Giorgia Meloni
Meloni-esque angel’s face plastered over after outcry
The painting of a cherub with a face bearing a remarkable resemblance to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni appears to have had a hasty fix-it job.
- Silvia Stellacci, Nicole Winfield and Trisha Thomas
Latest
In Italy, church and state investigate the appearance of an angel seemingly modelled on Meloni
Officials are trying to find out how a religious artwork came to take on striking likeness to the Italian prime minister.
- Nicole Winfield and Trisha Thomas
‘With ICE, we make granita’: Anti-ICE protests erupt in Milan ahead of Winter Olympics
Plans for Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to assist the American delegation at Milano-Cortina 2026 have triggered widespread anger and confusion in Milan and exposed deep unease about the agency’s reputation abroad.
- Vince Rugari
ICE at the Winter Olympics: Agents to support US security, stirring anger in Italy
ICE and Border Patrol agents have come under heavy criticism in the United States after two citizens were shot dead in separate incidents in Minnesota.
- Crispian Balmer and Alvise Armellini
Off-grid family offered free home in Italy to help with return of children
A restaurateur has given the keys to his Airbnb cottage to the Australian-British family while they make court-ordered upgrades to their home in the Italian wilderness.
- Andrea Vogt
They lived off-grid in Italy’s woods. Now their kids have been taken into care
Italy’s PM reportedly called the removal of the children from their Australian mother and British father “alarming”, while her deputy condemned the court decision.
- Explainer
- Sanae Takaichi
Born to be a little wild, but no rebel without a cause: Inside the world of Japan’s first female PM
She plays drums for fun, barely sleeps – and just led her party to a record election win. What challenges does Sanae Takaichi face in Japan’s top job?
- Angus Holland
- Updated
- Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Australians detained as Israel intercepts Gaza-bound aid flotilla
The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the operation, saying the authorities intended to stop and detain all the passengers, including six Australians.
- David Crowe
- Analysis
- Russia-Ukraine war
First, the calculated flattery. Then three big signals about the future of Europe
The flattery was lavish but necessary. Europe cannot rely on Trump, but will only face bigger dangers if he is fooled by Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
- David Crowe
Italy will finally build a bridge to Sicily after 2000 years
The huge public outlay for the world’s longest suspension bridge will be counted as defence spending to help Italy meet NATO’s military expenditure target.
- Nick Squires