Latest news with #missingjournalist
The Independent
5 days ago
- The Independent
Rescuers searching for US journalist who went missing while hiking in Norwegian National Park
Rescuers are searching for a US journalist who went missing on a hike in the remote Folgefonna national park, home to one of Norway 's largest glaciers. Alec Luhn, 38, was last seen on Thursday 31 July as he was setting off for his hike in the park, which stretches 545 square kilometres in western Norway. The reporter, who is from Wisconsin but based in the UK, is a Pulitzer Center Ocean Reporting Network fellow and has had two Emmy nominations. Formerly based in Moscow and Istanbul, he has reported for The New York Times, The Atlantic, and was a regular Guardian Russia correspondent from 2013 to 2017. His wife, journalist Veronika Silchenko, said he sent a picture from his last known location, Odda, on Thursday. She made a public appeal on social media after becoming concerned when he failed to board his flight home. Ms Silchenko, a TV journalist, urged anyone with information or who may have seen him to get in touch. 'We exchanged a few texts [on Thursday],' she told CNN. 'He told me that he is going to hike and sent me a picture. He looked fine, the weather was fine. 'On Monday, we decided that we need to call the services, because he should have gotten out of the park by that time and probably would have been able to find the internet. So we started really panicking.' Rescue dogs, Red Cross volunteers, special crews for alpine and glacier searches, drones and a Norwegian Air Force helicopter have all been searching the area with police. The experienced hiker had been on a family holiday before setting out on a solo backpacking trip from Odda, according to friends. Mr Luhn spoke to a French couple who gave him a lift to the glacier on 31 July and believe he may have described his plan to them for his route, a family friend told The Independent. They were in a camper van with their young son. The friend said they are trying to find anyone who saw or spoke to Alec - particularly the French couple - to learn more about the routes he was taking. Folgefonna National Park, known for its dramatic glacier tongues, wild valleys, and fast-flowing rivers, has drawn adventurous tourists since 1833. However, its remote and rugged terrain can turn perilous in harsh weather conditions. 'Alec is basically obsessed with the Arctic,' Ms Silchenko told CBS News. 'He loves glaciers and snow, and he loves explorers. He's a climate journalist, so for him it is always that story that now because of the climate change they're all shrinking, and he's trying his best to go to the coldest countries.' The search was suspended on Tuesday afternoon due to severe weather, including heavy rain and high water levels in rivers, police told The Independent. 'The police are also actively working to gather information that can narrow the search, including interviewing witnesses in the mountains and investigating telecommunications operators and mobile phone manufacturer to map the movements of the missing person,' said Eirik Loftesnes, Head of Operations at Western Police District. By Wednesday morning, the search resumed with the Alpine Rescue Group heading to Odda by helicopter.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Daily Mail
Hunt for missing journalist, 38, who failed to board flight home to Britain after solo hike in Norway
Rescuers are hunting for a UK-based journalist who vanished in bad weather during a solo hike in a remote national park in Norway. Alec Luhn, 38, is an American-born reporter who has worked for several prestigious outlets including the New York Times and the Guardian. He was reported missing on Monday after failing to get on a flight back to the UK from Bergen, a city around 40 miles northwest of Folgefonna National Park, where Luhn was trekking. Local media reported that he was on holiday with his sister in the Nordic nation and decided to go out on a four-day hike on July 31 from an outdoor centre in Ullensvang on the northern edge of the park. The national park is a desolate 550 sq. km. park that is home to one of the country's biggest glaciers. A 30-strong volunteer search and rescue team, along with dogs, drones and police were all sent to find him. The operation was earlier suspended, amid bad weather. Tatjana Knappen, an operations manager from Vestland police, said: 'Weather conditions started to get really bad around midnight. It was not reasonable to continue the search up in the mountains.' Local police said the Pulitzer Center Ocean Reporting Network fellow, a specialist in climate reporting, is an experienced mountain walker who was well-equipped. He was last heard from on Thursday afternoon, with his wife, Emmy-winning journalist Veronika Silchenko, telling the New York Times that he had texted her his itinerary. She reportedly said she had not expected to hear from him for a few days, owing to the spotting signal in the park. Silchenko added that it wasn't unusual for her husband to go on solo hikes. But she began worrying about him by Sunday, and alerted local authorities after he failed to make it back to his return flight on Monday. She said: 'I just really want him back. I can't sleep or eat properly. It's very hard not to know anything.' Folgefonna National Park is known for being a popular challenge for hikers who fly in from all over the world to conquer the difficult terrain and admire its natural beauty. The climate reporter is no stranger to exotic destinations, having reported from oil fields in Texas, drought-stricken regions of Somalia and a research ship on the North Sea.
