Category: Southern Europe
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Millennial Miracle: Carlo Acutis, ‘God’s Influencer,’ Set for Sainthood

Local sources from Italy: Il Resto del Carlino, Avvenire. UK coverage: The Guardian. The Catholic Church is on the brink of a historic moment as Carlo Acutis, a teenage coder who harnessed the power of the internet to spread Catholic teachings, is slated for canonization by Pope Leo. This landmark…
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Dockworkers Threaten to Block Shipments to Israel in Solidarity with Gaza Aid Flotilla

Local sources from Italy: Sky TG24, ANSA. UK coverage: Novara Media. In a bold move symbolizing international solidarity with Palestine, Italian dockworkers, under the representation of the Unione Sindacale di Base (USB), have issued a stern warning: block all shipments to Israel and potentially ‘shut down all of Europe’ if…
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La Tomatina 2025: A Spectacle of Joy and Tomatoes in Buñol, Spain

Local sources from Spain: EL PAÍS, Diario AS. UK coverage: BBC. The town of Buñol in Valencia, Spain, became a vibrant canvas of red as the 80th La Tomatina festival unfolded with an explosion of color, laughter, and thousands of flying tomatoes. This unique event, deeply entrenched in local tradition…
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Salmonella Outbreak Strikes Over 100 Guests at Spanish Hotel

Local sources from Spain: El Mundo, ABC. UK coverage: Metro.co.uk. A significant health scare unfolded at the four-star Izan Cavanna Hotel in La Manga, Spain, following a suspected salmonella outbreak that has affected over 100 tourists, including vulnerable guests such as a 15-month-old baby and seven other children. Symptoms reported…
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Venomous Blue Dragons Spur Beach Closures Along Spain’s Costa Blanca

Local sources from Spain: El Mundo, Levante-EMV. UK coverage: Majorca Daily Bulletin. A series of unusual and concerning sightings have prompted the temporary closure of several beaches along the Costa Blanca, near Torrevieja and in Guardamar del Segura, Alicante, following the discovery of the venomous sea slug known as the…
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Venomous Blue Dragons Prompt Beach Closures in Alicante

Local sources from Spain: Levante-EMV, El Mundo. UK coverage: The Independent. Beachgoers in Alicante have been greeted with red flags and closure signs, following the discovery of venomous sea creatures along the coast of Guardamar del Segura. The culprits behind the closures are small, yet dangerous mollusks known as blue…
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Ukrainian Suspect Arrested in Italy Over 2022 Nord Stream Pipeline Sabotage

Local sources from Italy: la Repubblica, Corriere della Calabria. UK coverage: politico.eu. In a significant development unfolding within Europe’s complex geopolitical landscape, Italian authorities have apprehended a Ukrainian individual, Serhii K., on charges of orchestrating the 2022 Nord Stream gas pipelines sabotage. This event caused considerable disruptions to a critical…
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Chaos at Milan’s Malpensa Airport as Man Sets Fire to Check-In Desk

Local sources from Italy: ANSA, LA7. UK coverage: Liverpool Echo. A concerning incident unfolded at Milan’s Malpensa Airport when a check-in desk was set ablaze, leading to an evacuation of the terminal involved. The event, which transpired in the morning hours, caused panic among passengers and staff alike. This situation,…
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Spain Mobilizes an Unprecedented Military Response to Combat Wildfires Amid EU Support Requests

Local sources from Spain: Euronews.com, Infodefensa. UK coverage: Financial Times. As Spain grapples with devastating wildfires, the country is witnessing an unparalleled mobilization of its military forces in an effort to combat the escalating crisis. In a significant announcement, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared the deployment of an additional…
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Spain Battles Unprecedented Wildfires Amid Climate Crisis

Local sources from Spain: El Mundo, RTVE.es. UK coverage: The Guardian. Spain is currently facing an unparalleled challenge as wildfires rage across various regions, marking a severe episode in the nation’s struggle against the impacts of climate change. The situation has prompted a nationwide reflection on the urgent need for…
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Tragic Shipwrecks Off Lampedusa Claim Lives Amid Migrant Crisis

