Focus

To commemorate the National Memorial Day of the Exiles and Foibe (Giorno del ricordo), the Italian celebration for the memory of the victims of the Foibe and the Istrian-Dalmatian exodus. World-famous Italian chef Lidia Bastianich has a story as a refugee that transcends the culinary industry. Lidia was born following the conclusion of World War II, a time when European countries were still settling border disputes. As a young girl, she grew up among three different cultures, each with a profound influence on her. Today, as a professional, Lidia’s childhood experiences and her family ties continue to prove monumental in her continued success.

With so many possible ways to visit Sicily, we decided to take you for a tour of Sicilian cities in search of baroque treasures.

Until the fifth of March children and adults can enjoy this amazing, colorful and frisky feast

After having being separated for hundreds of years, two iconic, Renaissance paintings by artist Sandro Botticelli have been reunited, first in Italy and now in Boston at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. They are "The Tragedy of Lucretia,” purchased in 1894 by Isabella Stewart Gardner and first Botticelli to land on US soil, and “The Story of Virginia,” from the Accademia Carrara in Bergamo. They are the core of a new exhibit in the Gardner Museum's Hostetter Gallery (in the new wing), "Botticelli: Heroines + Heroes," through May 19.

Futurist Eddie Yoon shared alarming data at a panel discussion with the Gotha of Italian specialty food in New York: younger generations want to cook less and less, in 20 years they won’t probably even drive to a restaurant but they will prefer to have their meals delivered at home, and they want to be fed as quickly as possible without waiting or staying in line. Is it real? Is the food industry ready for this? The panelists of Italian Table Talks, organized by Gruppo Italiano at the NYU Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò, had different thoughts about it.

We publish many stories. Beautiful and less beautiful. We feel the duty to publish this appeal too. Hoping to reach someone willing to help this guy. Currently, the only CONCRETE HOPE of SALVATION for Patrick is at Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center Clinic in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where there are other possible immunotheraypy treatments

When Simone Barlaam enters a room, the first things that you can notice are the height, about 6.2", the swimmer-like, broad shoulders, and the open smile. Simone, 18, dreams of participating in the Paralympics in Tokyo 2020 and there is a good chance that he can do it. This swimming champion was born with one leg shorter than the other but he likes to describe himself in this terms: "I'm a normal guy with a passion out of the ordinary."

Living the Italian Dream: Part 3. How is Italy treating male Americans who decide to relocate? Three men share their takes on la dolce vita: Rick decided to move back to the US when he became a father, John could move to Italy only after he retired and Bruce never left after having arrived by chance as a student. But behind their decisions, there is always a form of love...

Claiming almost 28%, Deputy Premier Matteo Salvini's right-wing Lega triumphed in Sunday's vote in the Abruzzo Region, in what is seen as the walkup to the EU vote March 26. The big loser: Luigi Di Maio's Five Star Movement (M5S), with under 20%.

With so many possible ways to visit Venice, we decided to take you for a tour that runs against conventional views of the city.

Villa Astor, is a newly restored villa on the Amalfi coast, named after William Waldorf Astor, the wealthiest and extravagant American in the world.

What a wonderful surprise to discover that the legend of St. Valentine is not limited to romantic love.

When you hear the story of Elena Favilli and how she got to publish her series of books Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, two things come to your mind: first, she might as well be featured in one of these best-sellers dedicated to strong female role models, secondly, everybody, even boys, should get to know and appreciate the fearless women portrayed in these books, a literary phenomenon that over three years has been translated into 48 languages (the Chinese version will be released soon) and sold about 4 million copies.

The New York Times columnist can be both passionate and rational when he talks about two countries that he loves, Italy and the US. Although in these nations “things can sometimes go to hell,” he firmly believes in the strengths of democratic institutions and therefore in a better future: “America is an idea or it is nothing.”

To TAV or not to TAV -- that is the question. Turin and its Alpine valleys are settings for demonstrations both for and against, in an issue that divides the government, and risks bringing costly EU sanctions down upon Italy's head.

Let yourself get pulled in by the dancing words of a truly special performer, through Italy, Brazil… America.

Living the Italian Dream - Part II. After hearing from Americans who moved to Italy as retirees, we talked with expats who have lived in the country for over two decades: Trisha, who is raising three children in Rome while trying to become "a good Italian mamma," and Alexandra, who moved to Florence to study the Renaissance and stayed for her Italian husband and "the quality of life." Part III next week will feature the stories of three men and their love affair with la Dolce Vita.

The Tax Cut & Jobs Act of 2017 provided a new Section 199A deduction on qualified business income for certain pass through entities (sole proprietorships, partnerships & S corps). This deduction, which is generally 20% of QBI with certain limitations, is temporary and expires at the end of tax year 2025.

The Leonardo da Vinci Society of the Bay Area is celebrating its 70th Anniversary. Founded by Italiophiles who were captivated by Leonardo, the Society will be sponsoring and co-sponsoring a number of events honoring and co-memorating the 500th Anniversary of the Master’s death.

A fascinating voyage through many different Romes, from early pagan Rome, where the presence of Antiquity is palpable on every corner; to Catholic Rome, which appropriated the pagan monuments for its own use; and finally to Renaissance and Baroque Rome, the city of Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini and Caravaggio. Along his captivating tour he encourages us to jettison the timeless stereotype of the “Eternal City,” in favor of a Rome “in which we can recognize our century.”