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Scorching Heatwave Sweeps Southern Europe: Cerberus Brings Onslaught of High Temperatures

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A powerful heatwave is currently sweeping across southern Europe, leading to widespread discomfort and raising concerns about the wellbeing of residents and the resilience of infrastructure. Known as “Cerberus,” this extreme weather event is characterized by a relentless onslaught of high temperatures that are significantly surpassing the seasonal norms. Several countries in the region, including Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey, are experiencing the effects of this scorching heatwave.

The heatwave has prompted authorities to issue heat alerts and take precautionary measures to safeguard vulnerable individuals from the potentially dangerous consequences of extreme heat. Both residents and tourists are struggling to cope with the oppressive weather, seeking refuge and searching for ways to stay cool amid the soaring temperatures.

The persistent and intense nature of the heatwave has sparked concerns regarding its potential impacts on various aspects of life in the affected areas. Agriculture, in particular, is at risk due to the extreme heat’s detrimental effects on crops and livestock. Water resources, already strained by the prolonged dry spell, are further under pressure as demand for water increases during the heatwave. Additionally, the heightened risk of wildfires is a significant concern, as the combination of scorching temperatures and dry conditions provides ideal conditions for fire outbreaks.

In response to these challenges, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and implementing measures to mitigate the effects of the heatwave. Efforts are focused on providing adequate support to vulnerable populations, ensuring the availability of cooling centers, and implementing fire prevention strategies.

Overall, the Cerberus heatwave is posing significant challenges to southern European countries, requiring coordinated efforts to minimize its impact on public health, infrastructure, and the environment.

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Food News Trending

Overcoming Resistance: Insects Appear on Italian Plates Against All Odds

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In a small room near the Alps in northern Italy, millions of crickets are being processed to become food despite initial resistance. The crickets are frozen, boiled, dried, and pulverized to create a light brown flour used in various food products such as pasta, bread, energy bars, and even sports drinks. Italy, known for its culinary traditions, has traditionally resisted the idea of eating insects, with the government even taking steps to ban their use in pizza and pasta production. However, several Italian producers have been experimenting with cricket-based pasta, pizza, and snacks.

The shift towards insect consumption in Italy is driven by sustainability concerns. Insect farming requires significantly less water and land compared to traditional livestock farming, making it a more environmentally friendly option. Insects are also rich in vitamins, fiber, minerals, and amino acids, making them a nutritious superfood. However, the main challenge to widespread adoption of insect-based food is the price, as it remains more expensive than traditional alternatives.

In addition to cost, social acceptance plays a role in the resistance to insect food in Italy. The country prides itself on its Mediterranean diet, and some view insect products as a threat to Italian culinary traditions. Concerns about the potential health effects of consuming insects and the fear of deviating from established eating habits contribute to the opposition.

Italy is not the only country divided on the issue of insect food. Poland and other European countries have seen debates and political disputes surrounding the topic. However, countries like Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands have shown more openness to insect consumption.

As the global population continues to grow, finding sustainable food sources becomes crucial. Insect consumption is seen as a potential solution to meet the rising demand while minimizing the environmental impact. With the recent approval of insect consumption by the EU, the insect food sector is expected to grow, leading to potential price reductions and increased availability.

Producers like Ivan Albano, who runs the Italian Cricket Farm, see insect farming as an environmentally friendly and sustainable practice that could play a role in addressing global food challenges. Despite initial resistance, more people are showing curiosity and ordering cricket-based products, indicating a shifting mindset towards insect consumption. The hope is that as awareness and acceptance increase, insect food will become a viable option to feed the growing population while minimizing ecological impact.

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Italian retirement home fire in Milan leaves six dead and dozens hurt

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A fire erupted in a room at a retirement home called Casa dei Coniugi in Milan, Italy, resulting in the deaths of six individuals and the hospitalization of 81 others.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, prompting a swift response from firefighters who managed to contain the blaze. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala stated that rescuers had to evacuate the residents one by one, with the fire causing six fatalities: two women who were living in the room where the fire started, and four others who died from smoke inhalation.

Five of the victims were women, according to Ansa news agency. A member of the staff raised the alarm, leading to prompt action from the firefighters. Although the walls of neighboring rooms were charred, the fire did not spread beyond its point of origin on the first floor. The mayor emphasized the danger of smoke inhalation, describing it as equally lethal as the fire itself.

All those transported to the hospital suffered from smoke poisoning, with 14 individuals in serious condition. The retirement home, located in Milan’s Corvetto area, accommodated 167 residents with varying care needs. While owned by the city authority, it was operated by a group responsible for managing numerous facilities across the country.

