After delay, Trump signs agreement with Biden White House to begin formal transition handoff
Vikings escape with 30-27 win over Bears in overtime thriller4 takeaways from Colorado’s newest outdoor recreation report
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Uttar Pradesh Assembly Bypolls: BJP win shows it succeeded in getting OBC and SC voters back into its foldKirill Kaprizov misses Texas trip, listed as day-to-dayCalifornia to consider requiring mental health warnings on social media sitesAs snow blankets the Colorado mountains, outdoor enthusiasts have a unique opportunity: the winter hut trip. Whether you’re a skier or a snowshoer, a hut trip offers an excellent opportunity to connect with nature while exploring the rugged beauty of the state’s wilderness and enjoying the warmth and camaraderie of a cozy mountain hut. From the towering peaks of the San Juan Mountains to the snow-covered trails in Summit County, Colorado’s winter hut trips provide an unforgettable experience for adventurers of all levels. Huts fill up fast, so check each property’s for pricing and availability. Opus Hut Located between Telluride and Silverton near the top of Ophir Pass in the San Juan Mountains, the Opus Hut was built for backcountry skiers, mountaineers, hikers and mountain bikers. At 11,700 feet, the hut sits at treeline with low-angle glades below and open slopes above. While intermediate powder skiing is available out the back door of the hut, owner Travis Mohrman said the terrain is best suited for experienced backcountry skiers. Mohrman estimates that 15% to 20% of the groups visiting Opus Hut do so with guides. “They’re not personally comfortable with the terrain or they’re not from the area,” Mohrman said. “They guides are knowledgeable about local conditions — what the snow is, what’s safe and what’s not safe.” The cabin accommodates up to 20 people in five rooms. Some visitors book the whole hut and bring friends and family, while others reserve available beds in unbooked rooms. The hut features solar-powered lighting and 110-volt outlets for charging electronic devices. It also has filtered drinking water, hot and cold tap water, and indoor composting toilets. It provides full bedding and clean sleeping bag liners. During winter, the hut has four to six employees who sleep in a separate cabin. They prepare meals with natural, organic, and, when possible, locally grown products. The hut accommodates vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets–just be sure to inform the staff beforehand. It also offers beer, wine, and a limited selection of spirits for purchase. “You can travel much lighter if you don’t have to bring in your food,” said Mohrman, who took over the hut three years ago. “You don’t have to focus on the upkeep of being in the backcountry.” Reservations for Opus Hut open Aug. 1. “The winter fills up quick,” Mohrman said. “Every winter weekend books in the first five minutes.” Campfire Ranch Nestled at 11,200 feet in the San Juan National Forest, Campfire Ranch Red Mountain Pass is the perfect base for exploring world-class skiing, split boarding, snowshoeing, and ice climbing. Located between Silverton and Ouray, it’s is accessible during the winter via a half-mile backcountry over-snow approach. Campfire Ranch is an ideal choice for novices. While other Colorado hut systems require you to carry your own food, bring sleeping bags, and live off-grid, this one provides food service, solar-powered electricity, Wi-Fi, and bedding. The dog-friendly cabin accommodates eight people. “We took a hospitality approach to remove barriers to entry for people who want to have the experience but don’t have the gear or the knowledge,” said Katrin Meiusi, director of marketing for the properties. Campfire Ranch first opened a campground on the Taylor River in Almont near Crested Butte. RVs are not permitted at the campground, which is open from May to October. Amenities include unlimited firewood, clean bathrooms, and drinkable well water. 10th Mountain Division Huts The 38 backcountry huts managed by the non-profit 10th Mountain Division Hut Association are connected by 350 miles of trails among some of the tallest peaks in the lower 48 states. All huts, some of which accommodate up to 17 people, have kitchens with propane burners for cooking — propane is provided. They provide pots, pans, potholders, dishware, cooking and eating utensils, a percolator or French press for coffee, salt and pepper, paper towels, dish soap, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies and trash bags. Some huts have ovens and propane grills. All huts provide lighting from on-site solar power, propane or a generator. A few huts also have outlets for charging small devices such as phones. The huts have either an outhouse or an indoor bathroom with toilet paper supplied. All huts include mattresses and pillows, but you must bring your sleeping bag and pillowcase. Summit Huts Summit Hut Association operates five backcountry huts open for winter from November to May. Francie’s and Janet’s cabins are also open for summer use from July to September. All huts have solar-powered lights, fully stocked kitchens, and wood-burning stoves. Francie’s, Janet’s, and Sisters’ cabins have saunas and indoor toilets. The association hosts its annual Backcountry Ball fundraiser in October at The Maggie on Peak to kick off the season. The event includes dinner, drinks, a silent auction and entertainment. Proceeds help maintain the network of backcountry cabins.
After delay, Trump signs agreement with Biden White House to begin formal transition handoff
NoneWWE Smackdown saw an uptick in the ratings and viewership from the previous week. Friday’s episode brought in a 0.44 rating in the 18 – 49 demographic and 1.494 million viewers per Wrestlenomics . Those numbers were up 10.0% and 11.4% respectively from the previous week’s 0.40 demo rating and audience of 1.341 million. Both metric were still down from two weeks ago, when the show did a 0.46 demo rating and 1.578 million viewers. Much like Rampage , Smackdown was up against the UNLV vs. Boise State game on FOX (0.70 demo rating, 3.005 million viewers) and the AAC Championship game on ABC (0.28/1.991 million), as well as an NBA game between the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics on ESPN (0.31 demo rating/1.279 million). Smackdown is averaging a 0.586 demo rating and 2.068 million viewers in 2024 to date, compared to a 0.593 demo rating and 2.237 million for the same point in 2023.
