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“I’d give anything to be 70 again”

— Cher at 77 years old. If she could turn back time…

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Light at the End

The Story

All construction workers trapped in a tunnel in India have been rescued.

Catch me up.

Earlier this month, a landslide caused part of a nearly three-mile tunnel in northern India to collapse, trapping 41 workers underneath almost 200 feet of rubble. The rescue was expected to take just a few days. But a US-made drill broke down. For 17 days, people watched on as rescuers tried to get them out.

So how’d they finally do it?

Digging by hand. In the meantime, rescuers managed to snake a pipe through the debris to keep workers supplied with food, water, and oxygen. The men inside also reportedly had regular contact with doctors on the scene, who gave them advice on how to stay calm and hopeful. After evacuating, the workers were greeted by cheers from relatives, friends, and onlookers. India's minister of road transport and highways, Nitin Gadkari, said he was “completely relieved and happy” that all of the workers were safe.

theSkimm

After nearly three weeks, all 41 men appear to be in good health, with no major injuries — good news for a country that had to wait 17 days for their rescue.

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And Also...This

Who’s picking up steam…

Nikki Haley. Yesterday, the former UN ambassador won the endorsement of the Koch brothers’ super PAC in her run for president. Endorsements can make a difference. In this case, it means Haley will have funding from what may be the most powerful conservative group in the country. The org reportedly says it’s already called over 6 million voters on Haley’s behalf — and that the issue is not that voters don’t like her, they just don’t know her yet. Now, it’s launching a multimillion-dollar ad campaign in all of the early primary states and some Super Tuesday states. The goal: to “turn the page on our political dysfunction” and provide an alternative candidacy to former President Trump, who’s been polling over 30 points ahead of Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R). Trump’s campaign dismissed the org as “the China First, America Last movement.”

…Oh and speaking of things on the GOP’s mind, the House could vote to expel Rep. George Santos (R-NY) today or tomorrow after Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) called a third vote. It comes after a recent congressional report accused him of using campaign funds on purchases ranging from Hermès to OnlyFans.

What could be taking a toll on students…

Zoom fatigue. A recent study found that students taking classes on Zoom experienced higher levels of sadness and exhaustion compared to those who took them in person. The study looked at a group of 35 college students divided into two groups: half attended a lecture in person and the other half watched online. Researchers recorded the electrical activity in the students’ hearts and brains. They found rising heart rates (a sign of stress), and falling heart rates associated with mental fatigue, amongst the students online. Researchers also saw increased brain activity associated with fatigue in the online students. While remote workers' may not be logging on for lectures, they can still feel bogged down by online meetings. Other research says excessive eye contact, catching glimpses of yourself on camera, and sitting for a long time can lead to Zoom fatigue. Researchers recommend moving around and avoiding back-to-back meetings.

Who’s got the wellness world concerned…

A yoga instructor. Yesterday, French authorities arrested Gregorian Bivolaru and charged him with human trafficking, organized kidnapping, rape, and abuse. The 71-year-old instructor is the leader and founder of the Altman federation, a multinational tantric yoga org based in England. The arrest comes after members of the group reported psychological manipulation and sexual exploitation. It isn’t the first time Bivolraru faced charges. In 2013, Romanian authorities convicted him of rape. He’s also wanted in Finland for alleged human trafficking. Bivolaru has denied accusations in the past.

…Oh and speaking of things that sound like a docuseries, the wife of the Gilgo Beach murders suspect got a documentary deal.

Who’s standing up for her daughter…

Tina Knowles. Yesterday, she dismissed accusations of Beyoncé lightening her skin ahead of the premiere of “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé.” The comments spurred online after Beyoncé appeared on a silver carpet on Saturday for her event donning a silver dress and platinum hair. Knowles said the comments on Beyoncé’s look perpetuate racism, sexism, and double standards and said she’s “sick and tired” of people attacking Beyoncé.

Q: How can you keep your spending in check during the holiday season?

Mary Hines Droesch: Create a holiday budget by listing your planned expenses, and make sure it’s specific — gifts and who’s getting them, travel, decorations, etc. Then, assign a dollar limit to each. Remember to include often overlooked costs like wrapping paper, shipping fees, or year-end tips as these can add up quickly. Check back regularly throughout the season to make sure you’re sticking to your budget. TL;DR: Make a list, and check it more than twice.

Featured Expert

Mary Hines Droesch

Head of Consumer and Small Business Products at Bank of America. Her answer has been edited for length and clarity. Psst…head here for more modern money tips.

Skimm Tested

Wanna know what products are actually, truly worth buying? Our series Skimm Tested — where we try and review buzzy items — can help you figure that out. Today, we’re spilling our thoughts on…

Cariuma’s cloud-like sneakers

Cute and comfortable? Count us in. These best-selling sneaks require zero break-in time, offer plenty of support, and work with any outfit — day or night. Psst…use code SKIMM25 for 25% off.

Read our review

Skimm Picks

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. Fleece PJs for an Instagrammable moment.

Nothing says “happy holidays” like matching pajamas. These plaid ones from Victoria’s Secret PINK are made with extra soft fleece, jogger cuffs, and an elastic drawstring waist. No wonder reviewers are calling them “the softest PJs ever.”*

Fill your cart

2. Why chronic absenteeism is a hidden educational crisis.

An estimated 16 million US students are impacted by chronic absenteeism.† Learn why that matters, the long-term mental health and educational impacts, and what the Whirlpool Care Countsᵀᴹ Laundry Program is doing to help.*

Learn more

3. A free event that can help you navigate caregiving.

If you’re caring for a loved one, don’t miss Care to Laugh, a virtual, interactive evening with Jesus Trejo and expert panelists where comedy and caregiving tips collide. Laughing and learning, here you come.*

Sign up

4. An extended Cyber Monday sale on viral bags.

This brand rarely has sales, so you seriously don’t want to miss this. Run to their site right now to score up to 60% off everything. We’re eyeing their duffel, laptop backpack, belt bag, and luggage.*

Shop to it

Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).

Skimm'rs

We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.

Pumped up…Karlee V (CA). Her new book is helping moms get back to work after maternity leave.

(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Krystal Glenn (NY), theSkimm's Nina Moll (NY), Lindsey Shull (MD), Evelyn Roberts (MA), Jean Marie Howard (TX), Angela Roidt (WI), Kourtney Dhiman (IL), Alexis Beresid (NV), Kristen Meehan (WI), Kristianna Anderson (MN), Amanda Fay (MT), Helen Row (VA), Stevie Rae Cordoza (CA), Sally Jennings (CO)

PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.