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Airbnb Guest Gets 17 Years for Murdering and Burning Host’s Body After She Repeatedly Rejected Him

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Airbnb Guest Gets 17 Years for Murdering and Burning Host’s Body After She Repeatedly Rejected Him

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Timothy Loosemore has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for the manslaughter of his Airbnb host Maree Vermont, after a Victorian Supreme Court jury found him guilty over her 2023 death but not guilty of murder. He will be eligible for parole after serving 13 years.

The 63-year-old British-born man attacked Vermont after she rejected his desire for a continuing romantic relationship, before setting fire to her rural Victorian home, according to findings accepted by the sentencing judge. Justice Andrew Tinney said Loosemore was motivated by ‘resentment and anger’ over her rejection and deliberately burned the property to destroy evidence.

The case was complicated by the destruction caused by the blaze. Vermont’s remains were severely damaged, meaning forensic pathologists could not establish precisely how or when she died, leaving the exact mechanism of her death unresolved.

Finance news Why Loosemore Received 17 Years

Justice Andrew Tinney sentenced Loosemore in the Victorian Supreme Court on Friday, 11 September, after considering the circumstances surrounding Vermont’s death, the deliberate burning of her home, and his conduct afterwards. The judge rejected Loosemore’s claim that he had no memory of what happened.

During the sentencing hearing, Justice Tinney noted that Loosemore did not appear to ask whether Vermont had been found or whether she was safe after the fire. Instead, his immediate concerns appeared to centre on himself, his bicycle, and his possessions.

The court also considered evidence of a physical altercation. Vermont’s blood was found on Loosemore’s clothing, while he had injuries to his face. The prosecution had argued that she was likely dead before the fire because there was no soot in her airways and no carbon monoxide detected in her blood.

Finance news How the Fire Complicated the Case

The destruction of Vermont’s home created a major forensic challenge for investigators and prosecutors. Her remains were discovered in the ashes of the stone house she had built with her family over more than three decades. Because of the extent of the fire damage, forensic pathologists could not establish the precise mechanism of death.

The prosecution also presented evidence suggesting petrol had been used to intensify the blaze. Petrol components were detected on materials at the property, while petrol was also found on Loosemore’s clothing and shoes.

Although Loosemore was convicted of manslaughter rather than murder, Justice Tinney considered the deliberate destruction of the property an aggravating feature when determining the seriousness of the offending.

Finance news The Relationship Behind the Prosecution’s Case

Loosemore first met Vermont after booking accommodation at her Goldie property through Airbnb in March 2023. The arrangement later developed beyond a conventional guest stay. Loosemore returned to the property, where he exchanged work for food and accommodation. The pair also had a brief intimate relationship before Vermont made clear that she did not want a continuing romantic relationship.

Prosecutor Mark Gibson KC argued that Loosemore ‘snapped’ after being rejected. Evidence during the trial also indicated that Vermont had spoken to her son about Loosemore’s reaction to her decision. Loosemore denied responsibility and maintained that he could not remember the events surrounding Vermont’s death. His defence argued that the prosecution’s case relied heavily on circumstantial evidence, particularly because the fire had prevented experts from determining exactly how Vermont died.

Finance news Family Left Without Answers

Vermont’s three sons, Harrison, Lachlan, and Darcy, submitted victim impact statements describing the lasting effect of their mother’s death and the destruction of the family home.

Harrison said the uncertainty surrounding his mother’s death had left different scenarios playing in his mind repeatedly. Her sons also described the loss of photographs, personal possessions, and other belongings destroyed in the blaze.

The family home had been built over decades, making its destruction an additional loss for Vermont’s children. What remained of the property became a physical reminder of their mother’s death and the circumstances surrounding it.

Loosemore’s 17-year sentence brings the criminal proceedings to an end with a manslaughter conviction rather than a murder conviction. However, for Vermont’s family, the precise circumstances of her death may never be fully reconstructed because of the damage caused by the fire.

Citizen of the Week: Beverly Conley, Finding Freedom—and a Calling—in the Water

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Citizen of the Week: Beverly Conley, Finding Freedom—and a Calling—in the Water

Workouts

At Kedron Pool, Beverly Conley has created more than a fitness class. She has built a joyful community where movement feels possible—and exercise occasionally arrives disguised as a party.

     For Beverly Conley, Kedron Pool has never been just a place to swim laps. It has been part family gathering place, part fitness center, part neighborhood clubhouse and, when life demanded it, a place of healing.

     Beverly has called Peachtree City home since July 2002. She and her husband, Peter, raised their three children here: David, now 36; Emily, 33; and Daniel, 24. The family’s connection to Kedron spans generations. One son worked as a lifeguard; Emily swam for SCAT; the youngest learned to swim there; Peter has trained there for Peachtree City triathlons; and granddaughters Eleanor, 5, and Eliza, 3, took swim lessons there this past summer. At this point, the Conleys may be only a few relatives shy of fielding their own swim team.

     But Beverly’s relationship with the water is also deeply personal. After a childbirth injury left her with chronic pain and limited mobility, traditional exercise—even walking—was difficult. In 2008, she discovered Kedron’s water aerobics program and found something she had been missing.

“In the water, I found joy and freedom,” she says.

     She also found a welcoming group of people who understood that exercise can be challenging without feeling punitive. When one of Kedron’s beloved instructors retired, Beverly was inspired to step forward. She became a certified water fitness instructor in 2018 and began teaching classes on Tuesday and Thursday.

     Beverly is an Aquatic Exercise Association Aquatic Fitness Professional and an AEA Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program Leader. She also holds American Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications. These are not certificates that simply get tucked into a drawer and forgotten. Her AEA credentials require 15 continuing education credits every two years, completed through online and in-person courses and aquatic fitness conferences. She also renews her Red Cross training every two years through coursework and an in-person skills demonstration.

      She is a member of the Aquatic Exercise Association and subscribes to Fitmotivation Aqua Fitness Online, along with other professional fitness and exercise-music resources. In other words, Beverly does her homework so her students can have serious fun—and so no one has to do another uninspired jumping jack to a song they have heard 900 times.

     In 2022, Beverly brought the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program to Kedron. The low-impact, lower-intensity class helps participants improve joint range of motion, strength, balance, coordination and endurance while addressing pain, stiffness and fatigue. It serves people living with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions, as well as those recovering from surgery, joint replacement or cancer. It also offers a safe starting point for anyone who has been away from exercise and is not quite ready to make friends with a treadmill.

     Beverly follows the 9 a.m. Arthritis Foundation class on Tuesdays and Thursdays with a higher-intensity class at 10 a.m. Kedron also offers mid-level 55+ water exercise classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, along with evening classes. Together, three instructors and three substitutes serve approximately 75 to 80 participants.

     The growth has been remarkable. When Beverly began teaching, the high-intensity class had four participants. It now fills its 25 spaces and often has a waiting list. Her Arthritis Foundation classes generally welcome 10 to 15 participants, and many members attend classes five days a week.

Beverly plans each class with music, themes, specialized equipment, and holiday celebrations. Her goal is to make the experience feel more like a party while everyone secretly gets a good workout. Participants—ranging in age from 18 to their 90s—do the rest, creating a community that welcomes newcomers and supports people at every fitness level.

“What we have at Kedron does not exist everywhere,” Beverly says.

     As Kedron prepares for renovation, Beverly is working to secure an interim pool so the program and its community can continue. She has also shared thoughtful suggestions for the renovated facility, drawing on her professional training and years of experience as an instructor, swimmer, and swim-team parent.

Beverly never expected to discover a new calling in her 50s, but teaching water fitness has given her a renewed sense of purpose—and she wants others to experience the same freedom she found.

For helping her neighbors move with greater confidence, laugh through the lunges, and find friendship in the water, Beverly Conley is our Citizen of the Week. As she often says in class, “Don’t forget to breathe and smile!”

Ashton Small (Kagarara) Biography: Wikipedia, Age, Wife, Parents, Real Name, Girlfriend, Instagram, Net Worth.

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Ashton Small (Kagarara) Biography: Wikipedia, Age, Wife, Parents, Real Name, Girlfriend, Instagram, Net Worth.

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Workouts Ashton Small (Kagarara) Biography Introduction

Ashton Small, also known as Kagarara, is a prominent Rwandan content creator, comedian, and fitness influencer. Born Enock Uwizeye in 2001, Ashton has gained recognition for his unique perspective on life and his motivational content, challenging stereotypes surrounding disability. He rose to fame through his engaging social media presence and significant collaborations with popular figures, making a remarkable impact in the digital space.

Workouts Basic Information

Attribute Details
Full Name Enock Uwizeye
Stage Name Ashton Small (Kagarara)
Date of Birth 2001
Age 25 years (as of 2026)
Nationality Rwandan
Ethnicity Banyarwanda
Religion Christianity
Occupation Content Creator, Comedian, Fitness Influencer
Parents Mr. and Mrs. Uwizeye
Siblings Unknown
Wife None
Girlfriend Rumored to be dating Sabrine
Net Worth Approximately $30,000

Workouts Early Life and Education

Ashton Small was born in 2001 in Kigali, Rwanda. He grew up in a Christian household that emphasized education and resilience. Despite facing challenges due to his stature—standing at just 3’3″—Ashton has not allowed his physical limitations to define him. His upbringing was marked by moments of adversity, particularly after losing his mother at the age of 15 and his father at just 6 years old.

He attended primary and secondary schools in Kigali before pursuing a degree in Information Technology at a university in Rwanda. His educational background provided him with the skills needed to create and manage digital content effectively.

Workouts Career Overview

Rise to Fame

Ashton Small’s career gained momentum as he began creating content that combines humor with motivational messages. Known for his motto “disability is not inability,” Ashton crafts relatable skits that challenge societal perceptions about disability and personal limitations.

Viral Breakthrough: His rise to international fame began after a humorous morning routine parody went viral, which eventually led to a collaboration with American fitness star Ashton Hall. The duo’s partnership catapulted Ashton Small into the spotlight, showcasing his skills in various challenges, including a push-up contest that garnered widespread attention.

Achievements

Ashton has received various accolades for his unique content approach. His collaborations with high-profile figures like Ashton Hall and IShowSpeed have redefined his brand as a content creator and fitness influencer. The gifts he received during these collaborations, including a new car and startup capital from Ashton Hall, highlight the support he has garnered from the online community.

Additionally, his work serves as a digital ambassador for Rwandan culture, using his platform to promote positivity and resilience across social media platforms.

Workouts Personal Life

Family Background

Ashton comes from a Christian Rwandan family. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Uwizeye, were both supportive of his dreams. Tragically, his parents passed away at a young age, which has significantly influenced his outlook on life and determination to succeed.

workouts Ashton Small (Kagarara) Biography

Relationship Status

As of 2026, Ashton Small is not officially married. However, he is rumored to be dating fellow content creator, Sabrine. While they collaborate frequently in comedic sketches, the nature of their relationship has not been publicly confirmed, leaving fans speculating about their romantic ties.

Children

Ashton does not have any biological children. His focus remains on his career and advocating for people with disabilities through his platform.

Workouts Social Media Presence

Ashton Small is active on multiple social media platforms, where he engages with his audience and promotes his content:

His posts often include a mix of fitness, motivational content, and humor, allowing fans a glimpse into his life as a comedian and influencer.

workouts Ashton Small (Kagarara) Biography

As of 2026, Ashton Small’s estimated net worth is approximately $30,000. His income primarily stems from brand collaborations, social media influence, and his burgeoning career in comedy. His financial success underscores his ability to leverage his unique perspective to impact a wide audience positively.

Workouts Conclusion

Ashton Small, also known as Kagarara, is an inspiring figure in the Rwandan entertainment industry. His journey from a young boy facing challenges due to his stature to a celebrated content creator is a testament to his resilience and creativity. By combining humor with motivational messages, Ashton has carved a niche for himself as a prominent social media influencer and advocate for individuals with disabilities.

workouts Ashton Small (Kagarara) Biography: Wikipedia, Age, Wife, Parents, Real Name, Girlfriend, Instagram, Net Worth.

As he continues to produce content that enlightens and entertains, Ashton Small remains a beacon of hope for many, demonstrating that physical limitations do not dictate one’s ability to achieve greatness. As he navigates his personal and professional life, his story is sure to inspire countless individuals both in Rwanda and around the world.

CPI and PPI climb, crushing hopes for cheap money and leaving Bitcoin traders with an expensive dilemma

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CPI and PPI climb, crushing hopes for cheap money and leaving Bitcoin traders with an expensive dilemma

Investing

US consumer prices increased faster in August, giving the Federal Reserve another reason to be cautious about lowering interest rates and leaving Bitcoin investors exposed to a prolonged period of expensive borrowing.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.4% from July, when it increased 0.1%, while the annual inflation rate held at 3.4%. Excluding food and energy, prices rose 0.3%, compared with 0.2% a month earlier, even as the annual core rate eased to 2.4% from 2.5%.

