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Napoli secure spot but Serie A’s final-day Champions League math is still wide open
Napoli secured a spot in next season's Champions League but the other two remaining places in Europe's elite club competition could go to any of four teams in Serie A. Scott McTominay, Amir Rrahmani and Rasmus Højlund scored to help Napoli to a comfortable 3-0 win at already-relegated Pisa on Sunday to ensure Antonio Conte's team will finish in the top four of the Italian league, with just one round remaining. AC Milan and Roma also won on Sunday to leave them level on 70 points in third and fourth place. Juventus and Como were two points further back and can't catch Napoli on 73 points. Milan and Roma play Cagliari and Hellas Verona, respectively, in their final matches. Juventus visits Torino in the derby and Como travels to Cremonese. Just like in the penultimate round, all those matches will kick off simultaneously. Inter Milan won the Serie A title with three rounds remaining and there was a party atmosphere at San Siro during the 1-1 draw against Hellas Verona, its final home game of the season. Inter, which also won the Italian Cup last week to clinch the double for the first time since 2010, was presented with the Serie A trophy after the match before going off on an open-top bus parade through the streets of Milan. Pulisic returns Christian Pulisic came on as a second-half substitute to help Milan to a crucial 2-1 win at Genoa. Pulisic missed Milan's last match with a lower-back problem but the United States forward recovered earlier than expected and was brought on in the 76th minute with the Rossoneri winning 1-0 thanks to Christopher Nkunku's penalty. Pulisic had an immediate impact, five minutes after coming off the bench, as he laid off the ball to Zachary Athekame, who drilled into the bottom corner from outside the area. Johan Vásquez pulled one back for Genoa a few minutes later. Pulisic, who saw a late opportunity saved, extended his scoreless streak to 18 league matches since Dec. 28. Tempers fray in Rome Roma won the derby against Lazio 2-0, but there were brawls between the players after each of the goals. Roma defender Wesley and Lazio midfielder Nicolò Rovella were spotted throwing punches at each other in the second brawl and both were shown red cards. Gianluca Mancini twice headed in corners for the goals. Elsewhere, Juventus was roundly jeered after losing 2-0 at home to fierce rivals Fiorentina, while Como held on for a 1-0 win over Parma to leave Cesc Fàbregas' team still in with a chance of qualifying for the Champions League just seven years after playing in Italy's fourth division. Relegation fight All 10 Serie A matches were taking place on Sunday, with the teams involved in the relegation battle playing in the evening. Pisa and Verona had already been relegated but one of two teams could still join them in Serie B going into the final round. Cremonese won 1-0 at Udinese but remained a point below safety and 17th-place Lecce scored a winner deep in stoppage time to snatch a 3-2 victory at Sassuolo. Lecce hosts Genoa in the final round. Cagliari beat Torino 2-1 to guarantee Serie A soccer next season. Bologna won 1-0 at Atalanta.
2026-05-18 02:23:00

West Ham on brink of relegation from the Premier League as Bruno Fernandes ties assist record
West Ham's 14-year stay in the Premier League is almost over. The London club lost 3-1 at Newcastle on Sunday to stay in the relegation zone and two points from safety with one match left, against Leeds at its Olympic Stadium home in the final round next Sunday. The Hammers will be relegated before then if Tottenham - the only other team that can mathematically go down - beats Chelsea away on Tuesday in the first of its two remaining games. A draw at Stamford Bridge would also likely be enough for Spurs, given their goal difference is far superior to West Ham's. Tottenham's second chance is at home to Everton in the final round. West Ham has been in the top flight since 2012, coming through a number of relegation battles in that time. This one looks beyond the team - three years after it won the Conference League title for its first major trophy since 1980 in a sign of brighter things to come. Newcastle scored twice in the first 19 minutes, through Nick Woltemade and William Osula. Osula added a third in the 65th before a brilliant long-range consolation by Taty Castellanos, who also hit the crossbar for West Ham. Fernandes ties assist record after VAR controversy Bruno Fernandes grabbed his record-tying 20th assist of the Premier League season to help Manchester United beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 in an end-to-end match featuring the latest VAR controversy. Bryan Mbeumo's 76th-minute goal proved to be decisive and was set up by Fernandes, who moved level with Arsenal great Thierry Henry (2002-03) and former Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne (2019-20) for most assists in a single Premier League campaign. The Portugal midfielder has one game left to set the outright record - at Brighton next weekend. United had earlier gone in front for the second time in the game when Matheus Cunha stroked home a finish in the 55th minute after Mbeumo controlled the ball using his outstretched arm before having a shot blocked. The goal was awarded by the on-field referee and he stuck to his decision - judging the contact accidental - after the VAR recommended he look at the incident again on the pitchside monitor. The win guaranteed third place - and one of the Premier League's five Champions League qualification spots - for United and it was another step in the right direction under Michael Carrick, who is widely expected to be hired as permanent manager in the coming days after a successful four-month spell in