Avalanche in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains Claims Life of One Climber, Two Others Injured

Avalanche in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains Claims Life of One Climber, Two Others Injured

A rock fall and avalanche on Mt Meeker result in one fatality and two rescues as search teams battle harsh conditions.

An avalanche that struck on Sunday morning in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park has left one climber dead and two others injured. The incident occurred near the Dreamweaver Couloir on Mt Meeker, a treacherous section of the mountain, when a rock fall triggered the avalanche around 9am.

Climbers in the vicinity witnessed the slide and quickly alerted search and rescue teams. Despite the challenging weather conditions, rescue efforts were launched, and helicopters were dispatched to assist with the high-altitude operation.

At approximately 11,500 feet, two climbers, a male with severe injuries and a female with less serious wounds, were airlifted to safety. A Colorado National Guard helicopter from Buckley Air Force Base was called in to assist with a hoist operation to retrieve the injured man. The rescue took place at around 2pm, within a brief window of better weather. Both the man and woman were airlifted to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

Meanwhile, a ground team fought through snow and poor visibility to locate the third climber, a male who was found deceased under avalanche debris. Rescue teams used RECCO radar devices and search dogs in their efforts to locate the missing climber, who was later confirmed dead.

The identities of the victims are being withheld pending family notification.

This incident highlights growing concerns about avalanche risks in the US. Experts suggest that climate change, along with pandemic-related increases in outdoor activity, may contribute to a rise in avalanche-related fatalities. February 2021, for instance, recorded one of the deadliest months for avalanches in the US in a century.

Final Episode of Elizabeth Line Documentary to Air Next Month

Final Episode of Elizabeth Line Documentary to Air Next Month

The concluding chapter of the BBC documentary series will air soon after the Elizabeth Line’s long-awaited launch.

The final episode of the documentary series following the long-delayed Elizabeth line project is set to air next month on BBC Two. The Fifteen Billion Pound Railway: Inside The Elizabeth Line, which chronicles the journey of this ambitious railway project, will be broadcast on June 12, just weeks after the line’s official opening.

Filmed over a decade, the documentary captures the challenges faced by engineers, technicians, and transport workers who raced against time to complete the project amid numerous obstacles. Interviews with key figures, including Crossrail’s chief executive Mark Wild, head technician Pradeep Vasudev, and train driver Emma Knowles, will provide an inside look at the creation of this monumental project.

The Elizabeth line, which has cost at least £18.9 billion, spans 75 miles across London and the South East. It is regarded as one of the most significant engineering undertakings in the UK since the era of renowned engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Since its opening on May 24, more than a million journeys have been made on the central section of the line. On its first day, the service saw around 130,000 passengers, with many transport enthusiasts queuing for hours to be on the first trains.

The service is currently divided into three separate sections, with plans to integrate them by autumn. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted passenger demand. Transport for London has revised its initial passenger forecasts, now predicting that annual ridership will reach 170 million by 2026, lower than the 200 million originally expected before the pandemic.

The new central section, which connects Paddington to Abbey Wood, has been built under the Crossrail project. Initially, this section will not operate on Sundays, except during the Platinum Jubilee weekend, as further testing and software updates are carried out.

Crossrail faced numerous delays, including construction challenges and issues with the installation of signalling systems. Originally scheduled for completion in December 2018, the project’s final cost has far exceeded its initial £14.8 billion budget, reaching £18.9 billion.

Soaring Food Prices Push More Families to Rely on Food Banks, Warn Charities

Soaring Food Prices Push More Families to Rely on Food Banks, Warn Charities

With staples like pasta and baked beans seeing price hikes of up to 50%, charities fear the cost-of-living crisis will drive more families to food banks.

Charities have raised alarms that the escalating cost of food will force more families to rely on food banks, with everyday items like pasta and baked beans experiencing price increases of up to 50%. Labour has dubbed the situation a “cost of living tsunami,” as families grapple with rising prices of essential groceries, which are affecting their ability to afford enough food.

According to recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), in the 12 months leading to April, the cheapest pasta saw a 50% price hike, while common items like bread, minced beef, rice, and crisps increased by over 15%. These price rises come as families already struggling with high energy bills and rent costs now face an even more challenging food landscape.

Charities warn that the pressure on low-income households is growing, with the demand for food banks rising sharply. Jonathan Ashworth, the shadow secretary of state for work and pensions, highlighted the tough choices many families are making, such as cutting back on essential groceries or seeking help from food banks. He also criticised the government’s cuts to universal credit, arguing that they have worsened the crisis.