Thursday’s producer price report (PPI) showed a 0.4% monthly increase and a 5.4% annual gain. Energy accounted for much of the increase in both reports, although the faster monthly core CPI reading showed that consumer inflation also picked up outside fuel and food.

That combination weakens the argument that slower annual inflation will soon bring lower interest rates. Investors holding cash can continue earning interest elsewhere, while those borrowing to invest face financing costs that reduce what they can earn from an increase in Bitcoin’s price.

The Fed’s Sept. 15–16 meeting will put those costs back in the spotlight. The releases will enable officials to keep policy restrictive, but their decision will also depend on employment and their assessment of how long the latest price increases will last.

Investing CPI jumped on energy while core inflation accelerated too

Inflation measure July monthly increase August monthly increase August annual increase
Consumer prices, CPI 0.1% 0.4% 3.4%
CPI excluding food and energy 0.2% 0.3% 2.4%
Producer prices, final-demand PPI 0.1% 0.4% 5.4%
PPI excluding food, energy, and trade services 0.4% 0.3% 4.7%

Source: BLS releases linked above. Monthly figures are seasonally adjusted; annual figures are unadjusted. July PPI figures reflect the latest published estimates.

Gasoline prices rose 3.9% in August, accounting for more than a third of the monthly CPI increase, while shelter costs rose 0.3%. The producer report showed energy prices up 4.2%, accounting for more than three-quarters of the increase in final-demand goods prices.

The concentration in energy gives policymakers a reason to look beyond the headline numbers when judging whether inflation will persist. Fuel prices can reverse, and interest rates have limited influence over the supply disruptions that can make energy more expensive. Higher fuel bills can also leave households with less money for other purchases, weakening overall demand.

The difficulty for the Fed is that sustained energy increases can become part of other businesses’ costs. Transport companies may charge customers more, while manufacturers may seek to recover higher delivery expenses through their selling prices. How much reaches consumers depends on contracts and whether businesses can raise prices without losing sales.

Producer prices therefore offer information about costs moving through the economy, although PPI covers domestic producers’ sales for business investment and exports as well as household consumption. Its annual rate measures a different set of transactions from CPI, so it cannot be treated as a forecast of the inflation consumers will experience next.

However, some producer details were more reassuring.

Services prices rose just 0.1%, while the measure excluding food, energy, and trade services slowed to 0.3% from 0.4%. Trade services measure reseller margins, which is why that exclusion makes it different from the familiar core CPI measure.

But consumer inflation was less reassuring at the monthly level. In a preview published Thursday, StoneX’s Matt Weller cited expectations for a 0.2% core increase and argued that a reading rounding to 0.3% could support a rate increase. Friday’s result met that threshold, although his assessment was a forecast of how officials might respond rather than a rule governing their decision.

The lower annual core reading can coexist with that result because it compares prices with a year earlier, while the monthly figure measures the latest movement. Annual inflation can ease as an older, larger increase drops out of the comparison, even when the recent pace accelerates.

The Fed also targets overall PCE inflation, a separate measure of consumer spending that draws on both CPI and some producer prices. Friday’s annual core CPI reading is therefore only part of the evidence officials will use to judge progress toward their 2% objective.

Investing Higher rates affect who is willing to buy Bitcoin

Bitcoin’s appeal as protection against a loss of purchasing power can coexist with sensitivity to interest rates because investors have to decide what to hold while waiting for that long-term argument to pay off.

Someone buying Bitcoin with their own cash gives up the interest they could earn on government debt. Higher returns on those securities can make waiting more attractive, particularly to investors who want exposure to Bitcoin but have no immediate reason to add to their holdings. Borrowers face a more direct expense because interest payments reduce their eventual profit or deepen a loss.

Those decisions can easily change before the Fed acts. Expectations of higher rates influence bond yields and lending conditions, allowing an inflation release to affect investment decisions even when the official policy rate hasn’t moved.

The return available elsewhere also depends on inflation itself. Investors watching inflation-protected Treasury yields can assess what government debt offers in inflation-adjusted terms, which helps explain why the direction of ordinary bond yields alone gives an incomplete account of Bitcoin’s competition for capital.

Bitcoin’s price also depends on what investors had already expected, and crypto-specific buying can outweigh an uncomfortable inflation number.

The reports do, however, make it harder to argue that a lower annual core reading has removed the interest rate risk. Bitcoin can attract buyers on its own merits while still facing an economy in which financing stays costly and investors are paid to keep their money elsewhere.

College Degree And Income Potential

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College Degree And Income Potential

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You are here: Home / Development / College Degree And Income Potential

Everyone “knows” that college graduates make more money than people without a college degree.  So, if you take everyone with a college degree and put them in bucket A, and put everyone without a college degree in bucket B, the average wage of bucket A will be higher than B.

So, does that mean you should get a college degree in order to get higher income? Does getting a college degree actually help you earn more money? No. It doesn’t.

Photo by JOHN TOWNER on Unsplash

The real thing that will help you earn more is acquiring valuable skills.  Many people acquire skills in college, so it isn’t surprising that college graduates on average make more money.  However, if you put everyone who has valuable skills in one bucket and everyone without valuable skills in another, you’d find the skilled bucket has a much higher average income than the non-skilled.  Further, you’d find that there were some people with great skills and no degree and others with a degree and no skills.

My point is that focusing on getting a degree is pretty pointless.  I was looking through some old papers with my grandmother a few years ago.  She showed me my great grandfather’s diploma from seminary and his license to practice law in Kansas. I asked about the diploma from his law degree and found that he didn’t have one.  He was in law school and someone dared him to take the bar exam.  He took the dare and passed. He had already acquired the skills necessary to become a lawyer and it was those skills that were important–not how long he spent in college. Interestingly enough, he wouldn’t have been able to do that today. Kansas is one of the states that won’t let you even take the bar exam if you don’t have a law degree. I think this is a problem. We’ve made the focus on getting a degree instead of on acquiring skills.

Our educational institutions have a vital part to play in educating. However, I think it is detrimental to focus so much on whether or not someone gets a degree because it makes the degree what is important instead of the skill set.

Right now our colleges are full of kids who are there to get a degree–not necessarily skills. They are focusing on the wrong thing and it is an extreme source of frustration for teachers. How would you like to deal with students all day where a good percentage of them are just trying to do the minimum possible to get a piece of paper that says they graduated?  I wouldn’t like it and I know at least a few teachers who are looking at different careers because they only see things getting worse and worse.

According to the government statistics, the percentage of students graduating with an engineering degree peaked in the mid-80’s and has been on a decline until a recent slight uptick. In fact, the percentage of students graduating in engineering in 2014-2015 is only 65% of what it was in 1985-1986–and that represents an improvement from prior years. Science is facing the same thing with an overall decline from the early 70’s but a very slight uptick in recent years. There has been a steady increase in “other fields” which includes things like journalism, law, communication, architecture, etc.

I’m not trying to say that journalism isn’t worth studying, but when it comes to making a living, the skills you acquire studying journalism for four years are not in high enough demand to pay well. On the other hand, I regularly talk to people who say they can’t find good software engineers and they are willing to hire smart people regardless of whether or not they have a degree.

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The 10 Best Fall Picks From Anthropologie, From Suede Jackets to Knitted Ponchos

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The 10 Best Fall Picks From Anthropologie, From Suede Jackets to Knitted Ponchos

Fashion

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Anthropologie
Anthropologie

While each product featured is independently selected by our editors, we may include paid promotion. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission. Read more about our Product Review Guidelines here.

There are very few stores that can curate the latest in fashion, beauty, and home while still managing to have every category spark joy! But somehow, Anthropologie never fails to impress us. Whether you are looking to update your wardrobe or pour a little love into your interior design, there is quite literally something for everyone. By this time of year we have all started to officially lean into autumn, meaning darker color palettes, soft fabrics, and cold weather-approved designs. Anthropologie has presented its fall collection to capture this exact vibe through western silhouettes and prints, from a gorgeous brown suede jacket to a buttery-soft sweater dress. You’ll also find small but impactful ways to transition your home decor, like adding a warm velvet throw pillow or tortoise glassware to your bar cart. Ahead, find the 10 best picks to shop at Anthropologie right now that make a subtle, yet seasonal statement.

Fashion The Best Fall Items at Anthropologie

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Anthropologie Gia Tortoise Goblet ($16)

There is nothing more festive than rotating glassware to celebrate the holidays or the start of a new season. Add these gorgeous tortoise glasses to your bar cart to set a warm, inviting tone for fall. The generous size makes them perfect for any type of beverage or event.

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By Anthropologie Oval Plaque Belt ($78)

From classic plaid prints to soft suede fringe, western accents are everywhere this season. This timeless belt lets you take a bit of a more subtle approach to the trend thanks to the metal oval buckle and thick leather strap.

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Anthropologie Velvet Trova Pillow ($88)

I continue to shamelessly live by the motto “the more pillows the better.” This usually means I’m constantly searching for the perfect texture and color to reflect the time of year. These velvet mustard throw pillows are at the top of my fall wish list. The buttery smooth fabric and rich color make it impossible not to want to curl up and get cozy.

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Maeve Colette Knit High-Rise Wide-Leg Full-Length Jeans ($90, originally $128)

The ultimate cold-weather hack is wearing soft denim that mimics sweatpants. A bit of added stretch will make you forget you are wearing jeans and add a layer of comfort to even the most sophisticated outfits. I particularly love this style from Maeve because the front pocket details and wide-leg cut make versatile styling easy.

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Anthropologie Brooke Tufted Wool Striped Rug ($98)

Sometimes back-to-school energy can translate into “I should redesign my entire house” energy. Instead of replacing all your furniture, start with small, strategic swaps, like a new area rug. This striped print adds dimension and color to any room while the wool fabric makes it ideal for high-traffic areas.

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By Anthropologie Knit Fringe Triangle Poncho ($118)

Sheer ponchos and capes were everywhere this summer. I mean, who doesn’t love the breathability of the style? If you aren’t ready to say goodbye to the trend, add this knitted version to your cart. It has a bit more weight for cooler weather and a fringe trim for an added flair.

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By Anthropologie Porter Leather Mini Bag ($128)

Fall signals the return of all our favorite autumn-coded activities such as football games and pumpkin picking. What do these things have in common? The need for a great mini purse. Made of 100 percent genuine full-grain leather, this crossbody will hold all your essentials secured with a gold turn lock clasp. Bonus points for the adorable tassel details on each side.

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Maeve Scrunch Loafers ($138)

Black leather loafers remain a strong closet staple because they are convenient and classy. Dress them up with a trouser for a professional look or pair them with your favorite baggy jeans for a relaxed yet sophisticated aesthetic.

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Anthropologie Siempre Faux-Suede Dolman Jacket ($158)

Consider this jacket proof that even heavier fabrics can look effortless. This faux-suede jacket looks flowy and fresh no matter how you style it. From the oversize sleeves to the tie belt waist, this outerwear will naturally drape your curves for a flattering fit.

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By Anthropologie Sleeveless Sweater Midi Dress ($278)

When you think sweater dress you might immediately picture a long-sleeved, scratchy fabric that your mom made you wear to family functions. Lucky for us, Anthropologie reimagined the style with this chic sleeveless silhouette. Team it with a pair of leather boots and an oversize tote for the perfect early-fall outfit.

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Adelaide Giesey (she/her) is a shopping writer at Popsugar. With over seven years of industry experience, she is an expert in all things beauty and enjoys writing across fashion and lifestyle categories. Prior to PS, she helped shape the beauty verticals at Byrdie, Coveteur, and InStyle.

Shein’s reality check: From USD 100 billion dream to Hong Kong discount listing

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Shein’s reality check: From USD 100 billion dream to Hong Kong discount listing

Beauty

Shein has finally gone public, just not where it wanted to, and not at the valuation it once commanded.

Trading of the China-founded fast fashion giant began in Hong Kong on September 1, after ill-fated attempts to go public in New York and London. Its discounted valuation of around USD 27 billion is down nearly 75% from its USD 100 billion peak in 2022.

The listing comes at a difficult moment for the company. Its earnings continue to deteriorate. Its formidable Chinese-owned rival Temu is everywhere it wants to be. Its two biggest Western markets, the US and European Union, have removed trade exemptions that underpinned its business model. And regulatory scrutiny over its business practices are mounting around the world.

All these factors have weighed heavily on Shein. In the first quarter, US revenue fell 14% while global revenue grew just 1% on the year. Net margin also narrowed, falling to 4.9% in 2025 after holding at 8.7% in 2023 and 2024. The figure turned negative, at minus 1.1%, in the first quarter.

“Hong Kong appears to be a market of last resort for Shein after the failed attempts to list in New York and London, and investor patience has been wearing thin,” said Sky Canaves, principal analyst of retail at Emarketer.

The Hong Kong listing will not necessarily alter its dependence on Western markets or change its current objectives, Canaves said. One goal is to expand its marketplace with greater participation from established brands, while another is to acquire troubled brands and turn them around by shifting production onto Shein’s platform, eventually persuading more outside brands to partner with Shein for these services, she added.