charge. This was Carrick's 11th win in 16 games at the helm, with only two losses in that period. Luke Shaw gave United the lead in the fifth minute and Morato equalized in the 53rd. Cunha's contentious goal regained the lead for the hosts and Mbeumo made it 3-1, before Morgan Gibbs-White pulled another goal back for Forest, whose safety was assured last week. It was Brazil midfielder Casemiro's final home match for United after four years with the team, and he received a standing ovation when he was walked off the field after being substituted in the 81st minute. Brighton loses in tight race for European positions In the race to qualify for European competitions, seventh-place Brighton missed the chance to jump to sixth after losing 1-0 at Leeds, whose winner came from England striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin - a World Cup hopeful - in stoppage time. Eighth-place Brentford equalized late - through Dango Ouattara for his second of the match - in a 2-2 home draw with Crystal Palace and moved one point behind Brighton. Sunderland is a further point back in ninth after winning 3-1 at Everton courtesy of three second-half goals. The teams finishing in sixth and seventh place are set to qualify for the Europa League, with eighth place seemingly going into the Conference League. Fulham drew 1-1 at already-relegated Wolverhampton thanks to a penalty converted by U.S. left back Antonee Robinson for his first Premier League goal.
2026-05-18 02:21:00

Borg Manché calls on Labourites not to let party loyalty blind them in first address with PN
In his first address as a candidate of the Nationalist Party, Conrad Borg Manché told Labour supporters listening in not to let either fear or party loyalty hold them back from changing their vote. During PN's mass rally on Wednesday evening, its new surprise candidate, former PL mayor in Gżira, Conrad Borg Manché, shared why he decided to run on the PN ticket in this coming general election after years with the Labour Party and after contesting the European Parliament and local council elections independently in 2024. Borg Manché was all smiles as he was greeted by PN supporters in attendance with long applauses and even a standing ovation. Borg Manché called upon all PL supporters, as a recent ex-PL representative himself, to vote for the Nationalist Party, stating that "the PN is offering a serious alternative that our country needs" and that it is "the only shield that can defend our environment and our people." "To the Labourites listening to this, I know it is not easy to change your vote - I know your party is your second family - but I need you to open your eyes and see the reality of where this country is headed," Borg Manché said. He implored traditional PL supporters to shift away from their party loyalty for the benefit of the country, noting that the Labour Party no longer holds the values that they cherish. In his message to Labour Party voters, the former Gżira mayor said that "the country you believed in - the workers' party that I also believed in - is no longer there. It has been captured by a clique that is only interested in its pockets and in its friends' friends." "Do not let your party loyalty blind you from the great damage that is being done to the country. Do not let your fear hold you back. Our true loyalty should not lie in political parties, but in our children, in our families, and in our Malta," he said. Borg Manché told disgruntled PL supporters that if they remain home and abstain from voting, then "you will be allowing this clique to continue destroying everything dear to us." Hence, he called for them to unite under the blue flag to "fight for open spaces where children can play and breathe fresh air" and for "our land's heritage." "To bring the change our country urgently needs, we must not fight alone. We must not remain divided while those in government continue to do as they like to our country," he said. He said that he had initially believed in the Labour movement, as many other genuine people did, because they all believed in its message to spread social justice for local communities. He remarked that he is aware that these genuine voters feel "betrayed" to see that the PL has been "taken up by four people who are only interested in filling their pockets and retaining power," adding that he felt this same betrayal as Gżira mayor. On this, he cited how on the first day of his second term as Gżira mayor, "on the same day I was swearing to serve with honesty and loyalty, others were signing to destroy the only open space residents had" as the permit for a petrol station to be developed in the locality's sole garden was published. He said that among the several reasons he later resigned from the Labour Party was because his conscience could not allow him to serve those who have neglected the people. During his speech, he provided more context behind this decision just a few hours after writing a brief explanation on this on social media where he said that a hollow family court reform served as the last straw to push him towards running alongside the Opposition. Borg Manché labelled this family court reform as "another betrayal" committed by the incumbent PL administration. He noted that despite the PL government promising a serious Family Court reform, "after long years, wasted time, and empty promises, nothing has happened" and "nice words on paper never turned into action." He said that this reform is an urgent necessity and a matter of social justice "that this government has totally neglected." Borg Manché also dedicated part of his first address as a PN candidate to Mirabel Falzon and her family. In July 2024, Falzon, aged 22, lost her life in a rockfall in Marsascala. Borg Manché said that she, "a woman who was in the prime of her life," is a victim of this government because no action was taken after relevant authorities were notified of the danger at risk in the area before her untimely passing. He added that Falzon's family, nearly two years after her passing, is still waiting for a response to this accident. During this first address, Borg Manché gave PN leader Alex Borg his full backing. He said that he's known Borg "for a long time," that he's always enjoyed speaking to him and that he's "a very humble person" who used to encourage him and commend him for his stamina. "I believe in Alex," Borg Manché stated, "I believe in him and that this country needs him."
