Meet Beacon, Team USA’s Therapy Dog

Aug 5 2024

Meet Beacon , the four-year old golden retriever providing therapy to Team USA at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Fully accredited, Beacon made the journey to France to support gymnasts such as Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee, and Jade Carey.

The gymnasts performance relies on a prepared mind as much as a trained body. Pet therapy, is proven to lower cortisol levels and enhance focus, therefore making it essential. Beacon, who previously worked as a therapy dog in a hospital, joined the USA Gymnastics team in May 2023. Since then, he has been a soothing presence for the gymnasts at numerous competitions and training sessions.

Recently , Beacon comforted athletes during the 2024 Olympic Trials, easing the nerves of the women’s national gymnastics team after two top prospects were injured. Beacon’s role as a therapy dog extends beyond just comforting athletes and he has become a crucial part of Team USA’s emotional support system.

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Prices Up By 10% Due To 19% Decrease In Drivers, High Demand – Bolt

Aug 5 2024

Bolt released a statement to ‘set the record straight on pricing and waiting time.’

‘Whilst higher prices due to higher customer demand during tourist peak season are common, over the past week, average ride prices were approximately 10% higher compared to the same period in 2023’, the statement explained.

This was attributed to a 19% decrease in the number of available drivers on the platform, with this being ‘linked to the rejection of temporary work permits of hundreds of drivers.’

‘This is further compounded by an endemic 7.9% turnover of personnel on average a month within the transport industry’, as outlined by Central Bank of Malta statistics.

‘Conversely, demand for rides has increased by 23%, which is higher than what we have historically seen at this time of year.’

The statement addressed ‘concerning allegations that bolt intervened to increase waiting times and pricing mechanisms as some sort of retaliation.’

Bolt uses automated surge pricing like other platforms in the industry, which match customer demands with driver supply.

‘In 2024, Bolt ended collaboration with 28 fleets which did not meet Bolt’s standard of engagement. Bolt will continue to terminate its agreements with any fleet or individual operators if they are found to be in breach of applicable law or are involved in any kind if malpractice in breach of their contract.’

‘We also understand Malta’s challenges and the strategy outlined by the Maltese government in the National Employment Policy 2021-2030’, the statement ended.

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Lara Azzopardi Joined By Local Figures For World Transplant Day

Aug 5 2024

Local actress and presenter Lara Azzopardi was joined by various local figures to raise awareness by World Transplant Day and encourage people to register and become an organ donor.

The actress, known for her roles on Ċaqqufa amongst other local productions, took to social media to advocate for organ donation, which could help so many people struggling.

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A post shared by LARA AZZOPARDI (@pardilarita)

Joining Lara in her advocacy were wife of the Prime Minister Lydia Abela, Opposition leader Bernard Grech, Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela, PN MP Adrian Delia and Health Superintendent Charmaine Gauci.

Lara explains how one of her friends has just received a heart, thanks to the generous act of a donor. It was a very complex process for the person to go through, but ultimately had his life changed and saved through the donation.

It is very easy to become a donor. One can visit organdonation.gov.mt or e.ID to register.

#MaltaDaily

Hammer Used In Argument Between 2 Ukrainians & 2 Serbians

Aug 5 2024

Yesterday, at around 2330hrs, police were informed that their assistance was needed in Triq il-Modd, is-Swieqi.

Police convened immediately on site and preliminary investigations showed that an argument had broken out between two Ukrainian men, aged 27 and 32 years old, and two Serbian men aged 33 and 31 years old.

All those involved were Swieqi residents. During the argument, a hammer was reportedly used and the Serbians fled the scene.

A medical team offered assistance to the Ukrainians and transported them to Mater Dei Hospital. The 27 year old was confirmed to have suffered grievous injuries whereas the other suffered light injuries.

During the investigations, the Serbians were arrested in a Swieqi residence. A number of as of yet undisclosed objects were confiscated from the residence.

Police investigations are ongoing.

#MaltaDaily