L'Unione Sarda English

ULTIM'ORA

Tourism is booming in Northern Sardinia, and politicians are returning to Gallura. Villasimius is sold out, with a limited number of places planned.

Cala di Volpe has the largest concentration of mega yachts, while Alghero hosts around 200,000 visitors.
Olbia 14-8-2026. Turisti nel centro della cittˆ. Foto Antonio Satta
Olbia 14-8-2026. Turisti nel centro della cittˆ. Foto Antonio Satta
the episode

Santa Teresa: Two suspected thieves stopped on the street by passersby and beaten.

Recognized by the owner of a shop as responsible for some thefts, they were blocked until the arrival of the Carabinieri
the editorial

The judge has spoken: the words that change the picture

The Constitutional Court's ruling confirms the path indicated by the Pratobello law: urban planning is a legal certainty.
orosei

On Barone, from oasis to desert: few holidaymakers after the Forestry Police raid

Only 180 cars in the pine forest, discontent in the village for what is being defined as a "blow" close to the Ferragosto holiday: the anger of the bar owners
Brindisi "A zent'anni" a Palazzo di Città
Brindisi "A zent'anni" a Palazzo di Città
the event

Sassari, only applause for the mayor at Faradda. Desirè Manca, who suffered an accident, was rescued by 118.

Giuseppe Mascia was acclaimed, while the regional councilor was struck by the shaft of a candle. The vote was adjourned at 1:30 a.m. last night.
La passeggiata di Porto Cervo (Archivio/Antonio Satta)
La passeggiata di Porto Cervo (Archivio/Antonio Satta)
Costa Smeralda

Porto Cervo: Man attacked to steal half-a-million-euro watch

It appears to be a specialized gang. The raid comes just days after two arrests in Porto Rotondo.
The emergency

A large fire broke out in Samugheo, with Canadair and five helicopters responding to the blaze.

The specialized unit of the GAUF of the Forestry Corps is also on site in the field to deal with the most difficult fires
Nel 2016 sono stati scoperti appalti pubblici irregolari per un valore complessivo di 3,4 miliardi di euro, pi?? del triplo del valore di quelli irregolari scoperti nel 2015 (un miliardo). Il dato ?? contenuto nel Rapporto annuale della Guardia di Finanza, che verr?? presentato oggi a Roma alla presenza del ministro dell'Economia Pier Carlo Padoan e del comandante generale della Gdf Giorgio Toschi. I controlli sulle irregolarit?? negli appalti pubblici hanno consentito di denunciare 1.866 persone e di arrestarne 140. ANSA/GUARDIA DI FINANZA EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Nel 2016 sono stati scoperti appalti pubblici irregolari per un valore complessivo di 3,4 miliardi di euro, pi?? del triplo del valore di quelli irregolari scoperti nel 2015 (un miliardo). Il dato ?? contenuto nel Rapporto annuale della Guardia di Finanza, che verr?? presentato oggi a Roma alla presenza del ministro dell'Economia Pier Carlo Padoan e del comandante generale della Gdf Giorgio Toschi. I controlli sulle irregolarit?? negli appalti pubblici hanno consentito di denunciare 1.866 persone e di arrestarne 140. ANSA/GUARDIA DI FINANZA EDITORIAL USE ONLY
drug dealing

Olbia: Man smuggled drugs from Spain by mail, identified and arrested

A ploy to get four kilos of hashish delivered
Green light

Taking a bus with CTM to Capoterra and the Cagliari hinterland, the Regional Council approves.

But we will have to wait for the expiry of the service contract for the new assignment
Comune di Santa Giusta
Comune di Santa Giusta
Common

Santa Giusta, only one woman has accepted the role of councilor: six have refused the position.

Mayor Figus sought a second female representative for the executive branch, but received a series of "no" votes and appointed two men to the cabinet. The minority criticized the group: "Gender quotas were not respected."
Mauro Merella e Graziano Milia
Mauro Merella e Graziano Milia
The agreement

Quartu, the Civil Protection training center for sea rescue is located at Poetto.

The agreement between the Region and the Municipality has been signed. The facility will offer specialized training, addressing the lifeguard shortage that has challenged coastal municipalities in recent years.
Feraxi, il ponte durante i lavori
Feraxi, il ponte durante i lavori
The ordinance

Muravera: Traffic on the Feraxi bridge has been cleared (with restrictions).

Light traffic flow to the beaches has been restored
Valter Lavitola arriva in procura a Roma, 8 luglio 2026. ANSA/MASSIMO PERCOSSI (piazzale Clodio, tribunale, interrogatorio)
Valter Lavitola arriva in procura a Roma, 8 luglio 2026. ANSA/MASSIMO PERCOSSI (piazzale Clodio, tribunale, interrogatorio)
the attack

Investigators are investigating Lavitola's cell phones and PCs. Tavares: "I'll return to Italy."

Investigators are considering the next steps; Ranucci will be questioned in September as a person informed of the facts.
epa13170378 A handout photo made available by the National Search and Rescue Agency of Indonesia (BASARNAS) shows rescuers searching for victims after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Maumere, East Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia, 15 August 2026. A powerful earthquake struck off Indonesia’s Flores Island, killing people and prompting a tsunami warning. EPA/BASARNAS / HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALESHANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES
epa13170378 A handout photo made available by the National Search and Rescue Agency of Indonesia (BASARNAS) shows rescuers searching for victims after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Maumere, East Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia, 15 August 2026. A powerful earthquake struck off Indonesia’s Flores Island, killing people and prompting a tsunami warning. EPA/BASARNAS / HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALESHANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES
the earthquake

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake strikes Indonesia, killing dozens and triggering a tsunami warning.