But for now, “Shein hasn’t quite lived up to the promise of evolving its business model sufficiently to offset the impact of these shifts” in business conditions, Canaves said.

“Its third-party marketplace contributes a growing share of revenue, but not enough to lift profits, and its supply-chain-as-service offering has been slow to gain traction,” she added.

Shein did not immediately respond to Nikkei Asia‘s request for comment.

Shein set the price at HKD 48.56 (USD 6.2), in the middle of its marketed range, raising around HKD 13.6 billion (USD 1.7 billion).

Founded in the Chinese city of Nanjing in 2008 by entrepreneur Xu Yangtian, also known as Sky Xu, Shein grew into a global behemoth by selling inexpensive but trendy clothing worldwide. Though most of Shein’s apparel is made in China, the company does not sell any products there. In 2021, it moved its headquarters to Singapore, and Xu acquired Singaporean citizenship.

In a rare public appearance at a Guangdong provincial government event in February, Xu celebrated the company’s roots in China and its contribution to local employment. This gesture came shortly after Shein quietly filed for a Hong Kong listing last year, after abandoning plans to list in New York and London due to political and regulatory scrutiny.

Besides apparel, Shein has been moving into more categories, such as home and living, beauty and personal care, as well as appliances and electronics. As a result, non-apparel products have grown steadily as a share of Shein’s total revenue, rising from 31.2% in 2023 to 38.6% in the first quarter of 2026.

Mike Leung, an investment manager with Hong Kong’s Wocom Securities, said that given Shein’s significantly poorer operational performance, even the sharply discounted valuation is not attractive enough to him.

Still, Leung added that Shein’s IPO will certainly inject capital and draw attention to the Hong Kong market, catching the eyes of both international and local investors.

“Shein’s listing sets an example for other mainland Chinese enterprises seeking IPOs, proving Hong Kong’s ongoing appeal as an international financial and fundraising center,” he said.

The company said in its prospectus that it is being investigated by the US Federal Trade Commission and may end up reaching a settlement, without elaborating. Separately, Bloomberg reported that the US Treasury Department’s Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) is conducting a review, initiated by Shein itself, of the company’s USD 80 million acquisition of American retailer Everlane.

None of this has slowed Shein’s spending on advertising in the US Instead, both Shein and Temu are ramping up US ad outlays as consumer demand remains resilient, according to Sensor Tower.

The US accounted for 37% of Shein’s global ad spend year-to-date, up from 30% in 2025 but below 42% in 2024. For Temu, the country’s share rose to 41% from 28% in 2025, roughly in line with 42% in 2024.

Shein’s underwriters include US financial institutions Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and JP Morgan. This has triggered criticism from the US House of Representatives, as Shein faces multiple accusations regarding forced labor, illegal work hours and supply chain violations, all of which the company denies.

“For major US banks to bankroll Shein’s IPO shows these institutions have no regard for human rights or the victims of forced labor who will be forced to pick cotton for Shein’s clothes,” said John Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select Committee on China, in an August 25 press release. “These American banks are being used as a tool by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) to bolster their declining economy and capital markets with outside money, enabling a CCP Ponzi scheme on the rest of the world.”

This article first appeared on Nikkei Asia. It has been republished here as part of 36Kr’s ongoing partnership with Nikkei.

Note: HKD figures are converted to USD at rates of HKD 7.84=USD 1 based on estimates as of September 8, 2026, unless otherwise stated. USD conversions are presented for ease of reference and may not fully match prevailing exchange rates.

12 Affordable Laptops for Students and Remote Workers in Nigeria (2026)

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12 Affordable Laptops for Students and Remote Workers in Nigeria (2026)

Personal finance

With the way cost of living has been rising lately, everyone has learnt to be more efficient with how we spend and allocate our money. But when it comes to laptops, affordability still has to be balanced with efficiency. You do not want a budget laptop that ends up becoming useless to you just because it cannot serve the function you got it for. 

This is particularly important for students who need laptops to complete assignments, conduct research, and attend online lectures but also cannot compromise on the pricing. And also for the remote worker who needs to juggle zoom calls, slack channels, and various work apps. 

In this article, I will be sharing with you the top 12 best laptops for students and remote workers you can get on a budget in 2026.

The top 12 affordable laptops for students and remote workers in Nigeria include HP Stream 14, Lenovo IdeaPad 1, Dell Latitude 3000 Series, Acer Aspire 3, HP ProBook 650 or 450, Asus VivoBook 14, Lenovo ThinkPad T490,  EliteBook 840 G5, Dell Inspiron 15, Acer Chromebook Spin 514, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon, and Infinix InBook X2.

S/N Laptop Model RAM Storage Average Price Range (₦) Preferred For
1 HP Stream 14  4GB 64GB – 128GB ₦200,000 – ₦350,000 Student
2 Lenovo IdeaPad 1  8GB 256GB SSD ₦350,000 – ₦480,000 Both (Student & Remote Worker)
3 Dell Latitude 3000 Series 8GB – 16GB 256GB SSD ₦180,000 – ₦350,000 Both 
4 Acer Aspire 3 8GB 256GB – 512GB SSD ₦380,000 – ₦450,000 Student
5 HP ProBook 650 8GB – 16GB 256GB SSD ₦250,000 – ₦400,000 Both
6 Asus VivoBook 14 8GB 256GB SSD ₦400,000 – ₦520,000 Student
7 Lenovo ThinkPad T490 8GB – 16GB 256GB – 512GB SSD ₦250,000 – ₦400,000 Remote Worker 
8 HP EliteBook 840 G5 8GB – 16GB 256GB SSD ₦320,000 – ₦480,000 Both 
9 Dell Inspiron 15 8GB 256GB SSD ₦380,000 – ₦550,000 Both
10 Acer Chromebook Spin 514 4GB – 8GB 64GB – 128GB ₦200,000 – ₦320,000 Both (Browser tasks)
11 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (UK-used) 8GB – 16GB 256GB – 512GB SSD ₦380,000 – ₦480,000 Remote Worker 
12 Infinix InBook X2 (UK-used) 8GB 256GB SSD ₦380,000 – ₦480,000 Remote Worker
  1. HP Stream 14:

This is one of the most affordable budget laptops you’ll find out there in 2026. It has a slim, ultra-light plastic body that does not feel heavy for carrying around. The RAM is 4GB and the storage is usually a 64GB to 128GB Solid State Drive (SSD). The battery life is also very good and lasts about 5 to 7 hours.

 It is preferred for students who need to perform light tasks. The average price is currently around ₦200,000 – ₦350,000. 

  1. Lenovo IdeaPad 1:

The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is another very affordable budget laptop that is suitable for both students and remote workers. It has a clean build with a great keyboard feel. The RAM is 8GB and the storage is a 256 SSD.  12 Affordable Laptops for Students and Remote Workers in Nigeria (2026)

The battery life is also very strong with about 6 hours on a single charge. The average price is currently around ₦350,000 – ₦480,000. 

  1. Dell Latitude 3000 Series:

Dell Latitude 3000 Series has a rugged, drop-resistant build that makes it very durable. Both students and remote workers will enjoy using this. 

The RAM is usually 8GB or 16GB. The storage is a 256GB SSD. The battery life is also pretty strong with 4 to 6 hours on a single charge. The average price is currently around ₦180,000 – ₦350,000. 

  1. Acer Aspire 3:

Acer Aspire 3 has a sleek build that makes it look modern and it’s also lightweight. The RAM is 8GB and the storage is a 256 or 512 SSD. The battery life is strong with about 5 to 6 hours on a single charge. 

Both students and remote workers will find it really useful. The average price is currently around ₦380,000 – ₦450,000.

  1. HP ProBook 650:

The HP ProBook 650 special feature is its aluminium keyboard deck that is designed to withstand long and heavy typing. So, it is a fit for remote workers who are doing typing-related jobs and students conducting projects. The RAM is 8GB or 16GB. The storage is a 256GB SSD. 

The battery life is strong with 6 to 7 hours on a single charge. The  average price is currently around ₦250,000 – ₦400,000.

  1. Asus VivoBook 14:

The Asus VivoBook 14 is a stylish and lightweight budget laptop. It has a RAM of 8GB and storage capacity of 256GB SSD. Remote workers will find this particularly useful and stylish. 

The battery life is also impressive and lasts up to 6 to 7 hours on a single charge. The average cost is currently around ₦400,000 – ₦520,000. 

  1. Lenovo ThinkPad T490:

The Lenovo ThinkPad T490 is specially known for its ‘toughness’ and also its keyboard has been tagged the best typing keyboard in the entire tech universe. It features a 8GB or 16 GB RAM and a storage capacity of 256GB or 512GB SSD. The remote worker will particularly enjoy this. 

The battery life is exceptionally strong with up to 7 to 9 hours of battery life. The average price is currently around ₦250,000 – ₦400,000.

  1. HP EliteBook 840 G5:

The HP EliteBook 840 G5 is in a league of its own for a budget laptop. It has that sleek, silver look that gives off a ‘luxury’ vibe. It features a 8GB or 16GB RAM and a 256GB SSD storage.

Both students and remote workers will love this, one for its design, and also for its efficiency. The battery life is also impressive with up to 5 to 7 hours on a single charge. The average price is currently around ₦320,000 – ₦480,000.

  1. Dell Inspiron 15:

The Dell Inspiron 15 will be a special fit for Data Analyst remote workers and students conducting projects, because unlike other laptops, it comes with a full numeric keypad that makes data crunching and entry a breeze. The RAM is 8GB and the storage capacity is 256GB SSD. 

The battery life is also good with up to 5 to 6 hours on a single charge. The average price is currently around ₦380,000 – ₦550,000.

  1. Acer Chromebook Spin 514:

This is a special one because, unlike the others we have listed earlier that use Windows OS (operating system), it uses ChromeOS. This makes it super useful for students and remote workers who do most of their tasks on the Web. It has a compact and sleek build. The RAM is 4GB/8GB and the storage capacity is a 64GB/128GB eMMC (embedded multi-media card). 

The battery life is exceptional with up to 10 hours after a single charge. The average price is currently around ₦200,000 – ₦320,000.

  1. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Refurbished/UK-Used):

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon has a slim and feather-light build that gives it its sleek look. It is also very durable.  It is best suited for a remote worker due to the cost. It has a RAM of 8GB or 16GB and a storage capacity of 256GB or 512GB SSD.

The battery life is also great with up to 8 hours after a single charge. The average price of the refurbished (or UK-used) version is currently around ₦380,000 – ₦480,000.

  1. Infinix InBook X2 (Refurbished/UK-Used):

Infinix InBook X2 has a brushed metallic aesthetic that looks way more expensive than its actual price. It features a RAM of 8GB and a storage capacity of 256GB SSD. 

It uses a Type-C fast charging port and the battery life is great with up to 8 hours on a single charge. The average price of the refurbished (or UK-used) version is currently around ₦380,000 – ₦480,000. It is best suited for a remote worker due to the cost.

Personal finance Where To Get An Affordable Laptop As A Student Or Remote Worker In Nigeria 

Getting a cheap laptop as a student or remote worker in Nigeria should not be a hassle. Mostly, you have two options. Either you get it online via e-commerce platforms or you go to physical stores:

  1. Online Tech Platforms:

Tech platforms make buying your laptop much easier, as you can do it from the comfort of your home. Also, they help remove the risks that are associated with going to public, physical stores when trying to get a gadget like a laptop. Platforms like Cardtonic have made it much easier to buy different models of laptops and get it delivered right at your doorstep. 

  1. Physical Stores:

There are a lot of physical stores littered around where you can get an affordable laptop. Good examples include Computer village in Lagos, Wuse market in Abuja and other major tech hubs in the country. Even in other areas, you can be sure to find a store in your vicinity once you ask around.

NB: If your workflow or personal taste leans heavy on Apple’s ecosystem, you can check out Cardtonic’s Apple products.

Personal finance Frequently Asked Questions On Affordable Laptops For Students And Remote Workers In Nigeria 

  1. What Are The Minimum Specs I Should Look For For My Budget Laptop?

You should aim for at least an Intel Core i5 (5th Generation or newer) and an 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD. You don’t want a computer running on Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) or RAM that is lower than 4GB to avoid getting frustrated by a slow system. 

  1. Is It Better To Buy A Brand-New Budget Laptop Or A Refurbished (Uk-Used) Business  Laptop?

A UK-used business-class laptop (such as a Lenovo ThinkPad, HP EliteBook, or Dell Latitude) will offer you more value in terms of the processing power, durability, and keyboard comfort compared to a brand-new budget laptop for the equivalent price. 

  1. Can These Budget Laptops Handle Heavy Tasks Like Video Editing Or Gaming?

Simple answer: No. Budget laptops are built for everyday productivity tasks like typing, researching, coding, hopping on video calls, and opening multiple browser tabs. If you want to do things like gaming and heavy video editing, you’ll need laptops that have graphic cards and special hardwares. 

