154 COVID-19 cases registered with 6 recoveries

Jul 13 2021

Malta has registered 154 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours from 3,353 swab tests, while 6 patients have recovered. No deaths were registered in the past 24 hours. This information was announced by the official Facebook page of Malta’s Ministry for Health.

As of Monday 12th July 2021, 709,131 vaccine doses were administered of which 373,349 were 1st doses. 351,395 people are currently fully vaccinated.

To date, Malta has registered 31,394 COVID-19 cases in total, of which: 30,192 have recovered, 420 died and 782 are still active.

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Petition for Euro final rematch following shirt pulling foul gains traction

Jul 13 2021

An England football fan has created a petition demanding UEFA to host a Euro 2020 final rematch between Italy and England. The petition emerged mainly due to Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini’s shocking challenge on England’s Bukayo Saka. The 36-year-old Italy captain was caught gripping Saka’s shirt and pulling him down. The act earned the Italian player a yellow card, but this did not sit well with a Change.org user.

The petition creator claimed that the match was not fair at all and claimed that the match officials held a bias in favour of Italy. The petitions description reads: ‘After Italy only receiving a yellow card for dragging England players like they were slaves. All the pushes, pulls and kicks and Italy was still allowed to win?’ As of writing this article, the petition has gained well over 95,000 signatures and rising from the target 150,000. The match stayed at a 1-1 draw until Italy emerged victorious through penalty rounds.

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Photo Source: The Telegraph, Change.org

BOP SEASON: Maltese music galore as local artists release summer bangers

Jul 13 2021

With summer in full force, the island’s music scene is just about as hot as its weather, with local artists putting out one stellar release after the other. From big pop anthems to brand new bops, the Maltese Music Scene continues to thrive and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Lapes – Merħba Malta

Local rapper and king of controversial lyrics Lapes is back once again with the release of his long awaited album ‘Merħba Malta’. The album brings together tracks with long-time collaborators like Nadine Fenech, local favourites like Petra as well as fellow rap mainstay Owen Leuellen amongst other collaborations.

Emma Muscat – Meglio Di Sera

Following the explosive success that was Sangria, Emma Muscat brings Alvaro De Luna and Astol for another pop bop in the form of Meglio Di Sera. The dance tune blends slick summery sounds with the featured rappers’ slick flows, making for a massive summer anthem. The video is also shot entirely in Malta and highlights the true beauty of a summer on the island and we can’t get enough.

Feds – Stay Cool

London-based Maltese artist Feds returns with a cool, empowering pop track which is all about ‘owning your awkwardness and being ok with everyone’s own little quirks’. The track brings the vibes with Feds’ trademark Neo soul influences to make a unmistakeable summer tune.

NÈO-X – The Connection

Delivering a blend of entrancing sounds and hypnotic vocals, local DJ and producer NÈO-X’s latest track ‘The Connection’ is the closest thing to an Ibiza vibe we can get at the moment and we’ll happily take it.

LYNDSAY – Done

Ahead of the release of her album, local songstress Lyndsay drops an emotional single in ‘Done’. The powerful pop ballad is sure to get her fans excited for the drop of her album in the coming weeks.

Owen Leuellen – Runaway

X Factor sensation and local rapper Owen Leuellen has truly embraced the island’s summer vibes and has come out with a brand new sound with the laidback ‘Runaway’, with a slick video to match.

El Ferr – HEAT WAVE

Hip-hop’s new kid on the block El Ferr bursts onto the scene with his debut single HEAT WAVE. Wavy guitar licks, punchy hip-hop beats and smooth vocal lines, if this guy’s first track is a sign of what’s to come, we’re ready for it.

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Ridicule of disability to become official hate crime in new criminal code

Jul 13 2021

Inclusion Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli stated in parliament that ridiculing people for their disability will become a crime punishable by imprisonment. The changes to the Criminal Code were approved by Cabinet, with Farrugia Portelli putting forth the first reading in parliament on Monday afternoon. The current law gives protection against hate crimes towards various groups and minorities, but disabled persons are not referenced.

Farrugia Portelli stated that it is unacceptable to have politicians demonising people and families in relation to disability. Police will thus be given the tools to take criminal action when such cases of ridicule, attack or humiliation arise. The changes were praised by many, including PL MP Oliver Scicluna who stated that this is the step in the right direction to protect persons of disability.

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Photo Source: Julia Farrugia Portelli, Oliver Scicluna FB