Pressed

When will Kamala Harris sit for an interview? August 16, 2024 Happy Friday! First up today is a look at the criticism against Kamala Harris's press strategy. Then we'll close out the week with... - [A shocking development regarding Matthew Perry's death]( - Details about [the data breach that might have stolen your Social Security number]( - Birthday wishes for [one of pop's biggest superstars]( - Your guide to [deep discounts at your favorite retailers](   In the News [Kamala Harris]( Getty Images After weeks of coconut tree memes and [“brat summer” vibes](, Kamala Harris is catching flak over the fact that she hasn’t given a major interview since becoming the Democratic nominee. Donald Trump’s campaign has accused her of trying to “duck and hide” from the media — and it’s true that she hasn't participated in a substantial sit-down with journalists (though her campaign is [rewriting headlines from news outlets]( for ads that many readers find misleading). Harris’s distance from the press hasn’t affected her polling, though. She’s besting Trump nationally by three points, making gains in swing states, and leading by 30 points among the “double hater” cohort who say they dislike both candidates. Considering those impressive numbers, “there is probably only downside for Harris in doing an interview,” says our go-to politico Brian Goldsmith. Still, he adds she needs “a regular-enough cadence of press availabilities that it doesn’t look like she’s hiding.” Democratic strategist Jonae Wartel tells us: “Harris is on the campaign trail having the conversations she needs to be having — and that’s with voters.” Harris’s campaign says she plans to give an interview before the end of August. In the meantime, she’s gearing up to officially accept her nomination at next week’s Democratic National Convention.   More Stories [Biden and Harris hold hands in front of a crowd]( Getty Images Medicare has announced new, lower prices for 10 expensive prescription drugs after negotiations with the Biden administration. The changes come into effect in 2026, and will save Medicare, which is tax-funded, billions — and ease the burden on older adults. Trump's latest financial disclosure reveals over $100 million in liabilities related to lawsuits he lost in New York — plus $300,000 in income from endorsing branded Bibles. He also owns $1 million in cryptocurrency (which he said seemed like "a scam" back in 2021). Four suspects have been arrested in the fatal shooting of General Hospital star Johnny Wactor — three on suspicion of murder. Wactor was shot dead in May after interrupting what authorities say was the theft of his car's catalytic converter. Bail is set at $2 million. Mortgage applications were up 35% last week as homeowners raced to refinance while lower interest rates hold. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.49% this week — a little higher than last week, but still significantly less than last fall's two-decade peak. ESPN has fired analyst Robert Griffin III and Sunday NFL Countdown host Samantha Ponder — both "business decisions," per CNN. Griffin, a former NFL quarterback, posted on X that he was "thankful" to the people at ESPN who'd helped him "grow."   We Asked, You Answered Wake-Up Callers had plenty of compelling suggestions for who should play vice-presidential hopefuls Tim Walz and J.D. Vance on Saturday Night Live. By far, the top pick for Walz was Steve Martin — but sadly, he's already turned down the role, saying he's "not an impressionist." Who else could step in? Your suggestions included Jim Gaffigan, Al Franken, Drew Carey, and current SNL cast member, Mikey Day. As for Vance, you recommended Zach Galifianakis, Seth Rogen, Josh Gad, Jack Black, Jason Sudeikis, Taran Killam, and even Melissa McCarthy (who's already proven her gender-bending SNL chops with her take on Sean Spicer). We'll likely find out who gets the roles when SNL returns on Sept. 28. In the meantime, have any of you considered pursuing a job in casting?   Must-Reads [Matthew Perry]( Foul Play? Five people have been charged in connection with Friends star Matthew Perry's death last year. Here's what police are saying. [Read More »]( [Illustration depicting identity theft from a computer screen]( Digital Danger Thanks to a massive data breach, your Social Security number may have been stolen. Here's how you can protect yourself. [Read More »]( [Collage of books about finance]( Bank On It Need to get your finances in order? We rounded up the best books about managing your money to help you do it in an approachable way. [Read More »](   In Focus [Illustration of a woman gazing through an open door to the sky]( Getty Images There’s one word every cancer patient wants to hear: remission. In honor of the 10th anniversary of the Cologuard®️ test, a use-at-home colon cancer screening test produced by our partners at Exact Sciences, we spoke with two women about [what they’ve done with the time they’ve been given back]( after beating cancer. [READ MORE]( [Supported by Exact Sciences](   Extra Credit [Madonna]( Getty Images Queen of pop: The one and only Madonna, who recently drew a record-breaking crowd of 1.6 million at a free concert in Rio de Janeiro, turns 66 today. We're celebrating the occasion with [fascinating facts you probably didn't know about the Material Girl.]( Bottoms up: There's plenty of summertime still ahead (and don't let anyone tell you different). Make the most of your warm-weather hangouts with [a beverage expert's picks for what to drink]( this time of year, including non-alcoholic options. Serious savings: Speaking of summer, the season of sales shows no signs of slowing down. We've got a helpful guide to [the biggest discounts from your favorite retailers](.   Skincare Superhero [A bottle of skin serum from Dermelect]( Graphic by KCM Looking to calm inflammation and reduce the appearance of acne? Katie Pittman, one of our staff's savviest shoppers, found a magical formula that she says you'll have to try yourself to believe. We've got her review of [the serum that changed her skin overnight](. [READ MORE](   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. [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 © 2024 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.