The Garisenda Tower in Bologna, over nine hundred years old and standing at 48 meters, is showing signs of distress, with unusual movements detected by sensors. Traffic around the monument has been halted to assess the tower's condition, which leans 4 degrees off plumb. Experts, including Professor Pier Luigi Cervellati of Italia Nostra, suggest making the area car-free to prevent further damage. The city has engaged an engineering firm to stabilize the tower temporarily, the same firm that salvaged the Costa Concordia and was involved in rebuilding the collapsed bridge in Genoa. A technical committee has also been formed for the tower's restoration.

Silvio Berlusconi's career, spanning from a homework seller to a media magnate and a deeply divisive politician, is marked by significant achievements and numerous scandals. Rising to prominence in the 1990s, he capitalized on the political vacuum left by the 'Mani Pulite' scandal, presenting himself as a businessman capable of rescuing Italy from corruption. His media empire, including Mediaset and AC Milan, flourished, but his tenure was marred by allegations of mafia connections, legal battles, and personal scandals. Despite his polarizing impact, Berlusconi's influence on Italian politics and media remains profound, with his legacy characterized more by theatricality than substantial political reforms.

A tourist bus crashed through the guardrail of a viaduct in Mestre, Italy, and fell approximately 30 meters, resulting in at least 21 fatalities, including two children, and dozens of injuries. The bus, operated by La Linea and hired by Jolly Camping in Marghera, was carrying tourists from Germany, Ukraine, France, and Croatia. The accident caused a fire, complicating rescue efforts and halting train traffic between the mainland and Venice. Venice's Mayor Luigi Brugnaro declared a day of mourning, and Italian officials, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi, have expressed their condolences. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

A tourist bus fell from a viaduct in Mestre, near Venice, resulting in at least 21 deaths and dozens of injuries. The bus, carrying tourists from various countries, crashed and caught fire after hitting a guardrail. Emergency services are conducting a challenging rescue operation. The incident has led to a day of mourning in Venice, with condolences expressed by local and national leaders. The cause of the accident remains unknown, with speculations about the driver's health or a fire on board.

The provincial government of Trentino in Northern Italy plans to cull up to 24 bears over the next three years to protect the local population from the growing bear population. The proposal, approved by the provincial parliament, aims to ensure public safety and protect livestock. The plan has faced opposition from animal welfare organizations, which argue that it is unconstitutional and that the province has not taken adequate measures to protect both humans and animals. The controversy follows a fatal bear attack on a local resident, Andrea Papi, and ongoing conflicts between bears and humans in the region.

The article delves into the tumultuous history and controversial actions of the Italian royal family, particularly focusing on Vittorio Emanuele di Savoia's acquittal in a murder case and the family's ongoing legal battles and attempts to reclaim their former status. It highlights the family's fall from grace, their exile from Italy, and their attempts to regain popularity through media appearances, juxtaposed with their historical association with fascism and legal controversies.

A growing number of young Argentinians, driven by economic hardships and high inflation in Argentina, are seeking Italian citizenship through their Italian ancestry. In the small town of San Lucido, Calabria, the influx of Argentinians has significantly impacted the local community, with many finding temporary residence and employment. Despite the benefits to the local economy, the mayor has implemented stricter regulations to manage the process. The article highlights personal stories of individuals navigating the bureaucratic process to secure a better future in Italy or other parts of the EU.

A secret coal cellar under the Sagrestia Nuova chapel in Florence, used by Michelangelo Buonarroti as a workspace for three months in 1530, was discovered in 1975. The cellar contains well-preserved charcoal sketches attributed to Michelangelo, including figures reminiscent of his later works in the Sistine Chapel. The discovery was made during a search for a new emergency exit for the Museum of the Cappelle Medicee. The sketches are believed to have been created while Michelangelo was hiding from a death sentence issued by Pope Clemens VII. The cellar, now open to the public by appointment until March 2024, has already seen all available visits booked for the next three months.

