FLORENCE ITALY

Nov 26 2025FINANCE

Italy's Digital Payment Platform Set for Major Shift

Italy is on the brink of a significant change in its digital payment landscape. The government is close to finalizing a deal to sell its popular e-payment service, PagoPa, to two state-owned companies. This move is part of Italy's broader strategy to modernize and consolidate its digital assets. The potential buyers are Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato, whic...

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Nov 26 2025SPORTS

The Milano Winter Games Torch Lights Up Differently

The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics torch lighting ceremony took a unique turn. Instead of the usual grand outdoor event in ancient Olympia, it happened indoors. Why? Heavy rain was expected, so organizers decided to play it safe. The ceremony is usually a big deal. Actresses dressed as priestesses light the torch using the sun's rays and a special mirror. This ...

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Nov 26 2025POLITICS

Italy's Mixed Steps on Women's Rights

Italy's government is taking steps to improve women's rights, but not without some setbacks. Recently, the Senate delayed a bill that would make it clear that sex without consent is rape. This bill was supposed to be a big deal, as it would update Italy's old laws that only consider rape if there's violence or threats involved. The delay happened because of disagree...

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Nov 26 2025SPORTS

The Sunlit Spark: How the Olympic Flame Comes to Life

The Olympic flame, a symbol of unity and tradition, starts its journey in Ancient Olympia, Greece. This flame, lit using a concave mirror and sunlight, connects the ancient games to the modern Winter Olympics. The ceremony is a mix of ancient rituals and modern challenges, like bad weather and security concerns. The high priestess, along with her team, performs a ca...

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Nov 25 2025CRIME

Pension Fraud: The Strange Case of a Son in Disguise

In a bizarre turn of events, a man from Borgo Virgilio, near Mantua, Italy, is under investigation for a peculiar crime. He allegedly dressed up as his deceased mother to collect her pension. This isn't just a case of identity theft; it involves hiding a body and deceiving authorities. The man, a 56-year-old unemployed nurse, reportedly hid his mother's body in his ...

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Nov 25 2025CRIME

Foreign-Born Individuals and Sexual Violence in Italy: A Closer Look at the Numbers

In Italy, a significant discussion has been sparked by recent crime statistics. Foreign nationals, who make up only 9% of the population, are involved in nearly half of all sexual violence arrests. This raises questions about the effectiveness of current policies and the integration of migrants. The data shows that in gang rape cases, half of the known perpetrators ...

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Nov 23 2025BUSINESS

China and Italy: A Balancing Act

China's Premier Li Qiang recently emphasized the importance of mutual investment benefits between China and Italy. He highlighted this during a chat with Italian President Giorgia Meloni at the G20 summit in Johannesburg. Li Qiang expressed hope for a level playing field for Chinese investors in Italy. He also mentioned that China is open to more Italian businesses ...

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Nov 22 2025ENTERTAINMENT

A Legend's Last Note: Ornella Vanoni's Musical Journey Ends at 91

Ornella Vanoni, a name synonymous with Italian music, has left the stage forever. She was 91. Her voice, a staple in Italian households for over 70 years, has finally fallen silent. Vanoni's music, a blend of jazz, pop, and her unique style, touched millions. She sold over 55 million albums, earning her the title \"The Lady of Italian Song. \" Born in Milan in 1937,...

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Nov 20 2025SPORTS

World Cup 2026: Who's Playing Who in the Play-offs?

The road to the 2026 World Cup is getting exciting. Italy will play Northern Ireland first, and the winner will then face either Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina. Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland will travel to the Czech Republic and then host the winners of Denmark's match against North Macedonia. Jamaica is also in the mix, starting with a game against New Caledoni...

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Nov 20 2025ENTERTAINMENT

Twins Alice and Ellen Kessler Choose Assisted Suicide at 89

Alice and Ellen Kessler, the famous twin sisters, passed away on Monday at their home in Gruenwald, Germany. They were 89 years old. The twins, who became stars in the 1950s, had been planning this for over a year. They contacted the German Society for Humane Dying (DGHS) to help them. The police in Germany confirmed something happened at the twins' home on Monday. ...

reading time about 2 minutes