Новости за 10.07.2016

An intern at the Parklands of Floyds Fork in Louisville, Kentucky, was asked to make an anti-littering video. He did just that, but made a quirky one-of-a-kind video that warns, "last year alone, littering led to a 500 percent increase in the rate of adorable puppies crying." The video has been viewed more than 80,000 times since Friday.

The Planning Authority’s rejection of an application to turn a disused Swieqi farm into a residence has rekindled doubts over a permit approved in Siġġiewi for the daughter of a government consultant. Last week, the PA board unanimously rejected an application for a villa in an ODZ area overlooking Swieqi valley. During the hearing, the Opposition’s representative, Ryan Callus, who also voted against the permit, said the authority was adopting a “two weights, two measures” approach. He said board... Читать дальше...

An injunction request filed by Marsascala Sports Club against a Land Department order evicting it from the old national pool complex in Żonqor has been withdrawn as both sides are very close to an agreement. The injunction, which had been provisionally upheld by a judge, was withdrawn when the two parties were supposed to file their submissions for the court to take a final decision. Sources said the club opted to drop its case about a fortnight ago saying that talks with the government were at “a very advanced” stage. Читать дальше...

The suspect in the deadly attack on Dallas police taunted authorities during two hours of negotiations, laughing at them, singing and at one point asking how many officers he had shot, the city's police chief has revealed. Micah Johnson, a black Army veteran, insisted on speaking with a black negotiator and wrote in blood on the wall of a parking garage where police cornered and later killed him, David Brown told CNN's State Of The Union. Johnson, who was apparently injured in a shoot-out with police, wrote the letters "RB" and other markings. Читать дальше...

Britain's Andy Murray claimed his second Wimbledon title with a clinical 6-4 7-6(3) 7-6(2) defeat of big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic on Centre Court on Sunday. The world number two, champion in 2013, was in control throughout the two hour 48 minute contest as sixth seed Raonic's power game made little impact on the 29-year-old Scot.

British singer Cliff Richard is pursuing legal action against the BBC and the police after the broadcaster televised a raid on his house, saying his reputation had been "unnecessarily damaged". One of Britain's best known entertainers, Richard, 75, was investigated over allegations of sexual offences between 1958 and 1983, but the Crown Prosecution Service said last month that it would not charge him, due to lack of evidence. Having been cleared of charges, Richard, who maintained his innocence throughout the investigation... Читать дальше...

The UK’s decision to exit the EU is having a negative impact on Malta’s individual investor scheme, with several local agents reporting a sudden dwindling of interest from potential passport buyers, The Sunday Times of Malta is informed. It is a known secret that many of the buyers are not interested in setting up home in Malta but are using the scheme to acquire freedom of movement in the EU. This means the UK’s imminent withdrawal from the bloc is denting the attractiveness of Malta’s scheme. “The... Читать дальше...

A quick snapshot of tourists’ impressions of Malta reveals mainly satisfied customers with one recurring gripe: the streets could be cleaner. Leeni Varis and Cyrielle Delmas conducted a vox pop in Valletta. See video above.

Lewis Hamilton won the British grand prix in dominant fashion this afternoon, starting from pole and never being threatened. The race started in the rain behind the safety car. Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg came in second but his place is under threat after his team appeared to break the rules when they gave him instructions on the radio after his seventh gear failed. Red Bull Teenager Verstappen impressed again, coming in a close third after having earlier overtaken Rosberg in the wet. His team-mate... Читать дальше...

Electronic message signs installed some months ago by the transport watchdog in a bid to alleviate traffic congestion have so far failed to make any impact as no real-time information is being relayed through them. Instead, use of this so called ‘intelligent’ traffic system is being limited to displaying educational signs such as urging motorists to wear their seatbelt or warning them against driving under the influence or using their mobile phone. They are also transmitting the closure of Dock 7 to drivers heading in that direction. Читать дальше...

It was open house at the Gozo citadel last night as celebrations were held to mark the completion of extensive restoration of the walled town, its bastion and ditch. The celebration, hosted by the Ministry for Gozo, included entertainment, games, exhibitions and historical re-enactments. All museums and attractions in the town were open for free, including the Gozo cathedral and chapels, law courts, museums and underground stores, war shelters and fortifications.

The son of slain al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden has threatened revenge against the United States for assassinating his father, according to an audio message posted online. Hamza bin Laden promised to continue the global militant group's fight against the United States and its allies in the 21-minute speech entitled "We Are All Osama," according to the SITE Intelligence Group. "We will continue striking you and targeting you in your country and abroad in response to your oppression of the people of Palestine... Читать дальше...

