More for Your Money

Good news about inflation. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( [Wake-Up Call] [by Katie Couric Media] August 15, 2024 In the mood for some positive economic news? We'll begin today with a promising update. Then we'll turn to... - A psychiatrist's list of [seven behaviors that harm your mental health]( - A science-backed answer to [the best exercise for living longer]( - The recipe for [a "chic" potato salad]( (which is actually worthy of that description) - [Our top summer podcast picks]( Ready to get started?   In the News [Illustration collage: Hand holding a mobile phone with a shopping cart on it, next to another hand holding shopping bags]( Shutterstock Yesterday's new inflation data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics included some welcome news. Here's the scoop. An encouraging trend: Inflation hit 2.9% in July, the first time it's dipped below 3% since 2021. This marks the fifth consecutive month of cooling prices, and we're far below the 9% peak in 2022. But we're still above the 2% average that was the norm before the Covid-19 pandemic shook up the economy. Product by product: The biggest cost decreases in July were for used cars and trucks (-2.3%), airfare (-1.6%), and hospital services (-1.1%). But there were notable spikes, too, including auto insurance (+1.2%), fuel oil (+0.9%), and fruits and veggies (+0.8%). Looking ahead: Experts say the continued drop in inflation is a good sign that the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates during its September meeting. The next question: Will the Fed slash rates by a quarter of a percent or go bigger, with a half-percent cut?   More Stories [Close up of Minouche Shafik looking concerned]( Getty Images Columbia President Minouche Shafik has resigned, months after [protests over the Israel-Hamas war took over the campus.]( She wrote: “This period has taken a considerable toll on my family, as it has for others in our community,” — adding that she felt her leaving would "best enable Columbia to traverse the challenges ahead.” A Gazan father learned that his 28-year-old wife and their newborn twins had been killed in an Israeli air strike while he was out collecting the babies' birth certificates. In a video shared online, Mohammad Abu Al Qumsan can be seen weeping in disbelief. Kamala Harris's running mate Tim Walz has accepted an invitation from CBS News to debate JD Vance. Meanwhile, Trump's references to Harris's nomination as “unconstitutional” are stoking fears that he'd refuse to accept a loss come November. The WHO has declared mpox a global health emergency [for the second time in two years.]( It's spread rapidly from the Democratic Republic of Congo to 13 African countries, and the WHO says a "coordinated international response is essential" to save lives. Oscar-nominated actress Gena Rowlands has died at 94. Rowlands began her career starring in independent movies directed by John Cassavetes, and later captured moviegoers' hearts in her son's hit tearjerker, The Notebook.   Saturday Night Fever [Tim Walz and J.D. Vance clapping]( Getty Images It wouldn't be election season without Saturday Night Live's spot-on impersonations of the prominent players (which actually included [Amy Poehler as me]( back in 2008). This year, the faces at the top of the tickets seem pretty locked in: SNL's James Austin Johnson will likely continue as Donald Trump, while former cast member Maya Rudolph is reportedly set to return as Kamala Harris. But the VP picks are still up for grabs, and we want to know who you think should play J.D. Vance and Tim Walz. [Drop us a line here](mailto:ask@katiecouric.com?subject=SNL political casting) with ideas for who the show should cast, whether it's an SNL regular or a Hollywood heavy-hitter.   Must-Reads [Julia Child in the kitchen]( Kitchen Confidential If Julia Child were alive today, it'd be her 112th birthday. Celebrate with seven facts you didn't know about the culinary icon. [Read More »]( [Exercise equipment]( Give Yourself a Boost What's the best style of exercise for living your longest, strongest life? Dr. Peter Attia explains what the science tells us. [Read More »]( [Vegetables on the grill]( Tastes Like Summertime Squeeze every last drop out of outdoor-cooking season with these grilling tips from Christine Rosa, executive chef at NYC's Blue Smoke. [Read More »](   Where Do You Belong? [The characters of ''Parks and Recreation'' on a chart measuring their personalities from warm to cold and assertive to submissive]( KCM What are the characters from Parks and Rec doing on this grid? We used the residents of Pawnee to illustrate a fascinating concept from Alison Fragale, author of Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve. She measures workers' status using two sliding scales (assertive-submissive and warm-cold), and all of us fall somewhere in the mix. Want to learn more — and find out where you land on this chart? [Subscribe to Wake-Up Call at Work right here]( and get the details in today's issue! [SIGN UP NOW](   In Your Feelings [Illustration of a person's head with lots of squiggly lines surrounding it]( Getty Images In her latest eye-opening column, psychiatrist Dr. Samantha Boardman goes deep on "cognitive distortion" — unhelpful and unrealistic patterns of thinking that can increase your risk of depression. She explains [seven common traps to avoid in your own life]( and why they're so harmful to your mental health. [READ MORE](   Extra Credit [Potato salad]( Emma Fishman Let's dish: Globs of mayonnaise turn plenty of people off to potato salad — so we're eager to share [this delicious mayo-free recipe](. This mix of tangy flavors will make you a believer! On the case: We rounded up [the summer's most unmissable podcasts]( from our partners at iHeart Podcasts, including a shocking true-crime story that'll have you on the edge of your seat. Style files: If you haven't heard, Abercrombie (yes, that Abercrombie) has had a major glow-up — and their chic clothing is not just for kids. Try it out for yourself with [25% off denim and 15% off almost everything else](.   Silky Smooth [Pink Athena Club lotion on hot pink background with flowers, orange, apples, and peach displayed]( For those with dry skin, your secret to a close, nick-free shave might not be shaving cream or lotion, but oil. [Athena Club's glossy formula]( is packed with jojoba oil and shea butter to leave you hydrated and protected. [SHOP HERE](   Thanks for reading! Want to stay connected? Subscribe right here: 💪 Wake up well: [Body and Soul]( 🍴 See what's cooking: [Good Taste]( 🌎 Explore the planet: [Ripple Effect]( 🛒 Bargain-hunt: [The Shop Edit]( 👔 Clock in: [Wake-Up Call at Work](   Have questions or comments? Drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. 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