The first night and anticipation of the second
Zeta Italy News The 75th Italian Song Festival Sanremo opened with 12.6 million viewers (65.3% share). Host Carlo Conti announced the next 15 competing artists and denied allegations that Pope Francis’ video had been reused or broadcast without his consent during the first night. “I’m not here to play the cancer patient. I want to be a celebration of life,” said top model Bianca Balti, who will co-host the second night with Nino Frassica and Cristiano Malgioglio.
Tuscany approves the first law on end of life
With 27 votes in favor and 13 against, the Tuscan Regional Council has approved a law regulating the timing and procedures of medically assisted suicide. Tuscany is the first Italian region to pass legislation on end-of-life regulation. The law is based on a citizens’ initiative presented by the Luca Coscioni Association, which advocates for awareness and rights related to end-of-life choices.
Turning seized mafia assets into opportunities
A protocol agreement was signed between the Regional Antimafia Commission and the presidents of five Sicilian consortia (Polizzi Generosa, Catania, San Giuseppe Jato, Castelvetrano, and Favara) to coordinate the reuse of confiscated mafia assets. The agreement, valid until February 2027, aims to turn these assets into economic and social opportunities, creating jobs and local development.
Brutal attack in Lombardy: woman beaten 10 times with a hammer
A 38-year-old woman from Morocco is in the hospital with severe head injuries. Her life remains at risk after being struck ten times with a hammer by her 40-year-old ex-partner in the Lombardy region. The victim, who has two children, had already reported the man for stalking in the days leading up to the attack. The suspect has been arrested on charges of attempted aggravated murder.
Suspected of supremacist terrorism arrested
A 15-year-old from Bolzano was arrested for planning to kill a homeless man as a test of courage. Investigations revealed that the teenager also possessed child abuse material and Islamic State propaganda. Authorities are further investigating to understand the motivations and possible influences behind the case, now the suspicions are of supremacist terrorism.
Teens turn to the Internet for sex education
Less than half of teenagers receive sex education at school, yet 91% of parents support making it mandatory, according to a research by Save the Children. For most adolescents, websites and online articles are the main sources of information on both sexual practices (47%) and sexually transmitted infections (57%). The topic where young people feel most confident is consent in sexual relationships (87%).
Sicilian fishing is in crisis
In Sciacca, a maritime city in the west of the island and once a hub for over 400 fishers, many are scrapping their boats for EU incentives. A sharp decline in sardines, anchovies, and squid, especially in 2024, is severely impacting the industry. Catches are shrinking, and the cause remains unclear. The crisis affects other fishing towns and the Aeolian Islands, where squid stocks are also dwindling.
Italy’s production falls: energy defies the trend
According to ISTAT data, the Industrial production declined by 3.5% in 2024, marking a year of consistent downturns. Among the main industrial sectors, only the energy industry recorded overall growth. In manufacturing, the only gains were in food, beverages, and tobacco, while the sharpest drops affected textiles, clothing, leather, accessories, and vehicle production.
A century of Italian language and culture in Perugia
“Italy is an open and welcoming country,” said President Sergio Mattarella at the inauguration of the 100th academic year of the University for Foreigners of Perugia, the nation’s oldest institution dedicated to teaching, research, and cultural promotion of Italian for international students. “This is a place of learning and exchange, where diversity is valued,” emphasized Rector Valerio De Cesaris.
Late goal secures victory for Juventus
“We have taken the first step towards our goal of reaching the Round of 16. It was a balanced match,” said Juventus coach Thiago Motta. In the first leg of the Champions League playoffs, Juventus defeated PSV Eindhoven 2-1. McKennie opened the scoring in the 34th minute, but Perisic equalized in the second half. The decisive moment came in the 82nd minute, when Mbangula scored the winning goal. The next Italian teams to play in the Champions League will be Milan and Atalanta.
