Jimmy Carter 1st Former US President To Turn 100

Oct 2 2024

Jimmy Carter celebrated his 100th birthday on Tuesday, becoming the first U.S. president to reach this milestone.

The former president, who served from 1977 to 1981, has been in hospice care for the past 19 months in his home state of Georgia.

Despite his health challenges, Carter remains “emotionally engaged” and continues to express political ambitions, hoping to vote for Kamala Harris in the upcoming election.

In honour of his birthday, Habitat for Humanity volunteers are building 30 homes in Minnesota, and several events took place in Plains, Georgia, including a naturalisation ceremony for 100 new citizens and a military flyover.

Earlier this month, a concert in Atlanta raised over $1.2 million for The Carter Center, featuring musical performances and recorded messages from other presidents.

Although Carter could not attend the concert, he made a rare public appearance in November 2023 at a memorial for his late wife, Rosalynn.

Their 77-year marriage remains the longest of any first couple.

Carter’s experience has also highlighted the benefits of hospice care, as many recognise his story has provided insight into this option, promoting comfort and fulfilment during life’s final stages.

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KSU Reportedly Remove Moviment Graffitti Stand Over Reproductive Rights Material

Oct 2 2024

Activist group Moviment Graffitti took to social media to share that their University Campus stand for Fresher’s Week had been taken down, reportedly due to having material relating to reproductive rights.

‘It is unbelievable. They told us that material relating to reproductive rights had to be removed’, wrote the group.

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A post shared by Moviment Graffitti (@movimentgraffitti)

‘Obviously, we did not accept this. Thus, they stealthily went behind our backs, in the middle of the night, and took down our stand, confiscating any material we had in it.’

Saying that KSU think themselves ‘some kind of moral dictators’, they asked: ‘what’s next? Burning books?’

In response, KSU released a statement saying that this year it took the decision not to allow any abortion related entities to participate in Fresher’s Week, no matter the stance of pro-life or pro-choice.

‘We believe this event does not provide an adequate platform for this discussion to take place with the gravitas it deserves. KSU fully supports discussions on critical and contentious issues, but believes that these conversations must be approached with the time, space and depth they deserve, something that considering the limited scope of engagement that can be achieved on the stands, cannot occur properly during this week.’

‘Despite this, Moviment Graffiti chose to display pro-choice content at their stand, ignoring our reasoning, which had been clearly communicated. As a result, the organisation has levied further accusations, which so far have only been made in private, against KSU, for censorship.’

‘It is essential that the distinction between censorship and ensuring that controversial topics are discussed in a setting that respects their complexity be made clear.’

UPDATED WITH STATEMENT BY ŻGĦAŻAGĦ LABURISTI:

Żgħażagħ Laburisti expressed concern over recent events during Freshers’ Week at the University of Malta, where it was reported that Moviment Graffiti’s stand was dismantled by organizers. They condemned the alleged censorship, emphasizing that freedom of expression, when conducted respectfully, should not be suppressed. They stressed that educational institutions must foster open dialogue, rather than limit discussion on sensitive topics. Żgħażagħ Laburisti also pointed out that laws have been passed to combat censorship and expressed disappointment that these decisions seem to undermine recent progress in supporting free speech.

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A post shared by Żgħażagħ Laburisti (@labouryouths)

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Malta Secures Banda 12th May Headquarters to Protect Cultural Heritage

Oct 2 2024

The Ministry for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government has finalized the purchase of the Banda 12th May headquarters in Żebbuġ. The €745,000 investment raises the total number of band club properties acquired by the government to twelve, safeguarding them from the threat of eviction under pre-1995 rent laws.

These properties include other significant cultural sites such as the San Gejtanu Music Association, the Marija Regina Marsa Music Society, and the Santa Liena Society Club, among others. A total of €19 million has been allocated towards these acquisitions to secure spaces essential for cultural and social activities.

Minister Owen Bonnici emphasized the role of musical societies in fostering cultural growth and strengthening community bonds, noting that their work in organizing festivals and events is vital. He added that protecting these clubs ensures the preservation of Malta’s cultural heritage and diverse traditions.

Mary Ann Cauchi, Director of the Maltese Arts Council, highlighted the Council’s ongoing efforts to preserve Malta’s artistic and cultural identity by safeguarding properties at risk. Through additional funding, the Council also seeks to create new opportunities for artists and communities to celebrate Maltese traditions and cultural expressions.

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Vouchers for Cat Feeders Begin Distribution Across Malta and Gozo

Oct 2 2024

Starting October 1, vouchers for registered cat feeders are being distributed as part of a government initiative announced by Minister Anton Refalo and Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said. This scheme, with a budget of €350,000, aims to support those who care for stray cats across Malta and Gozo.

The Directorate for the Appropriate Treatment of Animals gathered data from Local Councils on the number of cat feeders and strays. Over 2,200 feeders have registered, caring for approximately 36,000 cats. Each Local Council received vouchers proportional to the number of registered feeders.

Minister Refalo emphasized the importance of this initiative, highlighting the government’s commitment to animal welfare and fulfilling its promises. Parliamentary Secretary Bugeja Said expressed gratitude to the feeders for their dedication and reiterated the government’s ongoing support.

Director Joseph John Vella encouraged feeders to collect their vouchers from their Local Councils. These vouchers are valid throughout October and can be redeemed at participating establishments listed with the Local Councils.

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