Italian Earthquake Aftermath

Thousands Mourn Quake Victims at Funeral Mass New York Times — Four long rows of flower-decked coffins lined a courtyard, docked like boats borne by a sea of grief, as friends and families gathered here on Friday to mourn 205 victims of Monday’s earthquake. Sometimes the tiny coffins of children were placed atop those of a parent. Many showed color photos of the dead in the full bloom of life. One carried a simple note, written in pencil on a page torn from a diary: “I love you.” click to read complete article

Italian rescue teams end search for possible quake survivor CNN — Authorities on Saturday ended a rescue operation at a site thought to hold a survivor from this week's earthquake, the L'Aquila fire brigade told CNN. No survivors or bodies were found. click to read complete article

Investigation of building standards in quake zone Associated Press — L'Aquila's chief prosecutor announced an investigation into allegations of shoddy construction as workers continued to scour the rubble for people still missing after a devastating earthquake five days ago. Rescuers pulled one more body from a collapsed building on Saturday, raising the death toll to 291. click to read complete article