American Airlines launches long-awaited direct flight between Milan and Miami: starting in March 2026
It's official: the direct connection between Milan Malpensa and Miami, which has been awaited for years by travelers, frequent flyers and insiders, will be a reality starting March 29, 2026. Signing it is American Airlines, which with this new route strengthens its presence in Italy and consolidates Malpensa as a strategic hub for transatlantic air...
Benvenuti to St. Cugino’s Day, Knoxville’s First Italian-Inspired Summer Feast
The high summer harvest is here in Knoxville, TN: overripe tomatoes are splitting on the vine, that cucumber you meant to pick last week has entered its “blunt object murder weapon” era, and coworkers keep leaving bags of mystery squash on your desk. Might as well just go with the flow, and feast. This Sunday, Aug. 10, St. Cugino’s Day takes over T...
From Kentucky to Scanno: a wedding, a twin house, and a tribute to Italian roots
A remarkable connection across continents: in Kentucky, an Italian American entrepreneur has recreated a near-identical replica of Scanno’s historic Palazzo Di Rienzo — while his daughter married in the very Italian village where her family roots began. Phil Tarullo, whose family hails from Scanno in Abruzzo, commissioned a detailed architectural c...
UNICO National Hosts Its Signature Convention in Fort Lauderdale, Honoring Italian American Excellence at Star-Studded Awards Gala
UNICO National, the largest Italian American service organization in the United States, is bringing the spirit of Eccellenza Italiana to Fort Lauderdale this week as it kicks off its 102nd Annual Convention-a vibrant celebration of culture, service, and leadership. The highly anticipated highlight: the Italian American Awards Gala this Saturday, Au...
Paolo Banchero inks max extension with Orlando Magic
Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic are sticking together for the long haul. The Italian American star has agreed to a five-year, $239 million max contract extension that will kick in starting with the 2026–27 season. It’s the largest deal ever signed in franchise history. The new contract includes a player option for the 2030–31 season and could...
Florida Senator Jason Pizzo to Be Honored at the UNICO National Italian American Awards Gala in Fort Lauderdale
UNICO National, the leading Italian American Service Organization in America, announced Senator Jason Pizzo, the distinguished public servant, will be honored at the UNICO National Italian American Awards Gala with the organization's illustrious Public Service Award on August 2, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The Italian American Awards Gala, s...
Simone Fontecchio set to join Miami Heat in sign-and-trade deal
Simone Fontecchio’s future is now clear. The Italian star is set to join a new NBA team, marking the end of his time with the Detroit Pistons. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Fontecchio is reportedly part of a trade deal between the Pistons and the Miami Heat that would send Duncan Robinson to Detroit. The two teams have agreed to a sign-and-tr...
Italian American singer Connie Francis, 87, hospitalized in Florida
Connie Francis was hospitalized in Florida on Wednesday, July 2, according to the legendary singer's Facebook page. It was reported that the "Pretty Little Baby" singer, 87, was in the hospital early Wednesday morning, according to the Facebook page of radio personality Cousin Brucie. Hours later, Francis announced that she was “back in hospital”...
Mississippi State partners with Italian university to enhance study-abroad opportunities
A newly cemented partnership between Mississippi State University (MSU) and the Pontifical University Antonianum (PUA) will create more study-abroad opportunities for local students seeking an education in Italy, and vice versa. MSU President Dr. Mark Keenum and Professor Agustin Hernández Vidales, the rector of the Rome-based higher learning insti...
Pride, Leadership, Victory: Florida Panthers, Viola Family Win the Stanley Cup and Inspire a Community Once More
Our community is once again proud to extend its congratulations to COPOMIAO Vice President John Viola and his parents, Vincent and Teresa, on their second consecutive Stanley Cup victory. Their Florida Panthers won the NHL title again on Tuesday evening with a 5-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in game six of the championship series. It’s especi...
Acclaimed Chef Rapicavoli to Open Wynwood Steakhouse
Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli is back at it. And this time, he's bringing the beef. The Miami-born chef, best known for winning Chopped, charming Coral Gables with Luca Osteria, leading Mayfair Grill in Coconut Grove, and turning Eating House into a local institution, is setting his sights on Wynwood. In 2026, he is expected to debut Luca Steak, a full-s...
Italian Weekend School Graduation in Charlotte, NC
This semester of the Italian weekend school has officially ended, with a graduation party hosted on Sunday, June 1st. This year concluded a 4-year cycle initiated in 2021 at Salice America. Our volunteers and teachers were able to transform the Salice showroom spaces into a welcoming classroom for kids. Casa della Cultura Italiana - North Carolina...