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A vintage Lancia Fulvia that remained parked on the same Italian curb for nearly 50 years has been officially inaugurated as a local landmark. According to police official Claudio Mallamace, the 1970s sedan was originally used by its elderly owners as a storage unit for their nearby newsstand. When the business folded, the car stayed put, effectively becoming a stationary piece of the city's history for over two decades.
The restoration process, fueled by community enthusiasm, concluded this February when the polished vehicle was relocated to a school courtyard. This new spot allows the original owners, aged 99 and 89, to view their cherished possession from their home. The unveiling ceremony drew significant attention from regional leaders, including a former president who recalled a childhood superstition of patting the car for academic success. Local authorities are now considering architectural shades to protect this unconventional piece of heritage.
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Facing a record drop in fertility rates, Singapore is significantly expanding its family support framework. According to Bloomberg, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced increases in direct financial assistance alongside enhanced housing benefits for young families.
Under the updated policy, every Singaporean child up to the age of 17 will be eligible to receive up to 70,000 Singapore dollars (approximately $55,000 USD) in total support, which includes cash payouts, educational grants, and related benefits. The government is also expanding paid parental leave and capping monthly out-of-pocket costs for government-subsidized childcare at 150 Singapore dollars.
These interventions aim to reverse a severe demographic decline, marked by last year's fertility rate drop to 0.87 children per woman, while over 20% of the country's population is currently aged 65 or older.
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