Latest news with #Roop
Straits Times
4 days ago
- General
- Straits Times
Alaska man survives 3 hours pinned face down under a 317kg boulder
In an image provided by emergency responders, Kell Morris lies trapped under a 317-kg rock at a creek near Seward, Alaska, on May 24. PHOTOS: JASON HARRINGTON-SEWARD FD/NYTIMES Kell Morris does not remember exactly how he started tumbling or how he ended up on his stomach, but he remembers when a 317.5kg boulder hit his back – the jolt of pain it caused as it pinned him down, and how instantly he knew he was in trouble. Mr Morris, 61, said it was a 'beautiful, beautiful day' on May 24 in Seward, Alaska, where he lives with his wife, Joanna Roop. The pair decided to hike near a remote glacier more than 190km south of Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. They had been looking for a spot to cross a creek when the earth holding a group of boulders gave way. Mr Morris said he tried to almost surf the sliding gravel but lost his footing and tumbled down. 'The next thing I know, I'm face down in the creek and you can still hear these rocks,' he said. Ms Roop, 61, also heard that distinctive sound. She ran to the area of the slide, calling for her husband but there was no answer. When she saw him, Ms Roop said, it felt like the situation went from 'worse to worse'. Trapped under the massive boulder, Mr Morris was just about holding himself out of the cold glacier water that feeds the creek. 'We kind of assessed that I'm not going to last long in this cold water,' Mr Morris said, and he sent his wife with both their cellphones off in search of a signal. After walking around 270 metres, Ms Roop connected to a 911 dispatcher. Rescue crews from several agencies, including the Seward Fire Department and the Bear Creek Volunteer Fire Department, mobilised. But the extreme terrain of the area meant progress was slow. Then, a Bear Creek volunteer who works for Seward Helicopter Tours heard the 911 dispatch call. The volunteer and a pilot offered to pick up six firefighters and take them to where Mr Morris was pinned. Rescuers found Mr Morris suffering from hypothermia and wavering in and out of consciousness, face down in a creek with the boulder on his back, and Ms Roop holding his head out of the water, the Seward Fire Department said in a news release. Rescue crews used air bags, ropes and 'brute force' to free him, the department said. After he was warmed up, Mr Morris 'became more alert, and his vitals improved,' the department said. NYTIMES Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
News18
02-05-2025
- News18
Cheap Tickets, Cheaper Hotels, Cheapest Booze: This Island Is Ideal For Indians On A Budget
Last Updated: Situated off the north-west coast of Malaysia, Langkawi is not only visa-free for Indian travellers, but food, accommodation, alcohol, and even petrol are surprisingly affordable The number of Indians travelling abroad has been rising steadily, with a noticeable increase in solo and budget travellers. While destinations like Thailand, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka remain popular, the Maldives continues to attract travellers with its stunning white sand sea shores. Amid these well-known spots, one island has recently gone viral on social media for offering a perfect mix of affordability and beauty. Langkawi is one of the 99 archipelagos situated on the northern coast of Malaysia. Not only is it visa-free for Indian travellers, but food, accommodation, alcohol, and even petrol are surprisingly cheap. A viral video by solo traveller Roop Verma has captured attention, as she shares detailed insights on exploring this hidden gem. Roop shared the video on her Instagram account @roopvermaa. In the caption, she mentions that you can get a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi. The total cost of travel and accommodation from India is around Rs 25,000. A hotel for two nights on this island can be booked for as little as Rs 2,000–5,000. Meals typically cost between Rs 600 to Rs 1,000, and participating in local activities might cost another Rs 1,000–2,000. In the video, Roop shares several surprising facts about Langkawi. She says no one told her about this hidden gem. The island is visa-free and duty-free, making it a great spot for those who enjoy alcohol. Vegetarian food is also widely available, typically priced around Rs 200–300. Petrol is just Rs 40 per litre, and tourists can rent a car, fill the tank, and explore the island all day. The island boasts beautiful beaches and waterfalls, as well as caves, jungles, and rich wildlife. Monitor lizards and other creatures can be spotted wandering freely. Roop describes Langkawi as breathtakingly beautiful and pocket-friendly, a perfect destination for a fun and budget-friendly holiday. Her video quickly went viral on social media, garnering over 8.8 crore views. More than 27 lakh people have liked the video, and it has been shared countless times. Over 6,000 comments have poured in. One user commented, 'I went to Langkawi just last year. It's stunning, but the best part is it's far less crowded than Thailand and Bali. Please don't make such reels that invite crowds here too!" Another user wrote, 'I'm going there next month." However, not everyone agreed with the video. One person said, 'Whether it's cheap or not, we'll only know after visiting." Meanwhile, another added, 'You say there's a lot of vegetarian food, but when I visited in January 2024, I couldn't find any. Please don't mislead people." First Published: May 02, 2025, 15:25 IST
