Tag Archives: Helicopter

Lifestyle

Trump’s Economic Message, DC Helicopter Crash Report, New Nuclear Regulations

Maravi Post Reporter

President Trump takes his economic message to Iowa, trying to refocus on affordability after weeks of distractions ranging from Greenland to Venezuela and fallout from federal shootings in Minnesota.
Nearly a year after a deadly midair collision near Washington, D.C., investigators say deep, systemic failures at the FAA allowed known risks to go unaddressed until it was too late.
And NPR has obtained documents showing the Trump administration quietly loosened nuclear safety and environmental rules to fast-track new reactors, raising concerns about oversight and public trust.

Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Russell Lewis, Brett Neely, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas, Ava Pukatch and Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Stacey Abbott.

Our Supervising Producer is HJ Mai.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:55) Trump Economic Message
(05:43) DC Helicopter Crash Report
(10:02) New Nuclear Regulation

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Travel & Tourism

10 Romantic Places in Cape Town to Pop the Question

Maravi Post Reporter

With its dramatic and scenic landscapes, Cape Town is a dream destination to pop the question. You can go big on a mountaintop, keep it sweet and lowkey on a beach with penguins, or make it timeless at one of the oldest wine farms – no matter what, your other half will be swept off their feet.

Here’s a list of some of our favourite proposal locations in the Mother City:

The Top Of Table Mountain

If you’re looking for a proposal with out-of-this-world views, Table Mountain is hard to beat. Picture 360-degree vistas of Cape Town and the Atlantic Ocean, and some of the prettiest sunsets you’ll ever see. Take the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway to the top and spend a few hours exploring the summit. The mountain is vast, so you can find a private spot anywhere that feels comfortable or go all out and let one of the mountaintop restaurants help set up a romantic surprise. Adrenaline junkies can take their love to new heights by abseiling down the mountain and end the adventure with an unforgettable proposal. (Just make sure to keep the ring somewhere secure.)

Location: Tafelberg Rd, Gardens

Sunset Rock

The Rock is undoubtedly one of Cape Town’s most iconic proposal spots. It’s a little off the beaten track, which makes it perfect opportunity if you want to get down on one knee while taking in some of the city’s best views. Go early to secure a spot, pack a sunset picnic, and when you pop the question, don’t be surprised if a few locals cheer you on.

Location: Ocean View Drive, Bantry Bay


Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is like stepping into a fairytale. You could go classic with a picnic complete with red roses and champagne or take things up a level on the Tree Canopy Walkway, also known as “The Boomslang”, which winds through the Arboretum’s trees. Let’s just say the pictures will be as memorable as the proposal. If you’re after something a little more private, Kirstenbosch has plenty of hidden nooks where you can steal a quiet moment and pop the question away from the crowds.

Location: Rhodes Dr, Newlands

kirstenbosch gardens

Lichtenstein Castle

Imagine proposing at your very own castle! Inspired by the Gothic Schloss Lichtenstein Castle in southern Germany, this private estate is all yours to rent. Located atop Karbonkelberg Mountain with views of Hout Bay Harbour, the castle and its grounds offer a unique proposal, whether it’s at the quiet courtyard, a scenic overlook, or inside the castle’s elegant interior. And the celebration doesn’t have to end there! With 4 bedrooms plus a honeymoon suite, you and your loved ones can stay and toast to your engagement in style.

Location: Harbour Rd, Hout Bay

Boulders Beach

If a beach vibe is more your style, consider popping the question at Boulders Beach, famous for its adorable African penguins waddling around. Take a walk along the boardwalk or find a cosy spot on the sand to watch them from a distance. Between the playful penguins and the seaside scenery, it’s a proposal location to remember. Tip: The warmer months can get busy, so plan your trip ahead.

Location: Kleintuin Road, Simon’s Town

Groot Constantia

Get down on one knee at Groot Constantia, South Africa’s oldest wine estate. Spend some time exploring the vineyards, sample a few of their exclusive wines, then sneak off to a quiet spot on the estate for the main event. The Manor House, with its Cape Dutch architecture, makes for picture-perfect engagement photographs afterwards.

