featured News Trending

Vienna Airport Extends Flight Suspension Amid Heavy Snow

By 112 0

Vienna International Airport (Vienna International Airport) has extended its suspension of flights due to heavy snowfall until 1100 GMT, with officials warning that delays could continue beyond that time. The airport cited icy conditions on the tarmac as the main reason for the disruption, affecting both arrivals and departures.

So far, of the approximately 232 flights scheduled into and out of Vienna before midday, 150 have been cancelled. Airport authorities noted that take-offs are expected to gradually resume around midday, while landings may only begin by 1300 GMT. Passengers are being urged to check the status of their flights and plan for extended waiting times.

The ongoing snowstorm has prompted airport crews to deploy snowplows and de-icing operations to clear runways and taxiways. Authorities emphasized that safety remains the top priority and that additional delays or cancellations may occur depending on weather conditions throughout the day.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Austrian Climber on Trial Over Girlfriend’s Death on Grossglockner

By 91 0

A 33-year-old woman died of hypothermia on Austria’s highest peak, Grossglockner, during a January 2025 climbing trip, and her boyfriend, identified as Thomas P, now faces trial for gross negligent manslaughter. Prosecutors allege he left the woman unprotected and exhausted near the summit in stormy winter conditions while he went to get help. The case raises questions about the boundary between personal risk-taking and criminal liability in high-altitude mountaineering.

Authorities say the climber, as the more experienced partner, failed to properly prepare and guide the expedition. Alleged mistakes include starting late, bringing inadequate equipment, and ignoring signs of extreme exhaustion and dangerous weather. His lawyer, Kurt Jelinek, claims the couple was experienced, well-equipped, and that her death was a tragic accident. Webcam footage captured the boyfriend descending alone with a torch while the woman remained on the mountainside.

The trial could set a precedent for accountability in alpine sports, as the man faces up to three years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors argue his inaction and delayed notification to rescue services contributed to her death, while the defense emphasizes the unforeseeable and sudden nature of the emergency. The case has prompted debate within mountaineering communities on the responsibilities climbers have toward their partners.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Runaway Austrian Nuns Allowed to Stay in Convent—But Only if They Quit Social Media

By 276 0

Three elderly Austrian nuns who left a Catholic care home and returned to their former Alpine convent have been told they may stay—but only if they give up social media. Sisters Bernadette (88), Regina (86), and Rita (82) had been removed from the Kloster Goldenstein convent in 2023, a move they say was against their will. After returning in September with the help of former students and a locksmith, the nuns rejected the Church’s initial terms, calling them a “gagging contract”.

The nuns have gained global attention after supporters began posting videos of their daily routines—from prayer sessions to Sister Rita’s exercise workouts—amassing nearly 100,000 Instagram followers. Their online popularity angered Church authorities, who now say the sisters may remain at the convent only if they stop posting online and restrict access to the private parts of the monastery. In exchange, the Church will continue providing medical and spiritual support.

In a statement, the nuns said they were open to discussion but insisted that giving up social media would deprive them of their “only protection” and lacked legal basis. The three have spent decades at Schloss Goldenstein, which served as a convent and school since 1877. Despite their community being formally dissolved in 2024, the sisters remain determined to stay in the place they have called home for most of their lives.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Taylor Swift’s Vienna Concerts Canceled Amid Security Threat

By 527 0

Three upcoming Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna have been canceled due to a potential security threat. The shows, part of Swift’s Eras tour, were scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Ernst Happel Stadium.

On Wednesday, authorities arrested two individuals suspected of planning Islamist attacks on large events in the Vienna area. In a statement, the organizers explained, “Due to confirmation from government officials regarding a planned terrorist attack at the Ernst Happel Stadium, we have no choice but to cancel the three planned shows for everyone’s safety.” They also noted that all ticket holders would receive automatic refunds within the next 10 working days.