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
3 Key Signs You Should File for Social Security Sooner Rather Than Later
Deciding when to claim Social Security could be an important key for older adults unlocking their retirement future. Claiming early could be the best move for retirees in poor health, who need immediate income or for other reasons taking benefits could be a wise financial move. Be Aware: Try This: Here are three key signs you should file for Social Security sooner rather than later. Many financial experts don't recommend filing for Social Security early, because the reduction in payments can be drastic. Doug Carey, a chartered financial analyst (CFA) and founder and owner of WealthTrace, a consumer retirement and financial planning software company, said claiming at 62 instead of the full retirement age of 67 could be costly. 'Their payments are reduced by 30% per month,' Carey said. 'Over time, this can add up to thousands of dollars in reduced payments.' However, Carey said if an older adult has a lower life expectancy, then filing for Social Security sooner rather than later makes financial sense. 'Generally speaking, if you expect to live to at least age 75, it wouldn't make sense to take Social Security early,' Carey said. 'But if you have serious health conditions or a family history of shorter lifespans, claiming early could be the right strategy.' Find Out: Claiming Social Security early may be a wise move, depending on one's marital status. Joseph Patrick Roop, president and founder of Belmont Capital Advisors, said filing for Social Security sooner could be an option for a single person in poor health who is no longer working or a married couple. 'Spouses should strategize to determine which one should file last to maximize benefits by waiting until age 70,' Roop said. 'Typically, the higher-earning spouse should delay filing until 70 to maximize their benefit.' Roop explained, 'After one spouse passes away, the surviving spouse will continue receiving the larger of the two benefit checks while the smaller check is lost.' Melissa Pavone, founder at Mindful Financial Partners, said divorced retirees who were married for at least 10 years and are unmarried now may be eligible for spousal benefits based on their ex-spouse's earnings. 'In some cases, claiming early may make sense, especially if your own benefit is lower.' For older adults whose spouse is deceased, Pavone said surviving spouses can claim reduced survivor benefits as early as age 60. 'But switching strategies — claiming their own benefits later — can optimize overall payouts,' Pavone said. The Social Security Trust Fund will face a shortfall within the next decade unless Congress acts sooner rather than later to shore up funds for the federal entitlement program. Economists at the Peterson Foundation, a fiscal think tank, estimate that 'without reform, the combined Social Security trust funds will be depleted in 2035, at which point program benefits would be reduced by 17%.' Krisstin Petersmarck, a National Social Security Advisor (NSSA) and investment advisor representative at New Horizon Retirement Solutions, said many people are worried about the future of the Social Security Trust Fund. 'It is not uncommon for individuals who are worried that the benefit could be reduced or eliminated to make the decision to claim early and receive income before it may not be available,' Petersmarck said. She said older adults should understand that they cannot go back once they have claimed their benefits and received payments for 12 months. 'The best decision is to consult with a financial advisor who specializes in retirement planning to weigh the different claiming options and how it can impact you long term,' Petersmarck said. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on 3 Key Signs You Should File for Social Security Sooner Rather Than Later Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Raleigh County Commission approves resolution for development district at Pinecrest Industrial Park
