Welcome all to The Headlines: The series that hopefully makes sitting next to a man eating a tuna melt on an 8:00am train somewhat tolerable. Yes, we know this slogan is a tad too beefy but we’re working on it. Here are some of this Tuesday’s biggest stories.
The Outback Wrangler’s a Wanted Man
Chris Wilson was a crew member on the reality TV series Outback Wrangler. This programme is about people capturing animals like crocodiles and buffalos.
On February 28, Wilson was attached to a Robinson R44 helicopter by a 30-metre rope and was collecting crocodile eggs in the Northern Territory and was killed when said helicopter crashed into some trees.
A preliminary Air Transport Safety Bureau review stated that this helicopter had no likely engine issues. They also said that there was no obvious damage to its blades on the back or its drive system. A number of other helicopters were also being used in this crocodile egg operation that didn’t crash.
This brings us to Matt Wright: The Outback Wrangler himself. Wright is the star of the aforementioned programme and was involved in the crocodile egg operation. It’s worth noting that Wright himself was not onboard the helicopter that crashed.
The Northern Territory police have issued an arrest warrant for Wright. It’s believed that Wright has been charged with perverting the course of justice, fabricating evidence, destroying evidence, interfering with witnesses, and two counts of unlawful entry. The Northern Territory police have told Wright to come forward by 9:00am today.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Wright said that his client “strenuously denies” doing anything wrong in regard to the crash.
“What happened was a tragic accident that took the life of a close mate,” said this statement.
“His immediate concern following the accident was the condition of the two team members on board at the time. The next priority was ensuring the other helicopters and team members at the site weren’t at risk and that the location was safe.”
The World’s Largest Active Volcano Erupts
Hawaii’s Mauna Loa, which means long mountain in the Hawaiian language, is the Earth’s largest volcano. Moreover, on November 27, it erupted for the first time in almost 40 years.
So far, this eruption hasn’t spilled over the summit, but this situation could quickly and drastically change.
As the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s Ken Hon said, “Right now, we just don’t know what’s going to happen: If this is going to stay as a summit-only eruption or move into one of the rift zones.”
An ashfall warning has been issued for medically vulnerable folks on Hawaii’s Big Island. They have been told to wear filter masks or stay inside. Additionally, as a precaution, the Hawaii government has opened shelters for those who choose to evacuate.
Related: Seven Life-Shaking Megatrends Predicted by Science
Related: These Astronauts Are Living on Hawaiian Lava Tubes to Prepare for Life on Mars
Gaslighting Was Named Word of the Year
Gaslighting: A psychological manipulation of a person, usually over an extended period of time, that causes the victim to question the validity of their own thoughts, perception of reality, or memories and typically leads to confusion, loss of confidence, and self-esteem.
However, in recent years, its definition has become broader: “The act or practice of grossly misleading someone, especially for a personal advantage.”
As this flattening has happened, it has become embraced by more people. In fact, so much so that Merriam-Webster named gaslighting as its word of the year.
According to Merriam-Webster, search for gaslighting increased in 2022 by 1740%.
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