European car tour? Italy could work on Sicily-Italy bridge

May 4 2023

The age old dream (and we really do mean old, as it goes back to Roman Empire times) of building a bridge between mainland Italy to Sicily might soon become a reality.

The massive engineering project might be realised after a decree passed by Georgia Meloni’s government last month following the plan’s revival by Transport Minister Matteo Salvini.

The bridge would be built across the Straits of Messina and would span 3.2 kilometres and would be the longest suspension bridge in the world.

Back in 2006, the bid to build a bridge was awarded to a consortium led by an Italian Firm now called WeBuild. However, the plans collapsed after the government of Berlusconi fell and the next Prime Minister Romano Prodi deemed it a waste of money and a risk.

The cost of the project is estimated at around €4.5 billion for the bridge and €6.75 billion for the infrastructure to support it. However, both geography and the involvement of the mafia present significant problems to the project.

The Strait of Messina is situated along a fault line where a 7.1 earthquake killed more 100,000 people in 1908, and remains the deadliest recorded seismic event in Europe to date.

So it remains to be seen whether the Maltese can pack their bags and hop into their vehicles for a Europe tour via the bridge. The project is ambitious at best and it could be a while before, if, it happens.

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Cristiano Ronaldo tops Forbes’ highest paid athletes list

May 4 2023

Following his move to Saudi Arabian team Al-Nassr, soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo has just topped the Forbes highest paid athletes list for 2023.

Boasting an estimated $75 million playing salary as well as additional payments through marketing opportunities, the former Manchester United player joined Al-Nassr last January.

However, rumours are currently spreading that he might try to head back to Europe by this summer, despite his recent joining moving him up the earnings list for the first time since 2017.

Forbes estimates that the 38-year-old player has earned $136 million from both on-and-off field revenue this past year. Following close behind in second place is Lionel Messi, with a staggering $130 million of his own.

The top 5 are rounded out by Kylian Mbappe ($120 million), LeBron James ($119.5 million) and boxing star Canelo Alvarez ($110 million).

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President Vella meets King Charles III ahead of coronation

May 4 2023

Posting to social media, President George Vella captioned a photo of himself alongside the soon to be King Charles III ahead of the coronation this Saturday.

The President of Malta and his wife Miriam Vella left this morning for a visit to the UK after being invited to attend the coronation of Charles and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey in London.

‘President Vella will attend, among others, an event with the heads of the Commonwealth countries in honour of King Charles III organised by the Secretary General of the Commonwealth at Marlborough House and an event for the guests of the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace’

With the President and his wife returning back to Malta on May 8th, Professor Frank Bezzina will serve as Acting President for the duration of the visit.

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Jake Vella holds Giro d’Italia trophy in special hospital visit

May 4 2023

Whilst recovering at Mater Dei Hospital, local inspiration Jake Vella got the chance to hold the Giro D’Italia trophy alongside pro-cyclist Valerio Agnioli.

This comes as the Malta Tourism Authority becomes the official sponsor for the Giro d’Italia, the annual bicycle race attended by athletes from all over the world.

Vella posted about the special visit on social media, expressing his joy over the unique opportunity. Agnioli replied to his post saying that it is always a pleasure to ‘share with you my emotions that I have felt in my career as a professional cyclist. You are my idol Jake, never give up.’

The partnership between Giro d’Italia and the MTA will see the VisitMalta brand featured during the event when it is held in Italy between the 6th and 28th of May.

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