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32 Convicted Over Italy’s Genoa Bridge Collapse

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An Italian court has convicted 32 people, including former Autostrade per l’Italia chief Giovanni Castellucci, over the 2018 collapse of the Morandi Bridge in Genoa that claimed 43 lives. Castellucci was sentenced to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of complicity in multiple counts of manslaughter through negligence. Another 25 defendants were either acquitted or cleared due to the statute of limitations.

The Morandi Bridge collapsed during a summer storm on August 14, 2018, sending dozens of vehicles plunging nearly 50 metres onto warehouses and a riverbed below. The disaster shocked Italy and triggered widespread scrutiny of the country’s ageing infrastructure, while victims’ families welcomed the verdict as an important step toward accountability.

Prosecutors argued that years of poor maintenance, ignored safety warnings and delayed repair work contributed to the tragedy. However, the defence maintained that the collapse resulted from an original design flaw that maintenance could not have prevented. Castellucci’s legal team has announced plans to appeal the ruling under Italy’s multi-stage judicial system.

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Italy Coalition Seeks Pardon for Jeweller

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Italy’s ruling coalition has called for a presidential pardon for 72-year-old jeweller Mario Roggero after the country’s Supreme Court upheld his prison sentence for killing two robbers during a 2021 jewellery store robbery. Roggero was sentenced to 14 years and nine months in prison after the court ruled that he exceeded the limits of legitimate self-defence by chasing and shooting the suspects after the immediate threat had ended.

The case has drawn strong support from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s governing coalition, which argues that the jeweller was protecting himself, his family, and his business. Coalition leaders have announced plans to collect signatures for a pardon request, which would be reviewed by Italy’s Justice Ministry before being submitted to President Sergio Mattarella.

The incident continues to divide public opinion in Italy, with supporters viewing Roggero as a victim of violent crime, while critics maintain that the use of deadly force outside the shop went beyond lawful self-defence. Roggero has continued to assert his innocence and thanked supporters as he surrendered to begin serving his sentence.

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Italy’s Genoa Bridge Collapse Trial Nears First Verdict After Eight Years

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Nearly eight years after the tragic collapse of Italy’s Morandi Bridge in Genoa claimed 43 lives, a court is set to deliver its first verdict on July 16. The trial, which began in 2022 and has involved 284 hearings, includes 57 defendants such as former executives of motorway operator Autostrade, Atlantia, engineers, and government officials. Prosecutors allege years of poor maintenance and ignored safety warnings led to the disaster, while the accused deny any wrongdoing.

Among those awaiting the verdict is Cesare Cerulli, whose father, Andrea Cerulli, was one of the victims. Just 10 years old at the time of the tragedy, Cesare is now preparing to begin university. He says he is not seeking revenge but hopes justice will be served for the victims, their families, and the country.

The case has become a symbol of Italy’s slow judicial process. Prosecutors argue that delayed repairs and negligence caused the bridge to collapse, while defence lawyers insist the disaster resulted from an original design flaw that maintenance could not have prevented. Even after the upcoming ruling, appeals are expected, meaning a final judgment could still be years away.

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Heatwave Grips Italy and Balkans as Wildfire Risk Intensifies Across Europe

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A record-breaking heatwave continued to grip Italy and several Balkan countries on Monday, triggering red weather alerts, raising the threat of wildfires, and disrupting daily life across Europe. Italy placed 22 cities under the highest heat warning, while Croatia issued red alerts for Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik as firefighters battled a major blaze on the Adriatic island of Vis. Serbia and Albania also faced soaring temperatures and wildfire concerns as the extreme weather persisted.

Scientists say the heatwave, which began on June 20, has become one of the most severe ever recorded in Europe. France has reported around 1,000 excess deaths linked to the prolonged heat, mostly among older people, while experts warn temperatures are expected to climb again in early July across France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland and parts of Britain. Researchers also said the unprecedented heat would have been virtually impossible without the influence of human-caused climate change.

The extreme conditions have strained healthcare systems, disrupted power generation and damaged infrastructure across the continent. Tragic incidents linked to the heat were also reported over the weekend, including the deaths of two children found inside a hot car in Cyprus and two cyclists who collapsed during a marathon event in Poland, where temperatures reached a record 40.5°C. Authorities across Europe continue to urge people to avoid prolonged exposure to the heat as wildfire risks remain high.

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Saltwater Intrusion Threatens Italy’s Po River Farms Amid Severe Heatwave

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Po River in northern Italy has seen a sharp drop in water flow during an intense European heatwave, allowing seawater from the Adriatic to push as far as 18 km inland. The river’s discharge has fallen dramatically from around 1,000 cubic metres per second to below 300, triggering a “salt wedge” effect in the delta region.

The intrusion is disrupting agriculture and fragile wetland ecosystems, with irrigation canals being shut to prevent saltwater from damaging crops such as maize, rice, soybeans, and sunflowers. Farmers say the situation is worsening earlier than in previous drought years, raising concerns over crop survival during a critical growing phase.