Local sources from Italy: Sky TG24, RaiNews. UK coverage: Euronews.com. A harrowing incident unfolded off the coast of Italy’s Lampedusa island as almost 100 migrants found themselves in peril, leading to at least 20 confirmed deaths and many more missing. The tragedy, involving a boat that capsized 20 kilometers southwest…
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Wildfires Ravage Greece, Prompting Evacuations and Power Restoration Efforts

Local sources from Greece: ProtoThema, Capital.gr. UK coverage: eKathimerini.com. Greece is grappling with severe wildfires, leading to evacuations in several areas, including Patras, the country’s third-largest city. The fires, originating in Achaia, have encroached upon urban areas, causing residents to flee towards safer parts of the city. Among the emergency…
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Wildfires Ravage Southern Europe: A National Emergency Declared in Spain

Local sources from Spain: EL PAÍS, RTVE.es. UK coverage: The Telegraph. Spain finds itself grappling with a national emergency as severe wildfires, exacerbated by an unprecedented heatwave, sweep across the southern regions of Europe. The Spanish government has been compelled to deploy over a thousand soldiers in an effort to…
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Rediscovery of Life in Pompeii: Beyond the Ashes

Local sources from Italy: SiViaggia, Pompeii Sites. UK coverage: The Art Newspaper. Recent archaeological investigations have unveiled a groundbreaking perspective on the ancient city of Pompeii, challenging the long-standing narrative of its total abandonment post the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Far from being a desolate ruin,…
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Greece’s Migration Dilemma: Balancing Tourism, Human Rights, and International Cooperation

Local sources from Greece: Euronews.com, η ναυτεμπορικη. UK coverage: BBC. Greece is currently grappling with an increase in migrant arrivals by small boats, particularly to the island of Crete, raising concerns among local businesses about the potential impact on the country’s vital tourism industry. The Greek government, in response, has…
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Wildfires Rage Across Greece, Turkey, and Europe Amid Heatwave and Strong Winds

Local sources from Greece: ProtoThema, Euronews.com. UK coverage: The Guardian. In a severe manifestation of climate-related disasters, thousands of residents in Greece and Turkey have been forced to evacuate their homes as wildfires, fueled by strong winds and sweltering heat, wreak havoc across the regions. With temperatures soaring above 40C,…
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Tragic Ultralight Aircraft Crash on Italian Motorway Claims Two Lives

Local sources from Italy: MilanoToday, Geopop. UK coverage: Navy Lookout. In a catastrophic incident that has gripped Italy, a light aircraft crash on a motorway in the province of Brescia has resulted in the tragic deaths of two individuals, stirring concerns over aviation safety for ultralight planes. The crash occurred…
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Tragic Ultralight Aircraft Crash on Italian Motorway Claims Two Lives

Local sources from Italy: MilanoToday, Geopop. UK coverage: GB News. In a harrowing incident that unfolded on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 22, a light aircraft met with a tragic fate as it crashed into a motorway in the province of Brescia, Italy, leaving two people dead and causing chaos…
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Severe Flooding and the Rise of Dark Tourism: Spain’s Week of Extremes

Local sources from Spain: Infobae, Viajes National Geographic. UK coverage: Daily Express. This week, Spain has been a focal point of extreme weather conditions and intriguing cultural phenomena. The province of Zaragoza experienced severe flooding after torrential rainfall, causing chaos in a popular holiday region. Over 300 school children and…
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Tragic Accident in Sardinia: Lufthansa CEO’s Wife Investigated for Negligent Homicide

Local sources from Italy: Il Fatto Quotidiano, Corriere del Ticino. UK coverage: Metro.co.uk. In a sorrowful event that has captured international headlines, Vivian Alexandra Spohr, the wife of Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr, is currently under investigation for negligent homicide following a fatal accident in Sardinia that claimed the life of…
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Nation Mourns the Tragic Loss of ‘Hero’ Sniffer Dog Bruno, Killed in a Cruel Act

