Latest news with #MichaelUsher
Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Science
- Daily Mirror
Cave dubbed 'world's most breathtaking secret' could kill you within minutes
The Cave of the Crystals is one of the most stunning geological wonders at the centre of the Earth – but it's not a place you would want to stay for long because death would find you within minutes A remarkable geological marvel located at the heart of our planet has been dubbed the "best kept and most breathtaking secret on the planet" - but visiting it would be a deadly risk. The hostile underground cavern, known as the Cave of the Crystals, is situated in Chihuahua, Mexico. Broadcaster Michael Usher, who negotiated for two years to gain access, described it as "mother nature's Sistine Chapel" that is "almost something from out of space". The cave, filled with spectacular crystals weighing up to 55 tonnes and reaching 11 metres in height, lies 300 metres beneath a lead mine in the town of Naica. The crystal-filled chamber was only discovered in 2000 when miners stumbled upon it during drilling operations. The cave, shaped like a horseshoe, extends for 110 metres. Despite its mesmerising interior, lingering there too long could prove fatal. Recently, 60 Minutes Australia reissued a video showing their reporter being granted rare access, where he stated: "The furnace-like heat and soaring humidity can kill you in minutes. But when you see what I saw - you will see why it was worth every suffocating gasp for breath." Humans are not designed to survive in 58Cheat coupled with stifling humidity. Before Michael descended into the cave, an accompanying doctor warned: "This is going to be the harshest environment that you and I are ever going to come across in our life. So I am excited but a little anxious." The crystals were described as "the most spectacular anywhere in the word" with Michael saying he was "literally blown away" by the beauty of it. Also present was British geologist Dougal Jerram who marvelled at what he was seeing, saying it was the stuff of make believe while comparing it to something you would see in a Walt Disney production. However, despite the scenery, the trio were soon sweating profusely, comparing the feeling to like running a marathon. The humidity is at a perilous 90% and people aren't allowed to stay more than 10 minutes, even with specially-designed cooling suits. The doctor said they were essentially being cooked from the inside and the geologist added: "It is a remarkable place but it is so overpowering in terms of its attack on you in the environment. You are in this kind of constant battle of being overpowered physically, mentally and psychologically in every way." Struggling for breath, they soon left the cave, and were left to reflect on what they witnessed. The crystal cave they explored was first formed some 26 million years ago when magma rose from the reservoir, which, according to Live Science, pushed mineral-rich waters up through cracks in the rock. This opened up caverns in the limestone before the deposits were crystalised over thousands of years. Following his visit to the "enormous" natural wonder, roughly the size of a football pitch, geologist Dougal was left in awe, stating: "Oh, this is truly one of the most... if we were to list seven geological wonders of the world, this is definitely one of them." Due to its perilous nature, scientists are required to obtain a special permit to explore the Cave of the Crystals, and it remains strictly off-limits to tourists.
Daily Mail
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Dancing With The Stars viewers absolutely stunned as Michael Usher reveals incredible talent and emerges as favourite to win: 'He can dance?!'
