Italy is heading into a fresh political and cultural debate over immigration, integration and religious symbols in schools after Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced plans to introduce new classroom rules. Meloni said her government will bring forward legislation to set a legal maximum on the number of foreign students in each class, while also banning burqas and niqabs in Italian schools. The proposal would additionally require parents of foreign students facing serious integration difficulties to learn Italian. The announcement has triggered a wider political argument over assimilation, religious freedom, national identity and the role of schools in integrating migrant families.

President Donald Trump’s escalating fight with major US media outlets has now moved into the courts. CNN, MS NOW and Politico have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration after their journalists were barred from the White House and their press access was revoked. Trump announced the ban on September 18, accusing the three outlets of publishing what he described as “fake news,” “fiction” and “lies,” while also suggesting that other media organizations could face similar action. Reporters from CNN, MS NOW and Politico were subsequently denied access to the White House grounds, with press credentials disabled or confiscated. The three news organizations are now challenging the restrictions in federal court, arguing that the White House decision violates their First Amendment rights and the principle of a free press. They are seeking court intervention to restore access while the legal challenge proceeds. WATCH