Northern Italy’s capital of Lombardy and the seat of its metropolis
As of April 1, 2026, Cuba faces a severe energy crisis caused by a US-imposed oil blockade following the January US military removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The Trump administration has escalated rhetoric about regime change and possible takeover of Cuba, while negotiations between Washington and Havana continue. Russia recently delivered a large oil shipment to Cuba, temporarily easing fuel shortages that have caused widespread blackouts and humanitarian strain.
Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, known as 'RikuRyu,' have won Japan's first Olympic gold in pair skating at the Milan Cortina Games. They initially finished fifth after an error but made a dramatic comeback with a world-record free skate, ending their career with a victory and announcing their retirement. They aim to promote pair skating in Japan.
The sequel to ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ has premiered, highlighting the decline of print publishing and the shifting power dynamics in fashion. The film’s release has generated significant industry buzz, with events in London and Milan celebrating its cultural impact and renewed interest in high fashion.
Italian authorities have handed over Xu Zewei to the US, accusing him of cyberattacks targeting US universities and research institutions. Xu, detained in Milan last July, faces charges related to hacking and espionage linked to China’s Ministry of State Security. The US aims to prosecute him for cyber espionage and theft of COVID-19 research.
World Boxing has approved an Individual Neutral Athletes framework for Russian and Belarusian boxers, banning national flags, symbols and anthems and subjecting entrants to vetting; the policy applies across age groups and will take immediate effect.
Former Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro faces 26 charges at home over alleged crime-victim fund misuses. Hungary has granted asylum; U.S. officials are reported to have facilitated a visa for Ziobro, allowing him to operate from abroad as Warsaw presses for extradition.
Howard Fendrich, a veteran AP tennis writer who has covered Grand Slams and Olympics since 2002, has died at Johns Hopkins Hospital after a cancer diagnosis this year. Colleagues, players and friends have paid tribute, noting his kindness, deep reporting and influence on tennis journalism.
UK Finance calls for a strategic partnership with the EU on financial services, proposing steps to deepen cooperation, harmonise rules, and maintain access for UK clearinghouses while seeking closer capital rules equivalence.
Italian prosecutors are investigating Caddell Construction, citing labor-exploitation allegations linked to a Milan consulate project. Two Italian managers have been arrested; the probe involves ~70 workers, mostly from India, with claims of wage deductions, 10-hour days, and threats. The U.S. State Department says it is collaborating.
Prada's Milan fashion week collection emphasizes universal essentials—jeans, leather, and a pared-down silhouette—designed to adapt to rising temperatures. Co-creative directors Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons present a
Milan Fashion Week menswear for Spring-Summer 2027 shows designers embracing lighter tailoring and ventilation, with Prada leading a simplified look that blends luxury with practicality as heat influences fabric and silhouette choices.
Europe endures a blistering heatwave as saharan heat and a high-pressure dome push temperatures past 40 C in multiple countries. Hospitals, rail networks and wildlife centres report strain, with authorities issuing alerts and evacuations where needed.