A very violent earthquake has caused residents to flee coastal areas: waves of up to 3 meters high are expected.
the opinion

France rejects ban on social media for minors under 15, halting Macron's measure

The French Constitutional Council deemed the measure a "disproportionate violation of the freedom of expression" of minors.
epa10857163 Italian Air Force Eurofighter jet participates in NATO's Baltic Air Policing Mission in Lithuanian airspace near Siauliai, Lithuania, 12 September 2023. Eurofighters from Italy and Spain took over the four-month rotation of Baltic Air Policing in August 2023. The Baltic Air Policing mission is part of NATO's efforts to ensure the protection of the airspace of the three Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) since they joined the Alliance in 2004. EPA/TOMS KALNINS
epa10857163 Italian Air Force Eurofighter jet participates in NATO's Baltic Air Policing Mission in Lithuanian airspace near Siauliai, Lithuania, 12 September 2023. Eurofighters from Italy and Spain took over the four-month rotation of Baltic Air Policing in August 2023. The Baltic Air Policing mission is part of NATO's efforts to ensure the protection of the airspace of the three Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) since they joined the Alliance in 2004. EPA/TOMS KALNINS
the attack

Italian fighter jets shoot down a drone over Latvia. Riga: "Thank you for defending us."

Foreign Minister Baiba Braze confirmed that the aircraft's entry into Russian airspace was a result of Russian electronic warfare.
Cinema in Sardinia

From costume designers to creatives, the film industry is looking for workers in Sardinia: new training courses for workers

The Region launches the Filmas project: one hundred thousand euros for a series of specialized workshops.
L’archeologo ed egittologo Zahi Hawass
L’archeologo ed egittologo Zahi Hawass
The appointments

Zahi Hawass, Lirio Abbate, and Stefano Melis Sechi star in Porto Cervo.

On August 19th the meeting with the famous Egyptologist, on the 21st Abbate's investigations and the concert by Melis Sechi
Enzo Liborio Vacca, campione Poetry Slam Sardegna 2026
Enzo Liborio Vacca, campione Poetry Slam Sardegna 2026
The winner

Poetry Slam Sardinia: Enzo Liborio Vacca is the champion

The improvising poet from Ovoddo will represent the island at the Italian finals.
Ricchi e Poveri (Ansa)
Ricchi e Poveri (Ansa)
music

Ricchi e Poveri's music for the gala evening at the Abi D'Oru: "The Island is Home"

From a welcome aperitif to a fireworks display: the program offered by the famous hotel overlooking the Gulf of Marinella, between Golfo Aranci and Porto Rotondo.
The interview

Rossella Fava: "Does a child belong to the person who gives birth to it or to the person who wants it and raises it?"

The actress from Ragusa brought M(Other) to the Festival dei Tacchi in Ulassai, the monologue born from a survey among Italian parents who resort to surrogacy.
epa13170714 Maria Perez (C) of Spain competes in the Women's Half Marathon Walk at the European Athletics Championships Birmingham 2026, in Birmingham, Britain, 15 August 2026. EPA/TOLGA AKMEN
epa13170714 Maria Perez (C) of Spain competes in the Women's Half Marathon Walk at the European Athletics Championships Birmingham 2026, in Birmingham, Britain, 15 August 2026. EPA/TOLGA AKMEN
Europeans

Athletics, three more medals for Italy from the half marathon walk: silver for Fortunato and Mihai, bronze for Cosi

Both races were won by Spanish athletes, further increasing the Azzurri's haul, who are increasingly first in the medal table
epa13170129 Gold medalist Giancarlo Tamberi of Italy poses for a photo after the High Jump Men final at the European Athletics Championships Birmingham 2026, in Birmingham, Britain, 14 August 2026. EPA/ADAM VAUGHAN
epa13170129 Gold medalist Giancarlo Tamberi of Italy poses for a photo after the High Jump Men final at the European Athletics Championships Birmingham 2026, in Birmingham, Britain, 14 August 2026. EPA/ADAM VAUGHAN
Birmingham

European Athletics Championships: Tamberi's gold and Desalu's bronze cap a perfect day, Italy tops the medal table.

Italian show, the return of Gimbo (with Sioli bronze) an hour after the umpteenth confirmation of Nadia Battocletti
Nadia Battocletti / Ansa
Nadia Battocletti / Ansa
The Europeans

Athletics: Battocletti Uncatchable: Gold in the 10,000 Meters

The middle-distance runner from Trentino confirms her title as champion after her victory in the 5000m
Simona Quadarella /Ansa
Simona Quadarella /Ansa
The competition

European Swimming Championships: Quadarella wins gold in the 1500m freestyle. Italy takes bronze in the relay.

Fourth consecutive continental title also in the long distance
In Parlamento
La catena umana a Valledoria (foto concessa)
La catena umana a Valledoria (foto concessa)

Valledoria: A human chain forms on the beach in memory of the 43 victims of the Morandi Bridge disaster.

The initiative was promoted by the lifeguard of the Baia Verde resort, Luca Sestri, of Sardinian origin but who lived for twenty long years in Genoa
Insularità

Maria Luigia Pilia is Emigrant of the Year: awarded in Gesico for her connection to Sardinia.

In Montemurlo, Tuscany, he built his life, started a solid business and over time gained the respect and affection of the community.