  1. How Much Should I Expect To Spend On A Decent Budget Laptop In Nigeria?

A solid budget laptop with decent RAM and SSD configuration should averagely cost around ₦180,000 to over ₦500,000, mostly depending on whether you want to get a UK-used business laptop or a brand-new budget laptop. Note that the price varies significantly based on exchange rate and you should confirm the current price before making your purchase. 

  1. Are Chromebooks Good For Remote Workers In Nigeria?

Chromebooks are great if you do most of your work inside a web browser (Google Docs, web mail, cloud storage, Zoom meetings). But if you’ll need to use heavy offline desktop software like Microsoft Office suites, coding apps, or video editors without constant internet, stick to a Windows or Mac machine. 

Personal finance Conclusion

Getting a reliable laptop in Nigeria doesn’t mean you have to break the bank or run yourself into debt. By looking out for the important specs like the RAM and SSD instead of chasing market hype, you’re already half-way there. 

Buying from platforms you can actually trust is just as important. Platforms like Cardtonic have made it way easier to shop for your tech gadgets with one of the best prices out there and also without the market anxiety of shopping physically. Hop on the platform and get yourself a budget-friendly and efficient laptop today!

B.AI, SUN.io, JustLend DAO, and BitTorrent Expand MetaMask Connectivity, Driving Global DeFi Access

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B.AI, SUN.io, JustLend DAO, and BitTorrent Expand MetaMask Connectivity, Driving Global DeFi Access

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Singapore, September 11, 2026 — B.AI, SUN.io, JustLend DAO, and BitTorrent, four leading decentralized applications (dApps) across the TRON ecosystem, now support MetaMask connectivity. MetaMask, one of the world’s largest consumer platforms for onchain finance, giving users direct control over their money and access to the onchain economy. This gives MetaMask users direct, in-wallet access to these dApps through a single, familiar interface, simplifying complex on-chain workflows and lowering the barrier to entry for global users.

Bringing TRON’s Leading dApps to MetaMask

B.AI, a financial infrastructure platform designed to give AI agents their own identities and the ability to transact independently. Its architecture includes the x402 payment protocol, the 8004 identity authentication protocol, a MCP Server, and BAIclaw which enables AI agents to verify one another, transact autonomously, and execute high-frequency financial operations on-chain. Access via MetaMask extends these capabilities to a broader global user base.

SUN.io, TRON’s leading decentralized platform with over $650 million in total value locked (TVL) and more than 26,000 liquidity pools, enables users to connect with MetaMask to access its high-performance, low-cost automated market maker (AMM), SunSwap V4, which features programmable hooks that allow developers and AI agents to embed custom logic directly into liquidity pools.

JustLend DAO, TRON’s leading lending platform with over $7 billion in TVL, provides capital-efficient infrastructure for on-chain borrowing, lending, and staking. Through MetaMask, users can access energy rental services and yield opportunities, optimizing transaction costs and supporting sustained high-frequency activity.

BitTorrent completes TRON’s on-chain and autonomous systems stack by providing cross-chain and data layers that allows the ecosystem to scale. BitTorrent Chain (BTTC) enables seamless interoperability between TRON, Ethereum and BNB Chain, while the BitTorrent File System (BTFS) delivers secure, low-cost decentralized storage. Together, supporting scalable, cross-chain operations for both users and AI agents.

Expanding a Global Web3 Gateway

With MetaMask connectivity now supported across these dApps, users can manage TRON-based assets, transfer tokens such as TRX and USDT, and execute swaps directly within MetaMask. The addition of MetaMask connectivity across B.AI, SUN.io, JustLend DAO, and BitTorrent shifts user access to a unified wallet-based experience, improving usability and connectivity across blockchain networks.

As decentralized finance and AI-driven applications continue to converge, this milestone positions TRON’s ecosystem to scale alongside global user demand. By aligning high-performance infrastructure with a widely adopted Web3 gateway, the ecosystem is better equipped to drive liquidity, improve capital efficiency, and accelerate adoption of DeFi and AI use cases at scale.

About B.AI

B.AI is a financial infrastructure built for the AI Agent era, designed to address the core challenges agents face in model access, payments, settlement, identity, and coordination. Through a unified API and settlement network, B.AI enables AI Agents to connect more freely to leading global models and services, while using agent wallets to pay, get paid, and exchange value autonomously. At the same time, B.AI builds verifiable identity and credit primitives for agents through on-chain accounts, helping AI evolve from software tools into economic actors that can transact, collaborate, and operate continuously at scale. By lowering barriers to model access, enabling seamless value transfer, and establishing an economic framework for intelligent agents, B.AI aims to accelerate the maturation of the AI Agent ecosystem, advance the real-world development of AGI, and make the benefits of AI more accessible to a broader range of users and developers.

Media Contact

Elle

[email protected]

About SUN.io

SUN.io is the first decentralized autonomous platform on the TRON blockchain, distinguished by its integration of stablecoin trading, comprehensive token exchange, and liquidity mining capabilities. As a cornerstone of the TRON ecosystem, SUN.io is dedicated to optimizing trading liquidity and asset returns for its users. The platform empowers participants to stake SUN tokens, earning veSUN, which unlocks a suite of exclusive benefits, including enhanced rewards and voting rights in the platform’s governance.

Media Contact 

Elle

[email protected]

About JustLend DAO

JustLend DAO is TRON’s decentralized financial platform where users can earn yields through supplied assets, borrow digital assets against collateral, participate in TRX staking, and rent Energy. Committed to developing TRON-based DeFi protocols and providing all-in-one financial solutions to its users, there is now more than $7.6B Total Value Locked in the JUST Network. 

The JustLend DAO provides a forum for its users to participate in governance and directives, while empowering its users with decentralized authority, trustless transactions, smart-contract automation, and security with transparent accountability. 

Tokens in the JustLend DAO markets (TRX, BTT, JST, NFT, USDT, TUSD, USDD) are granted statutory status as authorized digital currency and medium of exchange in the Commonwealth of Dominica. JustLend DAO exists to provide stable and convenient financial lending services for all users.

Engage with the JustLend DAO community via the JustLend DAO Portal, Telegram, Twitter, and the JUST Network.

Media Contact

Harvey

[email protected]

About BitTorrent Chain
BitTorrent Chain (BTTC) is the world’s first heterogeneous cross-chain interoperability protocol, which adopts the PoS (Proof-of-Stake) mechanism and leverages sidechains for the scaling of smart contracts. It now enables interoperability with the public chains of Ethereum, TRON, and BNB Chain. Fully compatible with EVM, BitTorrent Chain facilitates the seamless transfer of assets across mainstream public chains. The governance token BTT, also known as BTTOLD on TRON Protocol was granted statutory status as authorized digital currency and medium of exchange in the Commonwealth of Dominica on October 7th 2022.

Website | Telegram | Medium | Github | Docs

Media Contact
Charles

[email protected]

Emily Ratajkowski turns heads as she goes braless in sheer white top in New York

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Emily Ratajkowski turns heads as she goes braless in sheer white top in New York

Fashion

Emily Ratajkowski commanded attention as she went braless beneath a sheer white top during her latest appearance in New York City.

The model and author, 35, looked effortlessly glamorous in the head-to-toe ivory ensemble as she was photographed during New York Fashion Week.

Emily’s sleeveless top featured a fitted silhouette and a high, scarf-style neckline, with two dramatic lengths of fabric cascading down her back.

The semi-sheer material offered a glimpse of her figure underneath, while its cropped hem subtly revealed her toned midriff.

fashion Emily Ratajkowski attends the Calvin Klein Spring /Summer 2027 Fashion Show © GC Images

Emily Ratajkowski attends the Calvin Klein Spring /Summer 2027 Fashion Show

She completed the minimalist outfit with a pair of tailored low-rise trousers and delicate white strappy heels.

Emily added oversized black sunglasses and sparkling diamond stud earrings, while her brunette hair was swept into a sleek centre-parted updo with loose tendrils framing her face. The My Body author appeared relaxed as she posed with her hands tucked into her pockets before making her way through the city.

Her latest appearance came after she walked in Tory Burch’s Spring/Summer 2027 show, which was staged at the Isamu Noguchi Sunken Garden during New York Fashion Week.

Emily Ratajkowski’s approach to health and fitness

Although Emily is known for her toned physique, she has previously revealed that she prefers a relaxed and sustainable approach to exercise rather than following an intense celebrity training programme. “I don’t have a trainer, and I don’t really go to the gym,” she told The New York Times, explaining that she instead enjoyed going on long walks and hikes with friends.

fashion Emily turning heads as she goes braless in New York© GC Images

Emily turning heads as she goes braless in New York

The California-raised star has also spoken about her love of being outdoors and previously said that hiking and practising yoga several times a week formed an important part of her routine. Emily takes an equally balanced approach to food and has never claimed to follow a highly restrictive diet.

“I like to keep it really balanced to give my body energy and also be healthy,” she told ELLE. The model said that she enjoyed cooking because it allowed her to understand exactly how much salt and sugar went into her meals, although she was also happy to enjoy foods such as croissants and cupcakes.

fashion Emily's sleeveless top featured a fitted silhouette and a high, scarf-style neckline, with two dramatic lengths of fabric cascading down her back© GC Images

Emily’s sleeveless top featured a fitted silhouette and a high, scarf-style neckline, with two dramatic lengths of fabric cascading down her back

“I think it’s good to indulge occasionally,” she explained. “I think it is really important to give yourself a break.”

Emily Ratajkowski’s relationship with Romain Gavras

Emily’s New York appearance comes shortly after she was photographed enjoying a romantic trip to Rome with her boyfriend, French filmmaker Romain Gavras.

The couple were seen holding hands and kissing as they explored the Italian capital with Emily’s five-year-old son, Sylvester “Sly” Apollo.

Emily and Romain, 45, were first romantically linked in November 2025 before she made their relationship Instagram official in February 2026 by sharing a series of affectionate photographs.

fashion Emily and her son, Sylvester Apollo Bear in 2025© Corbis via Getty Images

Emily and her son, Sylvester Apollo Bear in 2025

Romain previously dated singer Dua Lipa, while Emily shares her son with her former husband, film producer Sebastian Bear-McClard. The former couple married in 2018 before separating in 2022.

Earlier this year, Emily reflected candidly on dating and motherhood in a deeply personal essay for The Cut.

The model revealed that she established strict boundaries while dating as a single mother, writing: “I had rules: Never miss bedtime and basically no sleepovers.”

Emily also explained that the end of her marriage ultimately changed the way she viewed herself and helped her recognise the strength it had taken to walk away. “Leaving my marriage wasn’t about seeking anyone’s attention or approval,” she wrote. “I wasn’t left; I left.”

Space Weather: Auroras’ Beauty vs | Mirage News

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Space Weather: Auroras’ Beauty vs | Mirage News

Beauty

Most days, you can look up and see the Sun shining above. Even if it’s hidden behind clouds, you know it’s there, lighting up the sky. But while the Sun’s light might be relatively constant, its surface is surprisingly active. If you hopped on NASA’s Parker Solar Probe for a closeup view of the Sun, you might see spurts of charged gas called solar flares coming off its surface, or dramatic explosions called coronal mass ejections. These events travel outward from the Sun through space, and sometimes they interact with Earth’s magnetic field, causing space weather.

Author

  • Mary Magnuson

    Associate Science Editor

This week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is tracking several coronal mass ejections that could lead to a minor geomagnetic storm in Earth’s atmosphere. People in Canada and the northern United States may be able to see an aurora the evening of Sept. 9, 2026.

The Conversation U.S. has compiled some articles from our archives on space weather, from the science behind how the phenomenon works to how researchers are working to better understand it – and even predict it.

Beauty 1. What is space weather?

Solar flares and coronal mass ejections are made up of plasma : electrically charged gas. After they explode off the Sun’s surface, they travel through space and may eventually reach Earth. When they run into Earth’s atmosphere, they interact with the magnetic field shrouding our planet.

As explained by Yeimy J. Rivera , Rosa Tatiana Niembro Hernández and Samuel Badman – a team of astrophysicists at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory – this collision with the magnetic field causes space weather , or geomagnetic storms, which produce the northern lights : the beautiful streaks of green or purple you may have had the chance to see across the sky last year.

The Sun also produces the solar wind , which is much different from a breeze you might feel on Earth. The solar wind is a stream of charged particles and magnetic field lines ejected from the Sun. Many scientists are interested in how interactions between coronal mass ejections, the solar wind and Earth’s magnetic field influence geomagnetic storms.

Beauty 2. Space weather and technology on Earth

While space weather may look beautiful, it can also be very destructive . These events add more particles into Earth’s atmosphere, which can increase drag on satellites and cause them to fall. They also disrupt the radio waves that some satellites use to communicate with Earth.

GPS is one type of technology that uses radio waves. Many facets of modern life rely on GPS – not just the map apps on your phone or in your car.

“For many industries – aviation, maritime, robotics, transportation, farming, military and others – GPS positioning errors of a few meters are simply not tenable,” wrote Piyush Mehta , an aerospace engineer at West Virginia University.

