What a week this was! Unfortunately, the completion of major relief efforts in the Abruzzo and the selection of the winner of this year’s Miss Italy competition (a rather big deal in Italy) were overshadowed by mafia activity in the south and loss of Italian lives in Afghanistan. Nonetheless, here are this week’s top stories (and our favorite blog articles) to keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in Il Bel Paese!

US House Speaker Visits Italian Earthquake Zone Adnkronos International – September 14, 2009 Nancy Pelosi, the Italian American Speaker of the US House of Representatives, visited Italy once again on Monday - this time in support of the region of the Abruzzo, still stricken by the aftereffects of the April earthquake that displaced about 50,000 people.

Italy Quake Survivors Get New Homes Associated Press via Yahoo! News – September 15, 2009 Silvio Berlusconi handed out keys to some of the first new homes built in the Abruzzese village of Onna – one of the hardest hit in the April earthquake. Berlusconi, despite currently receiving negative press due to recent scandals, has actually been praised for his handling of the disaster. The homes presented on Tuesday were build are actually completely furnished - and include even toothpaste and a stocked refrigerator – making this a well-deserved relief for at least a few of survivors of such a terrible event.

Mafia Accused of Dumping Nuclear Waste Off Coast Adnkronos International – September 16, 2009 The Italian government responded to questions on Wednesday regarding the discovery of a sunken ship found recently of the coast of Calabria - allegedly containing nuclear waste trafficked by the dangerous Calabrese mafia, called the ‘Ndrangheta. If test results of the seabed return positive, it would mean that the region’s mafia – the most well-funded in Italy - has expanded its operations to illegal nuclear waste trafficking as well.

Pick Your Favorite Miss Italy From the 60 Finalists DolceVita – September 16, 2009 Just one!? The Italian Blogosphere is buzzing about the recent 2009 Miss Italy competition and DolceVita, one of our favorites, has found a fun way for all us to get into the mix. Check out all 60 – and see which is bella ragazza is numbero uno for you!

Court Ruling on Immunity Law May Affect PM’s Future Adnkronos International – September 17, 2009 Although it may sound absurd to many Americans, Italy had recently passed a law – dubbed the Alfano Law – which stated that government officials (including the Prime Minister) are immune to prosecution. Deemed unconstitutional by many, the Italian Constitutional Court will be making a ruling on October 6th. Should it be overturned, it could cause trouble the scandal-ridden PM, Silvio Berlusconi.

A Holiday in Venice and… Shiny Teeth? Italy Magazine – September 18, 2009 Looks like you can prendere due piccioni con una fava (kill two bird with one stone) on your next trip to Venice. A group of dentists has founded a Dental Center just outside of the famed downtown area of Venezia, offering not only quality health care - but vacation packages as well! Only in Italy, right?

Six Italians Die in Suicide Bombing in Afghanistan The Seattle Times – September 18, 2009 Six Italian lives were lost in Afghanistan on Thursday, making the attack the country’s single greatest loss in the war. As the country mourns, many in Italy’s government are now urging for a new strategy in Afghanistan – one that will bring the 3,000+ Italian soldiers who are still stationed their home.

A Secret Spot for a Great Peek at Rome Aglio, Olio & Peperoncino – September 18, 2009 We learned something new from the Blogosphere this week, when Lola from “Aglio, Olio & Peperoncino” (a fantastic food blog from a Native Italian in Rome) filled us on a special, yet not well known spot, for a special “peek” at San Peter’s Basilica. L’Hai Visto?

A Celebration of Lard Ciao Chow Linda – September 18, 2009 As nutritionists one-by-one came back over to the “Old World” side and say margarine and other hydrogenated fats are worse than butter and lard - it’s time you take a trip to Colonnata, a village in Tuscany considered the mecca of lardo! Although we won’t be able to make it, Linda from Ciao Chow Linda seems to enjoy her visits to the village!

Man Accused of Supplying Prostitutes for Berlusconi Parties is Arrested in Italy Times Online – September 19, 2009 As the Soap Opera involving Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and his alleged prostitution scandal deepens, Giampaolo Tarantini - the Pugliese businessman who is under investigation along with the PM, allegedly supplying the women for his parties - was arrested at the Bari airport.