Biden Officially Signs TikTok Ban Bill Into Law

Apr 24 2024

President Joe Biden signed a foreign aid package that includes a bill aiming to force ByteDance, the China-based parent company of TikTok, to divest the app within a year or face a ban.

The law grants ByteDance nine months initially to arrange a deal, extendable by another three months if progress is evident.

Initially, the legislation faced Senate hurdles after House approval as a standalone bill. The bill was then bundled with foreign aid to U.S. allies, compelling the Senate to consider them together. This revised version extended the divestment timeline to a year, gaining support from previously uncertain lawmakers.

TikTok’s response was swift, with spokesperson Alex Haurek announcing plans to legally challenge the law, potentially delaying enforcement.

Key concerns include China’s response and its willingness to allow ByteDance to sell TikTok along with its valuable algorithm.

TikTok CEO Shou Chew criticized the bill, arguing it effectively constitutes a ban on the platform. He emphasized TikTok as a space for Americans to share and connect, reflecting broader tensions around Chinese-owned tech platforms and national security.

The situation remains dynamic, with legal challenges and geopolitical factors shaping the fate of TikTok in the U.S.

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The Ultimate Guide to Boomerang Festival’s Extraordinary Line-Up

Apr 24 2024

Boomerang Festival is set to captivate audiences at Ta’ Qali National Park from May 31st to June 2nd, offering a unique celebration of alternative music and art. The annual event promises three days where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary, drawing in a mix of like-minded individuals for an absolutely unmissable event.

This year’s line-up boasts an impressive array of international talent, featuring a special DJ set from Orbital.

Fans can also look forward to vibrant performances from The Skints, Queen Omega & The Royal Souls, and Leftfield (DJ Set) and Josh Wink among others. The festival will also see energetic sets from Dub Pistols, Boris, Tippa Irie, Omega Nebula, Stimming, Cafe De Anatolia and The Kubricks, ensuring a rich variety of sounds and styles.

Boomerang also joined forces with Chai Wallahs, who have hosted rooms in the legendary Glastonbury and Shambala Festivals; and Cafe De Anatolia, the world’s most popular ethnic music stream.

Local talent is equally prominent, with local partners such as Bass Culture, Mundo Muzika, Blank, Ruby&S.Mario, Chain Records, and BattiBatti.

Boomerang Festival is more than just your typical event; it’s a cultural gathering that brings together art and sound in a dynamic environment, promising an unforgettable experience for all who attend.

To top it all off, not only can children under 12 enter for free, but the festival will have a wholesome welcome space, with a special children’s area dedicated dedicated towards young Boomerang attendees.

Join us to witness a spectacular fusion of creativity and rhythm at one of the year’s most anticipated festivals and grab your tickets from https://boomerangfestival.mt/tickets/

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Jo Etienne Abela Attends EU Health Minister Council Meeting

Apr 24 2024

In Brussels, Minister for Health and Active Ageing, Jo Etienne Abela, participated in an informal meeting of the European Union’s Health Ministers Council.

During his address on healthcare workforce, Minister Abela highlighted Malta’s reliance on recruiting nurses and carers from abroad despite having a sufficient number of doctors. He emphasized Malta’s strong support for the Belgian Presidency’s efforts to ensure that every member state has a secure supply of nurses.

Minister Abela stressed the importance of measures that support families, education, and digital skills. He emphasized that while artificial intelligence is crucial for enhancing worker performance, it should not replace human workers. Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Frank Vandenbroucke and WHO Regional Director Dr. Hans Kluge positively received Minister Abela’s suggestions during their concluding remarks.

The minister also emphasized the need for all Member States to intensify their efforts in preventive care to continue reducing the burden of hypertension, heart disease, and cancer.

Regarding pharmaceutical access, Minister Abela insisted that smaller member states should fully benefit from the advantages of a unified market in the current pharmaceutical framework being negotiated. This is to ensure equitable access to medicines at fair prices. Minister Abela concluded by affirming Malta’s opposition to any obstacles that impede such access within the Health Union.

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€20,000 Fine For Not Registering 11 Newborn Big Cat Cubs

Apr 24 2024

Martin Farrugia, a building contractor aged 46, was fined €20,000 for breaching wildlife registration laws by failing to register eleven exotic animal cubs and ignoring calls from veterinary authorities.

Originally permitted to keep three lions, six pumas, and two leopards, an inspection in 2019 revealed Farrugia had neglected to register the 11 cubs born on his premises.

According to law, owners must report exotic animal births to authorities within a week and register them within four weeks, each requiring a €1000 fee. Farrugia’s permit application in Siġġiewi and Buskett had initially listed three pumas, two leopards, and six lions.

However, a 2017 census uncovered two additional unregistered leopards, and a subsequent inspection in 2019 uncovered more unregistered animals, including the 11 cubs.

Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech, delivering judgment, noted Farrugia’s failure to comply with legal requirements despite authorities’ calls.

Although no admission of guilt was made, Farrugia rectified the situation prior to the court proceedings. Considering the seriousness of the charges and the number of unregistered animals, Farrugia was fined €20,000. Inspector Elliott Magro prosecuted the case.

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