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Silvio Berlusconi: Former Italian PM’s eldest children get majority stake

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After much speculation, Silvio Berlusconi’s will has been revealed, showing that he has bequeathed a majority stake in the family’s holding company Fininvest to his two eldest children, Marina and Pier Silvio. They will jointly own 53% of the family firm. Berlusconi, who passed away on June 12, was one of Italy’s wealthiest individuals, with a vast empire spanning real estate, television, cinema, and sports. His will also revealed that Marina and Pier Silvio, his children from his first marriage, will receive larger shares compared to his three other children from his second wife. The two eldest children have been involved in managing the family business since the early 1990s and have stated that no single shareholder will have overall individual indirect control of Fininvest.

In addition to his children, Berlusconi allocated €100 million to Marta Fascina, his partner at the time of his death. Although they were not married, Berlusconi referred to her as his wife on his deathbed. He left €100 million to his brother Paolo and €30 million to his close aide Marcello Dell’Utri. The distribution of Berlusconi’s other valuable assets, such as luxurious villas, has not been clarified yet and may present challenges in dividing them equally among his offspring. These properties include Villa San Martino in Arcore, a historic mansion covering 3,500 square meters, as well as homes in various locations such as Lake Maggiore, Rome, Cannes, and the Caribbean.

Among his properties, Villa Certosa in Sardinia stands out as a prestigious asset. Berlusconi purchased the mansion in the 1970s and hosted world leaders there, including Vladimir Putin and George W. Bush. The mansion, with 126 rooms and elaborate features like a fake erupting volcano, is estimated to be worth €259 million.

Silvio Berlusconi was a highly influential figure in Italy’s history, leaving a lasting impact on politics, media, football, and society. His will included a handwritten letter expressing his gratitude and love for his children. However, the question remains whether the family unity he maintained during his lifetime will persist after his passing and how that might affect the future of his business empire.

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Italy prevents Chinese takeover of the large tyre company, Pirelli

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Italy has taken action to prevent a state-owned Chinese corporation from taking over Pirelli, the world’s largest tyre manufacturer.

The choice is a component of the actions the Italian government has announced to safeguard Pirelli’s independence.

Sinochem, a Beijing-controlled chemical juggernaut that has a 37% stake in the 151-year-old Milan-based company Pirelli, is the largest shareholder.

As the US secretary of state visits China, tensions between Beijing and the West are in the spotlight.

Pirelli announced to investors on Sunday that the Italian government had decided that only Camfin, a business owned by Pirelli’s CEO Marco Tronchetti Provera, may propose candidates for the position of chief executive.

Additionally, Pirelli stated that any modifications to the corporation’s corporate governance will be subject to governmental review.

It followed Sinochem’s March announcement that it would be renewing and updating an existing shareholder agreement.

The government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni investigated the arrangement in accordance with the “Golden Power Procedure” regulations, which are intended to safeguard companies that are thought to be strategically significant to the country.

Pirelli was sold to a consortium of investors in 2015 for €7.1 billion (£6.1 billion; $7.8 billion), including ChemChina and Camfin. ChemChina merged with state-owned Sinochem six years later. A further 9% of Pirelli is owned by the Silk Road Investment Fund of the Chinese government.

On his penultimate day of a rare trip to China by a senior Washington official, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Beijing.

The timing of Mr. Blinken’s visit coincides with a recent deterioration in ties between China and several Western countries over topics including trade, Taiwan, and security.

Before his arrival, authorities believed there was little hope of a resolution to the numerous disagreements between the two largest economies in the world, including Washington’s efforts to impede China’s computer chip industry’s growth.

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Silvio Berlusconi’s death leaves ‘huge void’, allies say

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Silvio Berlusconi, the former Prime Minister of Italy, has passed away at the age of 86. He died at the San Raffaele hospital in Milan after being treated for a lung infection related to chronic leukemia. Berlusconi, a flamboyant billionaire media tycoon, served as Prime Minister from 1994 to 2011 and led four governments during his time in office.

His death has been met with sorrow and tributes from various political figures in Italy. Giorgia Meloni, the current Prime Minister, described him as a “fighter” and one of the most influential men in Italy’s history. Matteo Salvini, the deputy Prime Minister, expressed his grief and gratitude for Berlusconi’s friendship, advice, and generosity. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto stated that his passing marked the end of an era and left a significant void.

Berlusconi had been battling a rare form of blood cancer, chronic myelomonocyte leukemia, and had faced health issues since contracting COVID-19 in 2020. He began his career as a businessman, eventually building a vast empire that included television networks, publishing companies, and advertising agencies. He also owned the renowned football club AC Milan.

Berlusconi was a polarizing figure in Italian politics, admired by supporters for his business acumen and charismatic style, but criticized by opponents for his disregard for the rule of law. He faced numerous legal challenges throughout his career, including charges of bribery, tax fraud, and involvement with an underage prostitute. Although convicted on multiple occasions, he avoided serving jail time due to his age and the expiration of statutes of limitations.

