Squaring Off

Why you don't want to miss tonight's debate. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( [Wake-Up Call] [by Katie Couric Media] June 27, 2024 Be honest: Are you eager for tonight’s Biden-Trump face-off or dreading it? We understand if you fall into the latter camp, but here’s [why the debate matters more than you think](, according to experts. From D.C. we’ll go to Tinseltown, where we’ve got the details of [how Hollywood’s cashing in on Taylor and Travis’s romance]( and [celebs’ unfiltered thoughts on aging](. And before we leave you to scroll the day away, consider [the benefits of sitting in boredom](. Here we go!   In the News [President Biden and former President Trump]( KCM/Getty Squaring Off Viewership for debates may have dropped in recent years, but you won’t want to miss tonight’s showdown between President Biden and former President Trump on CNN. Insiders believe it could be the most consequential face-off in decades amid a stubbornly tight presidential race — and it'll be full of firsts. It’s the earliest such event in an election year, and both men are making history as the two oldest major-party candidates to run for the country’s highest office. The event could also offer clarity for voters, even with these well-established contenders. “We haven't had an opportunity to see them go head to head on key issues that American voters are most concerned about, such as the economy, reproductive freedom, climate, and the cost of healthcare, so that contrast is on full display in a debate setting,” Democratic strategist Jonae Wartel tells us. We took a deeper dive into why this primetime showdown is getting so much attention and [why the stakes are higher than ever](. [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%2Fhow-will-trump-biden-first-presidential-debate-impact-election%2F   More Stories [Abortion rights signs held by protesters outside the Supreme Court]( Getty Images The Supreme Court appears ready to side with the Biden administration and temporarily allow emergency abortions in Idaho according to a draft briefly posted on its website, Bloomberg reports. In the unsigned opinion, three conservative justices agreed that the state shouldn’t enforce the ban in extreme situations. An attempted military coup in Bolivia failed after President Luis Arce rallied the public to “organize and mobilize.” Arce confronted former army chief Gen. Juan José Zuniga live on TV, and stood firm as troops appeared to take temporary control of his government. More than two-thirds of voters say their opinion hasn’t been altered by Donald Trump’s criminal conviction, according to a new New York Times/Siena poll. By contrast, just 72% of those who voted for Biden approve of his performance in office. Paris Hilton testified that she was “force-fed medications and sexually abused” at a youth facility as a teenager. She told a House committee on child welfare that she was “dragged down hallways, stripped naked, and thrown into solitary confinement.” Soccer star Alex Morgan was left off the Olympic roster — despite her 123 career goals for the U.S. Emma Hayes, the squad’s new coach, said it was a “tough decision” given the 35-year-old’s “history and record,” but has opted to go with a younger group.   Eye on the Ball [Christian Pulisic]( Christian Pulisic celebrates after scoring against Bolivia on June 23. (Getty Images) KCM Senior Writer Rachel Uda sounds off on her summer of soccer: "In case you haven’t heard, two massive international soccer tournaments are happening right now: the European Championship (aka the Euros), featuring 24 teams from the continent; and Copa América, a 16-team contest taking place in stadiums across the U.S. That means that for the past week there’s been highly bingeable games airing throughout most of the day, which I've certainly indulged in. I’m especially excited for the U.S.’s match today against Panama, particularly after witnessing Christian Pulisic’s gorgeous goal in their 2-0 win against Bolivia on Sunday. Catch the action tonight on Fox Sports at 6 p.m. ET."   Must-Reads [Taylor Swift kissing Travis Kelce at the Chiefs game]( Love Story Can’t get enough of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's romance? This new Hallmark movie is the stuff of your "Wildest Dreams." [Read More »]( [A photo of a roll of toilet paper]( Nature Calls Are your bowel movements normal or cause for concern? We got the lowdown from TikTok's favorite gastroenterologist. [Read More »]( [Collage of Oprah, Couteney Cox and Cameron Diaz]( "A Privilege" If you've ever felt the temptation to lie about your age, these words of wisdom from celebrities might change your perspective. [Read More »](   Sound Off [A buzzy new story from The New York Times]( outlines the modern etiquette for attending a party — including the controversial take that it's rude to ask guests to remove their shoes in your home. We want to know what you think: [Tell us here!](   Cool It Down [Spring rolls]( Haley Hunt Davis If the summer sun has already brought you to your boiling point, you probably don't feel like standing over a hot stove. Today's edition of Good Taste is filled with delicious, no-heat-required recipes — [subscribe here]( to get them straight to your inbox! [SIGN UP FOR FREE](   In Your Feelings [Bored man at his desk asleep with a book over his face]( We spend so much of our days trying to avoid boredom, whether by scrolling mindlessly, watching TV, or through other distractions. Dr. Samantha Boardman explains [why it's actually good for us]( to just sit and do nothing. [READ MORE](   Shoes to Live In [Brown leather and silver loafers on a tan background]( KCM / Vionic It's rare for a shoe to check every box — stylish, versatile, comfortable, and packable — so when one does, we take notice. [Vionic's Uptown Loafer]( manages to do it all, with flexible support and enough colors to fit into any wardrobe. We put together [four outfit formulas]( that pair beautifully with these shoe-shelf must-haves, so get ready to shop your closet for the perfect summer look. [SEE FOR YOURSELF]( [Sponsored by Vionic](   Scent-sational Bond No. 9's fragrances double as beautiful decor pieces. Until July 5, you can [take 30% off select scents](, including the patriotic-looking unisex [Liberty Island eau de parfum](, which contains notes of mandarin and bergamot. [Star-shaped perfume bottle with stars on it on a dark purple background]( [IT'S SPRITZ O'CLOCK](   [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 © 2024 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.