Latest news with #HighCountry

ABC News
23-07-2025
- ABC News
Court date set for High Country killer Greg Lynn to fight for appeal
A date has been set for the next step in High Country killer Greg Lynn's push to overturn his murder conviction. A jury last year found Lynn, 58, guilty of Carol Clay's murder but acquitted him of murdering Russell Hill in Victoria's High Country in March 2020. On Wednesday, a court heard the date for the former Jetstar pilot's application for leave to appeal — where it will be decided whether Lynn's appeal against his conviction can proceed — had been set for October 31. Lynn was sentenced to 32 years' jail last year over Ms Clay's murder. Ms Clay, 73, was shot in a struggle that that also claimed the life of her lover, Mr Hill, 74. During his trial, the prosecution argued Lynn's "disproportionate" actions to contaminate the crime scene and dispose of the bodies was incriminating conduct that pointed to murder. However, Lynn's lawyers described a scenario of two tragic, accidental killings. The pair were last seen alive during their camping trip in the Wonnangatta Valley, about five hours east of Melbourne, in March 2020. The trial heard Lynn crossed paths with the retired campers, where an argument over his hunting activities, loud music and Mr Hill's drone escalated into struggles over a gun and a knife. Lynn claimed Mr Hill stole his shotgun, and the two men had wrestled over it, and that Ms Clay was shot in the head when the weapon discharged. He said Mr Hill was also accidentally killed during a subsequent tussle over a knife. Lynn was the only survivor and there were no witnesses. During his trial, Lynn claimed he torched Ms Clay and Mr Hill's campsite fearing nobody would believe the deaths were accidental. He admitted to transporting the pair's bodies and dumping them near the remote Union Spur Track, where he later returned to incinerate them. Lynn was taken into custody in late 2021, and soon afterwards, Mr Hill and Ms Clay's remains were found. During sentencing remarks, Justice Michael Croucher called Ms Clay's death "a very grave example of murder". But he also said there were elements of the case that remained unclear, including exactly what unfolded during the deadly fight at Bucks Camp, whether Lynn had a motive, and the order in which the campers died. "I am satisfied Mrs Clay was killed instantly when she was shot to the head with Mr Lynn's shotgun," the judge said. "It is a grave crime to extinguish the life of another violently." Lynn pleaded not guilty during the trial and has maintained his innocence, formally lodging his appeal of the verdict in November. According to court documents released by the Supreme Court of Victoria, Lynn's lawyers have appealed based on four grounds, including the argument "a substantial miscarriage of justice" happened due to the jury's decision making. If his appeal is unsuccessful, Lynn will have to serve at least 24 years behind bars before he is eligible for parole.
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Arizona weather forecast: High Country storms continue; Phoenix stays dry
The Brief Phoenix saw a high of 107 degrees on Saturday, July 19. Monsoon showers continue in the High Country, and some of that rain might make it to the Valley. Showers will continue in the High Country with a slight chance for the Valley in the coming days. Today Saturday's daytime high reading hit 107 in the Valley with an overnight low of 85 degrees. Tomorrow Increasing clouds and cooler temperatures will arrive on Sunday with a 10 to 20 percent chance of rain in Phoenix. There will be a chance for virga and showers on Sunday and Monday that will be light in nature and centered toward south-central Arizona. Shower and thunderstorm activity will continue for areas north and east of Phoenix with the best chances in the High Country. Next Week Temperatures for the start of the upcoming week will be between 102 and 105 degrees, which is slightly below normal. By late next week, temperatures will be back to above-average readings with dry conditions. You can always check the latest weather conditions by visiting the FOX 10 Phoenix weather page, or download the Free FOX 10 Weather app, which is available on Apple iOS and Android. Scroll down this page for satellite and radar, day planner, records, current temperatures, 10-day forecast, forecast highs, and recent rainfall totals, plus live video feeds. Preventing heat exhaustion/heat stroke The Arizona Department of Health Services stated the following precautions can be taken to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke: Stay in air-conditioned buildings Find a cooling center/hydration station Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day (mid-day) Check on at-risk friends, family, and neighbors at least twice a day Drink water before, during, and after working or exercising outside Check the UV Index Check the heat risk map Road Conditions Call 511 anywhere in Arizona or 1-888-411-ROAD (7623) Driving in extreme temperatures The Arizona Department of Transportation's tips for driving in extreme temperatures include: Have sun protection: In addition to an umbrella, take sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat and wear loose-fitting, light-colored cotton clothing. Fuel up: Keep your tank at three-quarters full. Running out of gas, especially in a remote location, is dangerous in extreme heat. Hydrate: Take a cooler to keep extra drinking water cold, and consider adding several frozen bottles of water to use for cooling off or to thaw and drink if needed. Make sure everyone, including pets, stays hydrated. Get help: