The article discusses the legacy of Silvio Berlusconi, the former prime minister of Italy, who passed away in June. It highlights how his Forza Italia party is attempting to portray him as the founding father of the Right, despite his controversial past. Berlusconi was known for his populist communication style, creating a televised cult of personality, and his antics, which included sexual escapades and inappropriate jokes. His behavior and the resulting memes have become a part of Italy's collective memory, shaping the political discourse. The article also touches on the negative aspects of his tenure, such as weakening laws on safety and environmental protection, and his involvement with xenophobic and neo-fascist parties. Despite numerous accusations and trials, Berlusconi was only convicted of tax fraud. The article concludes by discussing Berlusconi's continued influence on Italian politics through his memetic presence, even after his political power waned.

The article discusses the environmental crisis faced by Lake Bracciano in Italy, which began to dry up in 2017 due to water diversion by the Acea Group to supply Rome during a drought. The local residents have stopped the company from further draining the lake and are now taking legal action for environmental crimes. The trial could set a precedent in Europe for public awareness of environmental crimes related to water use. The article also touches on the broader issues of water management, frequent droughts, and climate change affecting the Lazio region's water sources, including Lake Bracciano, which serves as an emergency water reservoir for Rome.

The article discusses the challenges faced by women in Italy regarding access to abortion, despite it being legal since 1978. It highlights the high rate of conscientious objectors among medical staff, often influenced by Catholic beliefs, which impedes women's access to abortion services. The article also examines the political landscape, noting that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government, which includes far-right and conservative parties, is undermining reproductive rights. It details how pro-life groups, such as Movimento per la Vita and Pro Vita & Famiglia, exploit legal ambiguities and receive government funding to dissuade women from abortions. The article further explores the broader anti-gender movement's influence, both in Italy and across Europe, and its connections to the Vatican and other conservative forces. It concludes by highlighting the efforts of pro-choice activists like Silvana Agatone and the challenges they face in countering well-funded anti-choice campaigns.

The Italian comics market experienced a 13.4% decline in 2023 after a period of significant growth, according to the Italian Publishers Association (Aie). The sector's value in 2022 was €179.1 million, with a 260% increase in copies sold compared to 2019. However, the first nine months of 2023 saw a downturn. Opinions vary, with Aie's Giovanni Peresson seeing it as a natural rebound, while Luca Lucchesi, a comic book store owner, feels the impact significantly. The Aie report also notes a 23% increase in comics enthusiasts in 2022, reaching 10.2 million. The decline in 2023 is attributed to various factors, including publisher management, a drop in quality, and market saturation. Despite the downturn, the readership has expanded, and companies like Panini see an opportunity to transition manga readers to other comics genres.

Lucca Comics & Games 2023 returns to pre-pandemic standards, featuring over 300 guests, 45 international stars, and 61 publishers. The event will take place from November 1 to 5, with a theme of togetherness symbolized by a flag designed by the Hanuka brothers. Highlights include a limited edition comic starring Max Pezzali, a new festival app, and a lineup of renowned manga artists and comic creators. The festival will also celebrate the 30th anniversary of Lucca Games and feature previews of films, TV series, and video games. The event will be streamed on Twitch and covered by RaiPlay and Rai4, with a digital schedule and initiatives for fans.

Lucca Comics & Games 2023, scheduled for November 1-5, will feature honorary guests such as Japanese manga artist Naoki Urasawa, Irish comic book writer Garth Ennis, and Korean-American comic book artist Jim Lee. The event, presented by director Emanuele Vietina alongside local officials, will also include other notable figures from the worlds of comics, role-playing games, and entertainment. The Hanuka brothers, known for their work on 'Waltz with Bashir', have designed the event's manifesto, which emphasizes inclusivity and discovery within the pop and nerd culture. The festival continues to strengthen its ties with American institutions and will showcase various Italian premieres, exhibitions, and partnerships, including with the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.

Artist Roberto Beragnoli has created a reportage of a journey through Italy and posted it on Instagram, featuring beaches, sea views, monuments, and tourists, all generated by an algorithm. This project explores collective memory and captures the enduring charm of traveling in Italy, a theme historically significant to many literary figures.

The article discusses the controversial plan to build a bridge over the Messina Strait, connecting Sicily to the Italian mainland. The project, which has been on and off for decades, was recently revived by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and backed by infrastructure minister Matteo Salvini. Environmental activists and organizations like WWF and Legambiente oppose the bridge due to its potential impact on natural reserves, seismic areas, and endangered bird species. The European Commission has previously refused funding due to environmental concerns, and the project's compatibility with the European Green New Deal is questioned. Despite the opposition, some local politicians and groups see the bridge as a potential driver for economic development. The article also touches on the history of the project, including past protests, suspected Mafia involvement, and legal battles.

