Cannabis reform will create “drug abuse culture”, PN says

Nov 13 2021

A recent statement by the Nationalist Party has claimed that Malta’s cannabis reform will “normalise drug abuse and give rise to an increase in drug abuse.”

It states that the party does not endorse having Malta develop a prevalent drug abuse culture, despite PN leader Bernard Grech’s recent claims that the government amended their proposal based on what he had said.

Grech and the PN’s statements were met with criticism from the opposite end of the spectrum, with Reforms Minister Owen Bonnici stating that “confusion reigns supreme with the Opposition” while the Labour Party itself posted a statement calling Grech a “flip-flopper with no sense of leadership or direction.”

What do you make of this situation?

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Lockdown for all unvaccinated in Austria as cases surge

Nov 12 2021

Austria’s government is planning to impose a strict lockdown on specifically unvaccinated individuals as COVID-19 cases soar. It is one of the most contentious measures in Europe as it tries to contain the pandemic. Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg spoke at a press conference on Friday, saying that the federal government wants a nation-wide lockdown for those who have not been jabbed. This is set to apply from Monday, with Austrians who have so far rejected the jab are expecting an uncomfortable Christmas.

‘I don’t see why two-thirds of the population should lose their freedom because another third hesitates’ said the Chancellor. Unvaccinated people are already banned from restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. Details are still not unveiled, but officials say measures would mirror harsh lockdown restrictions seen during Austria’s last autumn and spring.

This means the unjabbed will b ordered to leave their homes only once a day for a short period for essential reasons. Police wold also be deployed to conduct spot checks to check vaccination status. Hefty fines will be given to rule breakers. Austrian state governors are set to meet on Sunday to hash out the details. Was does this mean for the future of the unvaccinated world wide? Will other countries be inclined to try something similar.

Malta has so far managed to inoculate most of its population, but keeping the epidemiological context in line is very tricky. Around 33.6% of Austrians have yet to take the vaccine – one of the lowest rates in the EU. It also recorded one of the highest infection numbers since the start of the pandemic this week.

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‘I’ve had breakdowns and burnouts’ – Bella Hadid opens up about mental health

Nov 12 2021

In an Instagram post addressed to her 47 million followers, supermodel Bella Hadid spoke out about her mental health and all the ‘burnouts’ she’s experienced.

The 25-year-old has previously spoken about battling severe depression and anxiety ever since she was a teenager. This time, she responded to a Willow Smith view about insecurity. She stated that Willow’s words made her feel less alone.

‘Social media is not real. For anyone struggling, please remember that. Sometimes all you’ve got to hear is that you’re not alone.’

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A post shared by Bella 🦋 (@bellahadid)

She shared a clip from Willow’s video alongside a series of photos of herself, crying and showing the real side of what it means to battle mental health issues.

‘If you work hard enough on yourself, spending time alone to understand your traumas, triggers, joys, and routine, you will always be able to understand or learn more about your own pain and how to handle it.’

She shared support for all her fans, telling them that it does get better.

Meta (previously Facebook) has come under fire for being one of the more dangerous platforms due to hate and social comparison, Hadid’s message is a light in the dark for many struggling with such issues.

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Here’s how you can win prizes by helping save the planet

Nov 12 2021

The European Week for Waste Reduction is back.

Held between 20 and 28 November, this week-long event invites schools, public administrations, companies, NGOs and European citizens to come forward with initiatives and projects which aim to reduce, reuse and recycle waste while also raising awareness about better waste management.

This yearly initiative brings together different stakeholders to promote awareness on sustainable resources and waste management across the continent.

This year’s theme ‘Circular Communities’ calls for participants to come up with actions to reduce, reuse and recycle waste with the mantra that collective efforts lead to better results. This is why the EWWR is encouraging communities to roll up their sleeves and work together towards one common goal: waste prevention.

Be part of this European initiative and register here by 15 November. Participation is open to private companies, public entities, associations, NGOs, schools and individuals.

Those that take part in the European Week for Waste Reduction will then have the opportunity to participate in the Malta Waste Reduction Awards, where the best actions that took place in Malta will be awarded.

Prospective applicants may view the rules of participation online.

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