Sabine Goodwin, coordinator of the Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN), pointed out that the combination of rising food and energy costs is pushing more families into poverty. The organisation revealed that 93% of food banks in its network reported an increase in demand since the beginning of 2022.

In a survey of 30 everyday food items tracked by the ONS, average prices rose by 6-7%, reflecting the ongoing inflation in food and alcohol costs. Alice Fuller from Save the Children UK commented on how families with the lowest incomes are already being forced to make difficult decisions when grocery shopping. However, some items, such as cheese, pizza, and apples, saw price drops, with potatoes being the most notable at a 14% decrease. Yet, these savings are often outweighed by other factors, such as the increased cost of energy for cooking.

As food prices continue to climb, the number of food bank parcels distributed by the Trussell Trust has surged. Between April 2021 and March 2022, the charity distributed over 2.1 million emergency food parcels, a 14% increase compared to the previous year. Local food banks are reporting unprecedented demand, with even basic items like pasta and baked beans running low.

Kathy Bland from Leominster Food Bank expressed concern that while they are providing more food parcels, such support cannot replace the welfare system, and long-term reliance on food banks is not a sustainable solution. Other data from The Food Foundation showed a significant increase in the number of households cutting back on food or missing meals. Between January and April, the number of adults in food-insecure households jumped by 57%, reaching 7.3 million.

Shona Goudie from The Food Foundation stated that rising food prices, coupled with higher energy bills and other essentials, are severely squeezing family budgets, leaving many unable to afford adequate nutrition.

In response to the crisis, Chancellor Rishi Sunak recently announced a £5bn windfall tax on oil and gas companies, with plans to use the funds to support struggling households. This package includes direct payments to low-income families, with £1,200 set to be distributed to the 8 million worst-off households. However, more than 120,000 households may still miss out on this support unless the government raises the benefits cap.

Despite these measures, the ongoing food price inflation and the pressure on families suggest that more needs to be done to address the deepening cost-of-living crisis.

New Windfall Tax on Energy Firms Set to Raise £5bn with Incentives for Investment in the UK

New Windfall Tax on Energy Firms Set to Raise £5bn with Incentives for Investment in the UK

Energy companies will face a 65% tax on profits until 2025, but can reduce their liabilities through investments in new oil and gas extraction.

The UK government has announced a windfall tax on oil and gas companies, aiming to raise £5 billion to help with the cost-of-living crisis exacerbated by high energy prices. This new levy, set at 65% of profits, will remain in place until December 2025. However, businesses can avoid much of this tax by reinvesting in the sector, with a significant increase in tax relief for new oil and gas extraction projects.

Currently, energy companies are already taxed at 40% of their profits, but this new tax hike is designed to curb the windfall gains brought about by soaring energy prices, particularly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Chancellor Rishi Sunak has provided a back door for these companies, doubling the relief available for reinvestment. Previously, for every £1 invested in the UK’s oil and gas sector, companies received 46p in tax relief; this will now rise to 91p.

Sunak emphasised that this temporary, targeted energy profits levy includes a new investment allowance to encourage reinvestment in UK energy. The government’s goal is to ensure long-term investment in the nation’s energy sector, though critics have raised concerns about the environmental implications. Some fear that the incentive for oil companies to continue extracting more oil from the North Sea could undermine efforts to tackle the climate crisis. Greenpeace UK’s Ami McCarthy criticised the policy, calling it “utter stupidity,” arguing that it rewards oil extraction while ignoring the need to invest in renewable energy sources.

The oil and gas industry, on the other hand, has welcomed the tax relief. Shell, for example, highlighted the importance of a stable investment environment, calling the relief “critical” to the new levy. However, there are warnings from within the sector that such a tax could deter future investment, particularly in offshore energy jobs and communities, as noted by Deirdre Michie, CEO of Offshore Energies UK. She added that the levy could reduce UK energy production, making it harder for the country to meet its net-zero target by 2050.

The government’s decision to introduce a windfall tax follows months of pressure amid rising inflation, much of which has been attributed to the skyrocketing cost of energy. While oil companies have argued they are already paying billions in taxes due to their increased profits, they worry that the windfall tax will make the UK less attractive to investors.

