Viral Video: Birds Unable To Find Shelter After Mosta Tree Removal

Nov 14 2023

A heart-breaking video and a poem to go with it show birds flying around in Mosta at night time after the ficus trees they used for shelter were cut down in a controversial move.

The video was shared by local HipHop artist Liston Bongailas, who accompanied the post with a poem: ‘they took our home/ they took our shelter/ they took our peace of mind/ and we ended up in chaos.’

‘Ħadulna darna
Ħadulna l kenn
Ħadulna l wens
U spiċċajna biss f’ġenn

Illejla kollha għal Barra
Illejla kulħadd iddisprat
Ma nafx għaliex lilna l għasafar
kulħadd min familtu separat

L ġwienaħ ittertqu
Itiru bla waqfien
Fejn ħa naqbdu immorru
Kullimkien ħadulna, anke l widien.

Ejjew flimkien inwerżqu
Forsi xi proxxmu jismgħana
Forsi xi darba nerġgħu lura
Mal familja fid dar tgħana.’

The video was shared over a whopping 2.2K times, amassing 2.1K likes and over 400 comments in the 13 hours since it was uploaded.

The decision to cut the ficus trees was met with immense backlash, with activists and groups like Birdlife Malta and Steve Zammit Lupi calling out authorities for it.

#MaltaDaily

Cocaine User Stabs Friend With Sword Thinking He’s The Devil

Nov 13 2023

Josef Grech, a 33-year-old resident of Cospicua, was apprehended on Saturday morning after allegedly assaulting his friend with a sword.

The victim, with a profusely bleeding right arm, sought help at the local police station. Grech, reportedly in a paranoid state following a six-day cocaine binge, told authorities he believed his friend was “the devil.”

When police arrived at the scene, they found Grech seated outside the residence, repeatedly asserting, “I thought he was the devil,” in reference to the victim. It was revealed that both individuals had been consuming cocaine together when Grech, influenced by drug-induced paranoia, attacked his friend with a sword. Grech had been on a six to seven-day cocaine spree leading up to the violent incident.

Following the assault, Grech was taken into police custody and later to Mater Dei Hospital. Initially unfit to provide a statement, he later chose to remain silent when declared fit.

In court, dressed in a suit with anxious relatives behind him, Grech pleaded not guilty to charges of grievous bodily harm, assault, and threats against the victim. The defense, highlighting the influence of drug-induced paranoia on criminal intent, requested toxicological tests on Grech’s blood and potentially hair samples.

Bail was contested by the prosecution, citing the severity of the offenses and the victim’s critical condition. Grech’s clean criminal record and the difficulty of approaching the victim due to hospitalization were presented by the defense.

Despite the defense’s arguments, the court denied bail due to the nature of the charges, concerns about tampering, and Grech’s drug addiction. Instead, the court placed him under temporary supervision with a probation officer. AG lawyer Cynthia Tomasuolo handled the prosecution.

#MaltaDaily

Activists Call Out Destruction Of Ficus Trees In Mosta Square

Nov 13 2023

A decision to remove trees growing by the side of the Mosta Rotunda for over half a century has sparked outrage by civilians and activists alike.

Among the ones condemning the act was NGO Birdlife Malta, who wrote that they are ‘pleading with the authorities to stop the work immediately.’

The work is endangering the livelihoods of various bird species like the white wagtails, common starlings and Spanish sparrows, which take refuge in the ficus trees during the night when they roost together in safety.

‘This is the only roosting site for White Wagtails outside of Valletta and the idea of removing them is wrong, whilst the timing is even worse. We call on the authorities to stop the works immediately.’

Activist Steve Zammit Lupi also called out the decision, saying that they have been offering shade, shelter and greenery for well over 50 years.

‘All Mosta Local Council members in agreement to remove the trees. Unbelievable. These trees should be your pride. Why?! Shame on you ERA for giving the green light. Our trees are only protected on paper’, wrote the activist.

#MaltaDaily

Popular Las Vegas Sphere Lost $98.4 Million Since Opening

Nov 13 2023

The Las Vegas Sphere, a highly anticipated new venue that debuted with a residency by the renowned Irish rock band U2 in September, has faced significant financial challenges.

Owned and operated by the parent company of Madison Square Garden, the multi-billion dollar venue reported a revenue of $118 million USD, reflecting a substantial 71% decrease from the previous year, according to a report from The New York Post.

Despite an impressive opening with sold-out U2 shows generating $4.1 million USD and an additional $2.6 million from suite licensing and advertising on its exosphere, the venue seems to have lost momentum.

Gautam Ranji, the Sphere’s CFO, reportedly resigned, as indicated in an SEC filing. The filing clarified that his departure was unrelated to disagreements with auditors or management.

However, The NY Post suggested that Ranji’s abrupt resignation followed an incident where CEO James Dolan was observed “yelling and screaming” at him. The company, while acknowledging the CFO’s departure, expressed confidence in its ability to drive long-term value for shareholders.

As speculation lingers about the viability of the Sphere as a sound investment, the venue’s future remains uncertain despite its initial attention-grabbing launch.

#MaltaDaily