No Bombs Found: AFM Address Gozo Channel Bomb Threat

Oct 26 2024

Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri gave the update late last night that the Gozo Channel ships have been searched by authorities and no bombs were found.

The vessels were promptly dispatched to address the queues which amassed during those few hours, apologising for the inconvenience.

The Armed Forces of Malta also released a statement revealing that an urgent call via the emergency line 112 was received reported the suspected Bomb Threat.

AFM’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams were immediately deployed to Cirkewwa and Mgarr, Gozo.

‘EOD teams conducted thorough searches both underwater and on all vessels to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. The search operations were completed successfully, and resulted negative.’

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Roberta Metsola Meets Pope Francis at The Vatican

Oct 25 2024

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola met with Pope Francis on Friday morning during a private audience at the Vatican. Following their discussion, Metsola expressed gratitude on social media, highlighting their “extensive talks” on global initiatives for peace, justice, and shared human values. Metsola noted that this conversation strengthens ongoing efforts toward a more peaceful and just world.

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12 Million Full-Time Influencers Revealed to be in the United States

Oct 25 2024

A new study has revealed that the United States is home to a staggering 12 million full-time influencers.

The findings, which come from the Keller Advisory Group, were recently highlighted in a Wall Street Journal article titled “Who Gets the TikTok in the Divorce? The Messy Fight Over Valuable Social Media Accounts.” According to the study, the U.S. has a total of 27 million paid content creators, and nearly half of them (44%) work as influencers full-time.

When this figure was shared online, it quickly sparked debate, with many questioning the legitimacy of the data and how the study was conducted. The Keller report defines creators as anyone who identifies as an influencer and has received payment for their content within the past year. The study surveyed just under 6,000 Americans between 16 and 54 years old, including a specific sample of 1,045 self-identified creators, with the results adjusted to represent the broader population.

But there’s more—while the average annual income for these full-time influencers is estimated at $93,000, nearly half earn less than $10,000 a year. It shows just how uneven the influencer economy can be, with only a small percentage finding major financial success.

With 12 million people competing in the same space, the study raises questions about the nature of individuality and authenticity in the digital world. For many, standing out in a saturated market is becoming increasingly difficult, making it clear that the influencer economy is a high-stakes game where only a few truly thrive.12 Million Full-Time Influencers

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Villa Rosa Project Revised to Address Public Concerns

Oct 25 2024

UPDATED WITH PEMBROKE LOCAL COUNCIL STATEMENT

The Villa Rosa project has sparked public debate, with misconceptions leading to concerns. Garnet Investments Ltd, owners of the sit, announced they will scrap the current application from 2022 in collaboration with the Planning Authority, aiming to propose a revised development with capped building heights and expanded public areas. Contrary to accusations, the planned changes are intended to preserve the valley and ensure the project complies with the environmentally-sensitive protections outlined in the Planning Authority’s updated Local Plan.

Although a permit from 2018 could allow Garnet Investments to proceed with a high-rise, mixed-use development, the company prefers to rework the proposal to align with Malta’s needs for luxury tourism and job creation. High-end international brands are anticipated for inclusion, intended to meet gaps in Malta’s tourism offerings. The developers clarified there’s no specific height limit on four or five-star hotels under the 2014 Height Limitation Policy for Hotels, but they’re committed to maintaining the valley as a protected area, ensuring the plan aligns with environmental priorities.

Moviment Graffitti has organized a protest against the project, scheduled for tomorrow, 26th October, at 10:30 a.m. at St. George’s Bay in St. Julian’s. More details are available on their social media channels.

Pembroke Local Council Statement:

The Pembroke Local Council announced that it has decided not to participate in the protest regarding the Villa Rosa project at this stage.

Extending gratitude towards Moviment Graffitti for the invitation, the council said that it reached the position ‘as the consultation process on the proposed changes is still in an early phase, though the Council has already expressed its reservations.’

‘The Council understands that the Planning Authority is following legally stipulated procedures, and it intends to participate actively in these procedures. In this context, the Local Council will engage technical experts to provide specialized advice, allowing it to submit its position effectively to protect the best interests of the residents.’

The council recalled expressing serious concerns back in 2018 when the ‘developer was granted the current permit’, and said that the council will continue to monitor the issue closely.

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