It was shame that the present government sold the brand new (BWSC) power station to Shanghai Electric, despite the huge savings it was yielding in power generation. But it was even more disgraceful that Enemalta was now actually paying good money in order to continue using it, Opposition leader Simon Busuttil said this morning. And the government had refused to publish the sale agreement or give details about how much it was paying to rent it back, he added. Speaking in a Radio 101 interview, Dr... Читать дальше...

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat this morning drew contrasts in Simon Busuttil's actions after critical reports issued by the Auditor General against Konrad Mizzi and Chris Said. Speaking in a brief One Radio interview, Dr Muscat said the Opposition leader had wanted Dr Mizzi's head after the Auditor General last year said the minister had interfered in oil hedging - even though this meant better prices for Maltese motorists. (See http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20150309/local/updated-oil-hedging-with-azeri-company-on-ministerial-directio

Gravediggers were instructed to sign a declaration denying a report on their working conditions carried by this newspaper last week, sources have said. The day after The Sunday Times of Malta published a story raising awareness to the health hazards they face as a result of the primitive working conditions they are forced to work in, gravediggers were rounded up and told off for “shedding a bad light on the government”.  The meetings were held over two days. They were given a declaration to sign that denied the facts of the report. Читать дальше...

Singer Corazon Mizzi last night won the L-Ghanja tal-Poplu festival with X’Se Jsir?, a song which she also wrote and composed. She also won the prize for the best songwriter. The song Ta’ Billejl, performed by Neville Refalo, placed second and Mellisni, by Mikaela Bajada, was third. L-Ghanja tal-Poplu is the foremost festival of songs in Maltese. It was held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal.

A seven-year-old boy was seriously injured when he was hit by a car at the Sliema Stand early this morning. The police said the accident happened shortly before 1am as the boy was crossing the road. Sources said the boy suddenly dashed out into the road. His injuries are not life-threatening.  MAN INJURED IN FALL WHILE PUTTING OUT FIRE Meanwhile, in Gozo, a 44-year-old man was seriously injured when he fell some five metres off scaffolding in a field at Triq il-Kalandrijiet, Kercem. The accident... Читать дальше...

The following are the top headlines in Malta's newspapers. The Sunday Times of Malta reports that Air Malta pilots are demanding a salary increase of €50,000 each. Il-Mument says the burden of tax and duties is up by €106m. The Malta Independent on Sunday focuses on the cost of industrial action on Air Malta. It also says Konrad Mizzi is refusing to discuss the promised audit of his financial affairs.  Illum says the PN is not taking a position on the morning-after pill.  It-Torca highlights the €6m investment on a revamp at Marsaxlokk. Читать дальше...

The early morning mist continues to throw up unusual views of Malta. The picture above is of the view from Mtarfa this morning. Photo taken by John Gerard Debono. mynews@timesofmalta.com Facebook: Times of Malta

Australia's opposition Labour Party conceded defeat in the federal election today, clearing the way for Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to retain power. Counting of votes in the marathon election continues, but Bill Shorten, the leader of the Labour Party, said the ruling coalition government led by Turnbull would gain enough seats to hold on to power. "It is clear that Mr Turnbull and his coalition will form a government," Shorten told a news conference in Melbourne. "Whether it is a minority government... Читать дальше...

Air Malta pilots each want an increase of €50,000 in their take-home pay as they resort to industrial action, The Sunday Times of Malta has learnt. The new financial package demanded by the Airline Pilots Association would see the airline’s expenditure on pilot wages alone increase by €6 million, according to industry sources. The demands would “cripple” the airline, which has failed to return to profitability after a painful and expensive five-year restructuring process, the sources said. Last week... Читать дальше...

Fifty-nine per cent of respondents in a Financial Services Survey carried out by PwC in collaboration with Finance Malta have reported increased business volumes. The report said this outcome is a reflection of Malta’s economic performance where real GDP growth of 6.4 per cent in 2015 continued to outperform that of the EU28 average (two per cent in 2015). The survey was carried out between March and April and was directed at regulated banking, insurance and asset management institutions. The survey... Читать дальше...

As the annual Mcast students’ exhibition comes to an end, Johnathan Cilia speaks to director for the creative arts Tyrone Grima to find out more about the goals behind the initiative and whether these are being reached. The Institute of Arts at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (Mcast) in Mosta has many things going for it. A great location with a beautiful view of east Malta, ample parking space and, above all else, a positive and supportive stance towards young artists finding their strengths and talents in the creative arts. Читать дальше...

The Malta Stock Exchange (MSE) index closed the week 0.2 per cent lower at 4,568.285 points, following a disappointing week in the larger capitalised equities, namely HSBC Bank Malta plc, Bank of Valletta plc (BOV) and International Hotel Investments plc (IHI). On the other hand, positive returns were recorded in the share price of Lombard Bank Malta plc, Fimbank plc and Medserv plc – the only gainers last week. Total trading value for the week rose from €695,000 to €1.4 million as activity was spread across 13 equities... Читать дальше...