UK royals welcomed in Rome
Zeta Italy News: King Charles and Queen Camilla were received by President Mattarella at the Quirinale, marking the start of their visit to Italy. The ceremony included military honors, national anthems, and a flyover by the Frecce Tricolori. The royals later paid tribute at the Altare della Patria, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Lega pushes back on EU regulations
The Italian party will introduce motions across all political levels. From local councils to the European Parliament, Lega is calling for a renegotiation of European measures it considers burdensome for consumers and businesses. Targets include the Green Homes directive, engine bans, sustainability reporting, and fiscal rules.
Meloni contacts family of Italian detained in Venezuela
Italy’s head of government has spoken with Armanda Colusso, mother of Alberto Trentini, the volunteer held in custody in Caracas since mid-November. Palazzo Chigi sources state that initiatives are ongoing to secure his return. “Let’s not let the spotlight fade on Alberto’s case,” said lawyer Alessandra Ballerini.
Francis easing back into duties, Holy Week attendance unclear
The Pope is cautiously returning to official engagements and on April 7th held a meeting with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, according to the Vatican press office. He continues to work by reviewing documents and staying in touch with the Curia. On Holy Week events, the Vatican says, “We’ll evaluate case by case.”
Police targets major smuggling ring spanning Eastern Mediterranean
Authorities have dismantled a transnational network accused of organizing 18 migrant landings on Sicilian and Calabrian coasts between 2021 and 2023. The alleged leader was arrested in Istanbul. Prosecutors estimate at least 3,000 people paid up to $10,000 each to reach Italy.
Italian state railway unveils future cross-border mobility
Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane has presented a €1 billion plan to link London and Paris through a new high-speed route by 2029. The initiative, part of the 2025–2029 Strategic Plan, involves a partnership with Spanish consortium Evolyn and aims to enhance sustainable, integrated rail travel across Europe.
AI to support theft prevention research in Trentino
Security firm Sei Sicurezza is opening a branch at Polo Meccatronica, the innovation hub in Rovereto run by Trentino Sviluppo. The site will focus on developing systems that use artificial intelligence to detect and respond to potential robbery scenarios in self-service banking and postal areas, aiming to improve prevention strategies.
Expensive Penalty for tickets boxes in Colosseo
The Italian Antitrust Authority fined the official ticket seller, CoopCulture and six tourist operators for the prolonged unavailability of entry tickets. This was partly due to the operators using bots to hoard tickets for the Colosseo, forcing consumers to buy more expensive bundled offers. CoopCulture was also penalized for reserving tickets for their own bundled tours. The Authority deemed these practices unfair commercial conduct.
Baby dies in a kindergarten
A 6-month-old was found dead in her crib at a nursery school in Puglia. The baby was found unresponsive by her teachers during a routine check. Despite immediate medical attention, the baby could not be revived. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of death, but initial reports suggest that it may have been due to sudden infant death syndrome.
Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement goes to Werner Herzog
The honor at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival has been awarded to German filmmaker Werner Herzog, celebrated for Aguirre, Fitzcarraldo, and Nosferatu the Vampyre. Herzog said he feels “deeply honored,” calling the prize a “medal” for his journey as a “Good Soldier of Cinema.” He also confirmed he has no plans to retire.