2025’s space weather events disrupted some satellite communications and even triggered overheating alarms for power grids. But history can tell you that some space weather events are far more severe: A strong enough space weather event could do far worse than disrupt satellite communications for a few minutes.

Beauty 3. Space weather throughout history

Over a century ago, in 1859, a large solar flare outshone the Sun , wrote Dagomar Degroot , an environmental historian at Georgetown University. Telegraph lines – still very new at the time – shorted out, and that night, bright auroras lit up the sky.

Since then, technology has advanced past the telegraph. Beyond satellites, a strong enough solar storm could disrupt cell networks and electrical power grids . These systems underlie communications, transportation, utilities – even the sewer systems.

“For now, one thing is certain: to protect these networks, scientists must monitor the Sun in real time,” Degroot wrote. “That way, operators can reduce or reroute the electricity flowing through grids when a coronal mass ejection approaches. A little preparation may prevent a collapse.”

Beauty 4. Studying space weather

Space agencies across the globe have a suite of missions that monitor the Sun and the flares and ejections it produces. In 2025, NASA launched a few more. As Ryan French , a solar physicist at the University of Colorado Boulder, described , together these instruments will monitor space weather from different vantage points, to learn more about how these events are created and how they travel.

In March 2025, NASA launched the Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere , made up of four satellites in Earth’s orbit that study how the Sun’s outer surface layer creates the solar wind.

Then, in September, NASA launched two more missions: the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe , or IMAP, and the Carruthers Geocorona Observatory .

Both IMAP and Carruthers traveled out to the L1 Lagrange point , which is a spot between Earth and the Sun where the two celestial bodies’ gravitational pulls balance out. Spacecraft orbiting here get a great view of the Sun, and the gravitational balance means they don’t need to constantly use fuel to stay in position.

IMAP will study the solar wind and map how far particles ejected from the Sun reach into space. Carruthers, on the other hand, will turn its sights back on Earth. It will observe what happens to the outer layer of Earth’s atmosphere during space weather events.

Next year, in 2027, NASA plans to launch another complementary mission called the Sun Coronal Ejection Tracker . This mission will watch how coronal mass ejections change as they are ejected from the Sun.

All these missions will help scientists monitor and respond to space weather events – and the latter goal will only grow more important.

Beauty 5. Forecasting space weather events

Before the end of the decade, NASA hopes to send humans back to the Moon . And because the Moon doesn’t have a magnetic field like Earth, it’s especially vulnerable to space weather events , wrote Lulu Zhao , a space scientist at the University of Michigan.

Particles in space, called cosmic radiation , generally aren’t good for the human body . Earth’s magnetic field deflects most of those particles and keeps life on Earth safe. But if particles from the Sun hit an astronaut on the lunar surface, the astronaut could be at risk for health complications like cancer.

“During a large solar energetic particle event, the radiation dosage an astronaut receives inside a spacesuit could exceed 1,000 times the dosage someone on Earth receives,” wrote Zhao. “That would exceed an astronaut’s recommended lifetime limit by 10 times.”

Zhao and her colleagues are developing a research center that would predict space weather events. Accurate, timely predictions could protect astronauts by giving them the time they’d need to get inside a shelter, as well as protect infrastructure back on Earth.

Space weather research is advancing quickly, with researchers around the globe coming up with designs to help predict these events even further out. The more interconnected the world becomes, the more there will be to protect.

This story is a roundup of articles from The Conversation’s archives.

/Courtesy of The Conversation. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).

Fat Bear Week kicks off September 22

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Fat Bear Week kicks off September 22

Science

science a fat bear sitting near trees

2018 Fat Bear Week Champion Bear #409 (Beadnose) showing off her girth.


Image: NPS / A. Ramos

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The salmon? Eaten. The days? Shorter. The bears? Fatter. 

After spending the summer eating the fatty pink salmon swimming through Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska, it’s time to celebrate the park’s iconic brown bears (Ursus arctos). Fat Bear Week begins on Tuesday, September 22, and here is everything you need to know. 

What is Fat Bear Week?

Think March Madness, just without the basketball and significantly more bears. Fat Bear Week is a single-elimination tournament, where bear enthusiasts from around the world can vote online for their favorite chunky bear. After each round, the bear with the most votes advances until the winner is announced on September 29. According to the Katmai Conservancy, the event began as a one-day event in 2014 with 1,700 votes cast. Only 10 years later, 1.2 million votes were cast from over 100 countries.

The brown bears return to Brooks Falls for the salmon migration every year in late June, where viewers can watch them on explore.org’s livestream. There, they will feast to fatten up for the long winter ahead. By late summer, the nutritious fish will spawn and then begin to die. The bears will then move to the lower Brooks River in September and October to eat the dead and dying salmon near the river’s mouth.

Eating all of this salmon is important because the heftier the bear, the better chance they will survive their long winter hibernation. Despite being the poster species for winter hibernation, bears are not “deep hibernators,” they way that squirrels, bats, and bees are. Bears enter a state called torpor, which is an involuntary state primarily triggered by lack of food. During this time, the bears rely on stored fat reserves for energy. A torpid bear’s eating, drinking, and waste functions will cease, as its body metabolizes these stores it put on over the summer. 

When is Fat Bear Week 2026?

This year, Fat Bear Week begins on Tuesday, September 22, and a winner will be crowned on Tuesday, September 29. 

How can I vote?

Votes may be cast from noon to 9 p.m. EDT (9 a.m. to 6 p.m. PDT and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ADT)

from September 22 and 29 at fatbearweek.org.

Photographs comparing the bears from earlier in the summer and later in the summer will be shown, so voters can get an idea of just how much weight the bears put on during their salmon fest. An adult male bear can go from roughly 700 pounds in the early summer to over 1,200 pounds by fall. 

Voters are also encouraged to get familiar with each bear’s life history and the unique challenges they face to survive.

Which bears are competing this year?

The 2026 Fat Bear Week Bracket will be released on Friday, September 18. 

In 2025, Bear #32 (Chunk) took the crown, despite beginning the salmon run with a freshly broken jaw. He was likely injured while fighting with another bear for a mate, but he still managed to catch plenty of fish. Chunk is known for his dominance and size, but also narrow-set eyes, dark fur, a prominent brow ridge, and a distinctive scar across his muzzle. 

science a large bear stands near a waterfall
Fat Bear Week 2025 champion Chunk. Image: NPS/ T. Carmack

How can I support Katmai’s bears?

Donations can be made to Katmai Conservancy’s Otis Fund. The Otis Fund is named after Bear #480 (Otis), who won four Fat Bear Week titles before his death around 2024.  All donations made between September 22 and October 3 will be matched by explore.org. 

What happened with the bears this summer?

This year’s livestream featured an example of how wild (and upsetting to humans) nature can be. On Tuesday, July 28, the live-cams captured a young brown bear cub being killed and eaten by an unrelated mother bear (Bear #806). The deceased cub was born this spring and the child of Bear #909, a 10-year-old brown bear. Bear #909 started the season with two cubs, but now lost both. 

On Sunday, August 2, one of Bear #335’s (Jolly) cubs died, after following three unrelated cubs up a tree. The mother of the cubs already in the tree attacked Bear #335’s cub, who did not survive the encounter. The identity of the mother bear who killed the spring cub was not confirmed. 

Following the first cub’s death, naturalist Mike Fitz and park rangers Christine Loberg and Sarah Bruce said this likely the first documented case occurring at Brooks River. While there is no one answer as to why mother bears are killing cubs, some experts suspect bear adoption, food scarcity, and fights for dominance all play a role. 

Additionally, this year also saw the cub with silver-hued fur, a cub who hopefully learned important lesson about porcupine quill safety, the unique fishing stylings of Bear #164 (Bucky Dent), and Bear #284’s (Electra) family who can “walk on water.”

 

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Humans experimented with drugs 23,000 years earlier than we thought

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Humans experimented with drugs 23,000 years earlier than we thought

Science

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An estimated 1-in-10 people around the world use betel nut today.


Credit: Marc Dozier via Getty Images

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We humans love our mind-altering substances. Cultures around the world have discovered, ritualized, and simply experimented with alcoholic drinks and ingestible drugs for millennia. However, recent archaeological evidence indicates humanity possibly began utilizing psychoactive plants much earlier than previously believed. Based on findings published in the journal Science Advances, some communities in present-day Indonesia enjoyed the effects of betel nuts as long as 25,000 years ago. This pushes the timeline over 23,000 years back from documented Neolithic and Bronze Age uses circa 1,500 BCE.

The areca nut (Areca catechu), better known as the betel nut, isn’t widely known in the United States, but it’s one of the world’s most popular intoxicants. Most frequently seen across southeast Asia cultures, its global usage only trails behind alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine. Betel nuts are prepared by grinding and processing the plant seeds with slaked lime (calcium hydroxide). This fine powder is often combined with additional ingredients such as flavoring spices or tobacco to make a “quid,” that is then chewed as a stimulant. There are millions of betel users today, with some estimates putting the global total at 1-in-10 people.

Many researchers contend that most human intoxicant use began with fermented alcoholic drinks, amid the rise of farming during the Neolithic era about 13,000 years ago. Adam Brumm, one of the study’s co-author and an archaeologist at Australia’s Griffith University, believes otherwise.

“This theory fails to account for the possibility that very ancient drug-taking lies at the roots of our most commonly used psychoactive substances,” he explained in a university profile.

science Betel nut - World's oldest known drug habit dates back to Ice Age thumbnail

Betel nut – World’s oldest known drug habit dates back to Ice Age

Brumm and his team cite evidence gathered from the extremely rare skeletal remains of two early human foragers discovered on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. The older of the two lived between 25,000 and 16,000 years ago, while the younger individual is 7,600 to 6,300 years old. Unlike many other documented skeletons from the region, these hunter-gathers both exhibit rarely seen dental damage in the form of deep, curved grooves in the teeth. Researchers theorized this unexpected deterioration stemmed from a never-before-identified practice of regularly sucking on entire betel nuts.

But there was a problem—this hypothesis contradicted earlier studies of betel nut usage. Many scientists believe the drug’s primary neuroactive alkaloid, called arecoline, is only noticeable after chewing betel nuts processed with slaked lime. Lab experiments conducted by Brumm’s group suggest this isn’t necessarily always the case. To test their theory, researchers soaked betel nuts in artificial saliva, then introduced the mixtures to exposed cloned human receptors grown from frog egg cells. These receptors included specific proteins that function as molecular switches overseeing neural activity.

The study authors discovered that even simply sucking on whole betel nuts is all it takes to release enough arecoline to elicit altered neural activity and physiological effects. To further bolster their findings, biochemists even flagged arceoline traces in the dental tissue of both hunter-gatherers.

However, the ancient humans living on Sulawesi didn’t necessarily ingest betel nuts for recreational use. Unprocessed nuts likely offer milder effects, but arceoline remains a natural analgesic. Knowing this, the study’s authors surmise these betel nut habits were self-reinforcing.

“Sucking these hard, abrasive seeds wore down the foragers’ teeth so badly that in some cases the inner pulp chamber became completely exposed,” explained Brumm. “So while this habit may have been a remedy for toothache, years of prolonged nut-sucking eventually caused much worse dental health problems, creating a cycle of continued habitual use.”

The implications go far beyond revising the timeline of humanity’s relationship with mind-altering substances. If true, this means at least some ancient hunter-gatherer cultures discovered psychoactive properties before the development of agriculture.

“The study implies that some modern drug-taking behaviors are deeply rooted in forager traditions,” added Brumm.

 

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TASFUED Don Calls For Urgent Government Action On Inflation And Industrial Reforms

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TASFUED Don Calls For Urgent Government Action On Inflation And Industrial Reforms

Universities


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The Federal Government has been urged to intensify efforts to control inflation and stabilise the Nigerian economy, as persistent economic pressures threaten harmonious industrial relations and the productivity of organisations across the country.

Prof. Adebayo Olatunde Akinsanya of the Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED), Ijagun, made the call while delivering the University’s 42nd Inaugural Lecture, titled “Have Dominion” (Genesis 1:28) on Thursday September 3, 2026.

Prof Akinsanya, who is of the Industrial Education Unit in the Department of Adult and Development Education, College of Specialised and Professional Education (COSPED), also called for a review of Nigeria’s industrial laws to reflect current economic realities, while urging government, employers and workers to embrace collective bargaining, negotiation and social dialogue as instruments for resolving industrial disputes.

According to him, the stability of the Nigerian economy is closely linked to the relationship among the major actors in the industrial relations system: government, employers and employees. He stressed that inflation must be controlled if sustainable and peaceful workplace relations are to be achieved.

The don noted that Nigeria’s aspiration to become a truly industrialised nation could not be achieved without harmonious relationships among the actors in industrial relations. He identified industrial harmony as essential to promoting peace, improving workers’ morale, enhancing productivity, ensuring prudent use of resources, improving quality of work life and encouraging workers’ participation in organisational affairs.

