A Rousing Endorsement

This GOP hopeful's gaining momentum. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( November 29, 2023 Good morning! Does any GOP hopeful stand a chance against Trump? We’ve got more on [the candidate who’s currently surging](, thanks to a prominent backer. Then we’ll go from the White House to the Bachelor Mansion, where we got [Ellen from The Golden Bachelor’s top pickleball tips](. Later, we’ll turn to the experts for [thoughtful gifts for every type of enthusiast]( and share [our favorite holiday beauty bundles](. Here we go!   In the News [Nikki Haley surrounded by supporters.]( GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley holds a town hall in her home state of South Carolina. (Getty Images) A Rousing Endorsement As many of her rivals struggle, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley is making strides in the 2024 Republican primary. Fresh off a crucial endorsement from an influential billionaire, here’s [the latest on this increasingly significant candidate](. A big boost: Americans for Prosperity, the political wing of the conservative network founded by Charles Koch, declared its support for Haley yesterday, arguing that she’s the strongest candidate to defeat both Donald Trump and President Biden. “She has what it takes to lead a policy agenda to take on our nation’s biggest challenges and help ensure our country’s best days are ahead,” the group’s CEO said. Why it matters: This marks the first time the group has thrown its support behind a Republican candidate in a presidential primary — and it unlocks some serious financial resources for Haley. The network previously announced it wouldn’t back Trump, saying it would instead support a candidate “who represents a new chapter.” An alternative to Trump? Though the former president still leads the GOP field by double digits (and Ron DeSantis is still polling in second place), Haley has slowly gained momentum in key states like Iowa and New Hampshire. In a recent CNN/University of New Hampshire poll she had 20% support, an eight-point increase. We took a closer look at what Haley’s all about, including her family background, her policy positions, and [the surprising Democrat who inspired her political career](. [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%2Fnikki-haley-political-views-husband-parents-nationality%2F   More Stories [people stand at rally holding orange balloons]( Relatives and supporters rally for the release of Yarden and Shiri Bibas and their two children, Ariel, 4, and Kfir, 10 months. (Getty Images) Israel-Hamas latest: A list of hostages due to be released today has been given to the Israeli government, and their families are being notified. The CIA director meanwhile is in Qatar, where he's expected to advocate for a broader hostage deal to include men and soldiers, a source tells CNN. The ceasefire is due to end today, but talks are ongoing to secure the release of more hostages, and aid is continuing to flow into Gaza — despite accusations from both sides that the truce was violated on Tuesday. Breaking: At least one person is dead after a U.S. military Osprey aircraft crashed off the coast of Japan’s Yakushima Island this morning. No further information is available at the moment, but the accident follows another fatal incident in August, when an Osprey crashed during military exercises in Australia killing three U.S. Marines and seriously injuring several others. Step to it: Your walking pace could hugely impact your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, according to a new study. Walking briskly reportedly lowers your risk by 39%, a vast improvement on the 15% reduction achieved by walking at a "casual" pace. How quickly should you stride to get the maximum benefit? Researchers say at least 4 miles per hour — so put those sneakers on! A soccer sin bin? The organization that makes the rules of pro soccer has OK-d new plans that'd allow referees to temporarily send players off the pitch. At the moment, players who misbehave are awarded either a yellow card or a red card. A red card means a player is sent off for the rest of the match, and two yellow cards equals one red. Under the potential "sin bin" option, referees would have more flexibility — and teams might not have to play shorthanded quite so much.   Feel-Good Food [Brownies with festive red and green striped icing]( Getty Images How's this for a holiday treat: Your seasonal noshing can be delicious and nutritious with smart menu-building that preserves festive flavors while also supporting mindful eating. We're sharing [4 simple recipe swaps]( that'll ensure your family's favorites fit everyone's needs, whether they're going gluten-free, managing diabetes, or rethinking their relationship with carbs. [READ MORE]( [Supported by Humana](   Must-Reads [The Golden Bachelor's Ellen Goltzer wearing lime green pickleball uniform and white visor]( Champion Shot Game on! We caught up with Ellen, The Golden Bachelor’s pickleball captain, to get her tips on how to stay safe on the court and have fun. [Read More »]( [Blonde woman holding up vintage mirror, blocking her face]( Bad Influence Do you suspect you were raised by a toxic — or even narcissistic — parent? Here are some ways to tell, based on your behavior. [Read More »]( [Illustration of beds on top of sleep waves]( Snooze Separately If you’re sick of fighting over the blanket and hearing your partner snore, this woman’s story about her sleep divorce may inspire you. [Read More »](   Good Thinking [Craig Ferguson wearing sunglasses and a brown coat with logos for 3 podcasts: Joy a podcast, The Puzzler with A.J. Jacobs, and Nothing Much Happens]( KCM / iHeart Podcasts What if we told you that you could get your podcast fix and sharpen your intellect at the same time? We rounded up [3 podcasts that'll boost your brainpower]( while you're out for a walk, driving in the car, or even just lazing on the sofa. And don't worry: There are no "eat your vegetables" vibes here — each one of our picks is engrossing and entertaining, too. [CHECK THEM OUT]( [Sponsored by iHeart Podcasts](   Extra Credit Host with the most: On Giving Tuesday, I caught up with my friend Jeff Probst to talk about the Alex Trebek Fund at Stand Up to Cancer — which you can [donate to right here](. We also chatted about Alex’s impact on Jeopardy!, his unique gift as a host, and the lessons Jeff learned from him that he applied to Survivor. [Catch our conversation here](. ‘Tis the season: With Thanksgiving in the rearview mirror and December just days away, it’s time to get into the holiday spirit. Grab your tinsel and popcorn balls and unwind with [our 17 favorite festive movies](. From someone who would know: Trying to get a thoughtful gift for a foodie, but don’t know the first thing about culinary gear? From cooking to landscaping to hosting and more, we tapped professionals for [expert-approved gifts for every enthusiast](.   Set For Success [Beauty gift sets on green background]( KCM When it comes to gift-giving, beauty and skincare bundles are power players. From clean-beauty stocking stuffers to a luxurious fragrance that has withstood the test of time to a splurge-worthy hair styler, we found [the best holiday gift sets from top beauty brands]( at all price points. - For the person who loves the finer things: Chanel’s iconic [N°5 Body Oil and Eau de Parfum duo]( offers a little slice of luxury. If the scent is good enough for Marilyn Monroe, it’ll certainly be a hit with anyone on your list. - For the person who needs a spa day: Beauty Pie's[cryotherapy set]( comes with cooling globes and a hydrating serum for a soothing facial massage from your couch.* - For the beauty beginner: Whether they’re intimidated by the plethora of serums and highlighters out there or just want a simplified process, [Merit’s Five Minute Morning Set]( consists of seven quick essentials to enhance a person’s natural beauty. *denotes paid placement [SEE THE FULL GUIDE](   [The Shop Edit. Love shopping as much as we do? Subscribe to our latest newsletter and you'll never miss another trend, money-saving sale, or hard-to-find gem!]( 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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