Location: Groot Constantia Rd, Constantia

Helicopter trip

For a proposal that’s up in the air (in the best way), take a scenic helicopter flight over the Cape Peninsula. Soar above jaw-dropping views, wait for the right moment, and pop the question with the city and ocean as your backdrop. There are many helicopter tour operators in Cape Town that offer special packages, so be sure to let them know ahead of your flight. Some options include NAC Helicopters and Cape Town Helicopters.

V&A Waterfront

If you’re after a proposal that takes your partner completely by surprise, disguise it as a day out at the V&A Waterfront. With Table Mountain as the backdrop, this all-in-one destination is packed with everything from activities to award-winning dining and, of course, shopping. You could also turn your trip into a HintHunt or Amazing Race-style adventure or go classic and pop the question at one of the precinct’s many fine dining restaurants.

Location: 19 Dock Road

win waterfront competition

Signal Hill

Another Cape Town landmark that makes for an epic proposal is Signal Hill. Drive to the top of the hill (arrive early as it gets pretty full), spread out a picnic blanket with your favourite treats, and take in the sweeping cityscape and Atlantic Ocean views. As the sun slips behind the horizon, drop to one knee and say those magic words.

Location: Signal Hill Road

Cape Point

Hit the road from Cape Town to Cape Point, about a 90-minute drive. With rugged cliffs and endless ocean views, your other half is in for a total sensory overload. Take the Flying Dutchman Funicular to the lighthouse for a classic photo-op, or if you want privacy, slip away to Diaz Beach, one of Cape Town’s most scenic and romantic spots.

Location: Cape Point Nature Reserve, part of Table Mountain National Park

Related Content

The post 10 Romantic Places in Cape Town to Pop the Question appeared first on Cape Town Tourism.

Entertainment

‘Breaking Amish’ Alum Airlifted to Hospital for ‘Possible Liver Failure’

Maravi Post Reporter

Breaking Amish alum Jeremiah Raber has assured his TikTok followers that he’s on the mend after a scary few days.

“Huge thanks to all the people that have been praying for me. I truly appreciate it,” Raber, 42, wrote to fans via TikTok on Friday, January 2.

Raber previously made several alarming posts via social media, a few of which showed him in a hospital bed. On December 30, Raber said he had “possible liver failure” and was “waiting to be life flighted to another hospital.”

At the time, Raber told his followers that his blood sugar level was “993” — which is dangerously high and potentially life-threatening, according to The Cleveland Clinic. The clinic states that blood sugar levels less than 100 are “normal fasting blood sugar levels,” whereas 126 or above potentially indicates that a person has diabetes.

‘Breaking Amish’ Alum Mama Mary Schmucker in Hospice Amid Cancer Battle

Later in the day on December 30, Raber shared still photos of himself being stretchered onto a waiting helicopter, presumably to be airlifted to another medical facility for more treatment.

Raber returned to TikTok on Thursday, January 1, to repost a comment from someone calling him a “scammer” and claiming that the reality star “deserves it.” The former Breaking Amish cast member accompanied the trolling post with a short video clip of himself waving to the camera as he laid in a hospital bed.

Two days later, Raber finally had some good news. He thanked his followers for their prayers and announced that he’d made huge strides over the past few days.

“I’m doing good and will be out tomorrow,” he announced.

“Stay positive, let the haters hate and live your life to the fullest! Get some rest,” one fan wrote, while another replied: “Sending healing energy.”

Breaking Amish Alum Jeremiah Raber Airlifted to Hospital for Possible Liver Failure
“Breaking Amish” alum Jeremiah Raber in the hospital Courtesy TikTok / Jeremiah Raber

A third fan encouraged Raber to put his health first, writing: “Take care of yourself! Heal before you [stress] about anything! Care for you because nobody else can. Know what I mean? Stay healthy. Please!”

Raber previously revealed he was suffering from serious health issues in March 2024. At that time, Raber thanked his TikTok followers for donating “enough money to go to the doctor for [his] heart issue and stuff.”