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) — During a special meeting on Thursday, February 27, 2025, Raleigh County Commission approved a resolution to create an economic development district, which may be developed using deferred sales tax collection. Raleigh County Attorney Bill Roop said Pinecrest Industrial Park is the targeted acreage for the proposed district. It was unclear if additional acreage would be included. Greg Duckworth, president of Raleigh County Commission, said the proposed economic development district would allow retailers to build a development using sales tax financing to pay off their bonds. The county and state agree not to collect sales tax in the district so the development can be created. 'Preserving Black Churches' grant aims to save more sites like New Salem Baptist Church Roop said that Legislative bills this session, one in the Senate and one in the House, support the creation of such districts. Duckworth said the special meeting was called on Thursday because there was a sense of urgency to have the district created during the current legislative session. Jozy Moore, a spokesperson for New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, urged commissioners to ensure the resolution wasn't premature and that the process aligned with the bills. 'I do think there's, according to the code, a great deal of work that needs to be done before you potentially pursue approving this,' Moore advised commissioners. 'But that is up to you, how you guys decide to proceed.' Moore pointed out that public hearings are required by law. Roop said the Senate bill requires a resolution to show state lawmakers the county will host the proposed district. WVEA president says WV schools could lose millions if Trump Administration closes Department of Education 'We're doing what we were asked by the Senate, and I think what they're (NRGRDA) talking about, is the process on down the road,' said Roop. 'We will have public hearings, and we will have more input and more exact descriptions, once we get to that point.' Moore stated during the meeting that the role of NRGRDA was to provide information to commissioners. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Independent
21-02-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Independent
The vegan handbag brands making chic and ethical accessories in 2025
It's easier than ever for people to find brands that align with their values surrounding sustainability and animal welfare. Case in point: vegan-friendly handbags can now be found across every price backet and, here, we're delving into the names to know, from designer to indie labels. In term of luxury brands, Stella McCartney has earned its place as an icon, beloved for perhaps the most famous vegan-friendly handbag of all: the falabella. Meanwhile, brands such as JW PEI (with its influencer-favourite gabbi bag) and Melie Bianoc, with its alternative to the viral woven Bottega bag, are making vegan accessories more accessible. When it comes to genuine leather, animal welfare and the environmental impact of deforestation, water use and methane emissions from cattle ranching are cause for concern, but vegan-friendly doesn't automatically mean sustainable. Synthetic leather can be problematic, as it often contains plastic, but plant-based materials are evolving in exciting ways – think material made from mushrooms, cactus leaves and apple waste. Faux leather is often used to craft handbags but this doesn't necessarily make them vegan-friendly. The most reliable way to make sure no animal-derived materials have been used is to check whether the brand or bag has been certified by a third-party organisation – keep an eye out for the Peta-approved vegan label or the The Vegan Society Trademark. Here, we've stuck to the brands creating vegan-friendly pieces, so you can browse without needing to double-check their animal-friendly credentials. Whether you're after a tote for work, a mini bag for an evening out or a statement piece, keep scrolling to discover the brands to bookmark. Roop This brand's cool, whimsical accessories are crafted at Roop's studio in Manchester. The vegan-friendly company champions an eco-conscious approach, using deadstock, vintage and other eco-friendly fabrics for its bags and scrunchies, which span a hold-all to mini bags (these would make wonderfully quirky wedding party accessories). The brand does use bamboo silk in some of its designs but this is the only new fabric being used. The collection is full of personality, with bows and scrunched, puffy detailing. Its furoshiki bags (£82, are influenced by the traditional Japanese wrapping cloth, and have a fun, scrunchie-style strap. There's also a crossbody bottle bag (£35, in the brand's signature style that's sure to be a talking point. Themoirè With a Peta-approved certification, this Milan-born brand boasts high-fashion appeal, but respect for the planet is at its core. Using recycled plastic bottles and nylon made partially of reclaimed fishing nets for its linings, labels and stitching, the label also looks to plant-based leathers made from apple and cactus, as well as cork, cotton and 'eco-fur', which is made from recycled polyester. Fashion-forward and fun, its designs range from moc croc to pillowy clutches. Our favourite was a slender PU leather baguette bag – the handle has been slightly re-designed since we tried it but the bag feels smooth and plush, and it hangs so perfectly you'd forget it was there (£232, The label also plants a tree for every