Istat

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has urged the European Commission to grant Italy more flexibility under the EU's fiscal rules. The request came on the day Istat, Italy's national statistics institute, reported inflation rising to 4.2 per cent in September, up from 3.3 per cent in August. The appeal underscores growing pressure on Rome as higher living costs complicate budget planning, and it is drawing attention to tensions between national spending needs and Brussels' budgetary discipline.

A multistate Salmonella outbreak in the United States that health officials linked to Mexican jalapeño peppers has been declared over. The announcement means no new illnesses are expected and the affected produce is no longer considered a risk. Recalls or advisories connected to the outbreak would have been lifted as part of the closure.