The article discusses the Italian government's contradictory stance on climate change, highlighting the difference between its international commitments and domestic rhetoric. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, while acknowledging the climate emergency internationally, uses vague language domestically and has not taken significant action against climate change. Her party, Brothers of Italy, has been skeptical about climate change and has opposed environmental legislation. The article also touches on the impact of climate change in Italy, with increased extreme weather events and the Mediterranean region being a climate hotspot. Climate activists face opposition from the government, which has imposed heavy fines for acts of civil disobedience, and from media personalities who downplay the climate crisis.

The article discusses the Italian LGBTQ+ community's accusations against Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government for undermining same-sex couples' parental rights. The Senate recently voted against a European Commission regulation that would have recognized cross-border same-sex parents, aligning Italy with the Visegrad group countries. Brothers of Italy, the ruling party, led the vote, citing the potential undermining of Italy's ban on surrogate pregnancy. Activists argue that the government's stance on surrogacy and same-sex parenting rights is discriminatory. The article also mentions a draft legislation that could criminalize Italians resorting to surrogacy abroad and highlights the difficulties faced by same-sex couples in adopting children in Italy. Queer rights groups are fighting legal battles for recognition, and the government's recent actions are seen as part of a broader crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights.

The Italian LGBTQ+ community accuses Giorgia Meloni's government of trampling on the parental rights of same-sex couples, highlighting Italy's position as one of the least progressive in Europe on this issue. The Senate recently voted against an EU regulation for cross-border recognition of same-sex parents, aligning with the Visegrad group. Activists have repeatedly denounced the government for discrimination and propaganda against homosexuals. The ruling party, Brothers of Italy, with neo-fascist origins, led the vote against the EU regulation, citing concerns over surrogacy laws. Legal battles continue, including against a 2019 decree requiring identity documents to specify 'mother and father.' The government's focus on surrogacy among same-sex couples is seen as an old right-wing obsession, despite its prevalence among heterosexual couples. The Constitutional Court's 2021 ruling called for the adoption regulatory framework to be opened to same-sex parents, but the government has not prioritized this. The LGBTQ+ community vows to continue having children despite discriminatory policies.

A new anthology inspired by Pier Vittorio Tondelli's project Under 25, which began with the collection 'Giovani blues' in 1986, has emerged 37 years later, featuring 12 young authors who express themes such as sex, gender ambiguity, and class differences. These authors, who are under 25, are characterized by their disdain for social media and autofiction, and their voices are now being recognized in an anthology edited by Alessandro Cattelan.

Mirka Andolfo and Giorgio Cavazzano, renowned figures in the Marvel and DC world and Disney respectively, are the honorary ambassadors for Comicon 2023. For the first time, the event will take place in Naples from April 28 to May 1 and in Bergamo from June 23 to 25, coinciding with Bergamo's tenure as the Italian Capital of Culture. Cavazzano, with a career spanning half a century, will be celebrated with an exhibition titled 'Galassia Cavazzano. I mondi elastici di Giorgio Cavazzano.' Andolfo, known for her successful series 'Sweet Paprika' and nearly a million copies sold of her graphic novels, has designed the Comicon 2023 poster. Both will also play their roles in the Bergamo edition, with the event expected to expand significantly from the previous year's 135,000 visitors.

The article discusses the emergence of AI photography and its impact on the art world. Artists are using AI art generators like DALL-E and Midjourney to create images of fictional subjects and events, sparking controversy over authorship and copyright infringement. While some visual artists accuse these generators of theft, others, such as Gossip Goblin and Sam Finn, explore the medium's potential to create unique compositions without directly copying other artists' styles. The article highlights how AI photographers are navigating ethical concerns by ensuring their work is original and not a mere imitation of existing art. It also touches on the implications of AI training on personal images uploaded to the internet, as exemplified by Ryan Wendell Bauer's fake family albums. The debate over AI art's legitimacy and ownership continues, with some calling for regulation of AI art generator companies.

Sheena Patel's debut novel 'Ti seguo' serves as a metaphor to narrate our times through the obsessions of a woman disappointed in love. The book, which has been released in Italy this autumn by Atlantide, tells the story of a nameless thirty-year-old who falls for a married man and finds herself competing with his many lovers, including a wealthy influencer with a significant following on Instagram. Patel, born in '92, was previously highlighted by the Observer as one of the ten authors to watch this year.

