Toe to Toe

Where Biden and Trump stand with 6 months to go. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( May 6, 2024 We’re less than six months out from Election Day, so we’re taking a look at what the latest polling predicts. Then, we’ve got a deep dive into [the other gender gap you should know about]( and [the nerve that could reduce inflammation](. All that, plus [George Clooney's zesty margarita recipe]( and [books to read this AAPI Heritage Month](, coming right up.     In the News [Trump and Biden in a grid]( Getty Images Toe to Toe Now that we’re just under six months from Election Day 2024, here’s where the candidates stand in the polls: Most surveys project a really close race; an average of national polls gives Donald Trump a slim 1.3% lead over President Biden. At this point, the candidates are “darn near even,” a polling analyst at Quinnipiac University tells USA Today. Robert Kennedy Jr. could tip the scales. The independent is drawing about 10% of support in national polls, and while experts are divided on who could be hurt more by his candidacy, both Biden and Trump view RFK as a threat. This time four years ago, Biden was polling five points ahead of Trump. Voters were less concerned about his age (among other factors) then, but one thing remains the same: The race will likely be decided by seven swing states, Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.   More Stories [Boy surrounded by adults looks to camera, brochure in foreground]( Gazans read an IDF brochure warning them of the Israeli advance. (Getty Images) The IDF is warning Gazans in eastern Rafah to evacuate "immediately.” CNN sources say "terrified" civilians are packing up cars and donkey carts. Israel has also closed a key crossing to humanitarian trucks following a rocket attack claimed by Hamas. Student protesters at Princeton have gone on hunger strike, vowing to consume only water until their demands are met. Police cleared a camp at the University of Southern California on Sunday, and officers were called to DePaul University in Chicago to manage a large demonstration. Three bodies found near a Mexican fishing port are confirmed to be those of missing surfers who suffered a carjacking. The remains of Australians Jake and Callum Robinson and American Jack Carter Rhoad were discovered in a well with gunshot wounds. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem suggests in a new book that President Biden's dog Commander should be killed — like her own dog Cricket, who she shot. "Commander, say hello to Cricket for me," she writes.   Photo of the Day [ Mystik Dan #3, ridden by jockey Brian J. Hernandez Jr. (R), crosses the finish line ahead of Sierra Leone #2, ridden by jockey Tyler Gaffalione and Forever Young, ridden by jockey Ryusei Sakai to win the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby ] Getty Images Saturday's 150th Kentucky Derby was one for the record books: Mystik Dan entered the race at 18-1 odds and beat out Sierra Leone and Forever Young in a three-horse photo finish. The striking victory was the first time a horse has won by a nose since 1996 — and "the closest three-horse photo finish since 1947," according to the Derby.   Must-Reads [Blue silhouette of the human nervous system]( Got Some Nerve The answer to understanding inflammation may lie in an unexpected place: a nerve running from the brain to the large intestine. Here's more. [Read More »]( [Illustration of mouths in various seductive expressions and a banana and grapefruit]( Mind the Gap Heterosexual women are less likely to orgasm during sex than their male partners. Here's why, and how menopause impacts climax. [Read More »]( [Book covers of Paper Names by Susie Luo, Natural Beauty by Ling Ling Huang, Biting the Hand by Julia Lee, ]( Book It It's AAPI Heritage Month, so we've got a list of books by authors from this vibrant community. Read them this month and beyond. [Read More »](   Fashion Flashback [Katie Couric wearing a black and gold gown at the Met Gala]( Getty Images It's the first Monday in May, so you know what that means: The Met Gala is tonight! Here's a look back at [some of my favorite outfits]( from Met Galas past. Meanwhile, we'll be watching to see how the stars interpret this year's dress code, "The Garden of Time." Stay tuned right here and [follow along on Instagram]( for the must-see looks from tonight.   Extra Credit [George Clooney in front of jalapeño spicy margarita]( Getty Images Cheers: It's George Clooney's birthday, and we have an idea of how he might be celebrating: with [his cucumber jalapeño margarita](. The recipe has just the right amount of heat, and it happens to be one of my favorite drinks too. Drift away: Sleeplessness can be one of menopause's most challenging symptoms — and that's where our partners at Cornbread Hemp come in. We got the scoop on [a highly reviewed solution for better shut-eye](, plus an exclusive discount so you can give it a try yourself. You've got a deal: If your backyard could use an upgrade, you're in luck, because Wayfair's got major discounts during their Way Day sale, happening right now. We rounded up [the best bargains on outdoor furniture]( just in time for grill season.   Pajama Party Eberjey / KCM We tend to keep our “sleep shirts” around until they’re ratty, graying, and pilled beyond recognition — which makes a nice pair of pajamas a primo present for just about anyone. We have our eyes on [Eberjey’s Mother’s Day collection](*, which is full of unbelievably soft and lightweight PJs you’ll want to wear all day. Plus, new customers can take 10% off orders $100+ with code NEW10. - This luxurious [silk set]( is thermoregulating (read: good for hot and cold sleepers) and is machine washable to boot. - This [cool blue shorts set]( is made of Eberjey's signature fabric that drapes beautifully and feels like wearing a cloud. - The delicate lace trim and thoughtful details (like an interior tie) have us head over heels for [this gorgeous robe](. *Denotes a paid placement [SNUGGLE UP](   One More Thing If you need a Mother's Day gift on a time crunch, consider going with experiences (think: no shipping time). [A gift card to Outdoorsy]( will take Mom on her next great adventure, or an [online class taught by celebrities like Serena Williams]( will give her some new skills. If all else fails, you can't go wrong with a [gorgeous bouquet of flowers from UrbanStems]( — use code KCM15 for 15% off!   [Good Taste by Katie Couric Media]( Thanks for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you've got 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.