Gas Leak Triggers Building Collapse in Catania, Injuring 14
A three-story building in Catania’s San Giovanni Galermo district collapsed Tuesday evening following a gas explosion, injuring 14 people, including firefighters, paramedics, and gas technicians. One victim remains in critical condition, and a foreign national is reported missing, possibly trapped under rubble. The explosion occurred around 7:30 PM while the building was unoccupied, as residents had been evacuated earlier due to the detected gas leak. Rescue teams, including canine units, are searching the site, while over 150 nearby residents have been evacuated, with temporary shelters arranged by the city. Preliminary investigations suggest gas accumulation in an apartment ignited by a spark.
Trump Initiates US Withdrawal from WHO in Second Term: Implications for Global Health
On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to begin the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). A campaign promise, the move is expected to have significant repercussions, as the US is a major contributor to the organization, funding around 20% of its annual budget. Trump cited dissatisfaction with the WHO’s management of the COVID-19 pandemic and claimed US contributions were disproportionate. If finalized, the withdrawal would take effect in January 2026, leaving a funding void and potentially hampering global health initiatives, including epidemic response and vaccination programs. Critics warn this could shift influence toward China and further isolate the US in global health collaboration.
Two Teenagers Missing in Northern Italy: Families Appeal for Help
Vittoria Bergamaschi, 14, and Madleine Colombo, 15, have been missing since January 13, when they left their homes in Brianza, near Milan, to attend school but never returned. Authorities believe the two girls may have voluntarily traveled to Milan, though no contact has been made in over a week. The families, growing increasingly anxious, have enlisted the support of the Penelope Lombardia association, which specializes in cases of missing persons. Descriptions shared by the organization indicate that Vittoria has blonde hair, blue eyes, and was last seen wearing black leggings and a leather jacket, while Madleine has brown hair, gray eyes, and was dressed in black jeans and a bomber jacket. Anyone with information is urged to contact local authorities or the Penelope Lombardia hotline.
Elder Abuse Scandal at Italian Nursing Home: Staff Arrested for Mistreatment and Sexual Assault
Six staff members of Villa Daniela, a nursing home in Latera, Viterbo, faced legal action on Tuesday, with three arrests and three suspensions over alleged abuse of elderly residents, including physical and psychological mistreatment and one case of sexual assault. Surveillance footage captured evidence of systematic cruelty affecting 21 residents, revealing instances of patients being tied to beds, denied food and water, and subjected to verbal abuse such as “you’ll die soon” and “your son abandoned you.” Investigators also uncovered excessive use of sedatives and alleged that a staff member sexually assaulted an elderly woman, including using a stick in some instances. The scandal highlights severe lapses in care, sparking outrage and calls for reform in Italy’s eldercare facilities.
Libyan Police Chief Released by Italy Despite War Crimes Arrest Warrant
On Tuesday, Italy released Njeim Osama Elmasry, also known as Almasri, head of Libya’s judicial police, who had been arrested on Sunday under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for war crimes. According to ANSA, Elmasry was subsequently expelled and welcomed with celebrations upon his arrival in Tripoli. Italy’s Ministry of the Interior confirmed the release but provided no further details. The Rome Court of Appeal cited procedural issues, stating that the arrest by DIGOS in Turin was invalid as the Justice Ministry had not been notified beforehand, as required by Italian law. Elmasry, linked to Tripoli’s ruling militias, previously oversaw the infamous Mitiga prison, known for human rights abuses. The incident raises questions about Italy’s ties with Libya’s militia-backed government, with whom it has cooperated since 2017 to curb migrant departures.
