Good morning, Pistoia. Today's briefing begins with the result of the city's historic joust, followed by public-safety, weather, household-support and mobility updates.
1. Drago wins the 2026 Giostra dell'Orso.
Porta Carratica's Drago returned to the top after a closely fought contest over 18 heats, ending Cervo Bianco's four-edition winning run. Drago and Cervo remained the principal challengers throughout the evening before the red-and-green rione prevailed in Piazza del Duomo. Source: Report Pistoia.
2. Man arrested in Pescia over alleged extortion and death threats.
Police arrested a 43-year-old man accused of demanding €5,000 from his former partner in exchange for returning her car and threatening her life. Officers also recovered a pistol reported stolen in Camaiore in 2013; the suspect faces allegations including attempted extortion, illegal possession and carrying of a weapon, and giving a false identity. Sources: La Nazione – Montecatini and Report Pistoia.
3. Orange alert ends, but parts of Valdinievole remain under a yellow warning.
Sunday's orange alert ended at 2 p.m. with widespread disruption but no particularly serious reported problems. A yellow thunderstorm warning continues through late Monday morning in several municipalities of the province, including Chiesina Uzzanese, Lamporecchio, Larciano, Monsummano Terme, Pieve a Nievole and Ponte Buggianese. Brief showers may also return over inland areas later today. Source: Il Tirreno.
4. Reduced TARI confirmed for lower-income households in 2026.
The waste-tax reduction remains available this year for residents in the income bracket up to €15,000. Eligible households should check the municipality's official application instructions, supporting-document requirements and deadlines before submitting a request. Source: Report Pistoia.
5. Porrettana traffic lights trigger renewed complaints.
Three long-standing temporary traffic lights along State Road 64 are causing queues at busy weekend periods, with reported delays of up to 30 minutes for drivers returning from Porretta to Pistoia. Sambuca Pistoiese's mayor has again raised the issue with Anas; a technical inspection is expected in early August. Source: La Nazione – Pistoia.
6. Long-term closure begins on Via Lungo Stella.
From today until September 4, a section of Via Lungo Stella is subject to no-transit and no-parking restrictions for works by Consorzio di Bonifica 3 Medio Valdarno. Drivers should follow temporary signs and allow for local diversions. Source: Comune di Pistoia.
7. Pistoia and Reutlingen expand their cultural partnership.
A delegation from Pistoia's German twin city has met the mayor and culture councillor to develop new joint initiatives. The programme continues today at 5.30 p.m. at Hotel Milano with the opening of Allegorical Allusions: Inspired by Jorio Vivarelli, reinforcing the long-standing relationship through contemporary cultural exchange. Source: Comune di Pistoia.
This original English briefing was compiled on July 27, 2026 after reviewing Report Pistoia, Il Tirreno – Pistoia, La Nazione – Pistoia/Montecatini and official Comune di Pistoia updates. Overlapping stories and subjects covered in recent editions were removed.