Despite this, there is still uncertainty surrounding the specifics of the tax and whether it could be extended to include electricity generators. Chancellor Sunak alluded to this possibility, stating that certain sectors of the electricity generation industry are also making “extraordinary profits,” and that steps will be taken if necessary. This has caused fluctuations in the stock prices of companies like SSE and Drax, who are part of the electricity generation sector.

The new 65% tax rate for the oil and gas sector is somewhat in line with other countries, with Norway and Denmark having similar rates of 78% and 64% respectively. However, concerns about deterring future investment remain, especially in light of the challenges the UK faces in transitioning to a more sustainable energy model.

Sadio Mané Eyes a Dream Year with Potential Champions League Triumph

Sadio Mané Eyes a Dream Year with Potential Champions League Triumph

A win against Real Madrid could solidify Mané’s claim as the standout player of the year.

Sadio Mané’s 2022 campaign has been one to remember, with the Senegalese forward on the cusp of completing a truly remarkable year. While his Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah confirmed his future at Anfield, Mané has kept fans guessing. Both players are out of contract in 2023, but Mané dropped a cryptic hint when he said, “Come back to me on Saturday, and I will give you the best answer you want to hear, for sure.” With Bayern Munich reportedly interested in his services, this Champions League final could be his final performance in a Liverpool shirt—though he also hinted at staying put.

For the 30-year-old, 2022 has already been a historic year. After helping Senegal lift the Africa Cup of Nations, Mané also netted the penalty that secured his country’s place in the World Cup, knocking Egypt and Salah out of the qualifiers. While Liverpool’s quadruple hopes ended in disappointment, the opportunity for Mané to claim a personal ‘quartet’ is still alive. His achievements, which include Champions League final goals in 2018 and 2019, could be capped by more silverware if Liverpool triumph in Paris.

Mané has been in sensational form, with many now considering him one of the best players of the calendar year. With the duopoly of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo gradually fading, this could be his moment to secure the Ballon d’Or, a feat no African player has achieved since George Weah in 1995. Mané reflected, “It would be even more special to win the Ballon d’Or. For an African player not to have won it since George Weah is sad for sure.”

What sets Mané apart is his adaptability. Originally starting as a winger, he shifted seamlessly between the left and right flanks at Liverpool, and now, as the club’s primary striker, he has thrived in this new role. He remarked, “I don’t mind what position I play. I’m happy to help the team. Football is about joy, and I enjoy the moment.”

Mané has been Liverpool’s top scorer since returning from international duty, even as Roberto Firmino, the team’s usual ‘false nine,’ has struggled with injuries. Despite this, Mané speaks with great respect for Firmino, saying, “Bobby’s the best No. 9 I’ve played with. He can get back to his form, for sure.”

Ahead of the final, Mané was unbothered by the prospect of “revenge” against Real Madrid, despite his involvement in the controversial 2018 final. “It’s not in my mind to take revenge,” he said. “Real Madrid fully deserved that win. They were the better team on the day.”

Liverpool’s two finals this year have gone to penalties, and Mané has already made a name for himself in high-pressure situations. After converting crucial spot-kicks for Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup play-off, Mané was entrusted with the decisive penalty in the FA Cup final. Though his attempt was saved by Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy, Mané remains resolute. “There is a long story with Sadio and penalties, but I never give up,” he said. “I will score the decisive penalty again.”

ABBA Reunite for First Public Appearance in Six Years Ahead of Virtual Concert

ABBA Reunite for First Public Appearance in Six Years Ahead of Virtual Concert

The Swedish legends gathered in high spirits at the ABBA Arena for their first show since their 2016 reunion.

ABBA made a highly anticipated public appearance together for the first time in six years ahead of their groundbreaking virtual concert, ABBA Voyage, at the specially constructed ABBA Arena in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The legendary Swedish band, consisting of Björn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Fältskog, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, and Benny Andersson, gathered for the event, much to the delight of their fans.

The public reunion marked the first time the foursome had been seen together since their rare appearance in Stockholm in 2016. Pictured on the red carpet, the group looked radiant and in high spirits. Fältskog, 72, and Lyngstad, 76, both wore stunning white outfits, flashing beaming smiles as they posed alongside their bandmates. Ulvaeus, 77, donned a classic navy suit, while Andersson, 75, opted for a bold floral ankle-length coat.

Speaking to the BBC, Fältskog expressed: “ABBA has never left us… in our hearts,” adding, “The music is a part of us, and we love it.” Lyngstad shared her excitement, stating, “I’ve dreamed of this for years. We love our music, we love to sing, we love the material that Benny and Björn write, and it’s a challenge at the same time.” Andersson commented, “I think the only way you can understand what this is, you have to come and see it.”