bag sold. It costs €50 (£42) to ship to the UK, and duties are not included, but you can also find Themoire over at UK-based retailer Farfetch. Stella McCartney Think vegan-friendly fashion and you'll probably picture Stella McCartney's eponymous label. Since its inception more than a decade ago, its cruelty-free offerings have been worn by the likes of Kate Moss, Rhianna and Kim K – perhaps most notably, that falabella tote (£925, Circularity and sustainability have long been key pillars of the brand, too, whether that's pushing for innovative materials (think mushroom leather and a vegan-friendly silk alternative), or becoming a zero-deforestation label back in 2016. With the brand being big on recycled materials, all the bags are lined with recycled polyester, and whether you're after something for a night out or a large raffia tote to take to the beach (here's hoping), the choices are numerous, spanning metallics, mock croc, denim and crochet. We love the chic simplicity of the Stella hobo shoulder bag (£570, with its super structured shape that fits snugly beneath the shoulder. Made with a combination of PU and recycled polyester, it feels built to last, while the soft interior is lush. Matt & Nat If you're looking for elegant, timeless design, you'll find it in abundance at Matt & Nat. The Montreal-born vegan-friendly clothing and accessories label delivers simple, clean designs, particularly when it comes to its bags. From totes to weekenders, satchels to shoulder bags, the brand has you covered, and, in our experience, it doesn't disappoint when it comes to quality. Not only does our tote (which is sadly no longer available) still look almost as good as new after many, many uses, we've received heaps of compliments about it. The company gets extra points for using lining material made from recycled plastic bottles, too. Thamon An ode to nature, Thamon's bags are one of a kind. From bucket to shoulder to clutch bags, each piece from the London-born, now Bangkok-based brand looks like it's fallen from the trees because, well, it has. Handcrafted using fallen teak leaves that have been handpicked, treated and dyed, they each have their own unique, organic pattern and colourway, from green to black, beige and blue. Tracing our fingers along the slightly raised leaf pattern on the box vegan crossbody (£55, was a truly unique experience, while the piece itself is lightweight and of high quality. There's a little inner pocket, too, which would be perfect for stashing cards and train tickets, if you're without a purse for the evening. Beauty isn't their only schtick though, as the teak leaf is naturally durable and lighter than real leather, and collecting leaves from the ground means there are less to potentially cause forest fires once the dry season arrives. It's an unusual, eye-catching collection that's definitely worth a browse. Deliveries on orders of more than £100 are free but it's worth noting that duties aren't included. You can also order from its UK-based collection, which will be shipped much more speedily. Peta-certified, Manchester-based Frida Rome is the brainchild of two friends-turned-business-partners who wanted to bring personality, luxury and fun to the market. After two years searching for the most realistic alternatives for leather and suede, the pair plumped for faux leather made from cactus and apple, as well as recycled cotton and eco-suede containing partially recycled PET plastic. We can vouch for the fact the look and feel of the cactus leather is uncanny, too. Though the range is small, with just a boxy crossbody bag, slouchy totes and shoulder bag backpack, each style is sophisticated, slick and just a little bit punk. All the bags are made in the UK, are PVC- and cruelty-free and, tapping into the 'bad girls who do good things' tagline, have an (optional) erotic story laced into the lining, a USP that raised a few eyebrows during a Dragons' Den pitch (spoiler: they got the gig). We tried the brand's debut bag, the week/end crossbody (£335, which is a punky, gold-studded work of art, and you can swap the shoulder strap for the handle, if you're headed to a swankier affair. Pretty cool, too, is that the whole bag can be completely deconstructed – handy if you're packing it away. The bags also come in recyclable packaging, which is a nice touch. Wilby Chelsea-born-and-bred brand Wilby – which was founded in 2013 – was originally focused on the clutch but its collection now spans sophisticated totes, classic handbags and country bags, all of which are Peta-approved and designed and made in the UK. Chic, practical and, with clutches starting at about £30, relatively accessible price-wise, expect PU, cork crocskin, organic cotton and recycled cloth. Jw Pei Worn by the likes of Gigi Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski, LA-based JW PEI taps into current trends and, rejoice, many of its bags sit comfortably below the £100 mark. Made from canvas, PU, recycled nylon and fabric made with recycled plastic bottles, the brand's styles