Deborah Cater

Panorama of Assisi, Umbria. Image crfedit: By Roberto Ferrari from Campogalliano (Modena), Italy - Assisi, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5006520

Assisi before Francis: The political and social world of an Umbrian town

February 20, 2026February 20, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

As Italy marks the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi, attention naturally turns to the man and his spiritual revolution. Yet to understand Francis properly, one must first understand the town that formed him.

Vittozzi and Ghiotto will be the flag bearers at the closing ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 games.

Vittozzi and Ghiotto to carry flag at Olympic closing ceremony

February 20, 2026February 20, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Biathlete Lisa Vittozzi and speed skater Davide Ghiotto have been selected as Italy’s flag-bearers for the closing ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The ceremony will take place on Sunday at the historic Arena di Verona.

Tajani at inaugural Board of Peace meeting

Tajani defends Italy’s role at Board of Peace meeting

February 20, 2026February 20, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Thursday rejected opposition claims that Italy was “kowtowing” to Washington by attending the inaugural meeting of Donald Trump’s newly formed Board of Peace for Gaza and other conflicts.

Macron tells Meloni not to interfere over Lyon killing of far-right activist Meloni and Macron hold bilateral talks. Image credit: Palazzo Chiggi meloni backs Macron on EU talks with Russia over peace for Ukraine

Macron tells Meloni not to comment on French affairs after Lyon killing

February 20, 2026February 20, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday rebuked Premier Giorgia Meloni for commenting on the Lyon killing of a young far-right activist. He said foreign leaders should refrain from intervening in domestic matters.

Arianna Fontana becomes Italy's most decorated Olympian. Image credit: Getty Images

Arianna Fontana sets Italian Olympic record with 14th medal

February 19, 2026February 19, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Arianna Fontana made history on Wednesday by winning her 14th Olympic medal, helping Italy secure silver in the women’s short track speed skating 3,000 metres relay at the Milano Cortina 2026. At 35, Fontana surpasses fencer Edoardo Mangiarotti, who won 13 medals between 1936 and 1960, to become Italy’s most decorated Olympian.

Italy ordered to pay costs of €76,000 to Sea Watch over detention of ship in 2019. Image credit: Sea Watch

Italy to pay €76,000 to Sea Watch over 2019 ship detention

February 19, 2026February 19, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

A court in Palermo has ruled that the Italian state must compensate the German migrant rescue NGO Sea Watch with over €76,000 for the unlawful detention of its ship, the Sea Watch 3, in June 2019.

RaiSport chief Paolo Petrecca resigns over commentary blunders

RaiSport chief to step down after ceremony gaffe

February 19, 2026February 19, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The director of RaiSport, Paolo Petrecca, has handed his resignation to Giampaolo Rossi, chief executive of Rai, following a series of errors during commentary on the opening ceremony of Milano Cortina 2026.

Italy allocates €1.25bn for Cyclone Harry recovery

February 19, 2026February 19, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The Italian cabinet has approved more than €1.25 billion to address the damage caused by Cyclone Harry across southern Italy, Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci said on Wednesday.

Mattarella urges respect for judicial council (CSM)

February 18, 2026February 18, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

President Sergio Mattarella on Wednesday called on other institutions to respect the Supreme Council of Magistrates (CSM), as he took the unusual step of chairing an ordinary meeting of the judiciary’s self-governing body.

Meloni accuses politicised judiciary of working against government's illegal immigration crackdown. Image credit: still from video on FB

Meloni accuses judiciary of blocking illegal immigration crackdown

February 18, 2026February 18, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday accused politicised members of the judiciary of continuing to obstruct government efforts to tackle illegal immigration and migrant-related crime.