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Minister Roderick Galdes Visits Ħal Farruġ Accommodation Project

Minister Roderick Galdes Visits Ħal Farruġ Accommodation Project
Sep 4 2024 Share

Minister for Social and Affordable Housing, Roderick Galdes, recently visited the ongoing development of the largest social housing project currently underway, one of several such projects in progress across the country.

This project is located in the Ħal Farruġ area, near Ħal Luqa, on a site spanning roughly 10,000 square meters. With an investment of around €40 million, the development is set to include approximately 267 social housing apartments, offering a range of one to three-bedroom units. The project will also feature garages and parking for about 300 vehicles, with specific accommodations designed for people with disabilities.

During his visit to the three blocks under construction, Minister Galdes highlighted the positive impact this project will have on numerous families. He emphasized that this initiative will not only reduce the waiting list for social housing but will also provide essential support to families in need. The aim is to offer dignified housing that also improves the quality of life for its residents.

The minister expressed confidence that this project will leave a lasting mark on the social housing sector, benefiting a significant number of families and addressing the pressing need for quality housing in the community.

#MaltaDaily

Italian Paralympic Sprinter Proposes to Girlfriend After Loss

Italian Paralympic Sprinter Proposes to Wife After Loss
Sep 4 2024 Share

Italian Paralympic sprinter Alessandro Ossola turned a tough day into a memorable one at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. After placing 5th inth men’s 100-meter T63 Race, Ossola made his way to the stands, dropped to one knee, and proposed to his girlfriend, Arianna Mandaradoni, in front of thousands of fans at the Stade de France.

The heartfelt moment quickly went viral, with Ossola sharing the proposal on his Instagram and World Para Athletics posting a photo of the big moment. In an interview, Ossola spoke about the support Mandaradoni has given him throughout his journey. “Sometimes she believed in me more than I believed in myself,” he said. “She’s my partner for life.”

Ossola’s story is one of resilience. In 2015, he lost his first wife and had most of his left leg amputated after a motorcycle accident. He credited para sports with helping him find a way forward, making his Paralympic debut in Tokyo 2021.

Reflecting on his journey, Ossola said, “People think you go to the Paralympics because you’re disabled, but it’s because you’re one of the best athletes in the world. That’s why I’m proud to be here.”

#MaltaDaily

Malta With 3rd Lowest Unemployment Rate In EU In July

Malta With 3rd Lowest Unemployment Rate In EU In July
Sep 4 2024 Share

According to new data released by Eurostat, Malta has the third lowest rate of unemployment in the euro area at 3.0% in July 2024.

The Mediterranean island follows Czechia and Poland, each registering 2.7% and 2.9% respectively.

Meanwhile, the highest rates were registered in Spain (11.5%), followed by Greece and Finland at 9.9% and 8.4% respectively.

In the same month, the euro area unemployment rate was 6.4%, down from 6.5% in June of the same year.

The EU unemployment rate was 6.0% in the same month, which is stable compared to previous month.

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Dogs Get Teary Eyed When Reuniting With Owners, Says Study

Dogs Get Teary Eyed When Reuniting With Owners, Says Study
Sep 4 2024 Share

A 2022 study by Japanese researchers found that dogs produce tears when reuniting with their owners, which may be linked to the “bonding hormone” oxytocin.

This discovery is significant, as it is the first to show that positive emotions can stimulate tear production in non-human animals. Previous research had established that eye contact between dogs and humans releases oxytocin in both, strengthening their bond.

Inspired by this, the team, led by Professor Takefumi Kikusui of Azabu University, conducted a reunion experiment.

They measured the tear volume of 18 dogs at home and after being separated from their owners for over five hours.

The results showed a significant increase in tears when the dogs were reunited with their owners, but not with familiar non-owners. Additional tests revealed that applying oxytocin to dogs’ eyes also increased tear production, confirming the hormone’s role.

The researchers also found that humans are more inclined to care for dogs with teary eyes. In a study involving 74 participants, teary-eyed dogs triggered a 10-15% increase in nurturing responses.

The team suggests that dogs may use tears to elicit protective behaviour from their owners, although further research is needed to explore how dogs communicate with each other through tears.

#MaltaDaily