Year: 2026

Italy has extradited 34-year-old Xu Zewei, a Chinese hacker, to the United States, where he faces allegations of stealing COVID-19 vaccine research. Xu was arrested in Milan for reportedly targeting universities as part of a state-sponsored cyber-espionage campaign, facing multiple criminal charges.

At least 20 people were killed and 36 injured in a bombing on the Pan-American Highway in southwestern Colombia, according to the governor of Cauca. President Gustavo Petro attributed the attack to a “narco-terrorist group” led by former FARC fighter Nestor Vera, known as Ivan Mordisco.

TRAIN CRASH FATALITIES
Indonesian authorities confirm 14 dead and 84 injured in a train accident this morning
Rescue operations are ongoing as investigations into the cause begin.

UK MORNING BRIEFING

This morning, a lorry carrying 20 tonnes of Prosecco collided with another vehicle on the M4, causing significant disruption. The westbound lanes were closed for seven hours while debris was cleared and one person was treated for minor injuries.

Italy has extradited Xu Zewei, a Chinese hacker, to the United States, where he is accused of spying for the Chinese government during the COVID-19 pandemic. Arrested at Milan’s Malpensa airport, Xu allegedly targeted US government entities and institutions involved in vaccine research from 2020 to 2021.

A 57-year-old German tourist died after a snake bite during a show in Hurghada, Egypt. The incident occurred when a snake charmer let a snake crawl into the man’s trousers, resulting in immediate poisoning and shock. An investigation by Bavarian police is underway.

The committee of 18 independent experts is tasked with monitoring the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It conducts regular reviews of state parties to ensure compliance with the covenant, focusing on key areas of human rights and civil liberties.

Kyiv has issued a warning to Israel regarding a potential diplomatic crisis if a vessel carrying grain allegedly stolen from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories is allowed to dock and unload. This development highlights escalating tensions over grain trade amid ongoing conflict.

Ukrainian soldiers rescued a 72-year-old woman using a robotic vehicle named Cerberus. Spotted by an aerial drone walking through a war-torn area near Lyman, the soldiers draped a blanket over the bot with the message “Grandma, hop on!” to facilitate her evacuation.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s plan to grant legal status to approximately 500,000 undocumented migrants has triggered significant debate about migration regulations. While these individuals can apply for residency, they are restricted to living and working in Spain, contradicting claims of unrestricted movement across Europe.