2026-05-13 20:24:00

PN government would cover half home loan interest for first-time buyers in first decade, PN pledges
Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg announced two new proposals to help first-time buyers purchase their first home on Wednesday evening: that a PN government would provide a rebate covering half of the total interest payments paid in the first decade of a home loan and, secondly, that first-time buyers would be able to receive interest-free assistance by the government to cover the deposit on properties costing up to €450,000. During a mass rally on Wednesday evening in Qormi, Borg unveiled two new proposals that a PN government will introduce, should it win the coming general election, to help more young people become homeowners. The PN leader stated that as of today, the government gives property buyers who are purchasing a property, costing up to €225,000, an interest-free grant worth 10% of the property value (covering the deposit) that is repaid over the 40-year lifetime of the home loan. Borg said that if elected, a PN government will widen this scheme so that it covers properties double in price, i.e., worth up to €450,000. Through this, first-time buyers could be given assistance of up to €45,000 to cover the deposit, he said. While sharing this pledge, the Opposition leader stated that “today’s realities are different; the increasing cost of living and inflation have persisted, and property prices have continued to rise,” and hence, the time has come to update this existing scheme so that it better reflects modern property prices and the contemporary housing market. The second proposal announced by Borg is to introduce a new scheme altogether, whereby first-time buyers will receive monthly payments to cover half of the total interest payments on the first 10 years of a home loan. He said that through this scheme, first-time buyers can benefit from up to €46,800 in direct assistance over the first decade of home loan payments. Before announcing these measures, Borg referenced a recent study that found that the average price of an apartment in the Maltese islands now costs some €400,000. He remarked that it is very rare for youths who have just finished school to have enough money sitting ready to cover the 10% deposit to purchase a property nowadays, noting that he didn’t have this amount and many others cannot afford this either. Hence, he said that “this is where the government must step in – to provide peace of mind.” Borg said that a PN administration would like to help youths and parents alike by creating an economy that supports them. During his speech, he said that a PN government will introduce new economic niches to the Maltese islands that will generate millions, and that these millions of euros will be reinvested back to the people “so that you can better cope with the increasing cost of living.” He commented that while PN will reduce electricity bills by 30% and raise student stipends by 25% if elected, the incumbent Labour administration has failed to guarantee quality of life as the country performed well economically. Borg also noted that past summers filled with power cuts forced many families across Malta and Gozo to buy generators for their home and that the nation’s gas supply, which the PN said expires this summer, is another question mark that still needs answering. “It’s good that our economy is growing, but that is not enough. Has quality of life for people become better? Have youths been given the opportunity to become homeowners as their parents did? Workers today, do they live to work or work to live?” Borg questioned. Alex Borg said that this early election was not announced because Malta is going through a crisis, but that it was announced “in the interest of Robert Abela and the Labour Party.” “He needed this election – a year early – because the PL has a lot to lose,” Borg said. He said that as a result, “this electoral campaign has become a marketplace, a supermarket” with a barrage of new proposals being announced “every day, left, right, and centre.” Borg added that if the Labour Party truly wanted to fulfil all its pledges, it had another year left in its electoral mandate to do so, featuring one final budget to spearhead one final push, on top of the last 13 years it’s already had in government. He said that people should enter politics to serve, “not to be served by the system as they are doing – as the people are seeing.” Borg concluded his speech by telling viewers that under his leadership, the Nationalist Party shall open its doors to all. The PN will extend this to doors of Castille, should the electorate entrust it to govern the nation over the next legislature, he added. During this mass rally, Conrad Borg Manché gave his first address as a member of the Nationalist Party, in which he shared why he has decided to complete his switch in allegiance from the Labour Party just a couple years ago to the PN in this general election now. He called for all disgruntled Labourites to express themselves on election day and going out to vote, rather than abstaining. His speech was preceded by PN councillor and minority leader within the Qormi Local Council, Ralph Puli.
