Not So Itsy-Bitsy

Giant flying spiders could be coming your way. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( [Wake-Up Call] [by Katie Couric Media] June 6, 2024 They’re huge, venomous, and headed to the East Coast: Here’s [what you need to know about the invasive spiders]( making their way across the country. After that, we’ll share [an exclusive interview with Molly Baz](, the woman at the center of a recent billboard controversy, and [my honest health convo with Christina Applegate and Jamie-Lynn Sigler](. And for all you WWII buffs, we’ve got [a historian’s reflections on D-Day]( on its 80th anniversary. Let’s begin.   In the News [a picture of a joro spider up close]( Getty Images Not So Itsy-Bitsy You might have seen some recent news reports about giant venomous flying spiders coming to an East Coast town near you — and unfortunately, they’re not wrong. The Joro spider population, originally native to Asia, is spreading across the Eastern Seaboard at a rapid pace. This invasion is set to have major implications for local ecosystems and arachnophobes alike. Here’s [what you need to know about this brightly colored critter](, and how much of a threat it poses to you. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Fjoro-spiders-east-coast%2F   More Stories [Soldiers salute as President Biden walks along the tarmac after disembarking from Air Force One in France]( Getty Images President Biden flew to France to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. It's a turbulent time for the Western alliance, with European nations mindful of Donald Trump's recent vow to let Russia do “whatever the hell they want” to countries who don't spend enough on defense. At least 45 people are dead after an Israeli airstrike on a U.N.-run school in a refugee camp in Gaza. This comes as reports emerge about an Israeli-run military base where blindfolded and handcuffed Gazans are being detained without charge. Hunter Biden's ex-wife and ex-girlfriend testified about his addiction at his gun charges trial yesterday. Meanwhile, House Republicans sent criminal referrals to the DOJ accusing Hunter and James Biden — the president's brother — of lying to Congress. Senate Republicans blocked a bill that would have protected the federal right to access contraception, claiming it was unnecessary due to Supreme Court precedent. Male birth control may finally be a reality after a new trial found a hormonal gel could suppress men’s fertility to prevent unwanted pregnancies within weeks. [But is it as effective as female contraception?]([Here’s more](.   Looking Back [Boston Pops at Symphony Hall Wednesday, May 29, 2024 in Boston. (Photo by Winslow Townson)]( Credit: Winslow Townson Today’s the 80th anniversary of the invasion of Normandy — or D-Day, which marked a turning point in the war against Nazi Germany. My friend, historian John Monsky, is commemorating this historic day with The Eyes of the World: From D-Day to V-E Day, which retells the dramatic last several months of World War II through the eyes of various artists, including Ernest Hemingway. “Too many American boys died on the beaches and in the hedgerows of Normandy for us not to remember them and what they died for: freedom,” he told us. Here’s more on his groundbreaking adaptation and //link.katiecouric.com/click/35619954.647712/aHR0cHM6Ly9rYXRpZWNvdXJpYy5jb20vZW50ZXJ0YWlubWVudC9qb2huLW1vbnNreS13aHktZC1kYXktc3RpbGwtbWF0dGVycy8/64ad542fa06bf6ade80ad77fEe3078f5a//link.katiecouric.com/click/35619954.647712/aHR0cHM6Ly9rYXRpZWNvdXJpYy5jb20vZW50ZXJ0YWlubWVudC9qb2huLW1vbnNreS13aHktZC1kYXktc3RpbGwtbWF0dGVycy8/64ad542fa06bf6ade80ad77fGe3078f5a[why it's crucial to tell this story](. [READ MORE](   In Focus An Alzheimer's diagnosis is devastating, and it’s also devastatingly common: It’s estimated that half a million Americans are diagnosed each year. Watching a loved one deal with the disease can be especially difficult during major milestones like birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. To help you continue making lasting memories with minimal stress, we partnered with Conviva Care Center, a Humana Inc. company, to get a dementia doctor's [tips for navigating family gatherings]( when you're caring for someone with cognitive decline. [READ MORE]( [Supported by Humana](   Must-Reads [Molly Baz eating Special K and showing off her pregnant belly]( Exclusive Molly Baz's pregnant belly was censored from a billboard. Now, she's dishing on the silver lining that's come out of the firestorm. [Read More »]( [Illustration of a mouth and an ear with a wavy line that says FAKE NEWS traveling between both]( Death of Truth My friend Steven Brill wrote a brilliant book about misinformation online. We asked him about the perils of social media and more. [Read More »]( [Fall of Roe book cover over purple image of the Supreme Court]( Crucial Context Roe's downfall shocked the nation. Should it have? Two NYT journalists shed light on the Christian groups working for years to overturn it. [Read More »](   Duds for Dads [models wearing Faherty shirts]( Faherty/KCM The countdown to Father's Day is on, and we're turning to our partners at Faherty to [find the perfect gift for every guy on our lists](: - Nothing beats a perfect T-shirt, and [Faherty's Sunwashed Pocket Tee]( is unparalleled. Made of 100% cotton, it's been pre-washed to keep its shape and feel like an old favorite from the second you put it on. [Bundle three together for 20% off](. - The brand-new [Breeze Shirt]( has summer written all over it, from the stretchy linen blend it's made of to the relaxed fit and cheery patterns. - True to their name, the [All Day Shorts]( will quickly become a repeat wear in any summer wardrobe. They're made of a water repellent, stretchy, and breathable fabric for comfort at every temperature. [KEEP BROWSING](   Tune In [Christina Applegate and Jamie-Lynn Sigler]( John Russo Christina Applegate and Jamie-Lynn Sigler have been stars for decades — who can forget their turns in Anchorman and The Sopranos, respectively? What you might not know is they share a sisterhood with each other: They’ve both been diagnosed with MS. I was delighted to sit down with them for an unfiltered conversation about [why we've been so honest about our health struggles](. [CHECK IT OUT](   Grand Gestures Our list of [the best gifts for grandparents]( is packed with presents they're guaranteed to love — and if you'd like to make it a two-fer, you can also visit them more often if you buy yourself [this durable, highly reviewed suitcase](. [Teal Quince luggage on two-toned cream and orange background]( [SEE MORE PICKS](   [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. 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