If your vehicle breaks down in extreme heat, call for assistance right away to reduce wait time, and run the AC. If the AC isn't working, roll down all windows. Wait safely: If the temperature inside your vehicle becomes too hot, everyone, including pets, should exit carefully and seek out or create a shaded area as far away from the travel lanes as possible. Be careful walking on the road surface, which can be hot enough to burn skin. Keep your shoes on and try to keep your pets' paws off the pavement. If you are stopped along the highway, raise the front hood and turn on hazard lights. Please keep in mind that parking in tall brush can start a fire. Check your vehicle: You can help avoid breakdowns and blowouts by making sure your vehicle is in good operating condition. Check your air conditioner and coolant levels, top off any vital engine fluids and make sure your battery is up to par. Check your tire pressure, as the combination of under inflated tires and hot pavement can lead to a blowout. MORE: Solve the daily Crossword


Business Upturn
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Is ‘High Country' returning for season 2? Everything we know so far
By Aman Shukla Published on July 17, 2025, 19:00 IST Last updated July 17, 2025, 11:32 IST High Country burst onto our screens in 2024, and wow, did it leave a mark! This Australian mystery series, set in the rugged Victorian Alps, had us glued to our seats with its dark secrets, killer twists, and Leah Purcell's unforgettable performance as Detective Andie Whitford. After that wild Season 1 finale, fans are dying to know: Will there be a High Country Season 2? Here's the lowdown on everything we've heard so far about returning to Brokenridge. Is High Country Season 2 Officially Happening? As of July 2025, Binge and Foxtel haven't dropped any official news about High Country Season 2. The show's creators, Marcia Gardner and John Ridley, are keeping quiet, too. But don't lose hope! The series pulled in strong viewership, and critics loved it— TV Tonight gave it a 4/5 for its bold storytelling. Plus, that cliffhanger ending screams for a follow-up. Fans are making noise on X, posting about how much they want Andie back, and Reddit threads are full of theories about what's next. The buzz is real, and with all the loose ends, it feels like Season 2 is more likely than not. We're just waiting for the green light. High Country Season 2 Potential Release Date Okay, no confirmation means no exact date, but let's do some detective work. Season 1 was filmed in April 2023 and hit screens in March 2024—about 11 months later. If Season 2 gets the go-ahead soon, we might see it in late 2025 or early 2026. High Country Season 2 Expected Cast If Season 2 happens, we'd bet on seeing these key players: Leah Purcell as Andie Whitford, the fearless detective at the show's core. as Andie Whitford, the fearless detective at the show's core. Sara Wiseman as Helen, whose emotional arc added heart to Season 1. as Helen, whose emotional arc added heart to Season 1. Ian McElhinney as Sam Dyson, the veteran cop with a murky past. as Sam Dyson, the veteran cop with a murky past. Pez Warner as Kirra, Andie's fiery teenage daughter. as Kirra, Andie's fiery teenage daughter. Aaron Pedersen, whose role brought serious gravitas. New characters could spice things up, and the creators might explore more of Brokenridge's residents. The cast's chemistry was a standout, so we're excited for more of their dynamic. High Country Season 2 Potential Plot Season 1 ended with some major 'what just happened?!' moments (no spoilers, don't worry). If we get a Season 2, expect Andie to dig into the town's darkest corners, especially that heartbreaking child murder case that's still unsolved. Fans on X are hyped for more drama between Brokenridge's residents—there's so much tension to unpack. And with Leah Purcell's Indigenous roots shaping the show, we could see richer cultural threads woven into the mystery. The Victorian High Country's wild, moody landscapes will probably steal the show again. It's the perfect backdrop for creepy clues and emotional showdown Hasta la vista, baby!s. Whether it's new faces stirring up trouble or old secrets bubbling up, there's tons of story left to tell. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at

ABC News
16-07-2025
- ABC News
No psychometric testing review in Australian aviation after Erin Patterson, Greg Lynn cases
The aviation sector was once home to two of the nation's most high-profile murderers, however documents reveal Airservices Australia and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority have not reviewed their systems of psychometric testing. The ABC sought documents through the Freedom of Information (FOI) process about former air traffic controller Erin Patterson, former Jetstar pilot Greg Lynn and the testing used to assess the suitability of people in the aviation industry. Last week, Patterson was found guilty of three counts of murder and one of attempted murder, for fatally poisoning her lunch guests with a beef Wellington dish containing death cap mushrooms. Former Jetstar pilot Greg Lynn was found guilty of murdering Carol Clay during a campsite dispute in Victoria's High Country in 2020. The fight, which was not witnessed by anyone else, also resulted in the death of Ms Clay's companion, Russell Hill. Lynn continues to maintain his innocence, arguing that he was not to blame for either death and is appealing the jury's decision that he murdered Ms Clay. Erin Patterson, then Erin Scutter, was employed by Airservices Australia as an air traffic controller from February 12, 2001 