Although ABBA had long declared that they would never reunite after their 1982 split, the release of their Voyage album in 2021 sent fans into a frenzy. They confirmed their return, though in an innovative form—appearing as holograms during their concerts.

The ABBA Voyage show, running until December, takes place in the ABBA Arena, where 3,000 fans can experience a unique holographic concert featuring the band in avatar form. Reflecting on the performance, Ulvaeus remarked that it felt “unbelievable” to see themselves on stage again. “We were sitting in the darkness, so nobody saw us. Benny was there, and Frida, we just looked at ourselves and thought, ‘What the hell is this? How did this happen?’”

Andersson also praised the project, telling Variety, “Everyone who has been working on this project has done a fantastic job. It is us up there. It’s ABBA, and so beautifully done.”

Taliban Signs Agreement with Emirati Firm to Oversee Afghan Airports

Taliban Signs Agreement with Emirati Firm to Oversee Afghan Airports

UAE-based company GAAC Solutions to manage key airports in Afghanistan, despite earlier plans falling through with Qatar.

The Taliban has confirmed the signing of an agreement with an Emirati company, GAAC Solutions, which will take over the management of three major airports in Afghanistan. This deal follows the collapse of the country’s US-backed government and marks a significant development in the Taliban’s efforts to secure international partnerships.

The airports involved are located in Kabul, Herat, and Kandahar, with Ghulam Jelani Wafa, the Taliban’s acting deputy minister for transport and civil aviation, signing the contract on behalf of the Afghan government. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban’s deputy prime minister, was also present at the signing and described the deal as a renewal of a ground-handling agreement with the UAE, a nation that is home to major airlines such as Emirates and Etihad Airways.

Despite the announcement, questions remain about the deal’s specifics. Qatar had initially been in talks to run the airports, but negotiations reportedly faltered over Doha’s demand for its own security forces at the facilities. Qatar, which already serves as the United States’ diplomatic representative in Taliban-led Afghanistan, had been involved in evacuations after the US withdrawal, with Qatar Airways assisting in airlifts from Kabul.

The UAE’s Foreign Ministry did not respond to requests for comment on the new deal, and GAAC Solutions, an Abu Dhabi-based joint venture, has yet to provide further details. While the company’s website lists G42 as a partner, G42 later distanced itself from GAAC, stating it had ceased operations in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s entry into Kabul in August 2021.

At the signing ceremony, Baradar urged foreign investors to consider Afghanistan a secure and welcoming environment for business, promising safety and support from the Taliban-led government. However, the Taliban’s international standing remains controversial, with widespread condemnation of their actions since taking control, including their refusal to reopen schools for girls above the sixth grade and recent restrictions on women working in television.

The deal, reportedly valued at $47 million, is set to include airport operations such as ground handling, security, and IT services.

Former Northern Ireland Secretary Calls for Reconsideration of Troubles Legacy Bill

Former Northern Ireland Secretary Calls for Reconsideration of Troubles Legacy Bill

Julian Smith urges Government to re-evaluate proposals that would close civil actions and inquests, warning of an unfair cut-off point for victims.

Julian Smith, a former Conservative Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, has urged the Government to revisit its proposals in the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill, which seeks to limit civil actions and inquests related to the Troubles. He expressed concerns about what he described as an “unfair cut-off point” that would restrict victims’ access to justice and truth.

During a debate in the House of Commons, Smith emphasised that the Government must ensure any independent commission established under the Bill has sufficient investigatory powers to deliver thorough and legally compliant investigations. He raised alarm over the shutting down of civil cases and inquests, which he believes has been an effective mechanism for victims to seek both discovery and reparations.

“The Bill has caused significant anger among victims, who feel their paths to justice are being closed off, while their access to the truth is also restricted,” said Smith. He acknowledged that the inquest system has often been resource-intensive without yielding conclusions, but stressed the importance of finding a fairer solution that would allow the current programme of work to be completed.

Smith also called on the Government to consult with the parties involved in the Good Friday Agreement (GFA), the people of Northern Ireland, and victim groups to ensure the Bill reflects their concerns. He expressed discomfort with the idea of voting for a Bill that could potentially grant immunity to those responsible for murder and other crimes.

DUP MP Ian Paisley (North Antrim) joined the debate, calling for changes to the Bill, warning that it could undermine the rule of law and fail to gain the necessary consensus in Northern Ireland. He also criticised the provisions for veterans, suggesting they would receive inadequate compensation.

