Life in Plastic

It's not fantastic. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( [Wake-Up Call] [by Katie Couric Media] May 23, 2024 We take so much care with the food we put in our bodies — but how much do you really know about the substances floating around in there? We’re looking at the latest place microplastics have been found and [how to deal with this growing problem](. Then, [Ted Dansen opens up about his autoimmune disease](. We’ll also reveal [the best places to live in the U.S.]( and share [our top picks from Nordstrom’s stellar sale](. Away we go!   In the News [a picture of microplastics in sand ]( Getty Images Life in Plastic Microplastics have been found in the most unexpected places, from the deep sea to the human bloodstream. Now, new research shows these toxic fragments have even found their way inside human testicles, which has dangerous implications for sperm quality and male fertility. It’s the latest in a series of startling revelations about the consequences of single-use plastic consumption — but where does that leave us? Cristina Mittermeier, a globally renowned photographer and ocean conservation activist, has a few possible solutions. In her latest essay for Katie Couric Media, Mittermeier lays out [the real cost of our reliance on plastic,]( and offers three steps we must take in order to rescue our oceans, beaches, food — and yes, testicles — from harm’s way. [READ NOW]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Fsustainability%2Fhow-microplastics-affect-human-body%2F P.S. Want more thought-provoking findings about the health of our planet (and how you can make a difference)? [Subscribe here for Ripple Effect](, our biweekly newsletter with regular essays from Cristina, stunning images of the world's wonders, and much more.   More Stories [Nikki Haley standing at a lecturn wearing a blue suit]( Getty Images Former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley has said she'll vote for Donald Trump. Haley, who's previously called Trump "unhinged," explained that while he isn't "perfect," President Biden has been a "catastrophe." Strong winds caused a stage in northern Mexico to collapse during a local election campaign event last night, killing at least nine people and injuring at least 60 others. The families of female Israeli hostages have released graphic footage of their abduction by Hamas to pressure Prime Minister Netanyahu to call a truce. The disturbing video shows five women with bruised and bloody faces, and militants calling them "dogs." An “Appeal to Heaven" flag, which has become associated with Trump supporters, was pictured outside Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito's vacation home in New Jersey last summer, the New York Times reports. This follows the news that an upside-down U.S. flag, which Jan. 6 rioters carried, flew outside his home in 2021. The Justice Department and a group of states plan to sue events giant Live Nation, which owns Ticketmaster, as soon as today. They'll accuse Live Nation of maintaining an illegal monopoly in the live entertainment industry.   Must-Reads [Ted Danson]( "Don't Want to Disappear" Ted Dansen may be 76, but he has no desire to slow down. The star opened up to us about aging in Hollywood, his marriage, and more. [Read More »]( [Graduates throwing caps in the air]( Sting of Rejection Is the college admissions process broken? I spoke to Frank Bruni about why it's so tough to get into a good school these days. [Read More »]( [Pie chart with slices representing different environments: forest, city, wind turbines, etc.]( Easy Living The newest ranking of the best places to live in the U.S. is out. Check out America's Next Top City and if your hometown made the list. [Read More »](   A Closer Look A fascinating (and terrifying) new investigation in The New Yorker reveals the incredibly high price we're all paying for using forever chemicals — and the decades-long effort to cover up just how harmful these compounds really are. Below is just one of the eye-popping excerpts — [check out the full piece here](. "Nearly all people have at least one [forever chemical] in their blood, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 'When you have a contaminated site, you can clean it up,' Elsie Sunderland, an environmental chemist at Harvard University, [said]. 'When you ubiquitously introduce a toxicant at a global scale, so that it’s detectable in everyone ... we’re reducing public health on an incredibly large scale.'"   Extra Credit [woman holding a balloon with a frown drawn on it in front of her face]( Getty Images Inside her mind: You've probably seen sociopaths depicted in pop culture as cruel, unfeeling, and even violent. I sat down with Patric Gagne, who was diagnosed with this personality disorder, to understand [what being a sociopath is really like](. Sale away: Surprise! Nordstrom is having a huge markdown event this week, and we've hand-picked [the best deals to take advantage of](. Go touch grass: It's time to head outside and enjoy this beautiful weather! AllTrails is an easy-to-use app that makes navigating hikes a breeze. Right now, unlock [premium features for 50% off]( with code SUMMER24.   Summer Showstoppers [Jenni Kayne in a white cardigan and pinstripe tan pants]( Jenni Kayne With the season of travel, entertaining, and steamy weather upon us, it's officially time to take a long, hard look at our summer wardrobes and decide what should go, what should stay, and what we're missing. [We enlisted designer Jenni Kayne to help us fill the gaps wisely](, with high-quality, easy-to-style pieces we'll have in rotation for years. (Plus, [take 20% off sitewide](, including furniture, during Jenni Kayne's Memorial Day sale through Monday)*. [READ MORE]( *Some exclusions apply. [Sponsored by Jenni Kayne](   One More Thing My pals Kathy Giusti and Dr. Jen Arnold had a fascinating discussion on Instagram Live about their cancer journeys and navigating their diagnoses. They also discussed Kathy’s incredible book, Fatal to Fearless, which is a must-read for anyone who’s been impacted by this horrible disease. If you missed the live conversation, [tune in right here](.   [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.