by admin | Aug 13, 2025 | incident, international news, journalism, news, news media
Search teams are looking for a British reporter who went missing in poor weather while hiking alone in an isolated national park in Norway.
Alec Luhn, 38, is a U.S.-born journalist who has contributed to various renowned publications such as the
New York Times
and the Guardian.
He went missing on Monday following his inability to board a flight returning to the UK from Bergen, a town approximately 40 miles northwestern of Folgefonna National Park, where Luhn had been hiking.
Local news outlets stated that he was vacationing with his sibling in the Scandinavian country and chose to embark on a four-day trek starting on July 31 from an outdoor facility located at the northern part of the park in Ullensvang.
The national park spans 550 square kilometers and is characterized by its remote location, housing one of the nation’s largest glaciers.
A group of 30 volunteers engaged in search and rescue operations, accompanied by canines, unmanned aerial vehicles, and law enforcement personnel, was deployed to locate him.
The operation had previously been halted due to unfavorable weather conditions. Tatjana Knappen, an operations manager with the Vestland Police, stated: “The weather began to deteriorate significantly around midnight. It wasn’t prudent to keep searching in the mountains.”
The local authorities stated that the Pulitzer Center Ocean Reporting Network fellow, an expert in environmental journalism, is an accomplished hiker with proper gear.
He was last contacted on Thursday afternoon, along with his wife, Emmy-award winning journalist Veronika Silchenko, who informed the New York Times that he had sent her his schedule via message.
It was reported that she mentioned she hadn’t anticipated hearing from him for several days due to the sighting alert in the park. Silchenko also noted that it was common for her husband to take individual treks.
However, she started being concerned about him by Sunday, and contacted local officials when he didn’t return for his scheduled flight on Monday.
She stated, “I truly miss him. I’m unable to sleep or eat well. It’s extremely difficult not knowing anything.”
Folgefonna National Park attracts many hikers who travel from around the globe to tackle its demanding landscape and appreciate its stunning scenery.
A climate journalist has experience with remote locations, including oil rigs in Texas, arid areas of Somalia, and a scientific vessel in the North Sea.
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by admin | Aug 11, 2025 | cost of living, economics, local news, news, tourists
Las Vegas
has revealed another alarming indication of its downturn, with rising costs and consumer protests having caused tourists to leave.
The practice of tipping in Las Vegas has dropped by up to 50 percent,
according to Fox News
.
Employees are attributing a significant decrease in tourists to their reduced number of clients and diminished income.
“No tip taxes, that’s a great idea,” Charlie Mungo, 36, a tattoo artist based in downtown Las Vegas, said to the
Wall Street Journal
regarding President Trump’s latest policy
But it doesn’t truly benefit us much if there’s nobody to learn from.
Mungo mentioned that he currently earns approximately $1,500 per month and has lost almost one-third of his customers since Canadian travelers, who previously accounted for 30% of his clientele, have ceased visiting.
Several people attribute the situation to economic issues, increasing expenses, and potential political sanctions against the city.
Certain service employees are blaming
Donald Trump
claiming that his administration has caused a decrease in foreign tourists, whereas some argue the actual issue lies with Las Vegas itself.
“We’re all beginning to lose our composure,” Mungo remarked.
Jacob Soto, 22, who works as a manager at Pinkbox Doughnuts located in downtown Las Vegas, shared with the Wall Street Journal that his credit card gratuities have dropped from $200 per week to between $100 and $150.
“I somewhat depend on tips by the end of the day,” he remarked.
In the r/VegasLocals section of Reddit, a bartender mentioned she previously earned roughly 80 cents per drink.
“Currently, I’m earning approximately 10 cents,” the server wrote.
A new server joined: “We’re putting in three times as much work as before but earning only a fourth of what we used to.”
As per the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, total number of visitors to Sin City has decreased by over 6 percent this year.
In March, Las Vegas received 3.39 million tourists, marking an approximate eight percent decrease compared to the 3.68 million visitors recorded in February.
In April, more than 3.3 million guests were recorded, representing a decrease of 5.1 percent compared to the previous year.
Hotel occupancy stood at 82.9% during the same period, versus 85.3% in March 2024.
Midweek attendance saw a drop of 2.5% during the same timeframe, even though over half a million individuals participated in meetings at the location.
In June, there were reports of an 11.3% decrease in tourists when compared to June 2024, with international visits to the city declining by 10%.
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by admin | Apr 20, 2025 | consumer electronics, exhibitions, news, technology, technology industry
Where Creativity Intersects with Innovation: A Festival of Culture, Tech, and Supportive Patrons
At the intersection of tradition and modernity, LG Electronics shines brightly as a leading supporter of African arts during this year’s esteemed +234Art Fair. Held amidst the dynamic atmosphere of Nigeria’s thriving contemporary art landscape, the yearly event transcends mere display; it becomes a cultural phenomenon, bringing together creators, connoisseurs, and trendsetters for a collective tribute to creativity, legacy, and advancement.