Local sources from Italy: ANSA, RaiNews. UK coverage: Sky News. In a heart-wrenching incident that has sparked widespread outrage across Italy, Bruno, a distinguished ‘hero’ sniffer dog known for his remarkable role in saving lives, met a tragic end in Taranto. The beloved molecular bloodhound was killed after consuming sausages…
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National Outrage Over the Tragic Killing of Heroic Sniffer Dog Bruno in Italy

Local sources from Italy: RaiNews, ANSA. UK coverage: ITVX. Italy is in mourning following the despicable killing of Bruno, a seven-year-old heroic bloodhound known for saving nine lives throughout his illustrious career. The nation was shocked to learn that Bruno was killed after ingesting sausages laced with nails, a vile…
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Nation Mourns as Heroic Dog Bruno Killed by Poisoned Bait

Local sources from Italy: ANSA, Tgcom24. UK coverage: The Telegraph. In a heart-wrenching incident that has gripped Italy, Bruno, a distinguished search-and-rescue dog famed for his role in saving nine lives, has tragically fallen victim to a deliberate act of cruelty. The beloved canine, who dedicated seven years of service…
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Serbia’s Broad Coalition Continues Anti-Corruption Protests Amidst Government Inaction

Local sources from Serbia: Al Jazeera Balkans, Radio Slobodna Evropa. UK coverage: BBC. In Serbia, a series of anti-corruption protests that began nine months ago have seen a significant evolution, from student-led demonstrations to a broader coalition of citizens demanding systemic change. The protests, initially sparked by concerns over corruption…
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Wildfire Crisis on Crete Forces Thousands to Evacuate Amid European Heatwave

Local sources from Greece: ProtoThema, Kathimerini. UK coverage: The Guardian. A severe wildfire, exacerbated by gale-force winds, has swept across the Greek island of Crete, leading to the evacuation of approximately 5,000 residents and tourists. This disaster unfolds as Europe is hit by a punishing heatwave, which has been blamed…
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Wildfire Crisis on Crete Island Forces Mass Evacuations

Local sources from Greece: Documento, NeaKriti. UK coverage: The Times of Israel. A devastating wildfire on the Greek island of Crete has led to the mass evacuation of thousands of residents and tourists as it threatens homes, hotels, and other infrastructures. The fire, which ignited on Wednesday afternoon in the…
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Wildfire Crisis in Crete Prompts Massive Evacuation Effort

Local sources from Greece: Documento, NeaKriti. UK coverage: The Telegraph. A devastating wildfire on the Greek island of Crete has led to the evacuation of thousands, as fierce flames threaten structures and natural landscapes. The fire, erupting in the southeastern part of the island near Ierapetra on Wednesday afternoon, has…
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A Vacation Nightmare: Mother Fights for Life After Mosquito Bite Complications in Tenerife

Local sources from Spain: La i Noticias, El Heraldo de México. UK coverage: Daily Mail. In a harrowing turn of events on what was meant to be a leisurely family vacation, 42-year-old Emma Hickey is now fighting for her life in a Tenerife hospital following a severe reaction to mosquito…
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Renewed Hope in the Search for Angela Celentano: Italy’s Longest Unsolved Mystery Takes a New Turn

Local sources from Italy: Il Fatto Quotidiano, rtl.it. UK coverage: Daily Mail. In a compelling twist in one of Italy’s most enduring mysteries, the case of Angela Celentano – often referred to as ‘Italy’s Madeleine McCann’ – who vanished without a trace in 1996, has once again captured the nation’s…
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State of Emergency Declared on Chios Amid Wildfires and Water Crisis

Local sources from Greece: η ναυτεμπορικη, Dnews. UK coverage: BBC. The Greek island of Chios is grappling with a severe crisis as five separate wildfires, exacerbated by strong winds, have led to the evacuation of 17 communities and a state of emergency declaration. Initiating with three forest fires on Sunday,…
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Wildfires Ravage Chios: Evacuations Underway and Reinforcements Dispatched

Local sources from Greece: ProtoThema, Voria. UK coverage: eKathimerini.com. The picturesque island of Chios is grappling with a devastating wildfire crisis, prompting the evacuation of six settlements as the flames inch dangerously close to residential areas. According to local authorities, the fire, which erupted near Kofinas, has spiraled into three…
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Exploring the Complex Tapestry of Tourism in Spain: From Disenchanted Visitors to Economic Opportunities

