The Last Day Of The US 2024 Election Campaign

Nov 4 2024

The 2024 U.S. presidential race is reaching its final stretch, with Kamala Harris and Donald Trump making their last efforts in key battleground states.

Harris, the Democratic nominee, is focusing on Pennsylvania, while Trump, the Republican candidate, is holding rallies across North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.

Both are trying to energise supporters ahead of Election Day, despite 77 million Americans having already voted early.

Harris is aiming to make history as the first woman, first Black woman, and first person of South Asian descent to become president. She took over the Democratic ticket after President Biden withdrew following a poor debate performance.

Harris’ campaign has entered on generational change, abortion rights, and warnings about Trump’s role in the January 6 Capitol attack. Despite these criticisms, her closing message is more optimistic, focusing on problem-solving and unity.

Trump is campaigning on his “Make America Great Again” platform, emphasising hard-line immigration policies and economic promises. However, his rhetoric often shifts toward grievances over his legal battles and false claims about election fraud.

Both candidates are fighting for key states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, and several Sun Belt states, where the election outcome will likely be decided.

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2 Kids Give Away Prize Toy To Stranger In Wholesome Story

TWO KIDS GIVE AWAY PRIZE TOY TO STRANGER IN WHOLESOME STORY

Nov 4 2024

Taking to social media, a local Facebook user shared a touching story highlighting the kindness exhibited by two strangers, a little girl and boy, at Gravity, Shoreline.

The user, Rebecca Cassar, explained how out of nowhere the two came up to them and their baby girl and gave her a soft toy which they won in one of the arcade machines.

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‘This gesture was so beautiful, especially coming from two children so young’, wrote Cassar.

‘Thank you so much, you made our little girl very happy. And well done to their parents for raising such beautiful and kind children.’

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Environment NGOs Back Birdlife Malta Push To Uphold Rule Of Law

Nov 4 2024

Eight environmental NGOs have backed BirdLife Malta’s call for the European Commissioner for Environment to enforce a European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling from September 19. The ECJ found Malta guilty of violating the EU Birds Directive by allowing finch trapping under a ‘research derogation’ in previous autumns. Despite a one-month deadline to comply, the government reopened the finch trapping season on October 20, permitting around 3,500 trappers to continue using clap nets until December 20—essentially disregarding the court’s decision.

This marks the second instance where the government has ignored legal rulings, with environmental groups also pointing to the legalisation of two illegally constructed penthouses in Gozo after a court ruling by Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti. Both finch trapping and the planning decisions fall under the remit of Minister Clint Camilleri, who the NGOs claim has been given excessive leeway by Prime Minister Robert Abela.

A legal notice related to the trapping derogation made only minor adjustments, arguing that research on finch migration necessitates continued trapping. The NGOs warn that Malta’s repeated defiance of environmental laws for political reasons jeopardises the country’s environmental future. They are urging the European Commission to act swiftly. BirdLife Malta’s call is supported by Din l-Art Ħelwa, Moviment Graffiti, Nature Trust Malta, Malta Rangers Unit, Friends of the Earth Malta, Ramblers Association, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, and Għawdix.

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MEPs Back Glen Micallef Candidacy For Key EU Role

Nov 4 2024

This morning, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) and European People’s Party (EPP) groups met with Maltese journalists to discuss the candidacy of Glenn Micallef for a key European Commission portfolio focused on the cultural and creative sectors. MEP Hannes Heide (S&D) and MEP Zoltan Tarr (EPP) both voiced strong support for Micallef, emphasising his qualifications and potential impact on European culture and youth initiatives.

Hannes Heide highlighted the significance of the cultural and creative sectors in Europe, noting that they indirectly support up to eight million jobs. He praised Micallef’s dedication and passion, describing him as an ideal candidate for the role. Heide underscored the importance of youth involvement in policy-making, stressing Micallef’s engagement and accessibility to the public, which he believes is crucial for fostering dialogue with future generations about Europe’s development.

Zoltan Tarr shared a similar sentiment, stating that the EPP group is eager for Micallef to take office promptly, especially given the relevance of projects like Erasmus+ to the EPP’s agenda. He expressed the EPP’s vested interest in Micallef’s vision for Erasmus+, a programme that has a significant impact on youth and education in Europe. Tarr also mentioned that the EPP has no preference for a gender-based re-nomination, even though European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had favoured a female candidate.

Both MEPs conveyed a broad consensus on Micallef’s suitability for the role, expressing hope for a swift approval process and optimism about his potential contributions to the Commission.

Later today, Glenn Micallef, Malta’s nominee for European Commissioner for Intergenerational Solidarity, Youth, Culture, and Sport, will undergo a rigorous questioning session before the European Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education. This hearing will play a crucial role in determining Micallef’s suitability for the position, as he faces inquiries about his readiness and qualifications. Other members from committees on employment, civil liberties, and legal affairs will also attend, making it a high-stakes event. His performance today could shape his future role in the European Commission, with the committee’s feedback potentially influencing the final decision when the European Parliament votes on the new Commission later this month.

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