“Hopefully soon I’ll be at the doctor’s and getting it checked out,” he promised his fans. “I appreciate it more than you’ll ever know.”

InTouch Weekly reported in April 2024 that the reality star spent two days in the hospital for heart issues and diabetic ketoacidosis. (The Cleveland Clinic describes diabetic ketoacidosis as “a life-threatening complication of diabetes and undiagnosed Type 1 diabetes” and encourages anyone who suspects they may have the condition to seek immediate medical help.)

‘Suddenly Amish’ Trailer Teases Life-Changing Journey for 6 Outsiders

Raber was one of the breakout stars of TLC’s Breaking Amish when it premiered in 2012. The docuseries followed young Amish and Mennonite people venturing out of their religious communities to experience life in New York City for the first time.

Prior to the first season airing, Raber had split from his first wife, Naomi Stutzman, with whom he shares three children. He later came back to the franchise for 2014’s Return to Amish and remained part of the core cast for seven seasons.

Return to Amish’s third season finale — which aired in August 2016 — followed Jeremiah and his second wife, Carmela Mendez Raber, on their wedding day. The two had multiple very public breakups and reconciliations in subsequent years, leading up to Carmela filing for a restraining order against Jeremiah in March 2022.

“It’s all reports from back [in 2017],” he told InTouch Weekly at the time. “She used the s*** to get the order just to kick me out. It’s sad how quick people are to post stuff like that but turn a blind eye to the change for the better people have made in their life.”

Jeremiah announced in May 2022 that he and Carmela were “not together,” though he insisted he “will still love her.”

Entertainment

Vanessa Bryant Reacts to Taylor Swift Wearing Kobe Merch in ‘Eras’ Doc

Maravi Post Reporter

Vanessa Bryant is reacting to Taylor Swift subtly supporting Kobe Bryant and her family in her End of an Era docuseries.

“What a gift,” Vanessa, 43, wrote via her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, December 30, sharing a screenshot from End of an Era. “We love you @taylorswift 💙!!!!!!”

As Swift, 36, practiced an acoustic section mashup ahead of one of her last Eras Tour concerts in Canada, she was dressed in a blue Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation sweatshirt. (Kobe’s widow founded the organization after her husband and daughter Gianna tragically died in a 2020 helicopter crash, along with six other people.)

In a follow-up slide, Vanessa posted another pic of Swift wearing her Mamba merch and added a “We [heart] you” sticker, alongside one of an illustrated pair of hands making a heart like Swift’s Fearless symbol.

Vanessa Bryant Reacts to Taylor Swift Wearing Kobe Quote on Her Necklace

Swift has a long history with the Bryant family, starting in 2015 when she enlisted Kobe to join her onstage during the Los Angeles stop on her 1989 Tour. Kobe even presented the pop star with a banner honoring her record 16 sold-out shows at the same venue where his Lakers played home games.

Kobe died at age 41 five years later in a helicopter crash alongside 13-year-old daughter Gianna. (Kobe and Vanessa also shared daughters Natalia, Bianka and Capri.)

“My heart is in pieces hearing the news of this unimaginable tragedy. I can’t fathom what the families are going through,” Swift tweeted in 2020 after the NBA icon’s death. “Kobe meant so much to me and to us all. Sending my prayers, love, and endless condolences to Vanessa and the family and anyone who lost someone on that flight.”

Swift remained close to Vanessa and her family in the years since Kobe and Gianna’s deaths. When the Bryants attended Swift’s Eras show in L.A. in August 2023, Bianka received the “22” hat.

Vanessa Bryant Responds to Taylor Swift Wearing Kobe Bryant Merch in Eras Tour Docuseries
Taylor Swift Courtesy of Vanessa Bryant/Instagram

“Every person in that audience, hopefully, is being shaped positively in some way by something that they see or something that they hear,” Swift explained of the tradition in her Disney+ docuseries. “The ‘22’ moment stems from a hat that I wore on the Red Tour, so I wanted to really bring back that moment of just kinda, like, [having] a moment with a fan where I actually get close with them.”

While performing “22,” Swift sashayed down her catwalk to give her Red-inspired fedora to a waiting concertgoer.