Austria’s General Director for Public Security, Franz Ruf, reported that a 19-year-old Austrian citizen was arrested in Ternitz, Lower Austria, and another arrest occurred in Vienna later that day, although details about the second suspect were not provided. Ruf mentioned that the suspects appeared to have become radicalized online, with the 19-year-old pledging allegiance to the so-called Islamic State in early July. A significant police operation took place in Ternitz, leading to the evacuation of nearby homes and the search of the suspect’s residence, where chemical substances were discovered and are currently being analyzed.

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer expressed that the cancellations would be a “bitter disappointment for all fans,” but emphasized the seriousness of the situation. He praised the collaborative efforts of local police and foreign security agencies for recognizing and addressing the threat early, thus preventing a potential tragedy.

Vienna police chief Gerhard Pürstl stated that approximately 65,000 attendees were expected each day, with an additional 22,000 fans anticipated outside the venue. Investigations are ongoing.

Molly Surette, a fan from Leeds, UK, was excited to attend Saturday’s show with friends after purchasing tickets over a year ago. She had been eagerly preparing friendship bracelets to exchange at the concert when she learned of the cancellations. “There’s been so much buildup to this concert, and I’m devastated to miss it,” she said. “But I’m glad everyone is hopefully going to be safe.”

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Heiress Marlene Engelhorn Distributes Inherited Millions to 77 Organizations

By 621 0

A citizens’ group has decided how to distribute the fortune of Marlene Engelhorn, an Austro-German heiress. Earlier this year, Engelhorn established a panel of 50 individuals to determine how to allocate the millions she inherited from her grandmother. The funds will benefit 77 organizations, including social and climate groups, as well as notable left-wing entities.

Marlene Engelhorn, 32, gained attention in January for announcing her intention to donate €25 million (£21 million), the majority of her inheritance. As a descendant of Friedrich Engelhorn, the founder of the German chemical and pharmaceutical giant BASF, Engelhorn is a vocal proponent of wealth redistribution. She selected a panel, chosen by a pollster to reflect Austrian society, to decide the fate of her inheritance.

From March to June, the group convened over six weekends in Salzburg to devise a plan for the money. They decided it should be distributed to 77 various organizations, charities, and think tanks, addressing issues like environmental protection, education, integration, health, social matters, poverty, homelessness, and affordable housing in Austria. Donations range from €40,000 (£33,400) for climate change data-based reporting to €1.6 million for the Austrian Nature Conservation Federation. A million euros were allocated to the left-wing Momentum Institute and Attac Austria, an opponent of neoliberal economic policies and deregulated financial markets. Religious charities, including projects by the Catholic aid organization Caritas, also received funds. In most cases, the donations will be distributed over several years.

The youngest panel member, 17-year-old student Kyrillos Gadalla from Vienna, expressed that he had “learnt a lot” from the experience. In her statement, Engelhorn emphasized that her inherited wealth, which gave her unearned power, contradicts democratic principles and has now been redistributed according to democratic values.

Engelhorn inherited millions following the death of her grandmother, Traudl Engelhorn-Vechiatto, in September 2022. Traudl’s wealth was estimated by Forbes at $4.2 billion (£3.3 billion; €3.8 billion). Even before her grandmother’s passing, Engelhorn declared her intention to donate a substantial portion of her inheritance. While the exact amount she retains is unknown, she previously stated in 2021 that she planned to give away at least 90% of her wealth, as she had not earned it and merely benefited from a “birth lottery.” Engelhorn has also advocated for the reinstatement of inheritance tax in Austria, which was abolished in 2008, making Austria one of the few European countries without such a tax.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Josef Fritzl: Court approves move to normal prison

By 651 0

A court in Austria has ruled that Josef Fritzl, infamous for imprisoning his daughter for 24 years and fathering seven children with her in a dungeon beneath his home, can be transferred to a regular prison. The court in Krems an der Donau cited Fritzl’s advancing age, progressive dementia, and physical frailty as reasons why he no longer posed a serious danger requiring him to be held in a psychiatric unit within the prison system.

