Rome

Giorgia Meloni became Italy's first female prime minister in 2022, hailing from a deprived Rome neighborhood. Her government's honeymoon period ended after a judicial reform referendum defeat in March, challenging her perceived invincibility.

AAA predicts 72.2 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles for the July 4th holiday, setting a new record. Travelers are expected to use cars, air, and cruises, with Seattle as the top domestic destination and Vancouver as the leading international destination.

AAA predicts 72 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles during the Fourth of July holiday, with car travel at 61.4 million, flights at 5.85 million, and 4.93 million via bus, train, or cruise. Non-car travel modes show a 5.3% increase from last year, though overall demand appears to be plateauing despite record volumes. Travel experts advise early departures and late returns to avoid congestion.

The article discusses the challenges of a potential US-Iran peace deal, comparing current negotiations to historical conflicts between Rome and Persia. It notes that making peace with Iran may be as difficult as winning a war, as highlighted by a CNN report, and references a scholar of ancient Persia analyzing the situation.

Morocco's role in ancient Mediterranean history has been overlooked, with traditional narratives focusing on Greece, Rome, Phoenicia, and Egypt. New archaeological methods like DNA analysis and carbon dating are reshaping understanding of North-west Africa's pre-Phoenician past.

NATO chief Mark Rutte aims to reduce US-Europe tensions before meeting Trump. His remarks on Italy's role in US Middle East operations caused backlash in Rome.

France experienced a power outage as Europe faces record heat. Italy's Ministry of Health issued a red heatwave alert in 16 cities, including Milan and Rome, while schools in the UK closed due to the extreme weather.

Italian prosecutors seek a life sentence for an Egyptian security officer and long jail terms for three others accused in the kidnapping, torture, and murder of Italian student Giulio Regeni in Cairo in 2016. His body was discovered a week after his disappearance, with a post-mortem indicating he was extensively tortured before death.

Pope Leo XIV visited WFP headquarters in Rome and emphasized that food is a fundamental human right, urging action on global hunger. He warned that conflict is a major driver of food insecurity worldwide.

Rome and Warsaw criticize the EU Commission's attempt to centralize electricity trading. The EU executive is already facing backlash for its push to take a greater role in grid planning.

France imposed restrictions on public drinking and canceled outdoor sports and events due to a severe heat wave, with temperatures reaching 40°C in parts of Europe. Authorities implemented measures like misting stations and train cancellations, while the World Health Organization highlighted rising heat-related deaths linked to climate change.

France has restricted public alcohol consumption and canceled outdoor sports events to address a severe heat wave, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C in some areas. Emergency services and military forces are on alert for wildfires, while measures like misting stations are deployed to protect the public. The World Health Organization highlights preventable heat-related deaths and urges countries to implement heat mitigation plans.

European electric vehicle manufacturers are developing smaller, cheaper cars designed to navigate narrow city streets, made possible by advancements in battery technology and reduced manufacturing costs. Previously, challenges with fitting large batteries into compact vehicles led to a focus on SUVs, but this trend is reversing.

Donald Trump's comment that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni 'begged for a picture' has drawn a furious response from Rome. Meloni expressed being 'stunned' by the remark.

Lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha were awarded the Ludovic Trarieux International Human Rights Prize for their advocacy work despite currently serving jail sentences. The award, recognizing their defense of human rights and rule of law, was presented in Rome, with their arrest in January linked to a case involving protests and alleged manhandling of an IHC Bar Association president.

Tens of thousands demonstrated in Rome for opposing anti- and pro-migration rallies following a proposed bill against migrants gaining parliamentary support.

Thousands of people in Rome, Italy participated in rival pro- and anti-migration marches, with thousands of police deployed to separate the gatherings. A far-right 'remigration' initiative is gaining traction in the context of these demonstrations.

Thousands of far-right demonstrators in Rome performed fascist salutes and praised Mussolini during a rally, while a larger group of counter-protesters waved Palestinian flags and supported migrant rights.

Thousands of people in Rome participated in rival anti- and pro-migration rallies following a far-right citizens’ initiative named 'Remigration and Reconquest' that gained enough support for parliamentary discussion. Anti-migration demonstrators used fascist salutes and referenced Benito Mussolini, while pro-migration marchers included left-wing groups and Palestinian flag-wavers. The government’s right-wing coalition faces internal divisions over the proposal, which critics argue violates constitutional and international anti-discrimination principles.

Tens of thousands of people marched in Rome in rival demonstrations over migration. The protests included both anti- and pro-migration groups.

