Motivating Factors

What's *really* driving Gen Z to the polls. May 24, 2024 If you judge by the headlines alone, you might think the Israel-Hamas war is the most important issue to Gen Z today — but the data says otherwise. Here’s [what’s really motivating young voters](. Then, Diddy’s ex Cassie broke her silence about the disturbing video that leaked last week — read [her powerful message](. Later on, we’re prepping for the long weekend with [the internet’s favorite salad]( and [the best Memorial Day deals to shop](. Let’s begin!   In the News [Pro-palestinian students graduating]( Pro-Palestinian protesters attend their college graduation at Tufts University. (Getty Images) Motivating Factors The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has become a flashpoint at college campuses all across the country. Before the summer break, police arrested more than 2,000 student protesters nationwide. Given how strongly some young people feel about this issue, you might think that Biden's handling of the war would cost him swaths of Gen-Z votes in November. But surprisingly, recent polling shows that the war in Gaza ranks low on these voters’ list of priorities. In fact, it came in either last or second to last in surveys. “It's an important issue, but it's not the most important issue,” says Harvard University pollster John Della Volpe. So what is going to send young voters to the polls? Here are the [issues they care about most](. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Fpolitics-and-policy%2Fyoung-voters-top-issues-biden-trump%2F   More Stories [The NCAA logo and a game ball as the South Carolina Gamecocks warm-up before the game against the UConn Huskies]( Getty Image) The National Collegiate Athletics Association and the five power conferences have agreed to a $2.8 billion settlement in a class-action antitrust lawsuit, paving the way for schools to pay student athletes. The IDF has recovered the bodies of three hostages from Gaza. All three were reportedly killed on October 7. Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice is due to rule today on South Africa's request that Israel be told to halt its attack in Rafah. Louisiana lawmakers have passed legislation that would designate abortion pills — which the FDA considers safe — as dangerous controlled substances. This would make possession of the drugs without a prescription punishable by jail time and a large fine. Sean “Diddy” Combs has been accused of sexual assault in another lawsuit. April Lampros, who says she met Combs as a student in 1994, claims he'd assaulted her four times by the early 2000s, as well as inflicting battery and other offenses. Today marks two years since the horrific school shooting in Uvalde, TX, that killed 19 students and two teachers. Just days ago, victims' families reached a $2 million settlement with the city. Here's [our emotional conversation with a mom]( who lost her daughter.   Must-Reads [Diddy and Cassie in front of red roses]( Breaking Her Silence Diddy's ex Cassie Ventura has spoken out for the first time since the video of her 2016 assault was released. Here's what she had to say. [Read More »]( [Two blue hands reaching for each other in front of a red circle]( Helping Hand Millions of Americans deal with addiction. We spoke to a doctor about how to help a loved one who's struggling with this disease. [Read More »]( [Joan Vassos]( Leading Lady Who is Joan Vassos, the first-ever Golden Bachelorette? Here's everything we know about ABC's newest star. [Read More »](   A Shoe-In [Emily Pinto and Katie Couric smile on the pickleball court, posing in their Easy Spirit shoes]( KCM Plenty of footwear brands claim they offer both fashion and function, but we found one brand that actually delivers. Enter: Easy Spirit's cute and comfortable shoes. We put three different styles to the test — [here's how well they held up](. [READ MORE]( [Sponsored by Easy Spirit](   Extra Credit [Katie Couric and Kit Hoover]( KCM Tune in: This week I'm on Kit Hoover's podcast, The Coop, where we chatted about navigating grief, dating in my 50s, turning pain into purpose, and so much more. [Give it a listen!]( Cool beans: If its popularity among Angelenos is any indication, Erewhon's white bean and kale salad is an ideal lunch. [Watch me whip up my own version](. Pretty big deals: If you've been looking to up your beauty sleep, we've got just the sales for you. Rest easy with [35% off Cocoon mattresses](, which offer cooling comfort — and take [20% off on Dermelect's age-defying skincare](.   Real Talk [Family Therapy podcast cover]( iHeart / KCM Family conflicts are no joke, and sometimes they're serious enough that we need professional perspective to untangle them. You'll get [revealing insight into that process]( with the gripping podcast Family Therapy, in which licensed counselor Elliott Connie walks families through deeply personal sessions over 16 weeks. These clients' stories will teach you plenty about how to communicate differently — and they'll probably teach you something about your own family, too. [LISTEN HERE]( [Sponsored by iHeart podcasts](   Summer Savings [Gray On sneakers, blue jeans, coach logo back on multicolored background]( KCM Did you finally take your summer clothes out of storage, only to realize your wardrobe is a little… lacking? You’re in luck: So many retailers are slashing prices this weekend, so you can upgrade your closet for a fraction of the price. - Zappos: Get ready for all the warm-weather runs, walks, and hikes you’re about to take with [a discount on]([Molner’s go-to sneakers](. Plus, did you know Zappos doesn’t just sell shoes? Score [up to 50% off Levi’s denim](. - Coach Outlet: In a move that’s very purse string-friendly, they’re offering [up to 72% off]( ahead of the holiday weekend. - Ann Taylor: Take [40% off full-priced items](, plus an [additional 40% off the sale]( section. (Your eyes don’t deceive you; these markdowns are not too good to be true!) For more MDW deals, check out [our hub of the top sales]( of the weekend. [SEE MORE SALES](   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.cominfo@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! [Alternate text] [For the best experience, read in browser.]( 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.