2026-05-13 19:43:00

Borg expands Disciplined Forces pension proposal to include LESA, Transport Malta workers
Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg has announced that the PN's proposed pension reform for disciplined forces members would also be extended to workers employed with LESA and Transport Malta who complete 25 years of service, an expansion of the policy unveiled earlier on Tuesday. Addressing supporters during a political activity in Żabbar for the second district, Borg said the PN wanted to ensure that long-serving public sector workers who dedicate their careers to national service would receive fairer retirement conditions. The proposal builds on the PN's previously announced pledge that retired disciplined forces members would receive a pension equivalent to two-thirds of the current salary attached to the rank from which they retired, rather than remaining tied to outdated wage structures. Borg said the reform would ensure pensions continue reflecting present-day salaries and living realities. Borg confirmed that the measure would now also cover LESA and Transport Malta employees who complete 25 years of service, describing the extension as part of the PN's broader commitment to workers who spend decades serving the country. He said that many retired workers face financial difficulties because pensions stop keeping pace with inflation and salary increases after retirement. Borg said a future Nationalist government would ensure pensions continue increasing in line with the cost of living so that former officers and long-serving employees do not see their income lose value over time. Borg told supporters that the PN had spent months preparing detailed proposals alongside professionals and sector experts, insisting the party was presenting concrete solutions rather than slogans. He said political opponents had repeatedly attacked PN proposals before later attempting to adopt similar ideas themselves. The PN leader also pledged additional investment in Malta's disciplined forces and security infrastructure, including police stations and the Armed Forces of Malta. Borg said some of this investment could be supported through European Union funding aimed at strengthening national security and public service infrastructure. Much of Borg's speech centred on recognising the contribution made by disciplined forces personnel and public servants. He said officers are often acknowledged only during national events or ceremonies despite working daily to guarantee public safety. "We cannot recognise them only during festivities," Borg told supporters, adding that disciplined forces members deserve consistent support throughout their careers and into retirement. PN candidates Bernice Bonello, John Baptist Camilleri, Leon Sciberras, and Stephen Spiteri addressed supporters on issues ranging from healthcare and infrastructure to environmental policy and local representation.