Local sources from Spain: Infobae, El Español. UK coverage: Daily Express. Recent discussions surrounding tourism in Spain have brought to light the multifaceted experiences of international travelers and the significant economic impact of such visits on the country. A viral TikTok video by a traveler named Dannii detailing her less-than-ideal…
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Spain’s April Blackout: Technical Failures, Not Cyberattack, to Blame

Local sources from Spain: CNN en Español, KCH FM. UK coverage: Financial Times. In an important update following the widespread blackout that affected Spain and Portugal in April, leaving millions without electricity, the Spanish government has now clarified the causes behind this major disruption. According to reports from CNN en…
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Majorca to Slash Sun Lounger Numbers Amid Anti-Tourism Sentiment

Local sources from Spain: Ultima Hora, Diario de Mallorca. UK coverage: The Telegraph. In a move that’s stirring both controversy and applause, the island of Majorca has announced plans to significantly reduce the number of sun loungers available on its beaches, a decision that has echoed similar sentiments in other…
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Italy Holds Referendum on Citizenship, Gaining Broad Support and Celebrity Endorsement

Local sources from Italy: Il Post, Sky TG24. UK coverage: Financial Times. Italy is at a crossroads as it votes on a crucial referendum on June 8 and 9, aiming to amend the citizenship laws for non-EU foreigners, a proposal that seeks to halve the required residency period from 10…
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Italy’s Citizenship Referendum: A Vote for Change and Inclusion

Local sources from Italy: Il Post, Il Messaggero. UK coverage: BBC. Italy stands at a crossroads as it prepares for a pivotal referendum set for June 8-9, which could significantly alter the nation’s citizenship laws. The proposed legal amendment seeks to reduce the required residency period for foreigners seeking Italian…
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Mount Etna Eruption: Tourists Flee Amidst Spectacular Volcanic Display

Local sources from Italy: Corriere della Sera, Fanpage. UK coverage: The Guardian. Europe’s largest active volcano, Mount Etna, located in Sicily, Italy, has once again reminded the world of its formidable power through a dramatic eruption that occurred yesterday. The event began at approximately 11:24 am local time, sending a…
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Drought Conditions and Wind Energy Challenges: A Double Blow to Europe

Local sources from Greece: LiFO, newmoney. UK coverage: Sky News. Europe is currently grappling with two major environmental and economic challenges that are affecting nations across the continent, highlighting the multifaceted impacts of climate change and natural variability on our planet. Over 40% of Europe is experiencing severe drought conditions,…
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Magnitude 6.1 Earthquake Strikes Off Coast of Crete, Tsunami Warning Issued

Local sources from Greece: iEidiseis, Documento. UK coverage: ITVX. In the early hours of Thursday, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck 55km north of Crete, at a depth of 37km, stirring panic and leading to a tsunami warning across Greece. The tremor, felt across the southern Aegean, Attica, as well as…
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Former Ukrainian Political Advisor Andriy Portnov Assassinated in Madrid

Local sources from Spain: BBC, France 24. UK coverage: The Independent. In a chilling incident that has captured the world’s attention, Andriy Portnov, a key aide to Ukraine’s ousted president Viktor Yanukovych, was shot dead in front of an American school in Madrid, Spain, marking a dramatic escalation in politically…
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Pope Leo XIV Begins Papacy with Calls for Unity and Peace Amid Global Concerns

Local sources from Italy: Corriere Roma, Euronews. UK coverage: BBC. In a solemn ceremony filled with ancient rituals and symbols of papal authority, Pope Leo XIV officially commenced his papacy during an inauguration Mass at St Peter’s Square, captivating a global audience. In the presence of over 156 international delegations…
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Global Leaders and Faithful Gather for Inauguration of Pope Leo XIV’s Pontificate