Globally recognized for its innovative designs and advanced tech solutions, LG’s participation in the +234Art Fair marks a significant dedication to the flourishing artistic resurgence throughout Africa. This collaboration transcends typical business support; it offers a meticulously crafted encounter aimed at transforming the way art is experienced, valued, and actualized.
Digitally Enhanced Canvases Bringing Art to Life
Television is no longer just a window to the world—it is becoming the canvas for it. LG’s next-generation OLED displays are transforming walls into living galleries, where every brushstroke and burst of color is rendered with breathtaking clarity. At the +234Art Fair, these immersive displays elevate the viewing experience, allowing attendees to step into the very soul of African artistry.
Our support for the +234Art Fair is a testament to our belief in the transformative power of art,” said Mr.
Paul Mba
, serving as the Corporate Marketing Manager at LG Electronics Nigeria. Art and technology possess a shared essence: innovation. Through their integration, we’re crafting engaging experiences that strengthen our bond with artistic expression and cultural narratives.
A Fresh Start for Innovative Sponsorship
LG’s partnership with the event aligns perfectly with this year’s theme, Championing Patronage in Nigerian Art, providing artists more than just a stage; they also receive the resources needed for success. By incorporating advanced display technologies along with various programs such as mentoring workshops and roundtable conversations, the project extends well past mere showcasing. Instead, it develops into a comprehensive environment that fosters growth.
Tola Akerele
The founder of the +234Art Fair and Soto Gallery highlighted the event’s purpose: “Our aim is to realign Nigerian artists in the international art scene, providing them with the assurance and visibility needed to establish enduring careers. The fair focuses on culture, heritage, and the economic aspects of artistic expression.”
Crafting the Tomorrow of African Art
At its core, the +234Art Fair is a initiative that questions conventional ideas about supporting artists in Africa. LG’s participation highlights the importance of collaboration in this contemporary landscape—where artists are recognized as well as assisted in transforming their interests into enduring monuments. Through their workshops and mentoring programs, the brand offers valuable knowledge on managing an artistic career, enabling creators to earn from their skills and adapt to the changing international art scene.
As African artwork attracts enthusiasts globally, LG merges artistic expression with technological advancement, outlining an encouraging outlook for tomorrow. An era where tech enhances imagination rather than dominating it.
Whether displayed on gallery walls or illuminated through digital screens, LG is transforming our interaction with African art—ensuring each viewing feels like an extraordinary work of art and every experience becomes a vibrant tribute to cultural heritage.
To learn more about LG TVs, please go to
https://www.lg.com/africa/tvs
#FeaturedPost
by admin | Apr 16, 2025 | colleges and universities, education, healthcare and medicine, higher education, news
IBADAN
The Vice Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Ogbomoso, Professor Razaq Olatunde Rom Kalilu, revealed on Tuesday that approximately 94 students from the institution will graduate with first-class honors during the university’s 17th convocation ceremony. This event coincides with the 35th Founder’s Day celebration.
During an interview with reporters at the University’s Senate Building, the Vice Chancellor mentioned that a remarkable 11,528 students are set to graduate. Out of these graduates, 94 have achieved first-class honors, 2,086 will be receiving second-class upper division degrees, 3,494 are graduating with second-class lower divisions, 756 are obtaining third-class distinctions, and 12 are passing with ordinary grades.
From the overall total of 11,528 graduates, 8,102 will receive their bachelor’s degrees. In Nursing Science, 7 students achieved a distinction, 1,741 earned an upper credit, and 145 received a lower credit. For Medicine and Surgery, there are 133 who passed, indicating a satisfactory performance in the field, whereas this does not apply similarly across non-medical fields.
The highlights of the 17th convocation ceremony as outlined by the Vice Chancellor encompass tree planting, a research fair and exhibition, along with performances including the convocation play and cultural acts planned for April 16. Additionally, the convocation lecture and alumni day are set for April 17, whereas Friday, April 18, will feature the Jumu’ah service, and Sunday, April 20, has been reserved for church services. The conferral of first degrees and awards is scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, while Wednesday, April 23, 2025, will see the presentation of postgraduate diplomas and advanced degrees.
Discussing the accomplishments, aspirations, and hurdles faced by the university, Professor Kalilu stated, “All our educational courses have received proper accreditation from both the National Universities Commission and pertinent professional organizations. Our six recently introduced standard academic programs—Theatre Arts, Psychology, Communications, Linguistics, Yoruba, and Political Science—have successfully passed the resource validation conducted by the national commission and are now fully functional.”
Likewise, the five recently added undergraduate programs within the realm of Open and Distance Learning—namely Cyber Security Science, Science Laboratory Technology, Transport Management, Crop Production and Soil Science, and Environmental Protection—are now fully functional.