A psychological investigation is underway to determine the mental state of the son of Amsterdam teacher Chain-Fa Chang, who is suspected of murdering his father and a family friend in Mondovì, Italy. The investigation, requested by the suspect's lawyer Luca Borsarelli, will influence the legal proceedings. Initial reports suggest the suspect's mental health is compromised, a claim supported by his mother. The court in Cuneo will review the findings in March to decide on the prosecution.

Rome's waste problem has escalated to the point where a weekly train carrying 900 tons of household waste to Amsterdam is insufficient. The city plans to double the number of trains to alleviate the issue, sending 1,800 tons of waste weekly. This arrangement will generate approximately 1.5 million euros per month for Amsterdam. The waste crisis began when Rome's largest landfill, Malagrotta, was closed by the EU for not meeting environmental standards. Current Mayor Roberto Gualtieri supports building a waste-to-energy plant to solve the problem by 2026, while former Mayor Virginia Raggi faced difficulties with recycling and small landfills.

The article discusses the efforts of residents in Rome's Monti district to combat urban decay and the negative impact of tourism on the local community. Nicola Barone, a long-time resident and head of the residents' association, highlights the transformation of the area into a tourist hotspot, leading to the displacement of permanent residents and local artisans. The municipality has extended a ban on new eateries to curb this trend, but residents like Barone and local business owners like Ayad and Carlo express mixed feelings about the effectiveness of such measures. The article underscores the need for a balanced approach to preserve the district's cultural heritage while accommodating modern businesses.

Caffè Greco, Rome's oldest café, faces potential closure due to a rent dispute with the building's owner, the Israëlitische Ziekenhuis. The hospital demands 60,000 euros per month, while the café's owner, Carlo Pellegrini, is willing to pay up to 40,000 euros. The café, a protected cultural monument, cannot be repurposed, leading to a legal stalemate. Efforts by the Ministry of Culture to mediate have failed, and the future of the café and its employees remains uncertain.

In the Italian Alps, the melting glaciers due to climate change have revealed the skeletons of World War I soldiers. Sergio Boem, guided by his grandfather's wartime diary, discovered mass graves containing the remains of Austro-Hungarian soldiers. The Italian military police and experts have since conducted expeditions, uncovering numerous skeletons. Boem aims to provide these soldiers with proper burials and identities, despite facing resistance from the Lombardy regional government. DNA analysis and other forensic methods are being employed to identify the soldiers and restore their dignity.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Lampedusa at the invitation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to understand the severity of the migration crisis. Italy, France, and Germany's interior ministers discussed the crisis with the EU Commissioner for Home Affairs. A price war among human smugglers in Tunisia and Libya is making it easier and cheaper to reach Europe, with nearly 10,000 migrants arriving in Lampedusa last week. Frontex warns of an increase in arrivals. Italy's plan for a tent camp faces local opposition. Von der Leyen proposed an emergency plan for Italy, emphasizing the need for a European response to illegal immigration. The Tunisia deal, aimed at reducing migration in exchange for investments, has not been effective, with a 60% increase in departures after the agreement. Tunisia's President Kais Saied denied entry to a European Parliament delegation seeking to assess the situation.

In Italy, same-sex parents face significant legal challenges due to the country's laws against surrogacy and non-recognition of same-sex marriages. Mirco Pierro and his partner Davide, who are legally married in the United States and have twin sons born there, struggle with Italian bureaucracy that only recognizes the biological parent. Despite societal tolerance, legal obstacles persist, including the inability to adopt and the cancellation of birth certificates listing two same-sex parents. The Italian government and Ministry of the Interior enforce these restrictive measures, reflecting a broader issue of state homophobia.

Southern Europe is experiencing extreme heat with temperatures expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius in countries like Spain, France, Greece, Croatia, and Turkey. The European Space Agency warns that the European temperature record of 48.8 degrees Celsius could be broken. Experts predict that such heatwaves will become more frequent due to climate change, exacerbated by El Niño. Governments are issuing warnings and implementing heat plans to protect citizens. The article highlights the severe impact of the heatwave on public health, agriculture, and the risk of wildfires, while also touching on the political debate surrounding climate change and sustainability measures.

