Italy Celebrates 228th Anniversary of the Tricolor Flag
On January 7, 2025, Italy commemorates the 228th anniversary of its national flag, the Tricolor, which was established in Reggio Emilia in 1797 by the Parliament of the Cispadana Republic. President Sergio Mattarella emphasized the flag’s significance as a symbol of national identity and the values of freedom, democracy, and cooperation ingrained in the Italian Constitution. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni echoed this sentiment, highlighting the Tricolor as a representation of love for the homeland and a bridge connecting Italy’s history with its future, expressing a commitment to uphold its values on the global stage.
Lodi Wins Big in Italy’s 2024 Lottery: €5 Million Ticket Sold at Autogrill
The grand prize of €5 million in the 2024 Lotteria Italia was awarded to a ticket sold at the Autogrill Somaglia Ovest in Lodi. The special draw took place during a televised episode of ‘Affari tuoi’ hosted by Stefano De Martino. Other significant prizes include €2.5 million sold in Pesaro, €2 million at a pastry shop in Palermo, €1.5 million in Turin, and €1 million at a service area in Dolo. In total, over 8.6 million tickets were sold this year, raising more than €43 million. The daughter of the pastry shop owner expressed excitement about the €2 million win, highlighting the shop’s local clientele and hoping the winner comes forward.
DNA Evidence Challenges Charges Against Louis Dassilva in Murder Case
In the ongoing investigation into the murder of 78-year-old Piera Paganelli, the DNA of Louis Dassilva, the sole suspect and neighbor of the victim, was found absent from the crime scene and the victim’s body. Paganelli was fatally stabbed on October 3, 2023, in her garage in Rimini. Although Dassilva was arrested in July, he maintains his innocence, claiming that the motive for the crime was tied to Paganelli’s discovery of his affair with his daughter-in-law. The defense is now seeking a judicial incident to clarify the situation surrounding surveillance footage that allegedly shows Dassilva near the crime scene. The genetic expert’s report, which analyzed over 30 items and found Dassilva’s DNA only on a kitchen knife and pants at his home, could significantly strengthen his defense. Should the upcoming examination of the footage yield favorable results, his legal team plans to request his release from custody.
Deadly Earthquake in Tibet Leaves at Least 95 Dead
A powerful earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale struck the autonomous region of Xizang in Tibet, near the slopes of Mount Everest, resulting in at least 95 fatalities and injuring around 130 individuals. The tremors were felt as far away as Kathmandu, Nepal, and parts of northern India. Over a thousand homes were damaged in Dingri County, the epicenter of the quake. In response, the Chinese government has initiated a swift relief operation, dispatching approximately 22,000 items, including tents, coats, and bedding, to the affected area. Additionally, the Chinese military has deployed drones for aerial surveillance and is making aircraft available as part of the emergency plan.
Demi Moore’s Powerful Golden Globe Acceptance Speech Goes Viral
Demi Moore’s emotional and feminist acceptance speech after winning her first Golden Globe for Best Actress in the horror film “The Substance” has gone viral online. In her heartfelt address, Moore reflected on her 45-year career, recalling how a producer once labeled her a “popcorn actress,” making her doubt her worth. She expressed gratitude to director Coraline Fargeat and co-star Margaret Qualley for believing in her. The film, which tells the story of a Hollywood actress fired on her 50th birthday for being too old, explores themes of self-worth and the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards. Moore’s poignant message resonated with many, emphasizing the importance of recognizing one’s value beyond superficial measures.