While this decision theoretically opens the possibility of eventual release, the court emphasized that due to Fritzl’s unprecedented criminal history and the severity of his actions, both release and conditional release are highly unlikely for “special preventative reasons.” Fritzl’s lawyer has indicated plans to apply for his release a year after the transfer, but the court’s statement suggests that such a step is improbable.

The Fritzl case, which shocked Austria when it came to light in 2008, involved Fritzl imprisoning his daughter Elisabeth in a cellar in 1984, where he repeatedly raped her and fathered seven children with her. Three of the children were confined in the cellar with Elisabeth, while the others lived upstairs with Fritzl’s unsuspecting wife. The case was discovered when one of the children became seriously ill and had to be taken to the hospital.

Fritzl initially denied the charges of murder and enslavement but later changed his plea after watching his daughter’s videotaped testimony in court. Elisabeth and her children have since been given new identities.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Austrian heiress Marlene Engelhorn announces plan for €25m giveaway

By 1021 0

Marlene Engelhorn, a 31-year-old Austro-German heiress residing in Vienna, is taking a unique approach to wealth redistribution. Inheriting a substantial fortune from her grandmother, Traudl Engelhorn-Vechiatto, who was valued at $4.2 billion, Marlene aims to address the inequality exacerbated by the absence of inheritance tax in Austria since 2008. Motivated by a sense of responsibility, she has initiated the Good Council for Redistribution, inviting 10,000 randomly selected Austrians over 16 to participate in deciding how €25 million of her inheritance should be allocated.

The Good Council for Redistribution seeks to assemble a diverse group of 50 individuals, spanning various age groups, federal states, social classes, and backgrounds. This citizen-led initiative, supported by the Foresight Institute, aims to foster inclusivity and collaborative decision-making. Participants will engage in a series of meetings held in Salzburg from March to June, where they will work with academics and civil society organizations to explore and develop solutions beneficial to society as a whole.

The unique aspect of this initiative lies in its commitment to inclusivity and fairness. The meetings will be barrier-free, offering childcare and interpreters as needed. Participants will receive financial compensation of €1,200 for every weekend they attend, recognizing the value of their contributions. Marlene Engelhorn emphasizes that she is entrusting her assets to the chosen council without holding veto rights, demonstrating a genuine commitment to involving citizens in the decision-making process.

Despite the initiative’s noble intentions, Austria’s stance on inheritance tax remains a contentious issue. The abolished tax, in place for 16 years, has drawn criticism, with the Social Democrats advocating for its reinstatement. However, the conservative People’s Party, currently the senior partner in Austria’s coalition government with the Greens, rejects this proposal, emphasizing their commitment to reducing taxes and increasing citizens’ net income. The future of wealth redistribution in Austria, both through citizen initiatives and potential policy changes, remains a topic of ongoing debate.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Austrian ski gondola crashes in Hochoetz injuring Danish family

By 670 0

At the Hochoetz ski resort in Tyrol, Austria, a cable car accident occurred that left four members of a Danish family seriously injured. The gondola they were in plummeted approximately 10-12m (33-39ft) after a tree fell onto a support cable on Tuesday morning. The challenging rescue operation was hindered by the steep and difficult terrain beneath the gondola, making it hard for emergency workers to reach the scene. Additionally, two other individuals were injured in the incident. Despite the efficient functioning of the rescue chain, the stony area where the gondola crashed posed significant challenges for the rescue operation.

The group inside the gondola comprised a father, his son and daughter, and their uncle. A helicopter winched them from the scene, with one of the family members transported to a hospital in Innsbruck with life-threatening injuries. Two German citizens in another gondola also suffered injuries due to the vibrations caused by the cable, although their conditions were not immediately known. The cable car route, known as Acherkogelbahn, showed no signs of technical faults, and there was no evidence of human error, according to the police.