2026-05-12 18:24:00

Spain readies for evacuations as a hantavirus-hit cruise ship heads for the Canary Islands
Spanish authorities on Saturday were preparing to receive more than 140 passengers and crew members on board a hantavirus-stricken cruise ship headed for the Canary Islands, where health officials have said they will perform careful evacuations. The vessel is expected to arrive Sunday at the Spanish island of Tenerife, off the coast of West Africa, and passengers will be taken to a "completely isolated, cordoned-off area," said the head of Spain's emergency services, Virginia Barcones. Both the U.S. and the U.K. have agreed to send planes to evacuate their citizens from the cruise ship. While three people have died since the outbreak, and five passengers who left the ship are known to be infected with hantavirus, cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions said Friday there were no people with symptoms of a possible infection on board the Dutch-flagged ship, the MV Hondius. The World Health Organization considers the risk to the wider public from the outbreak as low. On Friday, the WHO said a flight attendant on a plane briefly boarded by an infected cruise passenger has tested negative for hantavirus. Her possible infection had raised concerns about the virus' potential transmissibility. The flight attendant's negative result should ease concerns among the public, said Christian Lindmeier, a WHO spokesman. "The risk remains absolutely low," he said. "This is not a new COVID." Hantavirus is usually spread by the inhalation of contaminated rodent droppings and isn't easily transmitted between people. But the Andes virus detected in the cruise ship outbreak may be able to spread between people in rare cases. Symptoms usually show between one and eight weeks after exposure. Health authorities across four continents were tracking down and monitoring more than two dozen passengers who disembarked the ship before the deadly outbreak was detected. They were also scrambling to trace others who may have come into contact with them. Passengers on the ship worry about how people will treat them In interviews with The Associated Press, two Spanish passengers - speaking on condition of anonymity because of fears they'll be ostracized once on land - said that despite the outbreak, their days aboard have passed with relative tranquility. Some people are bird-watching, and others are gathering in common areas to read or attend talks, while wearing masks and social distancing. Both passengers told AP they're worried about how they'll be treated in Spain and once home. "We're scared by all the news that's coming out, by how people are going to receive us, by how people see us," one said. "We're just normal people. We've heard that this is a millionaires' cruise, and it's the complete opposite of reality. And we're scared by this." Officials sought to reassure the public in the Canary Islands about possible exposure to the virus among the general population. Once the ship reaches Tenerife, passengers will be evacuated in small boats to buses only after their repatriation flights are ready to take them, Spanish officials said Friday. Passengers will be transported in isolated and guarded vehicles, officials said, adding that the parts of the airport they travel through will be cordoned off. Countries scramble to track passengers who disembarked On April 24, nearly two weeks after the first passenger had died on board, more than two dozen people from at least 12 different countries left the ship without contact tracing, Dutch officials and the ship's operator said Thursday. It wasn't until May 2 that health authorities first confirmed hantavirus in a ship passenger, the WHO said. The KLM flight attendant who tested negative for the virus was working on a flight headed from Johannesburg to Amsterdam on April 25, and had later fallen ill. The cruise passenger briefly aboard that flight - a Dutch woman whose husband died on the ship - was too ill to stay on the international flight to Europe and was taken off the plane in Johannesburg, where she died. The Dutch public health service is undertaking contact tracing on passengers who had contact with the ill woman before she left the plane. On Friday, U.K. health authorities said a third British national who had been a passenger on the ship is suspected of being infected with hantavirus. The U.K. Health Security Agency said the person is on the island of Tristan da Cunha, a remote British overseas territory in the south Atlantic where the ship stopped in April. There was no word on the condition of the person. Spanish health officials said Friday a woman in the southeastern Spanish province of Alicante has symptoms consistent with a hantavirus infection and is being tested. She was a passenger on the same flight as the Dutch woman who died in Johannesburg after traveling on the cruise ship, Secretary of State for Health Javier Padilla told reporters. Two other Britons who were on the ship have been confirmed to have the virus. One is hospitalized in the Netherlands and the other in South Africa. Authorities in South Africa are working to trace contacts of any passengers who previously got off the ship. They have focused mainly on an April 25 flight from the remote island of St. Helena in the South Atlantic to Johannesburg, the day after some passengers disembarked on the island. Some state officials across the U.S. said they are monitoring a small number of residents who were on the ship and already went home, as well as people who may have come into contact with ship passengers. None has symptoms. Health officials in the US detail plans for American passengers The U.S. agreed to send a plane to repatriate about 17 Americans who are still on the ship. Those passengers will be quarantined at the National Quarantine Unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Nebraska Medicine, the hospital said Friday. None have symptoms. Doctors will determine how long the quarantine will last after assessing the passengers. The dedicated biocontainment and quarantine unit in Omaha previously was used to treat Ebola patients and some of the first COVID-19 patients. Nebraska Medicine is one of a handful of hospitals in the U.S. with specialized treatment units for people with highly dangerous infectious diseases. "We are prepared for situations exactly like this," Dr. Michael Ash, CEO of Nebraska Medicine, said in a statement. The British government said it will charter a plane to evacuate the nearly two dozen British nationals onboard.
