In Limbo

The latest on a ceasefire deal. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( [Wake-Up Call] [by Katie Couric Media] [Supported by Exact Sciences]( June 13, 2024 Good morning. As the need for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas grows more dire by the day, I asked WSJ’s Shayndi Raice about the recent hostage rescue mission and [where the war stands now](. After that, we’ll shift focus to your health: from [the safest exercises for your bones]( to [the screenings men need to know about]( to [the habits that can prevent depression](, we’ve got it here. Let’s begin…   In the News [Protestors in Israel call for a hostage deal]( Israeli protestors call for a hostage deal on the 250th day since Oct. 7. (Getty Images) In Limbo I first spoke with Shayndi Raice, Wall Street Journal’s deputy bureau chief for the Middle East, less than 24 hours after the Oct. 7 attack. Then, 250 days after that horrible day, I caught up with her again for [the latest on]([the Israel-Hamas war:]( On the hostages: Raice says rescue missions like the one that took place over the weekend might not be possible for the remaining hostages, most of whom are likely being held underground. "Their families really want to get the idea through to the government that the best way to bring these people home is going to be through a deal.” On ceasefire talks: A deal remains in limbo as negotiators work to bridge gaps between Israel and Hamas. But, she says, “It doesn't look like it's going in a good direction," as Hamas continues to add new demands. "What they want is Israel to stop the war, leave them in power, and let them continue to rule Gaza, rebuild, and fight Israel again. They can do that as long as the world puts pressure on Israel and demands a ceasefire without a hostage deal." [Check out the rest of our discussion]( on the mission that rescued four hostages, the discrepancy in the death count from that operation, and more. [WATCH HERE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DNOQTygOC0xE   More Stories [People wade through flooded street]( Getty Images Residents of South Florida have been warned to avoid "life-threatening flooding," as torrential rain turns roads into rivers. Cars in Hallandale Beach are almost submerged, and a boy went missing temporarily before being reunited with his parents. The House narrowly voted to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt for refusing to hand over audio related to President Biden's handling of classified documents. The move marks another escalation in the GOP's offensive against the Justice Department, which it has characterized as unfairly targeting Trump. Southern Baptists have formally opposed IVF, affirming that the process often results in the [“destruction of embryonic human life.”]( Democrats are expected to force a vote today to enshrine protections for IVF — though Republicans will likely block the bill. The Boston Celtics took a 3-0 series lead over the Mavericks in Wednesday's NBA finals, their 106-99 victory boosted by high scores from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The Celtics are now just one win away from a record 18th NBA championship. Joey Chestnut, the hot dog eating champ who was disqualified from Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest after being sponsored by a rival brand, is back. He's set to face off against an old nemesis in Unfinished Beef, a live Netflix event slated for September 2.   In Focus [Katie Couric and Albert Bourla]( Courtesy of Tribeca This week [I got to sit down with Pfizer’s CEO, Albert Bourla](, at the Tribeca X festival. Bourla took the reins in 2019 and led the pharmaceutical giant as it raced to develop a Covid-19 vaccine. He spoke all about steering Pfizer through the pandemic, AI’s potential to create powerful new treatments, and the company’s big bet on a promising new class of cancer drugs. [READ MORE](   Extra Credit [Illustration of woman pointing to her spine]( Faherty/KCM Going strong: About half of all women, and many men, lose bone density as they age — but that doesn't mean you should give up workouts. My Pilates instructor Ashley Patten explains [the best exercises for bone health](, and the ones to avoid. Check yourself: Along with our partners at Exact Sciences, we're celebrating Men's Health Week with a guide to [the essential screenings men should never miss]( — and when to get them. Tee time: Don't hit the green without the right gear. [This top-of-the-line golf bag]( weighs less than seven pounds and comes with a travel bag, so carrying it is a breeze.   In Your Feelings In this week's column, Samantha Boardman asks [seven quick questions](. Your answers may have serious implications for your mental health. The good news? She offers tips to improve your emotional wellbeing, too. [Brain being held between two hands on a string]( [READ MORE](   Tune In [Christina Applegate and Jamie-Lynn Sigler]( Clockwise from top left: Chris Burke, Rachel Platten, Sandra Abreyava, Brian Wallach, and me at SXSW last year! (Getty Images) Seven years ago, Brian Wallach was diagnosed with ALS at just 37 years old. He and his wife Sandra spearheaded a movement to change legislation and accelerate research. I executive produced [For Love & Life: No Ordinary Campaign](, a new documentary on Amazon Prime, about their story. This week's podcast is a conversation with Brian, Sandra, Jeff MacGregor and Tim Rummel (two of the film's producers), and director Chris Burke. You won't want to miss [this episode](! [LISTEN HERE](   Skin Deep [Scarlett Johansson surrounded by products from The Outset skincare brand]( Getty Images / KCM Scarlett Johansson has graced our screens for over two decades, and her visage seemingly has the same bounce and brightness as it did when she first appeared in pictures. But maintaining her complexion hasn’t always been easy. The award-winning actress opens up to KCM about [the ingredients that have helped her sensitive skin and acne]( and [her skincare brand, The Outset](. [LEARN MORE](   [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! 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