Yesterday
European football club takeovers halve in a year
Just 23 clubs in Europe changed hands in 2024, according to figures from governing body UEFA, a steep drop from the 44 that were sold in 2023, and 48 in 2022.
Don’t like Trump’s $8m ‘gold card’ visa? Try Europe for $413,000
The president wants to charge almost $8 million for a visa. Yet for as little as $413,000, you can buy a flat in a Mediterranean country and get permanent residency too.
This Month
Mafia godfathers lament ‘miserable’ calibre of new recruits
The diminished crime bosses were caught on wiretaps criticising their ranks after Italian police made 150 arrests this week in a major mafia crackdown.
January
‘Fantastic woman’: Can the Trump whisperer save Europe?
Italy’s Giorgia Meloni has emerged as the US president’s favourite EU interlocutor, with hopes growing she could talk him out of a trade war.
How this new boss went from zero to hero with a global blockbuster
From being told to wear a skirt in a neutral colour at an earlier job, Katherine McMahon is now running the show at the National Museum of Australia.
Chinese airlines rush into Europe as Western carriers retreat
Scandinavian Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have all suspended some routes to the mainland in 2024, citing cost pressures from avoiding Russia.
December 2024
Why Lake Como has become a hot ticket in winter
These palatial family-run retreats in northern Italy pride themselves on making the festive season magical.
‘We need time’: Syrians in Europe resist calls to return home
Those who fled the 13-year civil war pointed to the political uncertainty after a rebel offensive swept into Damascus over the weekend.
Australian-based bishop among Pope’s new cardinal picks
At 44 years of age, Mykola Bychokthe, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Melbourne, is also the youngest cardinal.
So, you want to retire to Tuscany?
The idea of moving to Italy is alluring for retirees – la dolce vita, the food, the wine, the beauty, the prices. Just check these practicalities first.
Why this ‘extraordinary’ global CEO was axed
Carlos Tavares was forced from major carmaker Stellantis, which has brands like Jeep, Peugeot and Maserati, as global EV sales slump and cost-cutting ramps up.
Boss of Jeep, Maserati, Peugeot quits as sales plunge
The world’s fourth-largest car maker, with brands like Fiat and Ram, has suffered a sharp decline in profits this year.
November 2024
Trump’s tariffs mean crony capitalism is coming
The tariffs pledged are far higher than anything seen the first time around – and the potential for political favouritism will be far greater.
Only 27 men can be in Verdi’s exclusive fan club
Gaining a coveted membership requires a proven passion for the Italian composer, and an existing member to die. You also have to be male.
October 2024
Silvio Berlusconi died. But the ‘Bunga Bunga’ scandal lives on.
Italy just can’t shake off its former prime minister. And that’s tough for the women who were still girls when they were swept up by scandal.
Americans are moving closer to climate risk. This is why
Individuals and businesses have been willing to ignore the longer-term financial and human risk of extreme weather in favour of the short-term gains.
Germany ‘reopens old wounds’ with border checks
There are fears for the future of Schengen and the freedom of movement it symbolises – regarded by EU citizens as one of the greatest accomplishments of European unity.
September 2024
Magellan raider Nick Bolton’s assets frozen by Supreme Court
A rather extraordinary freezing order has been placed over Bolton, after his investment vehicle loaned nearly $5 million to an Italian entity associated with him.
Australia’s new pandemic playbook
On the eve of the release of the national COVID-19 review, 10 key actions have emerged for when a similar pathogen hits Australia.
How this billionaire ran his hedge fund like a baseball team
Steve Cohen’s decision to step back from trading and focus on running Point72 underlines a redemption since an insider trading scandal.