to November 28, 2002. She was charged with murder in 2023. The ABC sought documents from Airservices Australia that covered any reviews or reports on the psychometric testing regime in the four years to May 2025. Psychometric tests measure individual's mental capabilities and behavioural style, and are used by government departments and private companies to assess candidates and employees. The tests may be used to assess suitability for roles, suggesting how someone would cope in jobs that involve stressful or demanding tasks. In addition, Airservices was requested to check for any meetings about psychometric testing that including a senior management member in the same time period. Its response to both queries was that nothing was found, despite liaising with its people and culture department, who manage the providers of Airservices' psychometric testing. "P&C confirmed they do not hold any relevant documents, and neither were they aware of any review or report in this regard." Asked for further information, Airservices Australia declined to comment beyond confirming the dates of Erin Patterson's employment. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has been asked repeatedly about its testing since Greg Lynn was charged with murder. The FOI documents revealed that in March 2022, a journalist from The Australian asked how Greg Lynn passed a medical exam months after the High Country deaths. The extensive response discussed the assessment process for people to hold "aviation medical certificates" including mental health checks. "Aviation medical examiners, community consulting medical practitioners and the CASA Medical Officers together apply their extensive clinical and aviation medical experience to work with the person holding the certificate, to ensure their mental health is not an issue for their aviation activities," CASA said. "Personality and behaviour issues are not the same as issues with mental health or the presence of mental illness, although they can be linked. "Although violent offenders may be more likely to have a mental health disorder than people who do not commit violent acts, it is important to be clear that people with mental illness are not destined to become violent offenders, and most violent offenders do not have a mental illness." Psychometric testing is used to measure intellectual aptitude and personality traits, rather than as a method to diagnose a mental health condition. CASA also has a system in place for the reporting of "unsafe behaviours" such as excessive drinking, which are "reviewed and investigated as appropriate". Contacted about the assessment and any changes since that time, a CASA spokesperson said the agency "thoroughly assesses the health of every commercial airline pilot and air traffic controller". "Further psychometric testing may be used in specific situations where necessary, such as where a head injury or mild cognitive impairment is involved," the spokesperson said. "CASA works closely with community medical practitioners and aviation employers to identify and address current, and the risk of future, health issues." The trial of Greg Lynn over the deaths of Carol Clay and Russell Hill in the remote Wonnangatta Valley may have transfixed the nation, but it didn't appear to cause discussion at Airservices Australia. In a three-year period covering his arrest and eventual conviction, "Greg Lynn was not the subject of discussion, correspondence, meetings etc", a spokesperson said. While the name "Greg Lynn" appeared in the results captured by routine media summary emails that collate articles from news media websites, which are then circulated to Airservices personnel for interest, an FOI request returned no responses. A separate request for documents relating to Erin Patterson was declined, on the grounds the documents were exempt due to "affecting enforcement of law", concerned "Commonwealth-State relations" and could impact the "personal privacy" of Patterson and others. In declining the documents, Airservices Australia said it had consulted with officers of the Victorian government, but that the "ongoing matter currently before the courts" meant any release of the material "could reasonably be expected to prejudice the conduct of the investigation". "I consider that disclosure of the documents would prejudice the current investigations on foot. I consider it likely that the documents and the parties involved, will be subject to scrutiny over matters which have not been thoroughly investigated by the appropriate law enforcement agency," it said. In refusing the release, the decision maker said if the documents were made public, it was likely that "the relevant parties would be discouraged from actively participating in the current investigation" and this could prejudice the current investigation. The Freedom of Information (FOI) process — also called Right To Information (RTI) in some jurisdictions — aims to give people access to information created by government agencies and departments. The vast majority of requests are from people seeking their own records or details of their interactions with a department. Federally the department that fields the most requests is Home Affairs (which manages visas) and Services Australia (which manages Centrelink). In states and territories, most applications tend to be to agencies that deal with the public, such as the police and hospitals. Journalists, researchers, think-tanks and politicians also use the process to examine government decision making and outcomes. Search "FOI" on the website of the department or agency you are seeking information from. Charges may apply.