Professor Akinsanya further advocated the review of industrial laws to bring them in line with contemporary realities, including inflation, changing knowledge requirements and increasing global consciousness among employers and employees.

He urged all industrial relations actors not to neglect collective bargaining and negotiation, stressing their importance in regulating wages and conditions of employment and promoting social dialogue. He also linked the approach to the International Labour Organisation’s Decent Work Agenda, which emphasises rights at work, social protection and social dialogue.

The inaugural lecturer identified effective communication as another critical instrument for preventing and resolving workplace conflicts. He observed that inadequate or ineffective information, particularly when employees are excluded from decisions or are not properly informed about new policies and programmes, can become a trigger for industrial conflict.

He explained that a robust communication climate within organisations facilitates the exchange of ideas, skills and knowledge, thereby improving performance, productivity and efficiency. Such a climate, he said, should be built around supportiveness, participatory decision-making, trust and credibility, openness and candour, as well as clearly communicated performance goals.

Prof. Akinsanya said the interests of the three principal actors in industrial relations differ but remain interconnected. While employers seek profitability, workers seek improved welfare and fair wages, and government seeks uninterrupted production and the continuous flow of goods and services to society.

He therefore called for greater dialogue and adherence to established procedures for resolving disagreements, rather than domination or confrontation. He advocated substantive and procedural agreements covering issues such as wages, overtime, bonuses, working hours and leave, as well as agreed procedures for resolving disputes peacefully.

The one-time Branch Chairman, TASUED, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)  also warned that industrial conflict could undermine national development by disrupting productive activities, destroying infrastructure and diverting resources away from productive uses. He consequently advocated workers’ education and peace education as measures for helping employees understand their rights, obligations and limitations within organisations.

On conflict management, Prof. Akinsanya advocated approaches that promote mutually beneficial outcomes, particularly collaboration, while noting that different conflict situations require different management strategies. He explained that collaboration encourages parties to pursue “win-win” solutions through assertive communication and cooperation.

He maintained that every stakeholder in the industrial system has a vital contribution to make to society and urged all parties to create a harmonious work environment where their respective roles could be effectively performed.

“Government should create more practicable regulations and better economic space for dutiful industry,” he said, adding that employers should be more responsive to workers, while employees should continuously update their knowledge and embrace collaborative efforts for organisational productivity.

The 42nd Inaugural Lecture was described by Professor Akinsanya as the 42nd in the series of inaugural lectures of the University, the sixth in TASFUED, the 14th in COSPED and the second in the Department of Adult and Development Education, which he pioneered as Acting Head in 2015. It was also the first inaugural lecture from the Industrial Education Unit of the Department.

The lecture provided an extensive examination of the evolution of work, industrial relations and workplace conflict, tracing developments from primitive societies through ancient civilisation, feudalism, medieval industry and the Industrial Revolution to contemporary industrial relations.

In his concluding recommendations, he reiterated the need for economic stability, urging the government to control inflation, review industrial legislation and ensure that collective bargaining and negotiation remain central to employer-employee relations.

He also called on employers to be responsive to workers and for employees to continually improve their knowledge and work collaboratively towards productive growth.

Prof. Akinsanya concluded that peace is indispensable to productivity and national development, stressing that all stakeholders must work towards a harmonious industrial environment if Nigeria is to achieve its industrialisation aspirations.

The Inaugural Lecture was presided over by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, with other Principal Officers of the University in attendance, Staff and Students.

The lecture had in attendance members of the intelligentsia, academia, the leadership of ASUU South West, ably led by Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, a one-time national chairman, members of the Oke Ona Grammar School Abeokuta Alumni Association, family and friends.


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FAROUNBI, SENATOR FATAI BUHARI, ADARAMODU, FASH-LANSO, ADEYEMO, OTHERS LAUD OJO-LANRE’S WIFE AT BIRTHDAY, PEN-DOWN CELEBRATION

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FAROUNBI, SENATOR FATAI BUHARI, ADARAMODU, FASH-LANSO, ADEYEMO, OTHERS LAUD OJO-LANRE’S WIFE AT BIRTHDAY, PEN-DOWN CELEBRATION

Education


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It was an impressive gathering of distinguished Nigerians, family members, friends, professional colleagues and well-wishers at the Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, as Mrs. Moyomade Bolatito Ojo-Lanre was celebrated on her birthday and retirement from active service after a distinguished career in education.

The colourful birthday and pen-down celebration attracted prominent personalities from politics, diplomacy, academia, entertainment, hospitality, media and other sectors, with speaker after speaker paying glowing tribute to Mrs. Ojo-Lanre for her discipline, devotion to education, commitment to family and decades of service to society.

Among the dignitaries were former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Ambassador Yemi Farounbi; Senator Abdulfatai Omotayo Buhari; Mrs. Toyin Adaramodu, wife of Senator Yemi Adaramodu; renowned actor and thespian Yomi Fash-Lanso; Prof. Babalola Wasiu Adeyemo, President, Hotel Management and Tourism, Atiba University; and Mr. Ayo Ogundele, President of the Oyo State Hoteliers Association, among several other eminent personalities.

Mrs. Ojo-Lanre, an educationist who began her professional teaching career at Apata Grammar School, Apata, Ibadan, bowed out of active service as Principal of Oyalami Community Grammar School, Orita Challenge, Ibadan.

The celebration provided an opportunity not only to mark her birthday and retirement but also to reflect on a life that successfully combined the demanding responsibilities of teaching, school administration, motherhood and family life.

In his remarks, Senator Abdulfatai Omotayo Buhari described the Ojo-Lanre family as one deserving of honour and celebration.

The Senator spoke warmly about the exceptional character of Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, Esq., noting that his respect and affection for him made attendance at the ceremony particularly important.

According to him, he had already made travel arrangements before learning about the event but had to alter his ticket and schedule in order to be physically present.

For Senator Buhari, such a decision reflected the value he placed on friendship, loyalty and relationships built over the years. He congratulated Mrs. Ojo-Lanre for her successful career and for providing the strong family support necessary for her husband to pursue an active life of journalism, law, public service and tourism development.

Former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Ambassador Yemi Farounbi, similarly paid an emotional tribute to the celebrant, describing her as much more than a wife to Wale Ojo-Lanre.

Farounbi commended Mrs. Ojo-Lanre for being a mother, sister, companion and dependable pillar to her husband and family, while particularly praising her patience, understanding and tolerance through the different phases of their journey together.

The veteran broadcaster and diplomat, who had just returned from the United States, said his longstanding love, respect and relationship with the Ojo-Lanre family made his presence at the celebration imperative.

He noted that behind many successful public figures are spouses who make enormous sacrifices away from public attention, adding that Mrs. Ojo-Lanre deserved to be celebrated for sustaining her home while simultaneously building a successful professional career of her own.

Mrs. Toyin Adaramodu praised the celebrant for her strength of character, humility and devotion to family values.

She described Mrs. Ojo-Lanre’s journey as a shining example of the enormous contribution women make both within their families and in the larger society, particularly through education, mentorship and the nurturing of younger generations.

Celebrated thespian Yomi Fash-Lanso described Mrs. Ojo-Lanre as a true and dependable wife — an “Iyawo gidi” — whose support for her husband and devotion to her family had been evident over the years.

He congratulated her for successfully navigating the responsibilities of marriage, motherhood and a demanding career in education, observing that reaching the pinnacle of her profession as a school Principal while sustaining a strong family was itself worthy of celebration.

Also speaking, Prof. Babalola Wasiu Adeyemo, President, Hotel Management and Tourism, Atiba University, commended Mrs. Ojo-Lanre for a career defined by discipline, intellectual growth and commitment to human development.

He noted that education remains one of the strongest instruments for shaping society and described the celebrant’s progression from classroom teacher to Principal as evidence of perseverance, professional competence and leadership.

Prof. Adeyemo further observed that retirement after decades of service should not be seen as an end, but as an opportunity to deploy accumulated experience in mentoring younger professionals and contributing to society in new ways.

President of the Oyo State Hoteliers Association, Mr. Ayo Ogundele, congratulated the celebrant on what he described as a fulfilling professional journey, noting that retirement after decades of meritorious service should be regarded as a moment of thanksgiving and accomplishment.

He said the impressive gathering at the Press Centre reflected the goodwill the Ojo-Lanre family had cultivated across professional and social circles over the years.

In a particularly touching family tribute, Bukky Ojo-Lanre, Esq., described Mrs. Moyomade Ojo-Lanre as an exceptional mother whose philosophy of parenting rests firmly on three pillars — discipline, education and values.

She noted that Mrs. Ojo-Lanre never compromised on the proper upbringing and education of her children, insisting that discipline and sound values were indispensable foundations for responsible adulthood.

Her testimony offered guests a glimpse beyond the retired Principal and public celebrant into the private world of a mother whose influence has been deeply felt within her family.

Speaker after speaker acknowledged that Mrs. Ojo-Lanre’s story was particularly remarkable because she did not allow marriage and motherhood to halt her personal and professional development.

Having obtained her degree in Chemistry Education from Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, she later returned to academic pursuit and obtained a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Ibadan in 2016.

She rose steadily through the Oyo State teaching service from classroom teacher to Principal before retiring in 2026 from Oyalami Community Grammar School, Orita Challenge, Ibadan.

The event was characterised by goodwill messages, reminiscences, laughter, music, dancing and expressions of gratitude as friends, colleagues and family members celebrated a woman many described as disciplined, accommodating, resilient and deeply committed to education.

For Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, Esq., the celebration was also a moment to appreciate a woman who has shared his journey through the years, providing stability at home while pursuing an equally demanding professional career.

The impressive turnout of personalities from different walks of life transformed what could ordinarily have been a simple retirement ceremony into a celebration of friendship, family, service and enduring relationships.

At the centre of it all, however, was Mrs. Moyomade Bolatito Ojo-Lanre — the teacher who rose to become a Principal; the educationist who continued learning even while teaching others; the wife and mother whose family testified to her discipline and values; and the public servant who bowed out after decades devoted to moulding young minds.

It was, indeed, more than a pen-down ceremony.

It was a celebration of a career fulfilled, a family nurtured, friendships sustained and a life of service worthy of honour.


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Hamza Abdelkarim: Barcelona Lock Down Egyptian Star With Release Clause Jump To €150m

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Hamza Abdelkarim: Barcelona Lock Down Egyptian Star With Release Clause Jump To €150m

Entertainment

  • Entertainment Barcelona have officially confirmed a new contract for teenage striker Hamza Abdelkarim, extending his deal until June 2030 and raising his release clause dramatically from €15 million to €150 million, a tenfold increase designed to protect the club from losing him to a rival for a relatively low fee.

  • Entertainment According to a report from Yahoo Sports, Barcelona were “unwilling to expose themselves to the possibility of another club triggering a release clause that was completely out of line with his emerging value,” suggesting the club deliberately managed his involvement in official matches while the new deal was being finalised.

  • Entertainment The same report states that Barcelona “wanted to avoid Abdelkarim exploding onto the scene in official matches before his contractual situation had been addressed,” offering a possible explanation for why the highly-rated striker has featured sparingly for Hansi Flick’s side since the start of the season despite an outstanding pre-season campaign.

  • Entertainment With the transfer window now closed and his new contract in place, Barcelona are reportedly free to give Abdelkarim greater first-team involvement without the same financial risk, having finished pre-season as the club’s top scorer with four goals in just three appearances.

September 11, (THEWILL) – Hamza Abdelkarim’s limited involvement in Barcelona’s opening matches of the season may not simply be down to squad rotation or a gradual introduction for a young player, according to a report that suggests the club deliberately managed his minutes while working to fix a major vulnerability in his contract.

Barcelona confirmed on Thursday that Abdelkarim has signed a new deal running until June 2030, with his release clause rising sharply from €15 million to €150 million, a tenfold increase. On the surface, the move reflects growing confidence in the 18-year-old following an outstanding pre-season, but a report from Yahoo Sports offers a more specific explanation for the timing, and for why Abdelkarim hasn’t featured more prominently for Hansi Flick’s side since the season began.

According to the report, Barcelona “were unwilling to expose themselves to the possibility of another club triggering a release clause that was completely out of line with his emerging value.” That risk was very real. Abdelkarim’s previous release clause of just €15 million looked increasingly outdated given his trajectory, particularly after he finished pre-season as Barcelona’s top scorer with four goals in only three appearances, including strikes against Birmingham City, Basel and his former club Al Ahly.

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entertainment Abdelkarim

The same report goes further, stating plainly that Barcelona “wanted to avoid Abdelkarim exploding onto the scene in official matches before his contractual situation had been addressed.”

In other words, handing the teenager significant first-team minutes before his new deal was finalised risked showcasing exactly the kind of performances that could have tempted a rival club to trigger his low release clause and sign him for a fraction of his actual value.

