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

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.

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.

What’s got Ice Spice ‘in ha mood’…

Landing the Forbes “30 Under 30 Music” list.

What Mark Cuban’s getting ready to move on from...

“Shark Tank” and the Dallas Mavericks.