Micheal Usher has emerged as a surprise favourite after Sunday night's premiere episode of Dancing With The Stars. The Channel Seven new anchor, 55, proved he has as much skill on the dance floor as he has behind the news desk as he scored big on his first round. He stunned the judges and viewers alike as he soaring to the top of the leaderboard with 27 points for his foxtrot with his dance partner Natalie Lowe. The panel was unanimous in its praise, highlighting Michael's musicality, footwork, and undeniable charisma. Fans tuning in at home were amazed to see Micheal's twinkle toes in action. 'Michael Usher! Very nice for a first performance!' wrote one person on X while another said, 'BREAKING NEWS Michael Usher can dance?' 'Musher!! I'm shook! That was genuinely smooth as silk' commented someone else on Instagram with another writing, 'Still not over this!!!' 'Absolutely the best so far. Well done for getting out of your comfort zone' wrote another. 'Wow Mr Michael Usher that was one incredible dance and to top the leaderboard on the first day is remarkable you should be very proud' yet one more commented. It was a dazzling night of celebrities and sequins as Dancing With The Stars returned to Channel 7 and 7plus, with hosts Sonia Kruger and Dr Chris Brown ushering in a fresh season of glitz, glamour and fierce competition. After introducing the 12 celebrities competing for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy, the hosts split them into two groups – each set to hit the dance floor on alternate weeks – with six couples showcasing their moves in tonight's premiere episode. AFL Champion Trent Cotchin and partner Jess Raffa opened the night with an assertive tango, earning a score of 21. While judge Sharna Burgess praised it as a great start, Craig Revel Horwood thought it 'lacked any form of passion'. Brittany Hockley, podcaster and radio host, performed a cha-cha-cha with Craig Monley, also scoring 21. The judges acknowledged her nerves but saw clear potential, with Mark Wilson calling her 'vivacious', while Craig likened her to 'a drunk girl lost at a party'. Olympic boxer Harry Garside and partner Siobhan Power delivered a dynamic jive, complete with impressive lifts that had judge Mark on his feet demanding an encore. Despite a score of 21, opinions were split as Sharna saw promise but wanted more 'refinement', Craig described the performance as 'messy', while Helen Richey declared Harry might be 'the heavyweight in this competition'. Susie O'Neill aka Madame Butterfly and Lyu Masuda took on the tango, scoring the night's lowest with 13. While the performance was shaky, the judges admired her courage and noticeable improvement from rehearsals to stage. Closing the show, Australia's sweetheart Rebecca Gibney and partner Ian Waite delivered a cheeky cha-cha-cha, earning the second-highest score of 24. While technically flawed, the performance charmed the judges. 'So wrong, it was right,' said Mark. Even Craig admitted it was 'technically rubbish' but added that he loved it.
West Australian
24-05-2025
- West Australian
Love Mules: 7NEWS Spotlight investigates devastating crime wave targeting innocent Aussie grandmothers
A global investigation has uncovered the devastating crime wave targeting and manipulating innocent Australian grandmothers into international drug mules. The bombshell revelations are uncovered on 7NEWS Spotlight as journalists Michael Usher, Mylee Hogan and Denham Hitchcock go undercover in Brazil, Japan and Hong Kong to expose the cruel deception of online romance scammers. It comes just days after a Brazilian judge cleared Veronica Watson, 59, of drug smuggling after she was found with 1.5kg of cocaine leaving Sao Paulo Airport last December. The Queensland grandmother has always maintained her innocence and says she was scammed by a man posing as a love interest. 'I trusted him. He said he loved me,' she told Spotlight. 'I thought we were going to get married.' In December, Perth grandmother Donna Nelson was sentenced to six years behind bars after smuggling 2kg of meth in a suitcase into Japan's Narita Airport in 2023. The 59-year-old said she received the suitcase from a man she met on social media in 2020, and brought it from Laos to Tokyo as instructed. The judges acknowledged Nelson was a victim of an online romance scam, but said she should been suspicious enough to not carry his suitcase. Nelson's lawyer, Rie Nishida, said the verdict was a 'very unreasonable decision'. 'We need to talk with Donna but we will fight until the end, until she gets freedom,' she told reporters outside court last year. 'She's devastated but she's a strong woman so we will discuss and prepare for the next fight.' Nelson's family have since confirmed they will be appealing the verdict. 'These online relationships were real, in both cases they went on for two and a half years (with) messages and video calls,' Hitchcock said. 'This is a new type of scam, insidious, evil and cruel. 'We're not just telling these women's stories; we're attempting to track down the people who destroyed their lives and show how it can happen to anyone.' Love Mules airs on 7NEWS Spotlight on Sunday at 8pm on Seven and 7Plus.
