Stories from Rome · Italy

Italian schools have implemented a system where student behavior can influence grade retention. The Italian Ministry reported that nearly half of all assaults against teachers last year were committed by parents. The measure aims to address rising violence within educational institutions. The law, adopted in 2024, was implemented starting in September 2025. Students must maintain a behavior score above 5 out of 10 to avoid retention. Students can no longer receive a grade below 5 out of 10 for minor infractions like delays, chatter, or voice lapses. New requirements mandate that a grade below 5 must be based on documented cases of serious and repeated violence. This intervention follows previous debates over vague language in the original legislation.

A radio segment discussing foods that evoke disgust featured a caller from Imperia who expressed a strong aversion to Gorgonzola cheese due to its smell. The host, however, defended the cheese, calling it 'one of life's pleasures' and noting its popularity.

Tensions flared in Rome and Milan, with incidents involving anti-Semitic slogans and insults. In Rome, clashes occurred near Porta San Paolo when a group with Ukrainian flags arrived, leading to the use of pepper spray and involvement of police officers. The president of Matteo Alice sustained a corneal abrasion.

A public manager named Turner has declined a 7.3 million euro bonus following an appointment to the presidency of Lenny. The decision follows directives from Prime Minister Meloni regarding public management compensation. The manager will instead receive a severance package of 108,750 euros.

The Italian Jewish community has voiced formal criticism regarding the activities or stances of a national partisan association.

A black pine wine from Germany is recommended for consumption in moderation. The beverage is part of a culinary pairing that includes red tuna tartare, strawberries, and tomatoes.

Italian referee designer Gianluca Rocchi is under investigation for alleged sports fraud. This development follows broader scrutiny of integrity within professional football leagues. Reports suggest the investigation involves the selection of preferred referees. An official responsible for appointing referees in Italy's Serie B football league is under investigation for involvement in sports fraud. The probe examines allegations that the official designated referees favorable to Inter Milan. No formal charges or specific names of the accused have been confirmed in the initial report. An investigation into sports fraud is currently involving a VAR supervisor in Italy. The investigation was reported by La Repubblica. Rocchi is scheduled to be interrogated on April 30. He has stated he remains calm and will proceed with the investigation.

Italy is reportedly facing non-compliance issues related to a femicide law. This situation arises in the context of ongoing legislative discussions, including proceedings on consent, where various norms have been supported by political parties.

Scientists are exploring the potential of using food scraps, such as grape skins and fruit pulp from juice and wine production, to cultivate fungi. These food wastes are rich in carbohydrates and nutrients, enabling fungi to grow rapidly and transform the biomass into new proteins. This research offers a novel approach to waste utilization.

The Italian Senate has moved to discuss a bill addressing emergencies caused by exceptional weather events in Calabria, Sardinia, and Sicily. The discussion follows a report from Senator Rosa regarding the commission's findings. The Senate Justice and Health committees have begun examining a popular legislative proposal to decriminalize cannabis cultivation for personal and associative use. The initiative is supported by various sector expert associations. This follows the Chamber of Deputies' recent approval of a security decree last week. The Italian Senate will reconvene tomorrow at 4:30 PM to discuss the conversion of a bill and legislation concerning bread production and sales in Calabria. The parliamentary review of the 2026 public finance document begins today at 2:40 PM with initial hearings from joint budget committees of the Chamber and Senate.