The article discusses how right-wing users have been altering the Italian Wikipedia page of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to downplay her connections with far-right movements. Comparisons are made with Wikipedia pages in other languages, which are more explicit about Meloni's ties to fascism. The article highlights the efforts to moderate the image of Meloni and her party, Brothers of Italy, which has neo-fascist roots. It also touches on the challenges of maintaining neutrality on Wikipedia, especially during politically sensitive times. The article includes comments from Italian journalist Mattia Salvia and writer Christian Raimo, as well as Wikimedia Italia user Maurizio Codogno, who emphasizes that his views are personal and not representative of Wikimedia. The article also notes the protective measures taken by Wikipedia admins to prevent biased edits and vandalism.

Twenty years after the release of Giorgio Faletti's bestselling novel 'Io uccido', which sold over 5 million copies, a graphic novel adaptation is set to be released on November 14 by La Nave di Teseo. The adaptation was scripted by Andrea Cavaletto, known for his work on Dylan Dog and Martin Mystère, and features illustrations by David Ferracci with colors by Assia Ieradi. The project, which began after a conversation with Faletti's widow Roberta Bellesini, aims to faithfully condense the complex thriller into 120 pages. The team faced challenges in avoiding didacticism and preserving the essence of the novel. The graphic novel is seen as a tribute to the original work, offering a different storytelling experience while encouraging readers to also engage with the source material.

Tim Burton will attend Lucca Comics & Games 2022, which will feature a dense program including international guests like John Romita Jr and Chris Ware, and Italian talents such as Francesca Michielin and Zerocalcare. The event will showcase a European premiere of Burton's series 'Wednesday' on Netflix, celebrate Atari's 50th anniversary, and include Marvel's editor-in-chief Chester B. Cebulski scouting for talent. Japanese mangaka and other international comic artists will also participate, alongside various performances and events. Ticket availability has increased from 55,000 to 75,000 daily, with pandemic precautions still in place.

The article discusses the Scientist Rebellion, a movement where scientists engage in civil disobedience to advocate for climate action. It highlights actions against companies like Eni and Scottish Power, accusing them of greenwashing and contributing to climate change. The movement, which started in the UK, has gained international traction, with over 1,000 scientists in more than 25 countries participating in protests. The article contrasts the experiences of activists in the Global North, like Italy, with those in the Global South, like Sierra Leone, where activism strategies differ due to varying levels of risk and awareness. It also touches on the role of African countries in exploiting natural resources and the challenges faced by local populations in understanding and responding to climate change. The Scientist Rebellion supports initiatives like 'Debt for Climate' and seeks to leverage scientists' credibility to influence public opinion and policy on climate issues.

Young authors Costanza Durante and Elisa Menini have created a graphic novel titled 'La Rosa armata', which explores the role of women in the Resistance, fighting against various oppressions. The novel, which marks the beginning of the 'Cosmica' comic series by the publisher minimum fax, captures the human historical memory and moments of happiness experienced by women during the horrors of war, despite the constraints of a still patriarchal society.

Anonymous, a hacktivist collective, has tweeted about their efforts to keep Ukrainians online amidst connectivity issues due to the Russian invasion. They have also targeted Russian websites, which remain offline following cyberattacks. Russia has restricted Twitter access within its borders, a move confirmed by NetBlocks and the BBC, and threatens similar action against Facebook. The British Ministry of Defence has reiterated the strong resistance by Ukrainians in Kiev. The role of social media and encrypted messaging apps is highlighted as crucial for organizing armed response and spreading information. Anonymous and journalists have advised Ukrainian users to avoid sharing images that could help Russian forces locate them. Twitter has provided Ukrainian users with account protection advice.

At the Arena Robinson event during the Più libri più liberi fair in Rome, comic book artists ZUZU (Giulia Spagnulo), Elisa Menini, and Antonio Pronostico, interviewed by Luca Valtorta, shared their experiences and challenges in the comic book industry. ZUZU emphasized the difficulty of both creating and reading comics, crediting Gipi and Ratigher for their support. Menini discussed her work on Japanese legends, while Pronostico and Fulvio Risuleo collaborated on a bizarre love story between two noses and a graphic novel with multiple plots and endings. The artists highlighted the all-consuming nature of their work and the importance of both constant practice and taking breaks.

Jorit, an artist known for his street art, discusses his journey from the outskirts of Naples to international recognition. He criticizes the commercialization of street art, which he sees as a form of protest and expression of anger. Jorit recounts his experiences painting in semi-legality in Naples, where he could create more elaborate works compared to Banksy's stencils. His works include portraits of friends, local figures like San Gennaro, and international icons such as Maradona, Mandela, and Che Guevara. He reflects on the social issues in his community, the impact of street art, and his occasional return to traditional painting.

