Good morning from Pistoia. Here are six important local stories for Saturday, July 18, selected from the latest reporting and official information.
1. Authorities coordinate their response to African swine fever. Seven cases have now been officially confirmed in the Pistoia province cluster. Nearly 100 pigs at a San Marcello farm were culled after the infection reached domestic animals, while second-level restrictions have expanded to Pistoia, Pescia, Marliana and Sambuca. Officials stress that the disease does not infect people, but it poses a serious risk to pig farming and the food chain. A further meeting with the national commissioner is scheduled for July 22. Sources: Report Pistoia and Il Tirreno – Pistoia.
2. Pistoia begins mapping a network of climate shelters. The city government has approved criteria for identifying free, accessible indoor and outdoor places where people can find relief during heatwaves. Candidate sites include shaded parks, libraries, museums, civic centres and sports facilities, with requirements covering drinking water, seating, toilets and geographical coverage across neighbourhoods and outlying areas. A digital map will follow the survey. Source: Report Pistoia, reporting the Comune di Pistoia decision.
3. Emergency services report more than 200 interventions during Eurogym. The 118 coordination centre says teams assisted participants at schools and competition sites throughout the international gymnastics festival. Despite the extreme heat and hundreds of calls for help, the medical and volunteer response system remained operational through the event’s busiest days. Source: La Nazione – Pistoia.
4. Railway-doubling works bring long-term road restrictions from Monday. From July 20 through October 23, traffic and parking will be prohibited on sections of Via Nuova dell’Arcale, Via dell’Arcale and Via del Paradiso di San Pantaleo. The restrictions allow Rete Ferroviaria Italiana to build a new roundabout connected with the doubling of the Pistoia–Montecatini railway section. Advance signs will be installed. Source: Report Pistoia.
5. Twenty-two school projects receive €300,000 for new learning spaces. Fondazione Caript’s “Scuole in movimento 2026” programme will support projects across the province, including laboratories, redesigned classrooms and specialised teaching environments. One project will recreate a hospital ward for social and healthcare training, giving students a more realistic setting in which to develop practical skills. Source: Report Pistoia.
6. City-centre commerce enters a wider debate over markets and public space. Local traders have presented proposals for better street furniture, more events and a reorganisation of the historic-centre market, and the municipal administration has opened talks. Separately, some stallholders are objecting to temporary summer relocations near the Melani stadium, citing heat and weak customer traffic. Sources: La Nazione – Pistoia and Il Tirreno – Pistoia.
This is an original English briefing based on a review of Report Pistoia, Il Tirreno – Pistoia, La Nazione – Pistoia/Montecatini and official information from the Comune di Pistoia. Follow the linked sources for continuing coverage and practical updates.