Car and Driver
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview No matter what kind of work or play you have in mind, the half-ton Chevy Silverado 1500 can handle it. Engine options include a turbocharged four-cylinder, a turbo-diesel six, and a pair of gas V-8s, and then there are the usual cab and box configuration choices. The trim lineup spans from the basics up to the High Country's everything-included approach, although the materials and design don't quite match the best of the Ram 1500's lineup or even the fanciest F-150. Other options in the vast Silverado lineup include the off-road-hungry Silverado 1500 ZR2, the Silverado EV, and the Silverado HD, all of which are reviewed separately. What's New for 2026? There are just a handful of changes to the Silverado for this year. The previous Realtree Special Edition becomes the dealer-installed Realtree Appearance Package, and availability of the hunting brand tie-in expands to more configurations. There are some changes to the color palette, too: Iridescent Pearl Tricoat and Slate Gray Metallic make way for White Sands and Polar White Tricoat. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is expected to start around $38,000 and go up to $65,000 depending on the trim and options. Work Truck $38,000 (est) Custom $45,000 (est) LT $49,000 (est) RST $53,000 (est) Custom Trail Boss $53,000 (est) LT Trail Boss $60,000 (est) LTZ $60,000 (est) High Country $65,000 (est) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k $80k $90k $100k While the base-level Work Truck and Custom trims are well-suited for tradespeople and folks on a tighter budget, the LT model is where the fancier interior comes into play; we think it's the one to get. We'd also configure our Silverado with the crew cab and standard-length bed for maximum cargo and passenger space. We'd choose the 5.3-liter V-8 over the optional diesel engine because it's cheaper and quicker. Unlike the standard turbo-four, the V-8 also lets us select the Z71 Off-Road package with a host of upgraded hardware that makes playing in the dirt and mud easier and more fun. Engine, Transmission, and Performance A range of engines—including a turbocharged four-cylinder, a pair of V-8s, and a Duramax diesel 3.0-liter inline-six—means there's a Silverado 1500 powertrain for any job or adventure. The 6.2-liter V-8 makes 420 horsepower while the smaller 5.3-liter makes 355 horsepower. The turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder makes 310 horsepower, and the diesel makes 277. Every version of the Silverado we've driven felt smaller than its size suggests. The truck's handling is surprisingly agile, and the brake pedal provides firm and reassuring feedback. Those looking for a more rugged half-ton Silverado will appreciate the Trail Boss models. They feature a 2.0-inch lift, gnarly tires, and other upgrades that make taking the path less traveled easier and more entertaining. The ZR2 is the most serious off-roader, and we review it separately. 0–60-MPH Times With the larger 6.2-liter V-8, the Silverado High Country we tested hit 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds. For comparison, the smaller 355-hp 5.3-liter needed 6.1 seconds. The diesel-powered Silverado we tested had the slowest acceleration of the bunch, but we were impressed by the engine's smooth and quiet operation. View Photos Chevrolet Towing and Payload Capacity With a max towing capacity of 13,300 pounds, the half-ton Silverado is a seriously capable hauler. It beats the Ram 1500's max-tow rating by 550 pounds but trails the F-150's by 700. Chevy's top tow rating is accessible with the 6.2-liter V-8, but the 5.3-liter version can still handle as much as 11,500 pounds. Models with the turbocharged four-cylinder can tow up to 9,500 pounds. The Chevy pickup's powertrains matter less when it comes to payload, which ranges from 1,870 to 2,280 pounds. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Silverado 1500 yet, but the 2025 model earned combined ratings ranging from a high of 26 mpg with the diesel and rear-wheel drive down to 15 mpg for models equipped with four-wheel drive, the 6.2-liter V-8, and chunky off-road tires. