autumnal photo shoot.

One More Thing

"Adorable" isn't typically a word we would associate with reptiles, but it definitely applies to this pampered iguana named Buddy. From his luxurious enclosure to his custom salads that look good enough for us to eat, watching this scaly companion live his best life is always a treat.

See you Monday for a special Labor Day edition of Wake-Up Call!

Questions or comments? Email us at info@katiecouric.com
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