2026-05-09 10:54:00

Election 2026: Abela’s immediate support vs Borg’s structural reform
The eighth day of Malta's election campaign sharpened the contrast between the governing Robert Abela and Opposition leader Alex Borg, with both presenting policy packages that reveal fundamentally different approaches to governance, economic management, and social support. While there are limited areas of convergence - particularly around cost-of-living concerns and quality of life - the divergence lies in how each leader proposes to address them. Abela's message remains consistent with Labour's broader campaign strategy: direct intervention, immediate relief, and an expansive welfare framework funded by continued economic growth. His proposals on Tuesday reinforced this model. The decision to grant first-time buyer status to separated or divorced individuals is emblematic of this approach. It targets a specific social reality - relationship breakdown - and offers a tangible, immediate benefit through tax exemptions and access to schemes. Similarly, extending financial support for medical travel to include accompanying adults reflects responsiveness to practical gaps in existing policy. This pattern repeats across Abela's wider platform. From increased parental leave and higher child benefits to tax exemptions for young workers and expanded stipends, the emphasis is on distributing economic gains directly to households. Even in transport, the extension of free ferry services fits into a broader narrative of universal benefits. The underlying premise is clear: a strong economy enables the state to absorb costs and improve quality of life at every stage. Borg, by contrast, is deliberately positioning the Nationalist Party as offering a more restrained and strategic alternative. His rhetoric consistently distances the PN from what he describes as "short-term" or "cash-based" measures. Instead, Borg emphasises structural reform and long-term sustainability. The pledge to reduce electricity prices by 30% and to provide free cancer medication does echo Labour's focus on household relief, suggesting some convergence on key voter concerns. However, Borg describes these not as isolated benefits but as part of a broader economic recalibration. This distinction becomes clearer in the PN's proposal for an offshore maritime fuel hub at Hurd's Bank. Unlike Labour's retail-style policy announcements, this is a macroeconomic project aimed at repositioning Malta within a specific global industry. It speaks to investment-led growth, sectoral diversification, and long-term revenue generation. Borg's argument is that such initiatives will ultimately create higher-value employment. The contrast also extends to governance style. Abela projects confidence in the state's capacity to deliver across multiple fronts simultaneously, frequently invoking Malta's "strong economic engine" as justification. His campaign is dense with pledges, covering housing, health, education, pensions, and youth policy in rapid succession. This breadth is intended to signal competence and continuity but risks raising questions about fiscal sustainability, particularly as the number of commitments grows. Borg, on the other hand, is attempting to cultivate an image of discipline and prioritisation. By insisting that the PN will not "throw proposals left, right and centre," he is implicitly criticising Labour's expansive approach. His focus is narrower but more strategic, centred on energy reform, healthcare guarantees, and economic restructuring. The trade-off is that his proposals, while potentially transformative, are less immediately tangible for voters seeking short-term relief. Despite these differences, there is some overlap in acknowledging the pressures facing Maltese households. Both leaders recognise the burden of rising costs, housing challenges, and the need to improve quality of life. Both also place emphasis on youth and future generations, though Abela does so through direct incentives and Borg through economic repositioning. Ultimately, the campaign is crystallising into a choice between two governing philosophies. Abela offers continuity through state-backed support and immediate benefits. Borg presents a corrective path, focused on restructuring the economy to reduce reliance on such interventions over time. The electorate is therefore not just weighing individual proposals, but deciding which model of governance they consider more credible - and more sustainable - for Malta's future.