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, we saw 26 mpg with the four-wheel-drive diesel, 21 mpg with the 5.3-liter, 19 mpg with the 6.2-liter, and just 18 mpg with a four-wheel-drive turbo four. For more information about the Silverado 1500's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo From the stripped-down Work Truck model to the decked-out High Country, the Silverado can be configured in a multitude of ways. Base models offer nothing but the essentials, including manually adjustable front seats, manual locks and windows, and vinyl seats. However, starting on the LT trim, the cabin is significantly snazzier thanks to a more handsome dashboard design with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a huge center touchscreen. The High Country's interior looks particularly pretty with its leather upholstery and open-pore wood trim. While the crew cab has an enormous rear seat with generous headroom, we found the cushions back there to be uncomfortable. Still, this is a practical hauler, featuring clever storage cubbies spread throughout the cabin. While the Chevy lacks the carbon-fiber-reinforced cargo bed that's offered on the half-ton Sierra, it's now available with a similar multifunction tailgate, dubbed Multi-Flex. Plus, the Chevy's range of different bed lengths will undoubtedly satisfy traditionalists. View Photos Chevrolet Infotainment and Connectivity Every Silverado 1500 is equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a mobile hotspot. The physical knobs and buttons make interacting with the system painless, and we appreciated the screen's prompt responses to our touch inputs. The LT trim and up has a horizontal 13.4-inch touchscreen with enhanced features such as a Google-powered voice assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available Amazon Alexa integration. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Every Silverado comes with an impressive list of standard driver-assistance technology, and it can be fitted with a host of towing assists that make pulling and hooking up a trailer easier. The top-tier High Country can even be equipped with Super Cruise, GM's hands-free-driving technology that Chevy says even works while pulling a trailer. For more information about the Silverado's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Chevy covers the half-ton Silverado with a competitive warranty that includes one complimentary scheduled maintenance visit. That's not as good as the Toyota Tundra, which one-ups Chevy with two years or 25,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. Otherwise, Toyota's coverage is identical to Chevrolet's. Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit Specifications Specifications 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST 4WD Crew Cab 6.2L* Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup PRICE Base/As Tested: $52,735/$60,180 ENGINE pushrod 16-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection Displacement: 376 in3, 6162 cm3 Power: 420 hp @ 5600 rpm Torque: 460 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm TRANSMISSION 10-speed automatic CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: control arms/live axle Brakes, F/R: 13.0-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc Tires: General Grabber HTS 60 275/60R-20 115S M+S TPC Spec 3111 MS DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 147.4 in Length: 231.7 in Width: 81.2 in Height: 75.5 in Passenger Volume: 139 ft3 Curb Weight: 5421 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 5.4 sec 100 mph: 14.0 sec 1/4-Mile: 14.0 sec @ 100 mph Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.9 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.0 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.8 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 112 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 196 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.74 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 14 mpg EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 18/16/21 mpg C/D TESTING EXPLAINED * Test results and specs apply to current model year. 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Duramax* VEHICLE TYPE front-engine, rear-/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup PRICE AS TESTED $62,515 (base price: $53,090) ENGINE TYPE turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection Displacement 183 cu in, 2993 cc Power 277 hp @ 3750 rpm Torque 460 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm TRANSMISSION 10-speed automatic CHASSIS Suspension (F/R): control arms/live axle Brakes (F/R): 13.6-in vented disc/14.2-in vented disc Tires: Goodyear Wrangler Trailrunner AT, 275/60R-20 115S M+S TPC Spec 2369 DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 157.0 in Length: 241.3 in Width: 81.2 in Height: 75.4 in Passenger volume: 139 cu ft Curb weight: 5653 lb C/D TEST RESULTS Rollout, 1 ft: 0.3 sec 60 mph: 7.1 sec 100 mph: 21.5 sec Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 8.2 sec Top gear, 30–50 mph: 4.2 sec Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.2 sec ¼-mile: 15.5 sec @ 88 mph Top speed (governor limited): 114 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 181 ft Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.77 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 23 mpg 75-mph highway driving: 26 mpg Highway range: 570 miles EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/city/highway: 25/23/29 mpg More Features and Specs