Local sources from Italy: ELLE, Corriere della Sera. UK coverage: Vatican News. The Vatican City witnessed a historic event on Sunday, May 18, as the solemn liturgy marking the official start of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate was celebrated at St. Peter’s Basilica. The ceremony, deeply rooted in tradition and symbolism,…
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Magnitude 6.1 Earthquake Strikes Eastern Crete, Drawing International Attention

Local sources from Greece: Cretalive, LiFO. UK coverage: Euronews.com. In the early hours of Wednesday, May 14, 2025, a significant seismic event of magnitude 6.1 Richter occurred between Crete, Kasos, and Karpathos in Greece, causing widespread alarm but thankfully no reported injuries or damages. The tremor, striking at a depth…
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6.3-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Crete, Tsunami Warning Issued

Local sources from Greece: Flashnews.gr, ekriti.gr. UK coverage: The Sun. In a significant seismic event, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the Greek island of Crete, with the tremors being felt across the island, in Rhodes, and as far away as Israel. According to the Geodynamic Institute of Athens, the earthquake had…
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Zakynthos Confronts Tourism Challenges: Overcrowding and Safety Measures Amidst Growing Visitor Numbers

Local sources from Greece: tempo24.news, Εφημερίδα Ημέρα, Ζάκυνθος.. UK coverage: Metro.co.uk. The picturesque Greek island of Zakynthos, also known affectionately as Zante, has recently been spotlighted for reaching the peak of its tourist capacity, surpassing all European destinations in terms of visitor to resident ratio. With a staggering statistic of…
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Zakynthos Named Europe’s Most Overcrowded Tourist Resort Amid Rising Overtourism Concerns

Local sources from Greece: iefimerida.gr, politic.gr. UK coverage: The Guardian. In a revealing study that is stirring discussions across Europe, the Greek island of Zakynthos has been identified as the continent’s most overcrowded tourist destination. This comes from a report by Which? Travel, which has brought to light the growing…
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Catalonia Lifts Lockdown After Toxic Chlorine Cloud Incident

Local sources from Spain: Cadena SER, RTVE.es. UK coverage: London Evening Standard. In a swift response to an unprecedented environmental emergency, Catalonia has officially lifted the lockdown imposed on five municipalities in the regions of Barcelona and Tarragona. This decision came after a toxic cloud, emanating from a fire at…
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Luxury Yacht Crew Faces Trial for Allegedly Causing Fire on Greek Island

Local sources from Greece: ΤΑ ΝΕΑ, ΣΚΑΪ. UK coverage: Euronews. Thirteen crew members of a luxury yacht in Greece have appeared in court after allegedly causing a fire on the island of Hydra by launching fireworks. The crew, who were hired by a group of 17 Kazakh nationals, could face…
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Tragedy Strikes as Two Shipwrecks Near Italian Coast Claim Lives and Leave Dozens Missing

Local sources from Italy: Agenzia ANSA, Il Sole 24 ORE. UK coverage: The Guardian. At least 11 people have lost their lives and dozens are missing after two separate shipwrecks occurred near the Italian coast. The first incident involved a sinking wooden boat in the central Mediterranean, where 10 bodies…
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Heatwave Sweeps Europe, Causing Deaths and Fires

Local sources from Greece: The New York Times, Daily Mail. UK coverage: Daily Mail. A heatwave has engulfed Europe, bringing scorching temperatures and devastating consequences. In Cyprus, two people have tragically lost their lives due to heat-related causes. An 84-year-old woman died a day after being admitted to the hospital,…
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Greek Coastguard Accused of Throwing Migrants Overboard: Witnesses Allege Human Rights Violations

Local sources from Greece: Famagusta.News, Η ΝΑΥΤΕΜΠΟΡΙΚΗ. UK coverage: BBC. In a shocking revelation, witnesses have accused the Greek coastguard of throwing migrants overboard to their deaths. These allegations, which have been reported by various sources including the BBC, highlight the dire situation faced by migrants attempting to seek asylum…
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Chinese President Xi Jinping Begins European Tour with Visit to Serbia

Local sources from Serbia: Bloomberg Adria, Radio Slobodna Evropa. UK coverage: The Guardian. Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Serbia on the first leg of his European tour, receiving a warm welcome in contrast to tensions with the EU over a potential trade war. Xi criticized NATO for the 1999…
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Italy’s Senate Passes Law Allowing Pro-Life Groups Access to Women Considering Abortions at Public Clinics

