Italy plans to send asylum seekers to Albania, a move criticized for potential human rights violations. The agreement, announced by Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, allows up to 36,000 migrants to be processed annually in two Italian-run centers in Albania. The plan has faced delays and criticism, with comparisons to the UK's failed Rwanda asylum scheme. Italian officials assert the centers comply with EU and international laws, but opposition parties in Italy have condemned the project as a violation of human rights. The European Commission is monitoring the scheme closely.

The article discusses the preferred cocaine trafficking route from Guayaquil, Ecuador, to Civitavecchia, Italy, highlighting the strategic importance of Rome's port in this international drug trade. The port's central location in the Mediterranean and its continuous expansion make it a key hub for distributing cocaine from South America to Europe.

Cardinal Angelo Becciu, a former high-ranking Vatican official, has been convicted of embezzlement and sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison in the Vatican's largest financial corruption scandal. The trial, which lasted over two years, involved ten defendants and nearly 50 charges, including embezzlement, corruption, and fraud, centered around a luxury property deal in London. Becciu, who served as the pope's chief of staff from 2011 to 2018, was absolved of several charges but found guilty of others. The trial highlighted the Vatican's financial mismanagement and is seen as part of Pope Francis' efforts to address these issues. Becciu's lawyer announced plans to appeal the verdict. The scandal was initially uncovered by Italian journalist Massimiliano Coccia, leading to Becciu's dismissal by Pope Francis in 2020.

In one of Italy's largest mafia trials, over 200 members of the 'Ndrangheta crime group have been sentenced to a total of more than 2,200 years in prison. The trial, which began in January 2021, involved 338 defendants and covered charges such as murder, corruption, drug trafficking, money laundering, and extortion. High-profile figures, including politicians and clan bosses, were among those convicted. The 'Ndrangheta, originating in the 18th century, is now a global criminal organization controlling a significant portion of Europe's cocaine trade. The trial took place in a specially constructed bunker courtroom, and the chief prosecutor, Nicola Gratteri, has been under police protection due to his anti-mafia efforts. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has praised Italy's tactics in combating organized crime.

A devastating flood in Valencia, Spain, resulted in over 220 deaths and significant damage, sparking accusations of negligence against both national and regional governments. The disaster has led to widespread protests, with calls for the resignation of regional president Carlos Mazon. Criticism has been directed at the perceived lack of timely warnings and slow response to the emergency. Political tensions between Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialist Workers' Party and Mazon's People's Party have further complicated the situation. The article highlights the ongoing struggle for accountability and the challenges in managing such emergencies.

Milan's city council has reversed its decision to ban ice cream sales after midnight following widespread criticism. The proposed ban aimed to protect residents' tranquility but faced backlash for potentially harming cultural practices and tourism. Security councillor Marco Granelli announced that the focus would shift to regulating alcohol and drinks instead. The decision was praised by the Italian Federation of Businesses, which criticized the initial proposal as absurd and harmful to tourism. This is not the first time Milan has attempted such a ban, with a similar effort in 2013 also failing due to public opposition.

Amanda Knox's attempt to overturn her slander conviction in Italy was unsuccessful, as the Italian court upheld the three-year sentence for falsely accusing bar owner Patrick Lumumba of murder. Knox, who was previously acquitted of the murder of Meredith Kercher, expressed her distress over the ruling, citing her treatment by police during the initial investigation. The European Court of Human Rights had previously ruled that her rights were violated during questioning. Despite the slander conviction, Knox will not serve additional jail time as it counts as time already served. The case continues to draw attention, with former prosecutor Giuliano Mignini suggesting the possibility of another undiscovered culprit in Kercher's murder.

Moises Tejada, one of New York's most wanted fugitives, was arrested in the Vatican with three knives during a general audience by Pope Francis. Tejada, convicted of kidnapping and robbery, was considered armed and dangerous. He claimed to have arrived in Italy from Ukraine, where he had been since 2022. Italian authorities are holding him for illegal weapon possession and resisting arrest, while awaiting a decision on extradition from the US.

The article follows the story of Giuseppe Misuraca, who was adopted from an orphanage in Ukraine's Donbas region at the age of three by a Sicilian family. Despite living in Italy his entire life, Giuseppe feels '100% Ukrainian' and is now returning to Ukraine for the first time in 25 years to fight against Russian forces. He applied to be a foreign fighter and is ready to join the Ukrainian army. The article also mentions Dorin Bzovi, a driver who has been transporting people and essential goods between Italy and Ukraine since the war began. Two other women from Italy are also mentioned, who are traveling to Ukraine to offer help, with one ready to take up arms if necessary. Ukrainian border officials report that 215,000 citizens have returned to fight, with about 80% being men aged 18 to 60.

Approximately 200 passengers were trapped for at least 40 minutes inside the Cornelia station of Rome's Metro A during an Atac strike. The station gates were closed by staff participating in the labor action without notifying the operational center. Rome's Municipal Transport apologized to customers and is investigating the incident, with disciplinary measures announced by Transport Councilor Eugenio Patanè. Surreal photos and videos circulated on Twitter, and Mayor Roberto Gualtieri expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to citizens, emphasizing the importance of strikes for worker safety.