Sergio Rubini, an actor and director, spoke at Arena Robinson about his new film, 'I Fratelli De Filippo', which focuses on the lives of Peppino and Eduardo De Filippo. He compares the De Filippo brothers to the Beatles and emphasizes their role in revolutionizing theater. Rubini's film portrays the youth of the brothers, their struggles after the death of Scarpetta, and their success with 'Natale in casa Cupiello'. He discusses the historical significance of the De Filippo family in representing post-war Italy and plans to continue the story to the point of the brothers' separation. Rubini also reflects on the different artistic visions that can emerge from the same script, as evidenced by Martone's film on Scarpetta, and shares insights on the personal and professional tensions within the De Filippo trio.

Stefania Auci, best-selling author of 'The Lions of Sicily', discusses at the Arena Robinson event how fantasy literature, from Tolkien to Rowling, has been a fertile ground for feminist narratives. She argues that the genre, encompassing science fiction, horror, and works like 'Dune' by Herbert, has been instrumental in portraying women's freedom and reflecting feminist achievements of the last century. Auci highlights strong female characters in fantasy since the 1970s, influenced by feminism, and how these narratives have impacted reality, offering a less traumatic approach to feminism compared to public protests.

Mark Zuckerberg announces the rebranding of Facebook to Meta, emphasizing a 'metaverse first' approach. Despite the futuristic vision of holograms, virtual environments, and augmented reality, the article criticizes the company for not addressing current user concerns, transparency issues, and the potential monopolization of the metaverse. The rebranding is seen as a superficial change, ignoring the company's past privacy mishaps and defensive stance in light of recent revelations. The article also touches on the potential of Meta's technology but remains skeptical about its effects and the company's unchecked expansion.

Imen Jane, a co-founder of Will Ita and once celebrated by Forbes, has lost 20,000 Instagram followers in 24 hours after a story showed her high-fiving Francesca Mapelli, who disrespected a shop assistant. This is not Jane's first controversy; she previously falsely claimed to have an economics degree. Despite such setbacks, influencers like Jane often recover their following. The article discusses the pattern of influencers making mistakes, facing temporary backlash, but ultimately maintaining or even growing their online presence. Negative publicity does not seem to diminish the online credibility of most influencers, and some, like Damiano 'Er Faina', even thrive on being controversial figures.

Science fiction often incorporates conspiracies as a fundamental element of its narratives, which can reflect and potentially influence societal tendencies towards conspiracy theories. The article explores the blurred line between advanced technology and magic as presented in science fiction, and how this blurring can lead to a belief in the possibility of any scenario, including nightmarish ones. It discusses the simplicity of conspiracy theories in explaining complex realities, often reducing them to a battle between good and evil. The article also examines the role of science fiction in depicting unstable worlds, which can mirror the chaotic times we live in, contributing to the spread of dangerous mass delusions like QAnon. The piece concludes by suggesting that while science fiction thrives on conspiracies, it offers little guidance on how to counteract real-world conspiracy theories.

The article explores how science fiction narratives by authors such as Isaac Asimov, Philip K. Dick, Arthur C. Clarke, and Ray Bradbury provide insights into societal changes and challenges, including those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It discusses themes of social distancing, the loss of the natural world, the safety of home, and the pursuit of entertainment, drawing parallels between these fictional accounts and current global circumstances. The article also touches on the political situation in Hungary, where Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has been granted powers to bypass parliament, drawing a comparison to the totalitarian dystopia described by George Orwell in '1984'.

A startup from Turin, Novislab, created by Flavio Accossato, Arianna Ortelli, Dario Codispoti, and Enrico Allais, has developed a video game console for the visually impaired called Blind Console. The console features a joystick that connects to a mobile phone and provides tactile feedback and stereophonic sound to simulate the gaming environment. The project is in collaboration with the Associazione pro retinopatici ed ipovedenti and the Unione italiana ciechi e ipovedenti, whose members test the games. Initial funding of 100,000 euros was received from Social Faire, and the controllers are assembled in Piedmont with materials sourced from Italy and Europe. The Blind Console is not yet released but is expected to be priced at around 250 euros. A demo is available for Android, and a version for iOS is in development. Xbox is also mentioned as working on a controller for the visually impaired.

Leonardo Di Chiara, a 28-year-old architect, built a 9 sqm tiny house, the first of its kind in Italy, to demonstrate that a fully functional home with a bathroom and kitchen could fit within such a small space. The house, named aVoid, is mobile, mounted on wheels, and features solar panels for self-sufficiency. Di Chiara has traveled over 10,000 kilometers across Europe with his tiny house, visiting 16 locations. The tiny house movement, which offers an alternative to traditional housing, is gaining traction in Europe, with Di Chiara participating in the Bauhaus Campus exhibition in Berlin. His project aims to provide affordable, sustainable living spaces, with his prototype costing around 50,000 euros, partially offset by sponsorships.