Thousands participated in rival anti- and pro-migration rallies in Rome after a far-right initiative, 'Remigration and Reconquest,' collected enough signatures to trigger parliamentary discussion. The anti-migration march included fascist salutes and national anthem chanting, while the pro-migration demonstration featured left-wing groups and Palestinian flags. The government faces pressure as it balances far-right demands with legal migration policies and EU migration rules.

Tens of thousands in Rome participated in rival anti- and pro-migration rallies following a far-right initiative's success in gathering 50,000 signatures to push 'remigration' measures to Parliament. Anti-migration demonstrators included groups raising fascist salutes, while pro-migration marchers, supported by left-wing groups and unions, countered with separate protests. Police separated the groups, and the debate highlights tensions within Italy's right-wing coalition over endorsing the proposal.

Pope Leo XIV's flight back to Rome from Spain was grounded due to a technical problem, prompting Spain's king to offer his private jet as an alternative. The flight was scheduled to return after a weeklong visit to Spain.

Pope Leo XIV's flight back to Rome after a visit to Spain was grounded due to a technical problem, leading Spain's king to offer his private jet as an alternative. The incident occurred with Leo's Iberia charter flight on Friday.

Pope Leo's Iberia charter was grounded due to a technical issue, so Spain's King Felipe VI offered his private jet for the trip back to Rome. Pope Leo and his delegation boarded the Falcon at Santa Cruz de Tenerife airport, departing over three hours after the scheduled time.

Gaza flotilla activists were detained in Benghazi, Libya. A demonstration with a sign reading 'do not touch the flotilla' occurred in Rome.

Italian prosecutors are investigating Israeli minister Ben-Gvir over alleged abuse of activists detained on a flotilla heading to Gaza. Rome is the second European location to launch such a probe into Israel's treatment of these detainees.

US tourists in Rome were tricked into paying 44 euros for two ice creams. The incident highlights potential overcharging issues for visitors in the city.

Lithium-ion power banks must be carried in carry-on luggage, not checked baggage, due to fire risks. Passengers can generally bring two power banks with up to 100 watt hours without airline approval, but larger ones require permission. Aviation authorities have tightened rules after incidents, including a 2025 Air Busan plane fire linked to lithium batteries.

The Pope has appointed Maria Montserrat Alvarado, President and COO of EWTN News, as the first lay woman to lead the Vatican's communications department. The appointment was announced alongside a portrait of Alvarado near St. Peter's Square in Rome.

Unauthorized fireworks in Rome triggered a horse stampede during a military rehearsal, injuring several soldiers and horses. The incident occurred near the Baths of Caracalla, with 35 horses bolting through streets. A police officer is accused of igniting the fireworks near the rehearsal site.

Environmental activists in Rome built a mock rocket with caricatures of Giorgia Meloni and Donald Trump. The protest aims to symbolically send 'fascists to Mars'.

A tourist in Rome's historic Trevi Fountain refused to follow rules and swam in the fountain before being removed by security. The incident involved a breach of regulations at a culturally significant site.

Europe is experiencing a heatwave, with images capturing the situation at Milan's Duomo and crowded beaches in southern England. Tourists were present in Rome's Piazza di Spagna on May 26, 2026, as part of the event.

Fabio Panetta of the ECB argues for a rate hike without a predetermined path. The statement was made during the Bank of Italy's annual report presentation in Rome.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson met Pope Leo XIV in Rome, presenting Chicago-themed gifts and inviting the pope to deliver a mass in Grant Park. The visit included a delegation of nearly 50 people and discussions on advancing justice. Johnson also planned to meet with Rome's mayor and tour a new metro station.

Ferrari unveiled the all-electric Luce, designed with Jony Ive's signature aesthetic of glass, metallic finishes, and rounded edges. The car was presented at the Vela di Calatrava in Rome and described as both highly anticipated and over-hyped.

Ferrari unveiled its first battery-electric vehicle, the Luce, a four-door five-seater sedan designed in collaboration with LoveFrom (founded by Jony Ive and Marc Newson). The car blends controversial design elements with the brand's heritage, targeting emissions-free markets like China and Silicon Valley.

Pope Leo XIV issued a 42,300-word encyclical warning against 'new digital slaveries' and calling for AI to be 'disarmed,' particularly in warfare. He emphasized ethical concerns over profit-driven job sacrifices and collaborated with an Anthropic cofounder to shape AI's future.

Pope Leo XIV released his first encyclical addressing the relationship between artificial intelligence and humanity, presented with Anthropic's Chris Olah to promote dialogue between AI researchers and society. The document was published by the Roman Catholic Church and reported by FRANCE 24's Rome correspondent, Hannah Roberts.