Italian Activist Claims Spyware Targeting Amid Migrant Rescue Efforts

Researchers have successfully utilized artificial intelligence to digitally unroll and read an ancient scroll, known as PHerc. 172, which was severely damaged during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius nearly 2,000 years ago. This scroll is one of several discovered in a luxury villa in Herculaneum, Italy, believed to have belonged to Julius Caesar's father-in-law. Dr. Brent Seales, co-founder of the Vesuvius Challenge, praised the achievement, noting, “This scroll contains more recoverable text than we have ever seen in a scanned Herculaneum scroll.” For the first time, the scroll reveals multiple columns of text, including the Ancient Greek word διατροπή, meaning "disgust," repeated twice. The scrolls were initially unreadable due to extreme charring, but, thanks to advancements in 3D X-ray capabilities from Diamond, the UK’s national synchrotron facility, scholars at the University of Oxford can now explore these ancient writings. Richard Ovenden, Bodley’s librarian, emphasized the collaborative nature of this project, highlighting the intersection of classical scholarship with modern technology.

Husam El Gomati, a Sweden-based Libyan activist critical of Italy's dealings with Libya’s coastguard, was alerted by WhatsApp that his mobile phone may have been compromised by military-grade spyware developed by Paragon Solutions, an Israeli firm. The breach, which also potentially affected 89 other activists and journalists, was disclosed by WhatsApp in late December 2024, raising concerns over the use of advanced cyberweapons by European governments, according to a report by The Guardian. El Gomati, known for his investigations into illegal migration networks and militia connections in Libya, expressed fears for the safety of his confidential sources. He described Paragon’s spyware, known as Graphite, as a significant threat, enabling perpetrators to access users' private messages and information. He emphasized the implications for activists working against corruption, stating, "These matters can mean the difference between life and death." While Paragon Solutions declined to comment, a source indicated the company has around 35 government clients. El Gomati's case follows an alert received by investigative journalist Francesco Cancellato, further indicating widespread concerns regarding spyware use.

Donald Trump Jr. has sparked controversy after a hunting excursion in the lagoon of Venice, where he reportedly killed a rare duck species. A video released by Trump Jr. shows him shooting waterfowl in a protected area, which has drawn ire from local politicians and wildlife advocates. According to Andrea Zanoni, a local politician in Venice, the bird appears to be a Wigeon, which is protected under both Italian and European law, making its killing a crime. Zanoni has announced plans to pursue legal action against Trump Jr. for this incident, stating, “Venice and Italy are not the property of the USA,” emphasizing that hunting in the protected zone is prohibited for foreigners. The uproar began when the online magazine "Field Ethos," which Trump Jr. contributes to, posted the hunting video titled "The Global Hunt for Adventure." As the debate escalates, Italian authorities have stated that they will “handle the matter in a timely manner.” Trump Jr. has yet to comment on the situation.