Italy is facing a series of political and social challenges, from local government collapses to heated protests and concerns over the health of Pope Francis. This roundup covers the key headlines shaping the Italian news landscape.
Political Turmoil in the Marche Region
The center-right coalition in the Marche region is experiencing significant internal strife. The recent resignation of the mayor of Urbino, following similar incidents in Osimo and Sant'Elpidio, has raised eyebrows. While the center-left sees these events as "power struggles" ahead of regional elections, leaders within the governing parties are downplaying the situation as "normal tensions." 
The stability of the coalition is now under scrutiny as the region approaches crucial elections.
Adding to the political drama, an initiative on the foibe at the Rossellini Institute in Rome sparked intense protests. Students from Osa clashed with police outside the event, which was promoted by Senator Menia of FdI. "The police arrived to prevent the students from entering the conference; some of them managed to get in and protest..." This incident has drawn criticism, with some linking it to a perceived culture of repression within the school system under Valditara.
Concerns for Pope Francis' Health
Concerns are once again mounting regarding the health of Pope Francis. The Holy See released a bulletin detailing two recent episodes of acute respiratory failure. These episodes, reportedly caused by a "significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm," necessitated bronchoscopies. 
The news has prompted widespread concern and prayers for the pontiff's well-being.
Meloni Critiques von der Leyen's 'Rearm Europe' Plan
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has voiced her reservations about Ursula von der Leyen's "Rearm Europe" plan. Speaking after an extraordinary European Council meeting, Meloni argued that "rearm" is not the appropriate term to describe the initiative. 
She also expressed her opposition to using cohesion funds for the purchase of weapons. However, Meloni did welcome the decision to exclude defense spending from the calculation of the deficit-to-GDP ratio, a move seen as a potential boost for Italy's defense capabilities.
In other news, Alessio Battaglia, a forty-year-old man, has been arrested in connection with the murder of an elderly person in the Padua area. Battaglia was apprehended in Monfalcone (Gorizia), where he had sought refuge. Meanwhile, in Venice, the "Venice Crows" were fined but acquitted of defamation. While the court confirmed the defamatory nature of their leaflets, the trial also exposed questionable behavior within the clergy, causing embarrassment for the Church.