Taylor Swift’s Sweetest ‘22’ Hat Moments on ‘The Eras Tour’ So Far

“What’s so interesting about that moment every night is I never know what kid I’m gonna meet,” the Grammy winner said. “I’ve got people in the audience, scouring the crowd for the first couple of eras, trying to find a kid who knows every single word to the songs and having the time of their lives at this show.”

According to Swift, the lucky child chosen is “basically a representative of every kid in that crowd.”

“It could be, like, a little kid that gets really shy when all of a sudden they’re seeing 60,000 people for the first time or, it could be, there are kids that bloom under the bright lights and they’re just, like, ‘I’m a pop star now.’ It’s always wild to be in this moment with this person that I’ve never met before, this little kid, and everything’s going on around us and somehow we’re able to just have this moment be completely between us.”

Taylor Swift: The End of an Era is now streaming on Disney+.

Entertainment

‘Special Forces’ Season 4 Winners Break Down ‘Intense’ Road to Victory

Maravi Post Reporter

Selection has officially come to an end on season 4 of Special Forces, and the winners are speaking out about how they stayed on top.

During the Thursday, November 20, finale, Kody Brown, Brianna LaPaglia, Andrew East, Shawn Johnson East and Gia Giudice were the last recruits left standing. They were put through an intense interrogation after a simulated capture exercise. Kody, 56, and Andrew, 34, did not pass the tests, which left Brianna, 26, Shawn, 33, and Gia, 24, for the last challenge.

The remaining trio were put through a simulated burial that Brianna pulled herself out of minutes before Shawn and Gia were crowned the winners.

“It’s so weird watching the finale back. We won and got that rewarding factor afterward — that acknowledgement from the Directing Staff,” Gia exclusively told Us Weekly during a joint interview with Shawn. “So it was different. That was almost my processing of it because I was like, ‘Oh, I did it. I made it past the finish line.’”

Who Failed Selection on Season 4 of ‘Special Forces’?

Shawn agreed that making it to the end made it an easier transition back home.

“Being able to have a happy ending to all the hardship helped us repaint a lot of the hard moments and make them feel worth it,” she noted. “I would say for Kody and Brianna and Andrew, that’s really hard.”

Shawn continued: “They had to go through all this torture and all this interrogation and not have the reward of being told they did a good job or they earned or deserved it. They just had to live in that moment for a while. The transition was very different for us than them.”

After completing season 4, Shawn was thrilled to reunite with husband Andrew, who was by her side throughout the season.

SPECIAL FORCES: WORLD’S TOUGHEST TEST
Pete Dadds/ FOX. ©2025 FOX Media LLC.

“We are each other’s biggest fans and cheerleaders and teammates. Coming across that finish line, he was so happy for me and so ecstatic. But I could also see the disappointment and the sadness in him,” she recalled. “So as his biggest cheerleader, it was this interesting shared moment of I just wanted to hug him and help him process this moment — and he just wanted to celebrate with me.”

Special Forces, which premiered in 2023, puts contestants through harsh, military-style training based on actual Special Forces selection processes. They face intense physical and mental challenges designed to push their limits.

“The hard part that you don’t see on the show is we had been under interrogation and stress or duress for 12 hours. Within those 12 hours, you aren’t told how long it’s been or how long you have to go,” Shawn explained about the finale. “You don’t know if you’re nearing the finish line. We didn’t know if it was 10 hours, and you hit a breaking point where you’re just like, ‘We’ve done this long enough, can we be done?’”

Fox Fall Schedule for New, Returning Shows: From ‘Doc’ to ‘Special Forces’

Gia had a similar experience during her own interrogation. “We got captured around 12 a.m. and we weren’t done until almost 5 p.m.,” she told Us. “It was very difficult and it was very hard.”

While reflecting on her journey, Gia was so thrilled to have made it all the way to the end, adding, “I just have so much pride after doing this show and it’s something that I’m really proud of. I think throughout the entire show it taught me to really just let go and the little things are not something that you need to worry about. There’s way bigger things in this world that are going on that are so much more important. It just honestly taught me there’s a lot more to value in life.”