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That explanation lines up with what fans have observed so far this season. Despite Flick previously describing Abdelkarim as someone who “could be an option” for Barcelona this campaign, and despite his standout pre-season form, the Egyptian striker has featured sparingly in official matches, fuelling speculation over why a player who looked so sharp in the summer wasn’t being given a genuine run in the side.

https://x.com/FCBarcelona/status/2089016501315502567?s=20 (a link to a video of Hamza’s goal for Barcelona)

Abdelkarim’s rise at Barcelona has been rapid regardless of the situation surrounding his minutes. He arrived on loan from Al Ahly in February 2026, impressed heavily with the club’s Juvenil A side, and prompted Barcelona to activate his permanent purchase option for €1.5 million over the summer. He made his official senior debut in a La Liga fixture against Rayo Vallecano, and his new contract also includes a salary increase reflecting his rising standing within the squad.

With the transfer window now closed and his release clause no longer a financial liability for the club, Barcelona are reportedly in a position to involve Abdelkarim more heavily going forward without the same risk hanging over his every appearance. If the reporting around his contractual situation is accurate, supporters may finally start seeing considerably more of the teenager who spent much of the season’s opening weeks waiting in the wings while his club worked behind the scenes to protect their investment.

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Olumide Atiba, THEWILL

Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage

9/11 transformed our relationship with news – and laid the groundwork for today’s crisis of trust

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9/11 transformed our relationship with news – and laid the groundwork for today’s crisis of trust

Pop culture

Twenty-five years on, the legacy of the September 11 attacks continues beyond the initial physical and economic effects. The events of 9/11 and the subsequent “war on terror” severely undermined trust in mainstream news media in the US and around the world, laying the groundwork for today’s fractured, hyperpartisan information environment.

In the days and weeks after the attacks, American journalists faced a dilemma: maintain professional standards of objectivity, balance and impartiality or “rally round the flag” in support of the state. Many chose the latter, and a powerful mood of patriotic sentiment echoed around US newsrooms. Journalists and news anchors wore stars-and-stripe pin badges, while networks adopted slogans such as “America Under Attack” for evening news bulletins.

Veteran news anchor Dan Rather captured this patriotic tone during an emotional interview with late-night host David Letterman: “George Bush is the president, he makes the decisions … wherever he wants me to line up, just tell me where”.

In an address days after the attacks, Bush set the narrative that would define much of the post-9/11 era:

Great harm has been done to us. We have suffered great loss. And in our grief and anger we have found our mission and our moment. Freedom and fear are at war. The advance of human freedom – the great achievement of our time, and the great hope of every time – now depends on us. Our nation – this generation – will lift a dark threat of violence from our people and our future. We will rally the world to this cause by our efforts, by our courage.

This messaging, labelled the “war on terror” narrative by scholars, helped justify America’s massive, decades-long military response to the attacks.

Newsrooms, rather than acting as critical watchdogs, arguably echoed this narrative. Study after study has shown how journalists aligned with the government’s framing, as news organisations significantly increased their use of terms such as “war”, “terror” and “freedom” in their reporting.

This is an example of what media scholars have labelled re-institutionalisation. This is when a small group of political sources take control of the narrative in the aftermath of a crisis, imposing their interpretation onto the media.

Such patriotic reporting was not confined to the US. News outlets in the UK, Spain and Germany adopted strikingly similar patterns of coverage.

One theme found across international media was an association between Islam and terrorism. In the years after 9/11, terror attacks in the US were said to receive 357% more news attention if the perpetrator was identified as Muslim. This is despite evidence that attacks by rightwing extremists have been far more common in the US since at least 2001. Similar patterns emerged in the UK and Europe.

Pop culture How news consumption has changed since 9/11

Almost 90% of US citizens received their news about 9/11 from their televisions. But things have changed in the quarter century since.

An initial spike in US news readership after 9/11 gave way to fatigue, with younger Americans today either consuming less news or even avoiding it entirely. The emergence of new technology during the 2000s is said to have accelerated these changes. Today, levels of trust in news remain near record lows across western democracies.

For many – particularly ethnic minorities – perceptions of bias in news coverage of the attacks and invasion of Iraq damaged the credibility of news organisations. Research in the US, UK and Australia has shown how negative attitudes towards mainstream media have led people to “actively disengage” from traditional sources and seek alternative modes of political participation.

The first signs of this disengagement could be seen within weeks of 9/11. As journalists rallied around the flag, grassroots counternarratives and conspiracy theories emerged to speculate on the “true” motives behind the attacks. These bottom-up accounts ranged from claims that the US had “staged” 9/11 to broader, often antisemitic fears around the emergence of a sinister, “one-world government”.

While there is debate over how widespread such conspiracy theories were at the time, research suggests they helped Americans simultaneously process the trauma of 9/11 and explore connections that were absent from mainstream accounts. In so doing, however, scholars claim they helped feed a growing loss of trust in mainstream news media.

For younger generations the memory of 9/11 – and the subsequent breakdown in trust – has become less shaped by formal news coverage and more by the emergence of online subcultures, dark humour and internet memes.

One example can be found in the conspiracy-turned-meme “jet fuel can’t melt steel beams”. First popularised as a genuine argument by “9/11 truther” conspiracy theorists, the phrase has become an online joke used widely to mock conspiratorial thinking.

Research suggests that dark humour can function as a coping mechanism for alienated younger generations when navigating hyperpolitical media environments. It can lower the barrier for entry, allowing people to become active creators of political content, rather than passive consumers.

At the same time, however, critics argue that the use of these seemingly benign formats can help strengthen online communities and normalise extreme political views. As a result, it can further undermine trust in mainstream institutions. Indeed, much online content invokes the same kind of base Islamophobia seen during the early years of the “war on terror”.

Pop culture An age of disinformation

Coverage of 9/11 offers a case study in how mainstream media can inadvertently engineer its own decline. By setting aside basic journalistic norms in favour of patriotic consensus and top-down, fear-driven narratives, news organisations helped transform public scepticism about the reasons behind the terrorist attacks into deep-seated cynicism.

The conspiracy theories that emerged in the aftermath of 9/11 helped lay the foundation for the modern “disinformation age”, from the emergence of QAnon to COVID-19 denialism.

Twenty-five years on, we live in the information landscape that 9/11 built: one where institutional authority is routinely rejected, trust is fragmented along partisan lines, and the line between news, political grievance and viral infotainment has been permanently blurred.

Roll up for a look at how Royal Adelaide Show costs have changed

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Roll up for a look at how Royal Adelaide Show costs have changed

Test cricket

The show must go on, as the saying goes — but that’s not to say it doesn’t change with the times.

Since its inception in 1840, the Royal Adelaide Show has endured through world wars and ever-changing financial environments.

Test cricket An overhead view of the Royal Adelaide Show.

An overhead view of this year’s show at the Wayville showgrounds. (ABC News: Lincoln Rothall)

But that doesn’t mean it’s not possible to be nostalgic for a bygone time when a ride on a penny-farthing cost somewhere between a farthing and a penny.

“We try to keep costs down as much as we can,” Royal Adelaide and Horticultural Society archivist Jade Hastings said.

“But we also try to make sure that the Adelaide Show is a bigger and better event every single year and that we’re providing as much entertainment for families as we can.”

Test cricket A black and white archival photo of the Royal Adelaide Show in the 1960s, showing cost of admission was 60 cents

Some may wish show prices were back at 1960s figures. (ABC News)

In the early 1850s, admission cost a “shilling for an adult, and sixpence for a child”.

“You would get a sample bag for about threepence in the 1920s, working up to sort of sixpence for the more expensive ones,” Dr Hastings said.

“Unfortunately, as inflation goes on in the world, chocolate bars become more expensive and then the expensive chocolate bar in the showbag makes the showbag more expensive by proxy.

“[But] you can still get free individual samples at the show even today.”

Test cricket An archival photo of the Royal Adelaide Show.

An archival photo of the Royal Adelaide Show from the 1960s. (ABC News)

‘Pick and choose’

Videos from the ABC archive don’t go back quite as far as the 1920s, but they still shed light on times when prices for things like showbags and rides seemed more affordable.

One image, for example, from sideshow alley in the 1960s reveals something called “The Mexican Hat Ride” which cost 20c.

Test cricket An archival photo of the Royal Adelaide Show.

The Mexican Hat Ride cost 20c. (ABC News)

Admission to the show was then likely to set an adult back by 60c.

At the time a loaf of bread cost 18 pence. 

By the mid-1980s, the price of a Ferris wheel ride had risen to $2.

In that era, a loaf of bread cost 54 cents.

Show-goers who the ABC spoke to marvelled at some of the prices from way back.

“It’s good to teach the kids how to save and budget, they’ve brought along some of their own pocket money,” Carissa Neate-Lanners said this week.

“It is expensive, but we do it once every couple of years,” Corey Lanners said.

Test cricket A family at the Royal Adelaide Show.

Jess and Hayden Buckham and family at the Royal Adelaide Show. (ABC News)

“You have to pick and choose what you do and limit how many rides they’re going to go on and not go too crazy on the showbags,” Hayden Buckham said.

“There’s definitely lots you can do for free,” Jess Buckham added.

Dr Hastings pointed to main arena events, the wood chopping competition and animal displays — all of which are included in the entry price.

Spending on novelties is itself something of a novelty — when the show was first held, trinkets and thrills were hardly at the forefront of the minds of organisers.

“Those early shows, they were focused completely around produce and livestock,” Dr Hastings said.

Test cricket An archival photo of the Royal Adelaide Show.

An archival photo from 1986 showing people lining up for a ride that cost $2. (ABC News)

“You get a lot of reports [from the early days] of children at the show enjoying themselves, checking out exhibits of farm machinery and things like that.

“As the colony grew to have a bigger population interested in attending public events, they added a second day to the show — so it was always just one day … [but] then they added a fair day.”

Showbag pedigree

For many young show-goers, the main attraction is the showbags.

Test cricket An archival photo of the Royal Adelaide Show.

The show bag pavilion in 1995 showing the sale of Bertie Beetle show bags. (ABC News)

They might seem like a relatively recent addition, but they have a pedigree, even if they’ve evolved a great deal.

Dr Hastings said the modern showbag was an updated version of the sample bag, which dated back to early show times.

“They could get a free bag of coal as a tester, and so that’s the earliest sample bag that we’re aware of,”

she said.

It wasn’t long before businesses sensed commercial opportunity.

“They would hand out little free product samples to encourage people to test their wares and then hopefully buy them outside of the show,” Dr Hastings said.

“A lot of it was for medication, or hair products, perfume, things like cornstarch, baby powder.”

To make their samples more alluring, vendors started adding toys such as paper crowns and yo-yos.

Test cricket Bertie Beetle showbag

Bertie Beetle is a mainstay of the Showbag Pavillion at the Royal Adelaide Show. (Supplied: Facebook)

The trend caught on.

While some things change, others do not. 

The Bertie Beetle remains the most affordable option at $5, with the most expensive showbags sitting at $55 each.

Abuja’s persistent flooding raises questions about accountability

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Abuja’s persistent flooding raises questions about accountability

ICC

…exposes gaps in land allocation, building approvals, enforcement

The recurrence of flooding in Abuja is putting the city’s land administration and development control processes under renewed scrutiny, with questions being raised over whether officials and developers who breach planning regulations are being adequately sanctioned.

Concerns over land allocation, building approvals, development control and enforcement have intensified as parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) continue to experience flooding, with stakeholders and residents questioning whether lapses in regulatory oversight and weak enforcement of planning rules are contributing to the problem.

Environmental experts and legal practitioners are asking more fundamental questions, including who allocated the land on which some of the structures blamed for worsening flooding were built, who approved their construction and whether those officials are being held accountable.

These questions are gaining prominence as the FCT Administration intensifies its campaign against structures built on waterways, green areas, floodplains and other locations reserved under the Abuja Master Plan.

Nyesom Wike, Minister, FCT, has ordered the removal of structures found to be obstructing waterways and reportedly taken disciplinary action against two officials involved in unauthorised land-use decisions.

Wike acknowledged that some of Abuja’s flooding is man-made, disclosing that the FCT Administration dispatched the executive secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority and the director of development control to inspect affected communities, including Lugbe and Lokogoma, after heavy rainfall.

He said the administration needed to distinguish between flooding caused by natural conditions and that resulting from human activity, particularly developments that obstruct waterways or violate the Abuja Master Plan.

“From our studies, Lugbe has always been violating the Abuja masterplan,” Wike said, adding that people had built without approval and blocked areas designated for roads and other infrastructure.

However, experts say demolition cannot be the end of the accountability process. They want disputed allocations traced through the government agencies responsible for land administration and development control to establish whether due process was followed and whether officials deliberately or negligently breached planning rules.

The issue is particularly important because the FCT Administration controls much of the land allocation and development approval process. Under Section 18 of the FCT Act, the FCT Minister has statutory authority to allocate and revoke land in the territory. The Department of Land Administration processes allocations and oversees land administration, while the Abuja Geographic Information Systems manages land records, applications, title documentation and verification.