CNN
17-06-2025
- Politics
- CNN
Missing journalist's father responds to reports he was ‘executed'
Missing journalist's father responds to reports he was 'executed' CNN's Erin Burnett talks with Marc Trice, the father of missing journalist Austin Tice, about reports that his son was 'executed' in Syria. 02:32 - Source: CNN Vertical Top News 11 videos Missing journalist's father responds to reports he was 'executed' CNN's Erin Burnett talks with Marc Trice, the father of missing journalist Austin Tice, about reports that his son was 'executed' in Syria. 02:32 - Source: CNN Trump's sons announce mobile phone company Trump Mobile, a wireless service created by the Trump Organization, aims to rival US carrier companies like AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. The Trump Organization, run by President Donald Trump's eldest sons Eric and Donald Jr., announced the business and launched a new gold smartphone for pre-order. 01:09 - Source: CNN Ex-Israeli Defense Minister's message to Trump Benny Gantz, Chairman of Israel's National Unity Party, and the former Minister of Defense speaks to CNN's Anderson Cooper following Israel's attack on Iran. 01:08 - Source: CNN Minnesota suspect went to 4 state lawmaker homes night of shootings The suspect in the killing of a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband in addition to the shooting of another lawmaker and his wife also visited two more politicians' homes, according to authorities. 02:08 - Source: CNN Trump slams G7 for kicking out Russia President Donald Trump kicked off his visit to the G7 summit in Canada by criticizing nations for kicking out Russia eleven years ago. 00:36 - Source: CNN Iranian state television says it was attacked by Israel The studio complex of Iran's state news channel IRINN was struck by Israel on Monday, according to the country's state news agency. A loud explosion was heard while an anchor was presenting live on air, according to a live feed. 00:19 - Source: CNN The biggest moments from Karen Read murder trial closing arguments The jury is deliberating the fate of Karen Read in the murder trial of her Boston Police Officer boyfriend, John O'Keefe. CNN's Jean Casarez shares the biggest moments from closing arguments of the trial. 02:18 - Source: CNN Juror dismissed in Sean 'Diddy' Combs' criminal trial The judge in the Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial has dismissed juror No. 6 over the juror's inconsistent disclosures about where he lives and with whom. Juror No. 6 will be replaced by the first alternate juror. 01:44 - Source: CNN CNN sees crater from Iranian strike Emergency teams in Tel Aviv, Israel, have been responding to the damage caused by Iran's latest ballistic missile strike on the city. CNN's Nic Robertson reports from a large crater in the center where nearby residents have been forced to evacuate their homes. 00:33 - Source: CNN Scene outside assassinated state representative's home CNN's Whitney Wild is outside the home of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman, who was shot and killed in a "politically motivated assassination" along with her husband early Saturday morning. Police are still searching for the suspect. 00:41 - Source: CNN Shooting at Salt Lake City 'No Kings' march Officers responded to gunshots at a 'No Kings' march in Salt Lake City, Utah and took three people into custody in relation to the incident. One person was transferred to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Salt Lake City police said the motive for the shooting was under investigation. 00:26 - Source: CNN
News24
08-05-2025
- Politics
- News24
Journalist's case shock; PAC hosts ANC-Afrikaner talks: Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes
News24 brings you the top stories of the day, summarised into neat little packages. Read through quickly or listen to the articles via our customised text-to-speech feature. Police find possible remains of missing journalist Aserie Ndlovu and partner in Limpopo - Police believe they have found the remains of missing journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli, who disappeared in February. - Their skeletal remains were discovered in thick bush outside Rust De Winter in Limpopo, along with clothing and shoes. - Five men have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping of the couple, and they led police to the location of their remains. 'Gloves were off': PAC facilitates 'robust' ANC-Afrikaner exchange - The ANC and the Afrikaner Leadership Network held a heated four-hour meeting facilitated by the PAC to discuss contentious issues. - Key topics included the BELA Act, the Expropriation Act, farm murder claims, and US-SA relations, with both sides agreeing to seek South African solutions. - Details of the discussions are being kept confidential to avoid jeopardising the talks, but the PAC described the meeting as intense and robust. Teacher fired after sexual relationship with pupil, with intimate video trending at school - A teacher, Modise Mokomele, was fired after a video and photos surfaced allegedly showing him in a sexual relationship with a pupil. - Another teacher, Paseka Molefe, was also fired for sexually assaulting a Grade 8 pupil. - The ELRC arbitrator emphasised the prevalence of inappropriate conduct and sexual assault by teachers against pupils, calling it a crisis. 