Criticism was also voiced by Stephen Farry, deputy leader of the Alliance Party, who argued that the Bill was incompatible with principles of justice. He warned that the legislation could retraumatise victims by undermining the slim prospects for justice that remain.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood (Foyle) condemned the Bill, accusing the Government of using victims and reconciliation as a pretext for denying access to truth and justice. He pointed out that the Bill had no support from Northern Ireland’s political parties or victims’ groups.

Johnny Mercer, a former Conservative defence minister, acknowledged the complexity and difficulty of dealing with legacy issues but stressed the importance of finding a way forward to provide victims with some degree of closure and truth. He noted that while some individuals may avoid consequences, the focus should be on delivering justice for the victims.

Senator Chris Murphy Urges Immediate Action on Gun Violence Following Uvalde Massacre

Senator Chris Murphy Urges Immediate Action on Gun Violence Following Uvalde Massacre

In a heartfelt plea to Congress, the Connecticut Democrat demands legislative action to prevent further tragedies, asking, “Why are you here if not to solve a problem this urgent?”

Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, a long-time advocate for gun control, has once again called for urgent legislative action following the deadly mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, on 24 May. The tragedy, in which 19 children and two teachers lost their lives, has been marked as the deadliest school shooting of 2022, just days after another mass shooting in Buffalo, New York.

Hours after the shooting, Senator Murphy, who previously led the charge for change after the Sandy Hook massacre in his home state of Connecticut, returned to the Senate floor with a passionate plea. Addressing his colleagues, he asked, “What are we doing?” as he lamented the recurring cycle of gun violence.

Murphy, who had witnessed firsthand the devastating aftermath of mass shootings, asked his fellow senators, “Why do you go through all this trouble to become a senator if your answer is simply to do nothing as these tragedies unfold?” He underscored the uniqueness of the crisis in the United States, stating that no other country faces the same level of school violence, where children fear for their lives each day.

“This is not inevitable,” he stressed. “These children weren’t unlucky. This only happens here in America, and it’s a choice. It’s our choice to let this continue.”

Murphy’s impassioned plea for action follows his previous efforts, including a historic 15-hour filibuster in 2016 following the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida. With gun violence claiming more innocent lives, including at least 27 school shootings in 2022, Murphy urged his colleagues to work together and find bipartisan solutions.

While acknowledging the challenges of reaching consensus, Murphy called for a pragmatic approach, saying, “There is a place where we can find common ground… By doing something, we at least send a message that we will not tolerate this anymore.”

The suspect, 18-year-old Salvador Ramos, was identified as the shooter in the Uvalde massacre and was killed by law enforcement officers.

Kate Moss Set to Testify in Johnny Depp’s Defamation Lawsuit Against Amber Heard

Kate Moss Set to Testify in Johnny Depp’s Defamation Lawsuit Against Amber Heard

The iconic British supermodel, who previously dated Depp, will provide evidence in the ongoing case via videolink.

Kate Moss, the renowned British supermodel who had a relationship with Johnny Depp in the 1990s, is scheduled to give testimony in Depp’s defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife, Amber Heard. Moss will appear via videolink later this week to offer her evidence in the high-profile case.

Depp is suing Heard for an article she wrote in 2018 for The Washington Post, which his legal team argues falsely suggests he abused her both physically and sexually during their relationship. Depp has consistently denied all accusations.

A source close to Depp confirmed to the PA news agency that Moss will testify on Wednesday, marking a key moment in the trial. This comes in the final days of the trial, which is being held in Fairfax County, Virginia, with closing arguments anticipated for Friday.

Both Depp and Heard have already taken the stand, with Heard completing her testimony on Wednesday. Depp’s legal team appeared to celebrate when Heard mentioned Moss during her testimony. She referred to a rumour she had heard about Depp allegedly pushing Moss down a flight of stairs, which prompted an audible reaction from Depp’s legal team.

Throughout the trial, jurors have heard numerous accusations from both parties, with several witnesses testifying to alleged physical and sexual abuse. Among them were Heard’s sister, Whitney, her friend Raquel Pennington, and another of Depp’s former partners, actress Ellen Barkin. In a video deposition shown last week, Barkin described Depp as being controlling during their brief relationship.

Notable names such as Tesla CEO Elon Musk, actors Paul Bettany, and James Franco were initially listed as potential witnesses, but none have been called to testify.