On the development side, the Department of Development Control under the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council is responsible for building-plan approvals and ensuring that construction complies with the Abuja Master Plan.

That creates a chain of responsibility extending from land allocation to development approval and inspection. Where a property was allocated by government and subsequently received development approval, experts say responsibility for an illegal development cannot automatically rest with the owner.

Read also: Diphtheria outbreak: Nigeria’s capital city confirms 5 cases, 2 deaths

Kenneth Iyamu, a retired Air Vice Marshal and president of the Association of Environmental Protection and Climate Change Practitioners, said the government should establish who was responsible for decisions that allowed problematic developments to emerge.

“You should tell Nigerians who is responsible. That’s what Nigerians want to hear,” Iyamu said.

He said the accountability process should trace each disputed development back to the officials and agencies involved in its allocation and approval rather than stopping with the person who constructed the building.

The concern gained further attention after Wike disclosed that a director within the FCT Administration had been suspended under civil service rules for issuing unauthorised temporary approvals to commercial operators on designated green areas. The minister also said another official faced disciplinary sanctions for illegally reallocating park land under the guise of security clearing.

Iyamu said such measures should form part of a wider review of the decisions that have altered Abuja’s planned land use. He also warned that persistent flooding could create wider social and security pressures if displaced residents are left without adequate support.

“The flood now is going to increase our security challenges, if you don’t think of that,” he said.

Iyamu said Abuja ultimately needs to return to the principles of its original master plan, while upgrading drainage and waste-management infrastructure and clearing waterways.

He urged the administration to avoid a response focused solely on rhetoric and demolition, arguing that agencies responsible for planning and environmental management must be answerable for decisions made under their watch.

“Go back to the master plan and don’t be selective in removing of the obstructions on the waterways,” he said.

For Abdul Gobir of A.S. Gobir & Co, the central problem is not a shortage of laws but weak compliance and enforcement. Abuja already has rules governing land allocation, zoning and development, he said, but those rules are undermined when officials responsible for enforcing them disregard or circumvent them.

“The problem is not the law. The problem we have is a problem of adherence to law, enforcement of the law,” Gobir said.

He said an investigation into structures erected on green areas, floodplains or other protected locations should begin with the allocation and approval process. Government determines the designated use of land and is responsible for identifying areas reserved for residential, commercial, recreational and environmental purposes.

Gobir said this creates a legal and administrative dilemma where an individual obtains land through an official allocation and subsequently secures government approval to develop it.

“If I apply for land, you ask me to pay certain amount of money, I pay. After making the payment, you allocate land to me. I wouldn’t know whether it is flood plain or green area. It is not for me to determine that,” he said.

In such cases, he argued, the government cannot simply demolish a property without examining the decisions that enabled its construction. Where a developer knowingly builds without approval or encroaches on protected land, the developer should face the consequences. But where government allocated the land and approved the development, officials involved in those decisions should also be investigated.

Gobir said this is particularly important because successive administrations have been accused of altering Abuja’s original land-use plan for political or commercial interests.

He said public officers who knowingly allocate protected land or approve developments outside the applicable planning framework could face sanctions under existing anti-corruption laws, including legislation dealing with abuse of office.

Agwu Amadi, head of the Department of Public Health and coordinator of the Institute of Environmental Health Technology at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, said the flooding should be viewed primarily as a land-use planning and environmental governance failure rather than simply a drainage problem.

“The flooding problem in Abuja should no longer be dismissed as simply a matter of blocked drains or inadequate drainage infrastructure. It is fundamentally a land-use planning, environmental governance, and development-control issue,” Amadi said.

He said Abuja was designed around waterways, floodplains, green areas and open spaces that serve important drainage and environmental functions. Building over or converting those areas reduces their ability to absorb and channel stormwater, increasing the risk of flooding in roads, residential areas and commercial districts.

Amadi said the government should investigate cases where development has been approved on land reserved for waterways, drainage corridors, floodplains or other public purposes. Where negligence, deliberate violations or wrongdoing are established, both developers and public officials should face appropriate sanctions.

He stressed that protected environmental areas should not be treated as vacant land simply because they have not yet been developed.

“A floodplain is not a vacant land. A waterway is not surplus land. A green corridor is not simply an opportunity for development,” Amadi said.

Other experts say the FCT Administration should conduct a systematic audit of land allocations and development approvals in flood-prone and environmentally protected areas.

Such an audit, they say, should establish who allocated each plot, its original designation, whether its use was subsequently changed, who approved any change, who issued the building approval and whether officials acted outside the Abuja Master Plan.

They add that this measure would shift the government’s response from reactive demolition to institutional reform.

Magnus Onuoha, president of the Sustainable Energy Practitioners Association of Nigeria, said accountability must similarly extend beyond the demolition of structures.

“It is not just enough to say we are demolishing. Who actually allocated this land?” Onuoha asked.

He said demolitions could become another cycle of reactive enforcement if government removes structures after the damage has been done without investigating the administrative decisions that allowed them to be built.

Onuoha also linked the issue to the growing impact of climate change, saying heavier and more unpredictable rainfall would place greater pressure on cities where natural drainage systems have been compromised.

“Climate change is real, therefore, we should take heed,” he said.


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Airwheel SE3SX AI Wheel Luxury Suitcase Wins 2026 WGA for Smart Electric Riding Carry-On Hand Luggage

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Airwheel SE3SX AI Wheel Luxury Suitcase Wins 2026 WGA for Smart Electric Riding Carry-On Hand Luggage

Travel

HONG KONG, Sept 11, 2026 – (ACN Newswire) – The SE3SX Cabin Suitcase recently received the Silver Award in Product Design at the 2026 WGA Wonder Global Design Award, standing out among numerous international entries. The recognition highlights not only its distinctive industrial design, but also Airwheel’s continued exploration of how intelligent technology can be integrated into real-world travel.

Rather than treating luggage as a passive container, Airwheel is developing it as an active mobility device—combining electric drive technology, intelligent controls, connected features and premium design in a compact carry-on format.

From Traditional Luggage to Intelligent Mobility

For decades, the fundamental concept of luggage has remained largely unchanged: pack belongings, pull the handle and walk.

Airwheel approached the problem differently.

The company recognized that the most physically demanding part of many journeys does not necessarily happen during a flight or train ride. It often occurs while travelers move through expansive airports, railway stations, exhibition centers, hotels and transportation hubs, carrying or pulling luggage over long distances.

The result was a new product category that combines luggage with personal mobility.

The Airwheel SE3SX Electric Riding Cabin Suitcase allows users to transition from conventional pulling to powered riding. Equipped with a high-performance brushless motor, the suitcase can reach a riding speed of up to 9.9 km/h, providing an alternative way to move through appropriate travel environments.

Its intelligent riding handle integrates key riding controls, allowing users to manage acceleration, braking, steering and reverse functions with a relatively intuitive control layout. This approach reduces the learning curve while making the riding experience feel more like a compact personal mobility device.

For Airwheel, the objective is not simply to make a suitcase that can move. It is to make luggage more useful once travelers leave the airport gate, hotel lobby or railway platform.

SE3SX: Where Intelligent Design Meets Practical Engineering

The SE3SX combines mobility with a structure designed around both riding and luggage protection.

Its motorized front wheel uses a retractable structure that can extend the wheelbase by approximately 180 mm when riding. The longer wheelbase is designed to enhance stability and handling, helping the suitcase maintain a more controlled riding experience across suitable indoor and outdoor surfaces.

The suitcase body uses an ABS+PC composite construction, reinforced with an integrated aviation-aluminum frame structure. With a maximum load capacity of 95 kg, the design balances the requirements of riding stability with the everyday demands of carrying personal belongings.

This engineering approach reflects a broader philosophy behind the SE3SX: intelligent functionality should not come at the expense of practicality.

A Smart Suitcase still needs to function as luggage. A Luxury Suitcase still needs to look refined. And an Electric Riding Suitcase still needs to provide a reliable and intuitive riding experience.

SE3SX brings these elements together in one 20-inch travel platform.

Intelligent Interaction Beyond the Physical Ride

The evolution of the SE3SX does not stop with electric mobility.

Through its dedicated intelligent APP, users can access key operating information such as riding speed, battery level and accumulated mileage. Riding speed can be adjusted within a range of 0.1–9.9 km/h, allowing users to select a more suitable pace for different environments.

The APP also extends control beyond basic riding.

Users can remotely control the suitcase’s retractable structure, customize its lighting experience and access additional intelligent functions. The built-in ambient lighting supports 8 colors and 9 lighting effects, allowing the suitcase to develop a distinctive visual identity while reinforcing its technology-oriented design language.

Additional functions include low-battery reminders, Bluetooth disconnection alerts, cruise control, intelligent remote control and programming-oriented features.

Together, these capabilities transform the suitcase from a mechanical travel accessory into a connected intelligent device.

The idea is simple: instead of forcing users to adapt to complicated technology, the technology should gradually disappear into the experience.

Apple Find My Adds Another Layer of Travel Security

Connectivity also plays an important role in modern travel.

The Airwheel SE3SX supports Apple Find My, allowing compatible Apple devices to help users locate the suitcase through the Find My network. When the suitcase is within an appropriate nearby range, users can also activate a sound to assist with locating it.

For travelers moving through crowded airports, railway stations, hotels or other busy environments, location-based connectivity can provide an additional layer of reassurance.

The feature reflects a wider shift in how people think about travel equipment. A modern suitcase is no longer isolated from the digital ecosystem surrounding its owner.

It can be connected, monitored and managed as part of a broader intelligent travel experience.

Designed for Real-World Travel

Advanced technology only becomes meaningful when it works within real travel conditions.

The Airwheel SE3SX adopts a 20-inch carry-on format, measuring approximately 530 × 360 × 236 mm, making it compact enough for everyday business trips, leisure travel and other mobility scenarios.

The product is equipped with a 73.26 Wh lithium battery and incorporates a modular, removable battery design to facilitate handling and inspection where required. The battery has passed International safety certification.

A TSA-compatible combination lock further supports international travel, while an external USB output interface allows users to recharge mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets and Bluetooth headphones during a journey.

These details demonstrate an important principle behind SE3SX: intelligent travel technology must remain connected to the realities of travel.

An Award That Recognizes More Than Appearance

The 2026 WGA Wonder Global Design Award evaluates product design across multiple dimensions, including creativity, aesthetics, functionality, practicality, market impact, emotional impact and problem-solving.

The SE3SX Silver Award therefore represents recognition beyond visual design.

Its combination of electric mobility, intelligent interaction, structural engineering and travel-oriented functionality demonstrates how a familiar everyday product can be reconsidered through technology.

For Airwheel, international design recognition has become part of a longer journey.

Since entering the intelligent mobility field, the company has continued to invest in areas including electric drive systems, intelligent control, structural design and human-machine interaction. Airwheel has accumulated more than 600 patents globally and has developed a portfolio spanning intelligent mobility products and smart travel equipment.

The company’s products have also received recognition from international design and innovation programs, reflecting its ongoing efforts to combine technology with practical product design.

Building a Broader Intelligent Travel Ecosystem

SE3SXD Ai Luxury Suitcase is the flagship expression of this philosophy, but it is not the only product in Airwheel’s intelligent travel portfolio.

The SE3SL+ Airport Suitcase extend smart riding technology to different travel preferences, combining riding functionality with features such as intelligent APP connectivity, Apple Find My and USB charging.

The SE3miniT Boarding suitcase focuses on a lighter and more compact riding experience for users who prioritize portability and flexible urban mobility.

For travelers requiring additional luggage capacity, the SE3T expands the concept into a larger 24-inch format with approximately 48 liters of storage capacity and a riding speed of up to 13 km/h.

Airwheel also extends intelligent riding technology into family travel with the SQ3S and SQ3S children’s smart riding suitcases, creating a different approach to mobility and entertainment for younger travelers.

Together, these products demonstrate that Airwheel’s vision is broader than a single electric suitcase.

The company is building a product ecosystem around the idea that travel equipment can become more intelligent, more connected and more responsive to individual needs.

The Next Step in Intelligent Travel

The evolution of luggage is no longer limited to lighter materials, larger wheels or additional storage.

The next generation is increasingly about interaction.

From Smart Suitcase to AI Suitcase, from traditional carry-on luggage to Electric Riding Suitcase, Airwheel is exploring how technology can give everyday travel equipment new capabilities without making the experience unnecessarily complicated.

The Airwheel SE3SX represents one step in that evolution.

It combines powered mobility, intelligent control, connected functions, premium construction and carry-on-oriented design in a single platform—turning the suitcase from something travelers simply pull behind them into something that can actively participate in the journey.

For Airwheel, the future of travel is not simply about arriving faster.

It is about making the entire journey smarter, easier and more connected. And with the SE3SX, that future is beginning to take shape—one journey, one innovation and one intelligent suitcase at a time.

Media Contact
Company: Airwheel
Contact: Media Team
Email: [email protected] 
Website: https://www.airwheel.net


Topic: Press release summary


Source: Airwheel

Sectors: Enterprise IT

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