'Mutually destructive' versions: Ex-JSC official contradicts Mbenenge accuser's testimony - A Judicial Conduct Tribunal is investigating sexual harassment accusations against Eastern Cape High Court Judge President Selby Mbenenge by his secretary, Andiswa Mengo, which he denies. - Former JSC law advisor Kutlwano Moretlwe's testimony contradicts Mengo's account of how her initial complaint was compiled, particularly regarding whether Mengo completed it on her own laptop. - Mbenenge's advocate argues that discrepancies in Mengo's testimony undermine her credibility, while Mengo's advocate highlights inconsistencies in Moretlwe's evidence. Dead chickens at a contract farm for Daybreak State-owned Daybreak mulls business rescue after horrified SPCA culls 350 000 starving chicks - State-owned chicken producer Daybreak Foods is considering business rescue due to financial constraints, including the inability to afford feed and pay staff. - The NSPCA was forced to cull 350 000 starving chicks at Daybreak's contract farms, where some birds had been without food and water for a week and resorted to cannibalism. - The PIC, Daybreak's owner, is 'deeply disturbed' by the reports and is engaging with stakeholders to find a solution to preserve assets and jobs. Sacha and Gaza: Same, same, but (very) different - Damian Willemse's upcoming 100th cap for the Stormers highlights the team's backline strength, which also includes Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, another highly talented player. - While both Willemse and Feinberg-Mngomezulu are exceptional talents, they have different approaches to the game and different personalities, with Willemse being more versatile and Feinberg-Mngomezulu preferring to play flyhalf. - Despite their differences, both players are highly respected within the team for their work ethic, respectfulness, and the unique qualities they bring to the Stormers. BYD has launched three new models in the SA
News24
07-05-2025
- News24
Kidnapped journalist, partner: Family believes motive could involve their taxi business
The family of a missing journalist and his partner claims their disappearance could be linked to their taxi business. Their loved ones claimed the alleged mastermind wanted to gain ownership of the vehicle. The alleged mastermind worked as a taxi driver for the couple. The families of the kidnapped journalist, Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu, and his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli, believe their disappearance could be linked to their family taxi business. The couple's son, Treasure Mdhluli, told News24 that Samuel Mogongwe, 41, allegedly wanted to steal the family's sedan vehicle and operate it as a taxi in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga, where the couple lives. Mogongwe was employed as the family's taxi driver. According to police commissioner Lieutenant General Fannie Masemola, Mogongwe is the alleged mastermind behind the couple's disappearance and was the last person seen with them. After his parents disappeared on 18 February, Treasure contacted Mogongwe because he was allegedly the last person seen with them. Treasure said: We met on 27 February. He was driving our family taxi. He pretended that he was assisting me and the police with their investigations to find my parents. 'He showed me the certified copy of my mother's identity document and papers of the taxi.' Treasure added that Mogongwe allegedly told him that the taxi belonged to him because his parents owed him money. 'I took those documents from him because he was lying.' Treasure claimed his parents were kidnapped and robbed because Mogongwe wanted to gain ownership of their vehicle, something that police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said they were also probing. Mogongwe, Lucky Michael Sikhosana, 40, and three others, including a teenager, were arrested on Sunday for allegedly kidnapping the couple. Sikhosana was found in possession of some of the stolen assets belonging to the couple. The five accused were found in possession of stolen furniture, appliances and parts belonging to the couple's VW Golf. Police later seized two VW Golf vehicles, which were fitted with some of the parts from the couple's stripped car. Masemola added that they were confident they had arrested the right people linked to the offence. READ | Four arrested in connection with missing journalist Aserie Ndlovu, partner 'Some of them [accused] are prepared to assist us with our investigations. We are following leads leading us to where the victims are. The five suspects have since separately appeared in court.' Masemola also revealed that Mogongwe initially pretended to be a State witness when the police started probing the case. Mogongwe was arrested after he was allegedly linked to the kidnapping through cellphone records. Police are also probing charges of house robbery, possession of suspected stolen property and possession of drugs. The chairman of the African Media and Communicators Forum, Elijah Mhlanga, was confident that the police's investigations were moving in the right direction. Mhlanga said they were monitoring the case. 'We are with the family throughout their pain. The police have told us to prepare for anything,' Mhlanga said. Mogongwe and Sikhosana appeared briefly in the KwaMhlanga Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, facing two counts of kidnapping. Mogongwe and Sikhosana are expected back in the dock on Friday.
