Up for Debate

Biden and Trump's first showdown is on the books. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( [Wake-Up Call] [by Katie Couric Media] May 16, 2024 President Biden and Donald Trump will go head-to-head in the first presidential debates — but this time around will be a little different, and we've got the breakdown. Then, we’ll give you the scoop on [the commencement address that’s got the internet up in arms](. Later, we asked experts [if ChatGPT can really replace your therapist]( and [how to eat your way out of inflammation](. Read on!   In the News [A picture of Donald Trump and President Biden]( Getty Images Up for Debate It’s official: President Biden and Donald Trump have agreed to face off in two debates, with the first one just weeks away. Here’s what you need to know. CNN will host a debate in Atlanta on June 27, which will be moderated by news anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. Then, ABC will host the second one on Sept. 10. The location and moderators are TBD. CNN and ABC News laid out five criteria for qualifying for their debates, including candidates receiving at least 15% support in four separate national polls. Since Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is polling mostly in the single digits, he won't be on the debate stage. He accused the two candidates of "colluding" against him by agreeing to the early debates. Breaking from tradition, the two campaigns held informal talks about how to get around the Commission on Presidential Debates, which has been organizing them since 1988. Though the commission previously announced three debates in September and October, the campaigns argued they’d be too late because some were scheduled after the start of early voting. In the meantime, [we want to hear your thoughts]( on this long-awaited match-up. [CAST YOUR VOTE](   More Stories [Security personnel carrying Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico (C) towards a vehicle]( Video footage of security personnel rushing to help Fico after the shooting. (Getty Images) Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico is stable but remains in critical condition after being shot five times in an assassination attempt yesterday. The 59-year-old populist leader has undergone a five-hour surgery, and a suspect has been arrested. The U.S. has installed a massive floating pier that will allow aid to be delivered to Gaza from the sea. U.S. Central Command said it is “supporting the humanitarian mission to deliver additional humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians.” The Supreme Court has temporarily reinstated a Louisiana congressional map that creates a second majority-Black district. This will benefit Democrats in the November election, but has [serious implications for future redistricting conflicts.]( New York just became the first state to mandate paid prenatal leave. From January 1, employers will be obliged to allow pregnant workers up to 20 hours of paid leave in a 52-week period to receive medical care. Following a rocky fortnight during which both Miss USA and Miss Teen USA resigned, Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii has been crowned the new Miss USA. This follows the news that the previous Miss USA accused the organization's CEO of “actively building a culture of fear and control,” per CNN.   Tune In If you're a regular around these parts, you know I'm a big fan of the brilliant journalist Frank Bruni and his thought-provoking new book, The Age of Grievance. I was excited to talk to him all about the climate on college campuses, political violence, and cancel culture at Temple Emanu-el’s Streicker Cultural Center earlier this month — but if you missed that conversation, you can [catch it now on Next Question](!   Must-Reads [Harrison Butker]( Anger-Inducing NFL kicker Harrison Butker's commencement address went viral for all the wrong reasons. Liz Plank dives into why it was so problematic. [Read More »]( [tomato, almond milk, orange, cherries, lettuce on red and purple two-toned background]( Fuel Up We've talked about how inflammation can cause all types of issues. Is changing your diet the answer? A nutritionist weighs in. [Read More »]( [It Ends With Us, Verity, and Reminers of Him book covers on purple background]( Starting Point Are you ready to become part of the CoHort, Colleen Hoover's dedicated fanbase? Here are the books you should read first. [Read More »](   In Your Feelings [Silhouette of a head that's open at the hinges with computer lines coming out of it]( Getty Images Samantha Boardman, MD, is helping you better understand your emotions in our new series — and this time, she's investigating if a robot could help you process your feelings. Yes, people are turning to ChatGPT for therapy. Dr. Boardman reviews the latest science on this tech and examines [the pros and cons of using AI in medicine](. [READ MORE](   Friend Request [Illustration of women with their arms around each other]( Getty Images Once upon a time, making a new pal was as easy as talking to whichever kid you ran into on the playground. But the deeper we get into adulthood, the more challenging it becomes to make meaningful connections — or, at least, that's how it might feel. But we spoke to a therapist who shares [simple strategies for making friends later in life](, and they'll make growing your community a breeze. [READ MORE]( [Sponsored by Talkspace](   Popularity Contest The Social Security Administration released their annual list of the most common baby names of last year. For girls, Luna, Ava, and Evelyn took spots 10-8, respectively, and for boys, William, Lucas, and Henry rounded out the top 10. [Check out the full list]( and see how your name's changed in popularity.   Fit For a Queen [Bridgerton Orange Cardamon tea, multicolored pastel rug, Brudgerton blood orange juice mix]( KCM Dearest Gentle Readers, If you've been eagerly awaiting Bridgerton's return to Netflix, today's season 3 premiere will make feel like the Diamond of the Season. We found a slew of themed goodies to take your watch party up a notch. - Make your home a little more romantic with [Ruggable's washable rug collection](, all in the style of the Regency era. - Get ready to spill — or sip — the tea with [this brand, which I love](, with special blends to commemorate the impending spice between Colin and Penelope. - From lavish libations to a floral picnic set, [Williams Sonoma's sweet partnership]( will make you want to gather your friends and gossip like you're Lady Whistledown.   [Ripple Effect by Katie Couric Media]( 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. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2023 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.