Priest Spends $40K Of Church Funds On Candy Crush

May 5 2024

Reverend Lawrence Kozak, a Catholic priest, faced charges for allegedly embezzling over $40,000 from St. Thomas More church to fuel his addiction to mobile games, including Candy Crush and Mario Kart Tour.

Prosecutors in Chester County, Pennsylvania, arrested him on April 25, accusing him of theft over a three-year period.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia had removed him from his position in 2022 after discovering suspicious Apple transactions on church credit card accounts, linked to Kozak’s Apple ID.

He admitted to using church funds for gaming-related expenses but claimed it was unintentional, citing a lack of attention to detail. Kozak confessed during police interrogation that he sought therapy for his gaming addiction and clarified that the spending was not for gambling but to “power up” in games.

Despite settling $10,000 of the debt himself and offering an additional $8,000 since his arrest, Kozak faced criticism from detectives who deemed his actions inexcusable, stating he should have been more vigilant. The case highlights the consequences of unchecked addiction and financial mismanagement within religious institutions.

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Labour Ahead Of Nationalist Party In New EP Election Survey

May 5 2024

In the latest MaltaToday survey, the Labour Party (PL) maintains an absolute majority with 50.7%, down by two points from March, while the Nationalist Party (PN) stands at 44.2%.

This puts the PL ahead of the PN by seven points, translating to a vote gap of 17,100 with a projected turnout of 71%. In March, the PL led by 10 points with a 28,700-vote advantage and a turnout of 77%.

Despite the PL’s losses, the PN only sees a modest 1.6-point increase in vote share. Third parties and independents collectively stand at 5.1%, slightly up from 4.6% in March.

EU Parliament President and PN candidate Roberta Metsola leads the race for Malta’s six MEP seats, with 16 % support, followed by Labour candidate and MEP incumbent Alex Agius Saliba at 8 %.

However, 50% of voters, particularly Labour supporters, remain undecided. Norman Lowell leads third-party candidates with 1% support, followed closely by Arnold Cassola at 0.9%.

The survey reflects substantial voter indecision, especially among Labour supporters awaiting decisions on candidate nominations, potentially influenced by speculation around former PM Joseph Muscat’s candidacy.

The survey took place before candidate nominations opened, and respondents were unaware of all potential candidates. Cross-party voting is minimal, with only 2% of Metsola voters considering Agius Saliba as their second preference.

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Read full surveys here and here.

Maltese Presenter & Actress Monica Attard Passes Away

May 5 2024

At 74 years old, Monica Attard, a presenter and actress, has sadly passed away.

Born in 1949 in Sliema, her passion for the theatre ignited early, participating in productions at the De Porres Theatre in her hometown.

Throughout her career, Attard was involved in numerous television and radio projects, serving as a presenter for programs on Radio Malta and later Net.

Her talent extended to teleseries such as F’Bahar Wirhed, Santa Monika, Nostalgija, and Pupazz, and she also contributed to productions internationally.

Attard leaves behind two children to cherish her memory.

#MaltaDaily

Ħamrun Supporters Hold Funerals For Rival Teams

May 5 2024

As celebrations ensued in Ħamrun following the historic 10th Premier League win, supporters of Ħamrun Spartans held symbolic funerals for rival teams Floriana and Valletta by parading caskets with the team names painted on.

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One guy even walked in front of the casket parade whilst dressed as a priest to officiate the funeral.

Some videos even show jubilant supporters laying on the caskets as they are lifted and carried around the locality as festivities take place.

The creation of symbolic coffins for rival football teams has become a very common aspect of football celebrations in Malta as a way to humorously mock rivals.

#MaltaDaily