The ground beneath Pozzuoli, west of Naples, is rising by about 15 millimeters per month, accompanied by frequent earthquakes. Residents like Peppe Renzuto live in high-risk areas with evacuation plans in place. The Campi Flegrei supervolcano, largely under Naples and the Bay of Pozzuoli, is being closely monitored by experts like Giuseppe Mastrolorenzo from the Italian Institute for Geology and Volcanology. The last major eruption was 30,000 years ago, and the area is showing similar earth deformations as before previous eruptions. Theories about the cause of the uplift vary, and no evacuation is planned as it would be a political decision.

Gambero Rosso, Italy's prestigious enogastronomic magazine, has highlighted serious hygiene issues in the food delivery industry. Their research found that delivery bags often contain high levels of bacteria, with meal boxes on delivery riders' backs being particularly contaminated. In Italy, unlike restaurants and food stores which are regularly inspected by a special police unit, food transport remains largely unchecked, posing a real risk of food poisoning. In the Netherlands, the NVWA acknowledges the lack of specific controls on couriers and is conducting its own investigation into the hygiene of food couriers. Delivery companies like Glovo, Uber Eats, and Deliveroo place the responsibility for the cleanliness of meal boxes on the couriers, who also have to pay for their own cleaning supplies. Gambero Rosso criticizes the brief and superficial training provided to couriers and suggests hiring staff dedicated to cleaning and disinfecting meal boxes.

Silvio Berlusconi, the controversial former Italian Prime Minister and businessman, received a state funeral in Milan, attended by thousands, including family, politicians, and sports figures. Despite his career being marred by scandals, many praised his contributions, particularly to AC Milan. The event highlighted mixed sentiments, with some viewing the state funeral as inappropriate. The ceremony was broadcast globally, reflecting Berlusconi's significant impact on Italian politics and media.

Giulia Tramontano, a 29-year-old pregnant woman, was murdered by her partner Alessandro Impagnatiello after she discovered his infidelity and decided to leave him. Impagnatiello, who worked at the Armani Bamboo Bar in Milan and led a double life, feared exposure, especially at work. Tramontano's murder is the 49th case of femicide in Italy this year, with an increasing trend in such crimes. The police report that Tramontano was killed with multiple stab wounds, and Impagnatiello attempted to dispose of her body. He is now awaiting trial and faces a potential life sentence. The article highlights the broader issue of femicide in Italy and the EU, with statistics indicating the prevalence of such crimes.

The Italian state broadcaster RAI is undergoing changes with the departure of popular talkshow host Fabio Fazio to Warner Bros Discovery. The new RAI direction, influenced by Giorgia Meloni's government, is not renewing Fazio's contract and seems to be targeting critical voices, including other left-leaning program makers. The Democratic Party criticizes these moves as damaging to television, culture, and Italy. The political influence on RAI is not new, but the current government's actions appear to be more aggressive in eliminating dissent.

Ruggero Freddi, a former gay porn star, is now a respected mathematics professor at La Sapienza University in Rome. Despite his past, Freddi has faced little discrimination and is supported by his family and students. He transitioned to academia after a successful nine-year career in the American porn industry, earning a PhD in 2016. Freddi lives with his long-term partner, Gustavo Lugeizamon, in a luxurious apartment in central Rome. The only professional challenge he faced was the cancellation of a university conference on HIV and AIDS.

Clergy in the Vatican have been systematically defrauding the St. Peter's Pence, a voluntary donation from believers intended for global aid projects for the poor, with tens of millions of euros ending up in the pockets of priests and cardinals. This is detailed in investigative journalist Gianluigi Nuzzi's new book 'De Kruistocht', set to release in the Netherlands on February 20. The book also highlights lavish living by cardinals and money laundering and fraud at the Vatican Bank (IOR). Dutch priest Karel Kasteel, named in leaked documents, denies any wrongdoing. Nuzzi, known for publishing secret documents from Pope Benedictus's butler in 2011, faces a church court for stealing and publishing documents, with a potential sentence of 4 to 6 years.