are minimalist but playful, with both zingy and muted colour palettes. From crossbodys to shoulder bags, satchels and totes, expect pillowy styles, ruched straps, chunky chains and sleek mock croc patterns. We're beyond obsessed with this dreamily daring custard yellow gabbi bag (£89, with its ruched handle and satisfying snap-to-close – it's sturdy but supple and buttery smooth. This is an endlessly versatile piece that could be both the focal point and finishing flourish of any outfit. Melie Bianco Far more luxurious than their prices suggest, each bag from LA-based Melie Bianco is Peta-approved and free from PVC. What's more, its Larissa woven faux-leather shoulder bag (£88, has been compared with the covetable Bottega jodie bag (£2,150, while costing more than £2,000 less than the luxury fashion house's bag. Founded in 2003, Melie Bianco, which is Peta-approved vegan, creates trendy collections using PU. From gloriously garish to muted, designs, whether you're looking for a night-out bag, a crochet style for the beach or a smart, simple tote for work, there's a style to suit. It is worth noting customs and import duties are not included. Murmali This is something a little different: by using only natural materials, Murmali is all about bringing us closer to nature. Based in London, it's Peta-approved bags are made with cork hailing from Southern Spain and Portugal, and each bag is completely unique, biodegradable and sustainable, as cork trees live for about 180 years and regenerate after the cork has been harvested. Giving back to nature, using cork ensures the cork trees' survival, which is great news for the planet, as the trees are said to suck up 14 million tons of CO2 a year. You can trust cork to weather some wear and tear, too, while each bag is also water-resistant, should you be caught in any unexpected drizzle. We love the handy outside pockets on the beta style (£175, which also comes with a handy shoulder strap. Looks-wise, we wouldn't be surprised if the naturally beautiful cork pattern turns a few heads. LaBante London Slow fashion brand LaBante plumps for cruelty-free, sustainable styles that are not only Peta-approved but totally PVC-free. It uses microfibre, plant-based leather made from agricultural waste and wood pulp, and vegetable-based PU faux leather and suede, while the linings use recycled plastic bottles, thus diverting plastics from landfill and using far less water, relieving a small amount of pressure on our planet's resources. Our favourite was this forest green zip-up tote (£320, – with its minimal, gold-coloured detailing, it feels really robust and perfect for morning commutes. From totes to crossbody bags, if you're after sturdy sophistication, you're in the right place. Bang on trend, New York-based Sinbono is Peta-approved and uses reclaimed apple skins to make its bags, lining them with responsibly sourced recycled plastic bottles. Style wise, from bucket and shoulder bags to clutches and satchels, expect jewel tones, mock croc patterns, ruched drawstring handles and chunky chain straps. If you're looking for a matching purse, or indeed a gold-coloured chain to accessories with, this brand has got it. We were drawn to this elegant ivory shoulder bag (£72, which boasts a handy adjustable strap and inline pocket, and doesn't totally blow the bank. Shipping is free on orders worth more than $109 (£64), and duties are included in the price shown at the checkout. Alkeme Atelier Hailing from across the pond, Alkeme Atelier delivers striking and sophisticated style – think geometric designs, matte gold and rich colour palettes. Its bags, which are all Peta-approved, are crafted from pineapple-leaf fibres, cactus leaves, grape leather (made from wine industry waste) and, exclusive to the brand, 'Alkeme vegan fibre', which, while synthetic, is largely made of recycled materials. It's another brand funnelling single-use plastic into something useful, with around 10 recycled plastic bottles going into each lining. We love this fun, off-piste half moon design (£441, made from buttery-smooth PU, and the wide detachable strap saves it from being too OTT for everyday wear. We like that the label has thought of reducing waste, too, as each bag comes with a 100 per cent natural and biodegradable dust bag made of bamboo fibre. Shipping to the UK is free but duties are not included, however, you can shop the brand via Wolf & Badger. Collection and Co Kicking off in 2016, Collection and Co started with shoes. More specifically, vegan-friendly shoes that were designed to closely emulate real leather. But the label also produces affordable bags, using pineapple fibres, canvas, velvet, raffia, faux fur and discarded fishing nets. Circularity plays a large role, which we love, with efforts being made to funnel waste from past collections into new pieces. There are other vegan accessories to peruse, from boots and belts to hair clips, as well as products from a few sustainable, ethical and vegan-friendly independent brands – think soaps and bamboo toothbrushes.
