Italian Cities Ban Foreign Food

North Africans battle South Americans in Milan

(NEWSER) - Milan exploded in race riots this weekend after an immigrant from Egypt was killed during an argument with a group of South American immigrants. A group of North African immigrants rampaged through the northern Italian city, overturning cars and attacking shops owned by South Americans. Milan's deputy mayor told the Daily Telegraph the city has become a "Wild West" of fighting between North African and South American gangs. More»

PM thanks supporters; government will go after enemy websites

(NEWSER) - Silvio Berlusconi thanked his supporters from a Milan hospital today, encouraging them to remain calm in his first statement since the attack that broke his nose and two teeth. "Sincere thanks to the very many who have sent me messages of solidarity and affection," the Italian PM's statement said. "I say again that everyone should stay calm and secure. Love always triumphs over envy and hate." More»

Premier advised to avoid public appearances for 2 weeks

(NEWSER) - Silvio Berlusconi will be spending another night in the hospital recovering from injuries he sustained at the hands of a statue-wielding attacker. The Italian leader will be released tomorrow, but has been advised to avoid public appearances for at least two weeks, according to a statement from Milan's San Raffaele hospital. More»

Protester assaults Italian PM after rally in Milan

(NEWSER) - Silvio Berlusconi is hospitalized tonight after being hit in the face and falling to the ground following a speech in Milan. The Italian PM has a fractured nose, two broken teeth, and a cut on his lip. The alleged assailant is under arrest. The man, who reportedly has a history of mental problems, struck the 73-year-old politician with a heavy souvenir statuette, the BBC reports. More»

Local cuisine is ranked

(NEWSER) - Paris is for lovers—food lovers. The city came in first on a Forbes list of the world’s best cities for eating well, based on a 2009 survey ranking 50 cities. Notably absent from the top 10 are New York and London, which don’t boast much of a “local” cuisine. A sampling, along with some favorite regional dishes:

1. Paris: Steak frites; sourdough; chocolate tarts
2. Rome: Square slices of pizza with zucchini; gelato; Caprese sandwiches