Vatican allegedly hacked by China
Vatican City: The Vatican and the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong have been the targets of alleged Chinese state-backed hackers ahead of talks on renewal of a landmark 2018 deal that helped thaw diplomatic relations between the Vatican and China, according to a monitoring group.
The alleged attacks by a group called RedDelta began in May with an eye on September talks to renew a provisional agreement on bishop appointments, according to a report Tuesday by the US-based Recorded Future, which tracks state-backed cyber attacks.
The attacks were first reported by the New York Times. The Vatican had no immediate comment. (AP)
Storm pummels Caribbean
San Juan (Puerto Rico): Heavy rains pummeled the eastern Caribbean on Wednesday due to a weather system headed to Puerto Rico and other islands that was expected to develop into a tropical storm and unleash flooding and landslides.
The US National Hurricane Center in Miami said the storm was expected to move over or near Puerto Rico on Wednesday night, then brush the northern shores of Hispaniola the following day while on a path that could take it to the US mainland by the weekend.
The center said the storm is expected to strengthen before it makes landfall in the Dominican Republic on Thursday. (AP)
Flooding hits northern Japan
Tokyo: Heavy rain poured over northern Japan on Wednesday, flooding residential areas and prompting warnings of mudslides.
The Mogami River in Yamagata prefecture flooded four areas following an overnight downpour, leaving several towns inundated, chief government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said.
Another river overflowed its banks in nearby Akita prefecture, he said. Suga told reporters no deaths have been confirmed. But he warned people should evacuate from risky areas. (AP)
Artist takes aim at Netanyahu
Tel Aviv: Residents of the city of Tel Aviv woke up on Wednesday to a jarring site: a pop-up exhibit depicting a life-size statue of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu enjoying a lavish meal by himself at a sprawling table in a mock re-enactment of the Last Supper.
The installation, displayed in Tel Aviv’s central Rabin Square, is the latest twist in a summer of demonstrations against Netanyahu. (AP)