Pope Francis Hospitalized for Bronchitis Treatment

David Yambio, a human rights activist based in Italy, has revealed that his phone was compromised in a recent spyware attack, according to a notification from Apple. Yambio, who co-founded Refugees in Libya, has been an outspoken critic of the Italian government’s migrant agreement with Libya and the release of Osama Najim, a Libyan police chief wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes. Yambio, a former detainee of Najim’s at Mitiga prison, described the Italian pact as a “death sentence” for migrants. Following the spyware alert, Yambio sought assistance from cybersecurity experts, underscoring his fears of being targeted due to his activism. Reports indicate that other activists and journalists in Italy were also potential targets of spyware made by the Israeli company Paragon Solutions. In response, the Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has denied involvement in the breaches, as pressure mounts for accountability regarding Najim's release and Italy’s migrant policies.

Volkswagen has unveiled its ID.7 Pro S electric vehicle, which has achieved a remarkable range of 585 miles (941 kilometers) on a single charge during a special efficiency test conducted in Italy. This performance significantly exceeds its official rated range of 441 miles (711 kilometers), showcasing advancements in EV technology, according to an announcement from the company. The ID.7 Pro S utilizes an efficient battery and drive system, allowing it to maintain impressive range even during rush hour traffic speeds. Volkswagen's Martin Sander, head of sales and marketing, called this development a "new efficiency milestone," designed to meet the growing demand for long-distance driving options in electric vehicles. Notably, the ID.7 also boasts rapid charging capabilities, adding over 240 kilometers (150 miles) of range in just 10 minutes. As the automotive industry increasingly shifts toward sustainable practices, the ID.7 is positioned as a viable option for nervous consumers seeking to minimize their carbon footprint while benefiting from reduced fuel and maintenance costs.

In a historic crackdown on organized crime, Italian authorities arrested 181 individuals linked to the Cosa Nostra mafia during a police operation in Palermo. The operation, which took place on the night of Tuesday, saw the participation of approximately 1,200 security personnel, marking the largest anti-mafia action in over four decades. Among those detained were prominent leaders of established mafia families across various neighborhoods and suburbs. Mafia experts have drawn parallels to the mass arrest of 366 gangsters during a similar operation in 1984, which was a response to a bloody mafia war that resulted in numerous high-profile murders, including those of notable anti-mafia judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino in the early 1990s. The subsequent "Maxi-Trial" led to the convictions of 344 mobsters, who collectively received over 2,600 years in prison sentences. This latest operation underscores the Italian state's continued efforts to combat the enduring influence and violence of the Cosa Nostra, reflecting a commitment to dismantling its operations.