Experts and local water managers warn that climate-driven extreme heat events are increasing both in frequency and intensity, overwhelming existing barriers and water management systems. They note that river flow levels have dropped below previously assumed safe thresholds, intensifying risks for farming communities across the delta.

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Deadly Omega Heatwave Scorches Europe

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A powerful “Omega” heatwave continues to grip Western Europe, breaking temperature records and causing widespread disruption across several countries. Britain recorded its hottest June temperature ever at 36.1°C, while Paris reached a record 40.9°C. Italy placed 16 cities on its highest heat alert as forecasters warned that extreme conditions could persist through the weekend.

The severe heat has claimed dozens of lives, with France reporting at least 50 deaths linked to the heatwave, including drowning incidents and heat-related fatalities. Spain also recorded deaths from heatstroke, while soaring temperatures affected power supplies, reduced nuclear plant output, disrupted transport networks, and forced schools, tourist attractions, and public events to close or scale back operations.

Meteorologists say the heatwave is being driven by an “Omega block” weather pattern that traps hot air over regions for extended periods. Experts warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events. With Europe warming faster than the global average, authorities across the continent are urging residents to take precautions as temperatures remain dangerously high.

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Europe’s Refugee Population Stabilises After Years of Rapid Growth

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Europe’s refugee and asylum-seeker population remained largely unchanged in 2025, marking the end of more than a decade of steady growth, according to a new migration report. The total number of refugees and asylum seekers across the European Union and Britain stood at 9.59 million, nearly identical to the 9.58 million recorded in 2024.

The report highlighted a continued decline in asylum applications, which dropped to 770,000 in 2025 from 1.01 million in 2024 and 1.1 million in 2023. Researchers said the slowdown signals the end of the rapid increases seen in recent years, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

While Germany and Italy recorded declines in refugee and asylum-seeker populations, France, Spain and Britain saw increases. The report also noted a sharp fall in asylum applications from Syrians after the collapse of the Assad regime, while applications from Venezuelans rose significantly. Ukrainians continue to make up nearly half of all refugees and asylum seekers in the EU and Britain.

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New Far-Right Party Surpasses Italy’s League in Polls

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Italy’s emerging far-right party, Futuro Nazionale, has overtaken the League for the first time in a national opinion poll. The movement, led by former army general Roberto Vannacci, secured 5.9% support, narrowly ahead of the League’s 5.8%, continuing a steady rise since its launch earlier this year.

Founded in February after Vannacci and several lawmakers split from the League, Futuro Nazionale aims to become the dominant force on Italy’s far right. Its growing popularity has added a new dynamic to the country’s political landscape and is drawing attention ahead of next year’s national election.

The party’s rise is creating challenges for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her ruling coalition. While Meloni’s Brothers of Italy remains the country’s most popular party with 27.8% support, questions remain over whether an alliance with Vannacci could emerge as Italy’s right-wing parties compete for influence.

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Italian Families Sue Meta and TikTok After Teen’s Tragic Death

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An Italian mother has joined a landmark lawsuit against Meta and TikTok after the death of her 12-year-old daughter, Rossella, who died by suicide in 2024. Her parents say they discovered after her death that she had been heavily exposed to self-harm and depressive content on social media, including through a secret Instagram account. They allege that platform algorithms repeatedly promoted harmful material that worsened her mental state.

The case, the first collective legal action of its kind in Italy, seeks stronger protections for minors online and greater accountability from social media companies. Several families argue that current safeguards are insufficient and that algorithms are designed to encourage prolonged engagement, potentially exposing vulnerable children to harmful content. Meta and TikTok deny the allegations, stating that they actively remove dangerous material and have introduced tools to protect young users.

The lawsuit comes amid growing scrutiny of social media platforms across Europe and beyond. Regulators are increasing pressure on technology companies to strengthen child safety measures, while experts continue to debate the long-term impact of social media on adolescent mental health. Rossella’s mother says she joined the case to raise awareness and help other families recognize risks before it is too late.

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Sardinian Beach Limits Visitors and Bans Most Umbrellas

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Authorities in Sardinia have introduced strict new rules at Punta Molentis beach following devastating wildfires that damaged the coastline, dunes, and nearby car park last year. To protect the fragile ecosystem and support recovery efforts, visitor numbers will be capped at 150 people at a time, with mandatory reservations required for beach access through October.

Under the new regulations, visitors arriving by land must pay an entry fee of €10, while those arriving by boat will be charged €5. Vehicle access has also been restricted to just 70 cars per day. In one of the most unusual measures, beach umbrellas are prohibited for most visitors and are only allowed for families with children under 10 years old or adults aged over 65.

Local officials say the restrictions are necessary to reduce human impact and preserve one of Villasimius’ most valuable natural attractions. While some residents have criticised the rules as excessive, authorities argue they are essential to ensure the long-term protection of Punta Molentis, one of Sardinia’s most popular and environmentally sensitive beaches.

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