Topic: Milan Italy

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi dies at age 86. The hosts reflect on his career as a media tycoon and "flamboyant showman" who dominated Italian politics for two decades. They recall his "bunga bunga" parties and compare his populist style and legal battles to those of Donald Trump.

A resident in Florence, Italy, describes the growing public psychosis and discrimination against Chinese businesses. The report details the closure of schools, museums, and football stadiums as the government attempted to contain the outbreak. Observations include supermarket raids in Milan and instances of citizens calling the police on individuals suspected of being infected.

Secretary of State John Kerry is criticized for his attempts to speak local languages during diplomatic visits, specifically a recent trip to Italy. The discussion focuses on a perceived insult regarding the quality of American pizza compared to Italian varieties.

The Milan Expo 2015 opened in Italy amidst violent protests from activists who view the event as a front for corporate interests and the T-TIP trade agreement. While the fair features 80 national pavilions and focuses on global sustainability, it has received little attention in the U.S. media. Historical World's Fairs are recalled for their cultural impact and unique amusement park attractions.

Secretary of State John Kerry discussed the ongoing peace negotiations between Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Minsk Protocol, a 15-point peace plan, is cited as a working framework despite limited coverage in the US media. A high-level meeting in Milan, Italy, involving Angela Merkel and Francois Hollande, aims to review gas deals and the timeline for regional stabilization.