One puzzling aspect of the incident is the cause of the tree falling onto the support cable. District police commandant Hubert Juen mentioned to the Kurier website that either a tree or branches landed directly on the bracket to which the gondola was attached. Authorities are investigating this aspect to understand the circumstances leading to the tragic accident. Notably, despite dozens of other gondolas being attached to the support cable at the time, none were affected by the crash, adding a layer of complexity to the investigation.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Austrian government launches repair scheme for electronic goods

By 586 0

In Austria, the government has introduced the Repair Bonus voucher scheme to encourage people to repair rather than discard old electrical appliances. The program provides financial support of up to €200 for repairs on items such as washing machines, electric kettles, laptops, and mobile phones. Individuals, like Erik, appreciate the initiative as it helps them save money and make environmentally conscious choices.

Erik, who had previously used the Repair Bonus to fix an old CD player, is now getting his laptop repaired at a workshop in Vienna called Helferline. He mentions that the scheme makes it more convenient to decide whether to repair or replace items, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of repairing over buying new.

The Repair Bonus has proven beneficial for local businesses like Helferline, where revenues have doubled since the introduction of the scheme. Clemens Schmidgruber, the CEO of Helferline, describes it as a win-win situation for customers, businesses, and the environment. Customers can download a voucher from a government website, pay the repair shop upfront, and receive half of the costs back after three to four weeks.

Financed through the Covid Recovery Fund, the repair voucher system in Austria specifically covers electrical appliances. However, the City of Vienna operates a separate scheme that assists with repairs to old clothes, bicycles, and furniture. Markus Piringer, the co-ordinator of the Repair Network in Vienna, notes that the financial incentive provided by the Repair Bonus encourages people to choose repair over buying new items.

Piringer emphasizes the need for products to be designed for repairability and calls for efforts at the European Union level to address this issue. He suggests that changing policies and mindsets is crucial to promoting a culture of repair and sustainability. While the number of repairs has increased in Austria due to voucher schemes, Piringer warns of a shortage of technicians and craftspeople, calling for initiatives to promote repair as a viable job option.

At a bicycle shop in Vienna, the Repair Bonus has made a significant impact, attracting customers even during the typically slow winter season. Marc Warnaar, the shop owner, highlights the positive influence of the voucher scheme on their business, noting an increase in repairs and customer engagement.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

German vice-chancellor Habeck hits out against rising antisemitism

By 759 0

German Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck has pledged a strong political response to the rise of antisemitism in the country. He addressed various sources of antisemitism, including Islamists, the far right, and segments of the political left, in a widely viewed video that garnered significant attention in Germany.

Antisemitic incidents in Germany have surged in the aftermath of the 7th of October attacks in Israel, during which Hamas militants killed 1,400 Israelis and took more than 230 hostages. In response, Israel initiated a military campaign aimed at destroying Hamas, resulting in significant casualties.

Habeck’s video emphasized the need to protect Jewish communities and condemned actions such as burning the Israeli flag or supporting Hamas, which are considered crimes under German law. He called for legal consequences, including possible deportation, for those involved in such activities.

While some praised Habeck’s address as a comprehensive assessment of the situation, others criticized him for suggesting that Muslim migrants and refugees were responsible for bringing antisemitism into Europe.

Germany’s Interior Minister announced a ban on all activities linked to Hamas and a pro-Palestinian network called Samidoun, citing their anti-Israel and anti-Jewish propaganda. The move was intended to facilitate interventions in gatherings of their supporters.

Antisemitic incidents have increased by 240% in Germany since the Hamas attacks, with reports of vandalism and attacks on Jewish-owned properties. Similar incidents have also been reported in neighboring Austria.

In France, a Moldovan couple was detained for spray-painting Stars of David on walls in Paris. They claimed to have acted on behalf of a third party and are now facing expulsion. Prosecutors are investigating whether the tags were intended as an insult to the Jewish community.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright