Malta Police Force Warns of WhatsApp Hacking Scam

Aug 24 2024

The Malta Police Force has issued an urgent warning about a new WhatsApp hacking scam that has compromised several accounts across the island. In a Facebook post, the police described how hackers are gaining unauthorised access to users’ accounts and urged the public to take precautions.

The scam starts when victims receive a message from a known contact on WhatsApp, whose account has already been hacked. The message asks the recipient to forward a 6-digit code received via SMS. This code is the verification code needed to access the victim’s WhatsApp account.

The police strongly advise against sharing any verification codes received via SMS, even if the request comes from a trusted contact. Doing so allows hackers to take full control of the WhatsApp account, leading to potential security breaches.

To protect against this threat, the police recommend enabling two-step verification on WhatsApp, adding an extra layer of security by requiring a PIN to verify your phone number.

The Malta Police Force is closely monitoring the situation and urges everyone to remain cautious and vigilant against such scams.

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Three Killed, More Wounded In German Festival Knife Attack

Aug 24 2024

A tragic knife attack at a festival in Solingen, Germany, on Friday left three people dead and four others severely injured. The attack occurred during the city’s 650th anniversary celebrations, plunging the town into shock and mourning. According to police in nearby Düsseldorf, the suspect is still at large, prompting a major manhunt involving special forces, helicopters, and a large police presence.

The attacker reportedly “stabbed people indiscriminately,” as reported by the Bild newspaper. The festival, which was intended to celebrate Solingen’s history and diversity, has been overshadowed by this brutal and senseless act of violence.

Solingen’s mayor, Tim-Oliver Kurzbach, expressed the city’s collective grief in an online statement, saying, “We all wanted to celebrate our town’s anniversary together, and now we have to mourn the dead and injured.” He also thanked the emergency services for their swift response and extended his sympathy to those affected by the tragedy.

The incident has cast a dark shadow over what was meant to be a joyful occasion for the 150,000 residents of Solingen, located between Düsseldorf and Cologne. The community now faces a period of grief as they come to terms with this devastating event.

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Justin and Hailey Bieber Welcome Their First Child: Jack Blues Bieber

Aug 24 2024

Justin and Hailey Bieber have welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Jack Blues Bieber.

The couple, who have been married since 2018, shared the news with their fans on Instagram. The thirty-year-old pop star posted a heartwarming photo of his newborn son’s tiny foot, accompanied by Hailey’s hand, marking the special moment. In his caption, Justin wrote “WELCOME HOME,” introducing Jack Blues Bieber to the world.

The baby’s name appears to hold personal significance, as “Jack” is the middle name of Justin’s father, Jeremy Bieber. This connection is a testament to the strong bond between Justin and his father, who reconnected and grew closer after a more distant relationship during Justin’s childhood.

Hailey, 27, also shared the photo on her Instagram Stories, adding a teddy bear and blue heart emoji, further celebrating the arrival of their son. Although the exact date of Jack’s birth was not disclosed, the couple’s announcement has been met with excitement and congratulations from their fans and followers, including people like Ty Dolla Sign, Lewis Hamilton and Donatella Versace.

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Body of Tech Tycoon’s Daughter Recovered From Sicily Wreck

Aug 23 2024

The body believed to be 18-year-old Hannah Lynch, daughter of British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, was recovered from the wreck of the Bayesian superyacht that sank off Sicily this week, an Italian coast guard official confirmed Friday. The recovery of this final body brings the five-day search by Italian authorities to a close.

Divers, working at depths of nearly 50 meters, faced challenges with limited time—only around 12 minutes per dive—to explore the wreck and retrieve the bodies. Six bodies had been recovered over the past four days, with Hannah Lynch’s being the last one searched for. Her father, Mike Lynch, was found and identified on Thursday.

The British-flagged yacht, carrying 22 passengers and crew, sank on Monday after its mast, one of the world’s tallest, broke during a violent storm. Fifteen people were rescued, and one body—believed to be the onboard chef Recaldo Thomas—was recovered that day. The remaining six, including Lynch, his daughter, Morgan Stanley International director Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy, and American lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda, were initially reported missing.

Following Hannah Lynch’s recovery, a family spokesperson expressed their devastation and thanked the Italian coastguard and rescue teams. The family requested privacy during this time of profound grief.

Hannah Lynch was set to begin studying English literature at the University of Oxford in the fall. Her teacher, Jon Mitropoulos-Monk of Latymer Upper School, where Lynch studied for four years, described her as a student of exceptional intellectual ability and warmth. Lynch’s friend, Katya Lewis, shared heartfelt memories, calling her a “warm and beautiful soul” and the “most special friend.”

Hannah’s mother, Angela Bacares, survived the shipwreck and is receiving treatment at a Sicilian hospital.

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