The Purge

Are you *sure* you're registered to vote? October 4, 2024 Good morning! Today we’re bringing you… - A deep dive into [the controversial (and potentially illegal) effort to remove voters]( - [Melania Trump’s unexpected comments on abortion]( - [What could be behind the rise in breast cancer in young women]( - [Quick and easy tacos from a renowned chef]( Plus, the deets on [the hottest shows to stream on Netflix](, [J.Crew’s can’t-miss sale](, and more. Here we go!   In the News [An illustration of a ballot being shredded. ]( Getty Images Before you head to the polls this November, you might want to double-check whether you’re still registered to vote. Election officials have been removing more and more names from voter rolls across the country. Though this otherwise mundane process is aimed at keeping registries up-to-date, these purges have happened more frequently (and at times illegally) over the past two decades. More than 19 million voters were removed between 2020 and 2022, a 21% increase from 2014 to 2016. With the 2024 election at a dead heat, some are worried these purges will lead to “unlawful disenfranchisement” in Alabama, Texas, North Carolina, and dozens of other states. [Find out if this is happening in your state]( and how it's part of a concerted effort by the Republican Party to question the legitimacy of the impending election. [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%2Fvoter-purges-2024-election-how-to-check-if-youre-registered-to-vote%2F   More Stories [A huge plume of fire rises over Beirut at nighttime]( Getty Images Iran's foreign minister arrived in Lebanon this morning as regional tensions spiral. Tens of thousands fled a Lebanon-Syria border checkpoint as an Israeli strike hit nearby, and Israeli strikes in Beirut overnight targeted the potential new Hezbollah leader Hashem Safieddine, per CNN. President Biden says he won't negotiate with Israel in public, and that he doesn't believe there'll be an "all out war" in the Middle East. Striking port workers will return to work today after reaching a deal with the United States Maritime Alliance. Their contract will be extended through Jan. 15 while talks continue. A CNN source says they've landed on a $4-per-hour raise for each year of the six-year contract. Three former Memphis police officers have been found guilty of witness tampering in the fatal 2023 beating of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man. All officers were acquitted of the most serious charge: violating Nichols’ civil rights by causing his death. Kim Kardashian has written a personal essay for NBC News advocating for the release of the Menendez brothers, who were convicted of murdering their parents in 1989. Kardashian says the pair were “condemned before the trial even began.” Her plea comes as the Los Angeles County district attorney says he'll review evidence to determine whether they should be released.   On the Record [Melania Trump]( Getty Images Melania Trump's eagerly anticipated memoir is days away from hitting shelves, but we've got a sneak peek at what's inside. The former first lady will take on a number of hot-button issues — and her thoughts on reproductive rights are raising some eyebrows. We've got more on [Melania Trump's surprising comments about abortion](, and the policy she had major sway over. [READ MORE](   In Focus [Illustrations of women's silhouettes with different skin and hair colors]( Getty Images/KCM While overall deaths from breast cancer are down in the U.S., the rate of diagnosis is climbing — especially for people under 50. We went deep on the data and spoke with doctors to investigate [the possible reasons for this uptick among younger women]( and how age affects your treatment options. If that story encourages you to do a self-exam on your own breasts, we're thrilled to hear it! But if you feel something odd, that doesn't necessarily mean you're in danger. In partnership with Exact Sciences, we explore [the differences between cysts and tumors]( (and what it means if your lump does turn out to be a cyst). Do you have a burning question about breast cancer screenings, treatment, or the overall experience of dealing with this diagnosis? [Drop us a line right here](mailto:ask@katiecouric.com?subject=Breast cancer questions) to share what's on your mind, and we'll bring some of your inquiries to an expert to get their trusted input.   Brain Boost [Illustration of a head surrounded by clouds]( Getty Images Everyone wants to keep their noggin in tip-top shape as they get older, which is why we got the scoop on [how to prevent cognitive decline](. Two holistic health experts discuss the findings from a fascinating study about improving cognition — and share the supplement they trust for improving their memory as they age. [READ MORE]( [Sponsored by CocoaVia](   Round of Applause We've got some exciting news: My podcast Next Question is a finalist for a Signal Award for best host of a current events podcast! Cast a vote [right here]( — it only takes a minute!   Ask an Expert [Illustration of a woman climbing up stairs, with an hourglass at the top]( Shutterstock If you've hit menopause, it's all but certain that you've been in this scenario at least once: You're sweating, struggling with brain fog, and feeling generally uncomfortable, then some younger woman (or a man of any age) asks why you're not at 100%. You probably had a hard time spelling it out with all the frustration you felt, right? This stage of life can be difficult to put into words, but Dr. Mary Claire Haver has [the perfect way to explain menopause to someone who's never experienced it](. [READ MORE](   Extra Credit [Close-up of fried chicken tacos]( KCM Shell of a dish: It's National Taco Day, and [our easy 30-minute recipe]( from our friends at Ben's Original will give you a restaurant-grade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. What we're watching: Netflix has really outdone itself with all the top-notch offerings available to stream. [Here's what's new this month](. Double the deals: Layering isn't just for getting dressed — J.Crew is piling up savings on savings during their fall event. Score [40% off sitewide]( and take an [additional 50% off select sale items]( with code SHOPNOW.   It's a Wrap The only thing softer than a baby's skin? [Little Sleepies' buttery bamboo swaddle sets](. These multipurpose pieces can also be used as car seat covers, play mats, and more — making them a great gift for new parents. [A baby swaddled in a white swaddle with blue pattern]( [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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