New California Sen. Adam Schiff wants to be more than a Trump antagonistHighs and lows of 2024 Like every year, 2024 brought along challenges and opportunities A vendor holds a Pakistani flag as he waits for customers beside his stall alongside a street in Islamabad. — AFP/File The Gregorian calendar is not the most ideal litmus test of progress. However, it does provide a meaningful scale to analyse the highs and lows of a state’s journey. As we wrap up 2024, we need to look back and reflect on the events that have shaped the passing year. Like every year, 2024 brought along challenges and opportunities. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); On the economic front, the concluding months of 2023 showed improvements in overall economic indicators. This trend continued in 2024. Inflation figures witnessed a relative decline, dropping to 4.9 per cent, signalling a slight relief after grappling with towering statistics last year. The Pakistani rupee has also remained stable against the US dollar, leading to consumer confidence in the market. Fiscal surplus for the first time in 24 years also marked a milestone. Similarly, in April, the inflow of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) increased by 172 per cent on a year-on-year basis – the highest monthly FDI inflow in 51 months. In the defence, aerospace and technology realms, there were noteworthy advancements. The early part of the year witnessed the induction of the J-10C series, accompanied by indications of potential acquisitions of J-31 and J-35 aircraft. Pakistan achieved a milestone in space exploration by launching its first lunar satellite, i-Cube-Qamar, and the multi-mission communication satellite, PakSAT-MM1, in collaboration with China. Moreover, Pakistan also emerged as the ‘Tech Destination of the Year’ at GITEX Global 2024, Dubai, highlighting its advancements in digital services and innovation. This year’s International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) showcased its advancements in land, sea, and air defence equipment, highlighting the country’s self-sufficiency in various defence sectors. On the diplomatic front, Pakistan hosted the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in October, a diplomatic success for the state. Earlier this year, border tensions with Iran made headlines but thankfully eased over time. The de-escalation paved the way for the Iranian president’s visit in April, marking a positive step forward in bilateral relations. In the sports arena, 2024 brought notable moments of celebration. Arshad Nadeem secured Pakistan’s first-ever individual gold medal in the 2024 Summer Olympics, setting a new record of 92.97 metres in the javelin throw. In cricket, Pakistan secured a historic win in the test series against England after nine years and in the One-Day International series against Australia after 22 years. What’s more, our blind cricket team emerged victorious at the Blind T20 Cricket World Cup beating Bangladesh in the finals. The year brought plenty of achievements for the country, but some issues still linger. The political landscape continues to face challenges. Likewise, on the security front, the number of terrorist attacks saw a massive surge, becoming a critical national security threat. The majority of the attacks were concentrated in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, regions that remain hotspots for insurgency. Despite ongoing counterterrorism efforts, the numbers remain alarmingly high. According to a report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), by November, the country experienced 785 terrorist attacks, resulting in 951 deaths and 966 injuries. Notably, November was the deadliest month, with 68 security personnel embracing martyrdom. The country also encountered several environmental catastrophes due to climate change. In the initial months, a severe flood led to the loss of 35 lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and extensive damage to infrastructure in Balochistan. With summer came the heatwave, which impacted Sindh, leading to more than 500 deaths – with 141 deaths on June 25 alone. While floods and heatwaves had a profound impact, winter came with its own difficulties. Smog impacted several parts of the country, disrupting daily life and becoming a critical health hazard with the Air Quality Index crossing 1000 and 2000 multiple times. This year brought moments of triumph but was a test for us in many ways. As the saying goes, ‘Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong’. If nothing else, it is a reminder to stay ahead of the curve - anticipate risks, learn from setbacks and focus on what truly matters. Pareto’s Principle teaches us that a small fraction of causes often drive the majority of outcomes. For Pakistan, identifying these critical factors behind our struggles is key. By honing in on these, we can make smarter decisions and set meaningful priorities for 2025, moving from merely reacting to shaping our future. In 2025, Pakistan must focus on steady progress in the areas that matter most. Tackling terrorism, in particular, calls for fresh thinking with full technology-embedded solutions that not only address the immediate threats but also dig deep into the root causes of extremism. Innovation and adaptability will also be key to overcoming this persistent challenge. Amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, Pakistan must take a proactive stance on the political, economic and diplomatic fronts in 2025, ensuring it remains engaged with key partners and forums in an ever-evolving global landscape. The pace of technological developments and breakthroughs around the world should also serve as a motivation for the state to accelerate advancements in AI, quantum computing, and cyber security. The impact of climate change too is already evident, making it crucial for Pakistan to embrace sustainable, environment-friendly solutions in 2025. Equally important is tapping into the immense talent and potential within the country. Achieving this will require a combined top-down and bottom-up effort to ensure meaningful and lasting results. As we gear up for the New Year, it is time to show gratitude for the blessings this year bestowed upon us – individually and collectively. In parallel, we must remain steadfast against potential challenges that we are confronted with, drawing inspiration from the Quranic verse: ‘So verily, with the hardship, there is relief. Verily, with the hardship, there is relief.’ (94:5-6) The writer is a researcher at the Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS), Islamabad. She can be reached at: cass.thinkers@gmail.com