Culture
On this day in history: birth of artist Giovanni Lanfranco
The Italian painter Giovanni Lanfranco, regarded as one of the leading masters of High Baroque painting in Rome, was born on 26th January, 1582 in Parma. Lanfranco’s work, particularly his dome frescoes, set new standards for illusionistic perspective and dramatic foreshortening.
Life in Italy
Italian women receive roughly 26% lower pensions than men
Italian women who retired in 2025 received state pensions that were on average about 26.5% lower than those granted to men, according to the national social security agency INPS. The disparity highlights persistent gender inequality in retirement income and reflects broader labour-market gaps.
Environment
Cyclone Harry batters southern Italy
Severe storms driven by a Mediterranean storm system dubbed Cyclone Harry continue to batter southern Italy and the islands, leaving a trail of destruction across Sicily, Calabria and Sardinia. Intense winds, violent seas and heavy rainfall have persisted for several days, prompting emergency responses and raising fears of long-term economic impact.
Wolf roams Bologna hills, City issues safety ordinance
BOLOGNA — A wolf has been sighted roaming the Bologna hills around Villa Ghigi park, prompting the City Council to issue a public safety ordinance, officials announced on Wednesday.
Pope warns of fading political will re climate crisis
Pope Leo XVI urged world leaders to act with urgency on the climate crisis in a video message to bishops and cardinals from the Global South attending the COP30 summit in Brazil. He said the planet is sending unmistakable warnings as extreme weather becomes more severe and more frequent.
