Illustrator’s Tribute Drawing Of Karl Gouder

Sep 11 2024

Academic and illustrator Ġorġ Mallia took to social media to share a portrait drawing he made of the late Karl Gouder.

The former PN MP’s sudden passing was announced on Tuesday 10th September, and came as a shock to many as they offered their tributes for the beloved politician.

Mallia expressed that he felt the need to draw him as he remembered him.

‘I drew the smile first, and with it I wish to honour Karl and offer my condolences to his loved ones’, he concluded after detailing his memories of Gouder in a heartwarming post.

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Taylor Swift Publicly Endorses Kamala Harris After Debate

Sep 11 2024

Taylor Swift endorsed Kamala Harris for president following the Tuesday night debate against Donald Trump. In an Instagram post, Swift referred to herself as “Childless Cat Lady,” a nod to remarks made by Trump’s running mate, JD Vance. She expressed her support for Harris, calling her a “steady-handed, gifted leader” who champions the causes she cares about, and stated, “I believe we can accomplish so much more if we are led by calm, not chaos.”

Swift, who also backed Joe Biden in 2020, shared that her decision to publicly reveal her voting plans was influenced by a fake AI-generated image falsely showing her endorsing Trump, which had been posted on his website. This incident, she said, heightened her concerns about AI and misinformation, leading her to be transparent about her choice in the upcoming election.

Swift also praised Harris’s vice-presidential pick, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, for his long standing advocacy of LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and women’s reproductive rights.

Trump later embraced the fake images in a post, which sparked backlash from Swift’s fanbase, known as “Swifties,” who accused him of spreading false information.

Swift’s endorsement places her among several high-profile celebrities supporting Harris, including John Legend, Olivia Rodrigo, George Clooney, and Spike Lee.

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Malta’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Soar Amidst Climate Inaction

Sep 11 2024

Malta is experiencing an alarming rise in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, leading the EU with an 8.8% increase from the first quarter of 2023 to 2024, according to Eurostat. While the EU aims to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels), Malta’s target is more modest at -19% by 2030, using 2005 as a baseline. This recent surge raises serious concerns about the government’s ability to meet its climate goals within the next five years.

Friends of the Earth Malta’s climate coordinator, Dr Suzanne Maas, highlighted the country’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels, with only 13% of energy coming from renewable sources. Transport and buildings are the two largest contributors to Malta’s emissions. Transport accounts for 55% of energy demand, driven by the growing number of vehicles and a lack of focus on public and active transport. Buildings, which consume 45% of energy, are another significant factor, with insufficient measures in place to improve energy efficiency.

Although the government has established a Climate Action Authority, critics argue that projects such as the Msida flyover and the Gozo airport undermine real progress. There is a call for a shift towards a sustainable economic model that prioritises the environment and long-term quality of life.

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US Commemorates 23 Years Since 9/11 Attacks

Sep 11 2024

This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks, which forever altered American life.

On September 11, 2001, hijackers from al-Qaeda crashed two planes into the World Trade Center towers, one into the Pentagon, and a fourth into a Pennsylvania field after passengers fought back.

The attacks resulted in 2,977 deaths, including civilians, first responders, and flight passengers. Victims’ names are memorialised at Ground Zero, where each is surrounded by names of loved ones and white roses are placed on birthdays.

The aftermath of 9/11 continues to impact lives, especially among first responders. Over 343 firefighters died on that day, with many others later succumbing to illnesses from exposure to toxins.

By 2022, nearly 300 firefighters had died from Ground Zero-related conditions. More than 80,000 people have since been diagnosed with health issues tied to the attack’s aftermath, and about 40% of the victims remain unidentified.

As the nation commemorates the victims, the occasion is marked by the presence of political figures, with Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump expected at ceremonies.

Organisers, however, continue to emphasise the victims over politics, focusing on honouring those lost and the ongoing effects of that tragic day.

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