Shawn, meanwhile, got to make her kids proud. (Shawn and Andrew, who have been married since 2016, share daughter Drew, 5, and sons Jett, 4, and Bear, 21 months.)

“It’s a pretty intense show, but they were so excited to see us jump out of a helicopter. They get to see that little clip and we will show them more as it goes on,” she added. “But my daughter has heard people talk about it, and she’s aware enough that she’s like, ‘Mommy, I want to watch the army show.’”

Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test is currently streaming on Hulu.

Lifestyle

D.C. Plane Crash, Migrant Housing At Guantanamo, January 6th Criminal Records

Maravi Post Reporter

An American Airlines plane collided with a military helicopter in the skies over Washington, DC, President Trump says the US will send deported migrants to a temporary facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and an NPR investigation finds lengthy criminal records for some January 6th defendants who received pardons.

Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Russell Lewis, Monika Evstatieva, Barrie Hardymon, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas, Claire Murashima, and Chris Thomas. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

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Lifestyle

Iran’s President Dies, Israel’s Political Turmoil, Michael Cohen Resumes Testimony

Maravi Post Reporter

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has named an acting president following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi, the country’s foreign minister and other officials in a helicopter crash. Prime Minister Benjamin Netyanyahu is facing accusations from his own war cabinet that he doesn’t have a strategy for replacing Hamas in Gaza. Michael Cohen will return to the stand in what will likely be the final day of testimony in the New York criminal trial of former President Donald Trump. And a London court is expected to deliver a final decision on whether or not Julian Assange can appeal extradition to the U.S.

Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by John Helton, Lauren Migaki, Dana Farrington, Lisa Thomson and Alice Woelfe. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams and Nina Kravinsky. We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Zac Coleman.

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Regional

Niger: Military helicopter crashes killing three people

Maravi Post Reporter 1 Comment

A Nigerien military helicopter on Monday crashed while landing at an airport in the capital Niamey.

Local officials said the incident resulted in the death of three people who were on board the helicopter.

Among those killed was an expatriate instructor, the defence ministry said in a statement.

The helicopter was returning from a routine training flight when it crashed on a military runway, the statement said.

The wreckage burst into flames, blocking rescuers from reaching the crew.

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A commission of inquiry has been set up to determine the cause of the accident.

Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot dies after road accident

Source: Africafeeds.com

Source: Africa Feeds

Regional

U.N. helicopter crashes in east Congo

Maravi Post Reporter
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A United Nations helicopter on Friday crashed while flying over east Democratic Republic of Congo’s North Kivu province.

The U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) confirmed the crash saying the Humanitarian Air Service chopper it was managing went down near the city of Goma.

The three crew members on board sustained injuries, according to Reuters reporting. There were no passengers on board.

WFP said the cause of the incident was not yet clear.

In March this year, eight peacekeepers were killed when a U.N. helicopter crashed in the area of Tshanzu, in North Kivu.

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That helicopter went down amid clashes between the Congolese army and a rebel group known as the M23.

Congo’s army at the time said the helicopter was shot down by rebels, which the M23 denied the claim.

Four German tourists killed in plane crash in Namibia

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Source: Africafeeds.com

Source: Africa Feeds

Regional

Ugandan army pilot dies in helicopter crash after take-off

Maravi Post Reporter 1 Comment
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Ugandans have been paying tribute to a young female army pilot who died in a helicopter crash on Thursday.

Uganda’s army confirmed the death of the pilot, identified as Captain Caroline Busingye in the crash after take-off near Entebbe.

According to the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) spokeswoman Brig Flavia Byekwaso, the incident happened during a flight training session.

“Today afternoon at about 2:15pm a jet ranger piloted by two cadet trainees on a mutual training flight came down immediately after take off near Lido beach.

The two were rushed to hospital to ascertain their health,” she said.

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Eyewitnesses said there were two occupants in the helicopter at the time of the crash.

Mozambique army to investigate ‘horrific killing’ of naked woman

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Source: Africafeeds.com

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