On Wednesday, April 7, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz hosted the Gravesend-based Enrico Caruso Museum of America at a Borough Hall press conference updating the Museum’s search for a new and larger location, as well as the creation of an international competition for aspiring opera singers through the new Enrico Caruso Foundation.

The Enrico Caruso Museum is in need of a new home,” said BP Markowitz, “and it would be a shame if that home weren’t located right here in Brooklyn, U.S.A. After all, Brooklyn has always been the Italian Capital of the United States. Brooklyn is also the Creative Capital of America, and we believe in treating artists with the respect they deserve", said Markowitz

ANSA. An array of colourful and deadly-looking helmets, swords, daggers and shields has gone on display at the Colosseum, bringing to life the gladiatorial games of ancient times. The exhibition features around 30 gladiatorial artefacts unearthed at the archaeological site of Pompeii but the focus will be on helping visitors understand what the arena and its fighters really looked like 2,000 years ago.  (Read the article)

TIMES ON LINE. A message from Silvio Berlusconi, the Prime Minister, to survivors of the Abruzzo earthquake was greeted with whistles of protest as the first anniversary of the tragedy was marked by a candelit nighttime procession through the deserted streets of L'Aquila, many still strewn with rubble. (Read the article)

ANSA. An offer from a Brindisi shipbuilder to produce fiberglass gondolas for this lagoon city has been flatly rejected by the city agency responsible for the sector, the Nuova Venezia daily reported on Wednesday.  (Read the article)

ANSA. Bialetti, the company which for 77 years has been producing the Moka EXpress, Italy's most recognisable coffee-maker, is closing up shop in Italy and heading to Eastern Europe. (Read the article)