Berlusconi’s death marks the end of an era in Italian politics and media. His complex and controversial legacy is expected to be a subject of ongoing debate and discussion in the years to come.

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Lake Maggiore boat accident: Questions remain over spy deaths

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A boat sank on Lake Maggiore on May 28, resulting in the tragic deaths of four individuals, including a former Mossad agent, two Italian intelligence officers, and a Russian woman.

The incident has sparked speculation due to the presence of technology companies in Lombardy and the transit nature of Switzerland for intelligence members. While some reports suggest it was a recreational outing, Italian news outlets indicate a secret work meeting between Italian and Israeli agents. The boat was caught in a sudden storm, causing it to capsize.

The captain and his wife, who were not involved in intelligence work, survived. The investigation will examine compliance with safety measures, maintenance, certification, and insurance of the vessel, as well as the overcrowding issue and sailing in adverse weather conditions.

The incident remains under investigation, and many details are still uncertain, leaving room for speculation.

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Accidents News Trending

Boat capsizing on Lake Maggiore kills agents in Italy

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The boating accident on Lake Maggiore in northern Italy on Sunday left four people dead, including two Italian intelligence officers and a retired Israeli security services member, according to local authorities.

Claudio Alonzi, 62, and Tiziana Barnobi, 53, were identified as Italians. Shimoni Erez, a 50-year-old Israeli, was named. The boat’s captain’s wife, Anya Bozhkova, a 50-year-old Russian, also passed away.

Strong winds caused the boat, which was carrying more than 20 visitors, to sink.

When a storm formed over the lake and eventually intensified into a “small hurricane,” the boat was reportedly carrying approximately 25 people who were celebrating a birthday.

Between the cities of Sesto Calende and Arona on Sunday night, the 16-meter (52-foot) long boat capsized and sank. All of the people on board fell into the water, but several of them swam ashore or were saved by other vessels. At the southern end of the lake, rescue divers, a helicopter, and numerous ambulances, as well as an air ambulance, sprung into action to assist with the search.

Firefighters posted a video of chairs and other debris floating in rough waters. Five patients were transported to a hospital.

Italy and Switzerland share Lake Maggiore, which lies on the southern slope of the Alps, and it is a well-liked tourist attraction. The area has recently had bad weather, with thunderstorm warnings being issued by Italy’s meteorological office.

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Tourist boat sinks on Lake Maggiore killing four – reports

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A tragic incident occurred on Lake Maggiore in northern Italy, where a boat carrying over 20 passengers, including tourists, sank in strong winds. The boat overturned between the towns of Sesto Calende and Arona on Sunday evening. Regrettably, four individuals lost their lives in the incident.

Reports suggest that the passengers on the boat were of British, Italian, and Israeli nationalities, although this has not been confirmed. Five survivors were rescued and taken to the hospital for medical attention. Attilio Fontana, the president of the Lombardy region, attributed the incident to severe weather conditions.

The boat, which had been hired by tourists, was approximately 16 meters (52 feet) long. It had been carrying passengers who were celebrating a birthday when a storm developed, eventually intensifying into a “small hurricane.” The boat capsized and sank shortly thereafter. Many of the passengers managed to swim ashore or were rescued by other boats.

The authorities deployed rescue divers, a helicopter, and emergency medical services to the scene. Lake Maggiore, a popular tourist destination shared by Italy and Switzerland, has experienced adverse weather conditions recently, including thunderstorms as warned by Italy’s meteorological service.

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Italy floods leave nine dead and force 13,000 from their homes

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More than 20 rivers in Italy have overflowed, resulting in the deaths of nine individuals and the displacement of 13,000 residents after six months’ worth of rainfall occurred within a day and a half. The flooding impacted nearly every river between the north-east coast at Rimini and the city of Bologna, spanning a distance of 115 kilometers (70 miles).

Approximately 280 landslides occurred, prompting additional evacuations. Residents described the situation as a devastating 48 hours, with water and mud engulfing their villages. Emergency responders assisted in the evacuation efforts, even rescuing a 97-year-old woman from her bedroom using a rubber dinghy.

The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola was canceled due to the risk of flooding from the nearby Santerno river. In Ferrara, a Bruce Springsteen concert was set to proceed despite the regional disaster, drawing criticism from some individuals who believed it was inappropriate given the circumstances. The events have prompted calls for a national plan to address the impacts of climate change in Italy.

The country’s Civil Protection Minister emphasized the need for improved hydraulic engineering and the construction of regional dams. The government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has scheduled a crisis meeting to address the situation.

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