Local sources from Italy: La Nuova Bussola Quotidiana, Lavoce.info. UK coverage: Euronews. Italy’s Senate has passed a law that allows pro-life groups access to women considering abortions at public clinics. The amendment is seen by the right-wing government as fulfilling the original intent of the 1978 law legalizing abortion, which…
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Aleksandar Vučić’s Landslide Victory in Serbian Elections Raises Concerns About Democracy

Local sources from Serbia: Republika, Antena M. UK coverage: Financial Times. Aleksandar Vučić has emerged victorious in the Serbian election as the opposition crumbles. Vučić’s party, the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), won a landslide victory, securing a majority in parliament. The opposition parties failed to make significant gains, with some…
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Tragedy in Thessaloniki: Woman Killed in Vicious Dog Attack

Local sources from Greece: CNN GREECE, Πρώτο Θέμα. UK coverage: Sky News. A 50-year-old woman in Thessaloniki, Greece, tragically lost her life in a brutal dog attack on Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred in the Neochorouda area when three dogs escaped from a nearby house, jumped into the neighboring yard,…
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Panic in Venice as Gondola Capsizes in Canal: Tourists End Up in Water [Video]
![Panic in Venice as Gondola Capsizes in Canal: Tourists End Up in Water [Video]](https://thelittletwentieth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/image-15.jpg?w=1024)
Local sources from Italy: ilgazzettino.it, leggo.it. UK coverage: The Telegraph. Panic erupted in Venice on Sunday, December 3rd, when a gondola carrying tourists capsized in the Rio de la Verona, in the San Marco district, just steps away from the La Fenice theater. According to initial reports, the tourists of…
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Protests Across Italy Call for Action Against Violence Against Women

Local sources from Italy: WIRED Italia, Il Sole 24 ORE. UK coverage: BBC. Thousands of people gathered in cities across Italy on Wednesday, November 25th to protest against violence against women. The rallies, organized by the Non una di meno movement, were sparked by recent high-profile cases of femicide in…
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Italian Court Convicting 230 Defendants in ‘Ndrangheta Mafia Trial: 2,200 Years of Imprisonment

Local sources from Italy: Corriere della Sera, Euronews Italiano. UK coverage: Al Jazeera English. In a historic trial, an Italian court has convicted more than 230 defendants in one of the country’s largest-ever mafia trials, targeting the ‘Ndrangheta crime group in Calabria. The trial lasted almost three years and resulted…
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Storm Ciarán Causes Severe Flooding in Central Italy, Killing Seven and Leaving One Missing

Local sources from Italy: Sky Tg24, Fanpage.it. UK coverage: The Guardian. Storm Ciarán has caused severe flooding in central Italy, resulting in the deaths of seven people and leaving one person missing. The deluge began on Thursday, causing rivers to burst their banks and forcing hundreds of people to evacuate…
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Six Dead in Central Italy as Storm and Floods Devastate Tuscany

Local sources from Italy: LA NAZIONE, t24. UK coverage: BBC. Six people have died in central Italy as a result of a storm and floods in the region of Tuscany. A man and his wife were found dead after their car overturned in floodwater in Vinci, near Florence. There were…
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Nobel Peace Prize 2023 Awarded to Iranian Activist Narges Mohammadi

Sources: la Repubblica, Corriere della Sera. The Nobel Peace Prize 2023 has been awarded to Narges Mohammadi, an Iranian human rights activist, for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and for the promotion of human rights and freedom for all. The award comes amidst 305 nominations, one-third…
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Tragedy in Mestre: 21 Dead, 3 Minors Among Victims After Tourist Bus Plunges from Overpass

Sources: TGCOM, Il Sole 24 ORE – IT. Tragedy struck in Mestre, in the province of Venice, on the evening of Tuesday, October 3, when a bus full of foreign tourists plunged from the Vempa overpass. According to the prefecture, the definitive toll of the tragedy is 21 dead, including…