The university is progressively expanding its global presence through research initiatives, faculty and student exchanges. It has formed partnerships with various educational bodies worldwide, including institutions like the University of Kentucky and the University of Utah in the United States, along with organizations such as the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the Bayer Foundation from Germany. These collaborations have led to the creation of entities like the Humboldt Research Hub, which focuses on centers dedicated to emerging and resurgent infectious diseases within the university’s framework.
It is worth mentioning that the university’s ratings have consistently improved since 2023. In 2025, according to the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings, GT remains the top-ranked public university in Nigeria. Additionally, the same year, the Interdisciplinary Science Ranking (ISR) evaluated universities based on their involvement and impact in interdisciplinary sciences. This ranking placed LAUTECH at second place nationwide and positioned them between 251st and 300th globally.
“Our aim is to rank among the world’s top 100 universities, which is indeed an ambitious target, yet achievable. Considering this aspiration along with the continuously increasing number of enrolled students, it becomes crucial for us to enhance our facilities, integrate advanced technology into teaching and research processes, and diversify both faculty and student bodies—among several other critical and pressing measures needed. Therefore, we earnestly request all stakeholders to back the LAUTECH initiative,” stated Professor Kalilu.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
by admin | Apr 16, 2025 | commerce, government, news, playstation 5, video game consoles
The price of some
PlayStation
Five gaming console prices are expected to increase in the UK and other nations due to a ‘difficult economic climate,’ according to manufacturer Sony.
The leading game company announced that starting Monday, the cost of the PS5 Digital Edition — the model without a disk drive — will increase from £390 to £430.
In a blog post announcing the price increases, Sony stated that the “difficult choice” was made due to “a difficult economic climate characterized by factors such as high inflation.”
inflation
and fluctuating exchange rates’.
The announcement follows the U.S. President’s actions or statements.
Donald Trump
Let’s shift to implementing tariffs on various countries worldwide, leading to significant disruptions in international manufacturing supply chains.
Mr. Trump has subsequently declared a brief halt on certain tariffs, and over the past weekend came the verification that imports of electronic devices like smartphones and laptops will receive a temporary exemption until the administration clarifies its stance on levies imposed on the semiconductor industry. This development adds further uncertainty for those involved in exporting these goods.
In addition to their announcement, Sony also verified that there would be price increases for the PS5 in Europe, Australia, and more.
New Zealand
.
In Europe, the cost of the PS5 Digital Edition is increasing from 449 euros to 499 euros.
Sony stated that both the pricing for the regular PlayStation 5, featuring a Blu-ray drive and launched in 2020, and the PS5 Pro model, introduced last year, will stay the same across Europe and the United Kingdom.
The tariff policies implemented under the Trump administration have significantly impacted global supply chains, leading to increased costs for products such as the PlayStation 5—despite Sony being a Japanese firm.
Some uncertainty still exists regarding the application of these tariffs. On Friday, US Customs and Border Protection discreetly announced that iPhones, laptops, and other electronic devices would not have to pay either the 125 percent duty on imported Chinese products or the worldwide 10 percent tariff.
On Sunday, April 13, the Trump administration clarified that electronic items would be covered under different tariff regulations.
On Truth Social earlier that day, the President stated that no exceptions would be made.
He stated: “NOBODY will be let off the hook regarding the uneven trade balances and non-monetary tariff barriers that other countries have imposed on us, particularly China, which mistreats us more than anyone else!”
Trump added: ‘There was no Tariff “exception” announced on Friday, These products are subject to the existing 20% Fentanyl Tariffs, and they are just moving to a different Tariff “bucket”.’
The president stated that his administration would examine the entire electronic supply chain as part of their upcoming efforts.
National Security Tariff Investigations.’
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by admin | Apr 16, 2025 | business, investing, investing company news, news, technology
At the margins of GITEX Africa, TAMWILCOM declared a strategic alliance with Flat6Labs, a key figure in accelerating startups within the MENA area. Following their cooperation initiated in December 2023 with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) intended to support emerging firms in Morocco, this move comes as another step forward for TAMWILCOM.
The collaborative initiative aims at supporting startups active in promising fields like AgriTech, FinTech, CleanTech, Healthcare, and Artificial Intelligence. This program will provide organized backing and financial aid, aiming explicitly to ease their path towards obtaining venture capital funding.
This initiative represents a significant advancement in our backing of technology firms in Morocco,” emphasizes Hicham Zanati Serghini, CEO of TAMWILCOM. “The experience provided by Flat6Labs will help these startup companies become more organized so they can effectively draw in potential investors.
For David Tinel, who represents IFC in the Maghreb region, this initiative showcases the World Bank Group’s dedication to fostering sustainable development led by the private sector.
Flat6Labs will manage the development and execution of this initiative, aiming to enhance startup preparedness for raising funds. “Supporting impactful ventures as they expand domestically and globally is inherent to what we do,” asserts Yehia Houry, Chief Programs Officer at Flat6Labs.
This collaboration reflects a mutual aspiration to create a robust and competitive startup environment in Morocco, which aligns with the nation’s goals for fostering innovation.