7NEWS
23-04-2025
- Politics
- 7NEWS
7NEWS to deliver most comprehensive coverage of the Federal Election: Natalie Barr and Michael Usher to host alongside Hugh Whitfeld and Mark Riley
The country's most comprehensive election coverage is on the Seven Network, as 7NEWS assembles Australia's best election team and political panel, backed by cutting-edge technology, to call the election first. 7NEWS: Australia Decides – The Results Live will be led by co-hosts Michael Usher and Natalie Barr, alongside veteran 7NEWS Political Editor Mark Riley, who brings over three decades of experience across 11 Federal Elections. Live from 7NEWS Election Central will be some of Canberra's most high-profile power players, including Bill Shorten, Tanya Plibersek, Jane Hume, Michaelia Cash, Clare O'Neil Warren Mundine and Clive Palmer, offering diverse perspectives and robust analysis. Comprehensive coverage Seven's election broadcast kicks off first at 4:00pm AEST Saturday, May 3, on Seven and 7plus, with a special national edition of 7NEWS. From 5pm AEST, join Monique Wright and David Woiwod for a lighter look at election day with 7NEWS: Australia Decides — Election 2025 crossing live to key battlegrounds, and to pick apart the campaign that was, flanked by some of the country's brightest political minds. Watch 7NEWS live at 6pm for all early seat calls and key updates from 7NEWS National Desk Director Hugh Whitfeld at the 7NEWS Power Board, as well as the rest of the day's news, sport and weather. At 7pm AEST, Michael Usher and Natalie Barr host the main event, 7NEWS: Australia Decides — The Results Live, from 7NEWS Election Central. Seven's unbeatable election team will be live right through the night, with real-time analysis and seat-by-seat breakdowns, crossing to the electorates and people that matter, until the race is called. Calling it first In an Australian-first, 7NEWS will provide up-to-the-minute results and unparalleled insights using the 7NEWS Power Board, backed exclusively by the same technology used by CNN. Hugh Whitfeld, alongside esteemed political scientists Simon Jackman and Luke Mansillo, will use this new technology to break down votes faster and more clearly than anyone else, providing Australians with unparalleled booth-by-booth analysis. As seats are called, the 7NEWS Election Needle will move in real time to determine who is most likely to form government at any given moment, based on expert analysis and data from a team of more than a dozen journalists, statisticians, political scientists and researchers. On election night, Australia's election engine room will be at 7NEWS Election Central. A brand-new situation room will house the country's top number crunchers, pollsters and spinners, alongside 7NEWS presenter Tim McMillan — providing exclusive insight into how each camp is thinking and feeling. 7NEWS will have every battleground seat covered on election night, with live breaking updates from reporters inside campaign HQs and from the electorates that matter, across every state. Unbeatable online For the most informed analysis, up-to-the second data and live updates from where the action is, stay on The West and The Nightly, on election night. Thanks to new technology from US data firm InterKnowlogy, readers will have exclusive access to interactive electorate maps, seat counts and the 7NEWS Election Needle. The exclusive data will be informed by some of the country's most respected political journalists, providing breaking updates first, detailing election night ins and outs, as they happen. Get involved on 7NEWS ' Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube pages for immediate breaking updates, and behind-the-scenes analysis from inside the 7NEWS situation room. 7NEWS — Australia's #1 news service — has assembled the biggest election team in Australia to deliver the most comprehensive and advanced coverage of the Federal Election, putting viewers well ahead of the rest, across Seven, 7plus, and social platforms. 7NEWS: Australia Decides — Election 2025, LIVE from 4pm AEST, Saturday, May 3 Local broadcast times on Seven and 7plus: Saturday, 3 May New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania 4.00pm – 5.00pm 7NEWS Election Day *Live* 5.00pm – 6.00pm 7NEWS: Australia Decides – Election 2025 *Live* 6.00pm – 7.00pm 7NEWS *Live* 7.00pm – Late 7NEWS: Australia Decides: The Results *Live* Saturday, 3 May South Australia, Northern Territory 4.00pm – 5.00pm 7NEWS Election Day 5.00pm – 6.00pm 7NEWS: Australia Decides – Election 2025 6.00pm – 7.00pm 7NEWS *Live* 7.00pm – Late 7NEWS: Australia Decides: The Results *Live* Saturday, 3 May Western Australia 3.00pm – 4.00pm 7NEWS: Election Day 4.00pm – 5.00pm 7NEWS: Australia Decides – Election 2025 5.00pm – 6.00pm 6.00pm – 7.00pm 7NEWS *Live*
