From "Never Trump guy" to VP pick.

For the best experience, read in browser.

October 12, 2026

The news keeps on comin’: We’ll share what you should know about Trump’s VP pick, dig into the controversial judge who dismissed Trump’s classified docs case, and get a former Secret Service agent’s take on Saturday’s attempted assassination. Then, I’m looking back at JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette’s romance on the anniversary of their tragic deaths. Before we go, we’ll dish on the best Prime Day picks. Read on...

 

In the News

Donald Trump and JD Vance shake hands

Getty Images

On the Trail

The Republican National Convention kicked off just days after the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. Here’s a roundup of the important developments in his 2024 campaign:

 

Second in command: After months of speculation, Trump picked Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate. While Vance is one of Trump’s most ardent supporters, he hasn’t always been a fan of the former president. Here’s a look at his previous harsh words and what we know about the Ohio lawmaker’s meteoric rise. 

 

Tossed: In what marked a win for Trump, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the former president’s classified documents case after finding that special counsel Jack Smith's appointment was "illegal." But prosecutors can still appeal the ruling — in the meantime, here’s what we know about the controversial Trump appointee who handed down the decision. 

 

"Something definitely went wrong": As the country continues to reel from Saturday's shooting, we called up a former Secret Service agent who trailed Trump in 2016 and secured the inauguration gala in 2017. We discussed the biggest questions surrounding the agency's failure this weekend — and how the "mentality" of Trump's rallies put the Secret Service "on their toes" in the past.

 

More Stories

Biden through a bit of lens glare

Getty Images

President Biden returned to campaign mode last night in an interview with NBC's Lester Holt. He defended his decision to stay in the 2024 race, saying: “I’m old, but I’m only three years older than Trump... my mental acuity’s been pretty damn good." He also turned the focus back on Trump, adding: “I’m not the guy who said, 'I want to be a dictator on Day 1.’”

 

Israel and Egypt are reportedly discussing the possibility of withdrawing Israeli troops from the Egypt-Gaza border, which would remove a major obstacle to Israel's ceasefire negotiations with Hamas.

 

Father and daughter hikers have been found dead in Utah after texting for help when they ran out of water in extreme heat. Albino Herrera Espinoza, 52, and Beatriz Herrera, 23, of Green Bay, Wis., died in Canyonlands National Park as temperatures hit 100 degrees.

 

Football Hall of Famer Terrell Davis says he was removed from a United Airlines plane in handcuffs after tapping a flight attendant to ask for ice. The attendant has been temporarily removed from duty, and Davis is calling for a “thorough and proper investigation.”

 

On the Record

Saturday's horrific assassination attempt didn't happen in a vacuum. In an unflinching essay for The Atlantic, writer David Frum traces the violent rhetoric that's always been present in U.S. politics — and which has been particularly fervent since Trump's rise to power.

 

"Nobody seems to have language to say: We abhor, reject, repudiate, and punish all political violence, even as we maintain that Trump remains himself a promoter of such violence, a subverter of American institutions, and the very opposite of everything decent and patriotic in American life." Read the full piece here.

 

25 Years Later

JFK Jr. kissing Carolyn Bessette on the cheek

Getty Images

It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, and her sister Lauren Bessette died in a plane crash — and that a few months prior, I sat down with John for what would be his last television interview. Today, I'm talking to the authors of two new books about John and Carolyn and reflecting on the press scrutiny that surrounded them, the state of their marriage before the crash, the renewed interest in Carolyn's style, and more. 

DON'T MISS THIS CONVERSATION
 

Extra Credit

Illustration of a sad woman sitting with her knees up at her chest and a big hand reaching down to help

Shutterstock

Inclusivity in focus: You can't always tell if someone has a disability by looking at them. In fact, nearly 60% of American adults have a chronic illness, which are the leading cause of disability in the U.S. My friend, therapist Lori Gottlieb, shares tips for supporting a loved one with a long-term illness.

 

Beat boredom: Picture this — it's movie time with the grandkids, but you're not sure what's appropriate for little ones to watch. Fear not: We've got 10 family-friendly movies you can stream right now on Hulu.

 

On ice: These days, more women are freezing their eggs than ever before. The Big Freeze, a fascinating new book by journalist Natalie Lampert, takes a deep dive into this fertility preservation. It's out today, so pick up a copy right here. 

 

Something's Fishy...

Salmon on a plate

Getty Images

The decisions you make at the supermarket can have serious consequences on our planet. In today's Ripple Effect, environmental advocate Cristina Mittermeier explains the surprising reasons she'd never eat farmed salmon — and why you should think twice about what you're buying, too. Sign up here (for free!) to get the lowdown. 

SUBSCRIBE NOW
 

It's Prime Time!

Amazon Prime Day is finally here. These Wake-Up Call favorite products are on deep discount — and for more bargains where that came from, check out our full guide to the sale.

Shark Vacuum

Shark robot vacuum
50% OFF

Melanni Sheets

White sheets with black polka dots, and two pillows, on a bed with a tufted white headboard
UNDER $50

Grande Lash

Tube of gold Grande Lash serum
30% OFF

Keurig

Keurig single coffee maker dripping coffee into a blue mug
50% OFF

BTW, Amazon isn't the only retailer slashing prices this week. We've got a peek at the hottest sales happening right now, including Nordstrom, J.Crew, and Zappos.

 

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 © 2024 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.