2026-05-06 05:41:00

Majority of hunters illegally target Turtle-doves during first week of spring season - BirdLife
An estimated 72% of hunters observed during the first week of this year's spring hunting season were not targeting Common Quail but were instead primarily aiming at Turtle-doves, according to data collected by BirdLife Malta's Spring Watch teams across Malta and Gozo. The estimate is based on systematic observations from strategic watchpoints, where trained staff and volunteers distinguished between quail hunters actively walking through open vegetation often with dogs, and those positioned in hides, towers or stationary setups typically associated with Turtle-dove hunting, BirdLife said Monday. The figures, gathered over six mornings between Monday 13 April and Saturday 18 April, are considered conservative, particularly in areas such as Miżieb and Aħrax where dense woodland limits visibility of hunting structures. In parallel, BirdLife Malta documented and reported multiple incidents to the police indicating widespread illegal targeting of Turtle-doves. These include the use of live or artificial decoys, electronic callers to attract migrating birds, and coordinated shooting following radio communication between hunters regarding incoming birds. A shot Turtle-dove was also recovered from Ġebel Ciantar on Friday afternoon and admitted for rehabilitation. A veterinary examination confirmed the presence of lead pellets and a dislocated shoulder. In several cases, hunters fled the scene upon police arrival. Video evidence of multiple incidents has been submitted to the Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) for further investigation. On Saturday, a BirdLife Malta team in Xgħajra filmed a masked individual actively pursuing Turtle-doves under Fort St Leonard. EPU officers arrived on site and caught the individual in the act. The hunter attempted to escape and resist arrest, throwing away his shotgun, and pulling a police sergeant downhill causing minor injuries. The individual has since been jailed due to previous offences, including other cases of hunting without a licence also reported by BirdLife Malta. While this case involved an unlicensed hunter, BirdLife Malta notes that most illegal Turtle-dove hunting is carried out by licensed individuals, despite the first week being officially restricted to quail hunting. "It is evident year after year, that there is no realistic way to ensure hunters restrict themselves to just quail once the season opens," said Nicholas Barbara, Head of Conservation at BirdLife Malta. "What we keep witnessing is a systemic failure of regulation and enforcement. There is no effective selfregulation within much of the hunting community when it comes to Turtledoves, and species-specific enforcement is practically impossible." With just under 8,000 licences issued this season, a ratio of seven police officers per 1,000 licences would be required in practice. BirdLife Malta questions whether such deployment is feasible, given the limited resources afforded to the Environmental Protection Unit of the Malta Police Force, and its absence from Gozo where police presence is typically only triggered by NGOs reports. This leaves large areas effectively unmonitored, allowing illegal activity to persist even in plain sight. "Claims that the 1,500 Turtle-dove quota is controlled are simply false," Barbara added. Although a reporting mechanism exists, fewer than 10% of hunters use it. At the same time spring hunting seasons involve thousands of hunters in dense concentrations, with hundreds of shots even from single locations as Turtle-doves fly past through lines of occupied hunting hides and towers across both islands. Footage of hunters targeting Turtle-doves during the first week is included in a video we're publishing on YouTube. "The scale and density of hunting activity mean that during the three-week spring hunting season, Turtle-doves are killed illegally in the first week, followed by uncontrolled and largely unreported killing in the following two weeks," Barbara said. BirdLife Malta is calling on the European Commission to closely scrutinise the derogation reports submitted by Malta's Wild Birds Regulation Unit (WBRU), and is inviting European Commission representatives to visit Malta during the spring hunting period and join its monitoring operations. Turtle-dove hunting needs to have an expiry given that this red-listed species is nearing extinction and is being deliberately killed during its pre-nuptial migration - a practice clearly prohibited under the Birds Directive, the NGO said.
2026-04-20 13:16:00

National Agricultural Policy for 2027–2037 opens for public consultation
The Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights has launched a public consultation on the White Paper for Malta's National Agricultural Policy, a strategic document establishing a long-term vision for the development of the sector between 2027 and 2037, a government statement said. The document sets out a comprehensive framework of reforms and actions aimed at strengthening agriculture in Malta, including addressing land limitations and fragmentation, generational continuity, and the need for more sustainable use of natural resources. The White Paper focuses on six key strategic areas: protection of agricultural land, differentiation and professionalisation of the sector, generational renewal, resilience in water, energy and climate, stronger market orientation, and modern, effective governance and administrative efficiency. Agriculture Minister Anton Refalo said that agriculture in Malta is not only an economic sector, but a fundamental part of national identity and heritage. He said that despite ongoing challenges, Maltese and Gozitan farmers have shown resilience and commitment, and that government remains committed to providing a clear, fair and sustainable policy framework to safeguard the sector's future. Refalo spoke of the importance of protecting agricultural land to ensure it continues to be used for its intended purpose. He added that investment will continue in technology, innovation, and improved market access for local products, alongside support for fair income for farmers. He also said that generational renewal and attracting more young people into the sector are essential to ensure long-term sustainability and viability. The Minister also officially opened a seminar on tools and regulations for the protection of agricultural land, which brought together representatives from five European Union member states. The seminar noted that Malta's commitment to protecting agricultural land is aligned with a broader European objective, and that Malta will look towards best practices from partner countries to adopt effective measures ensuring land remains safeguarded for agricultural use and future generations. The consultation on the White Paper will remain open for seven weeks to allow farmers, experts, and stakeholders to submit feedback, proposals, and contributions, with the aim of shaping a final policy grounded in the realities of the sector.
2026-04-17 16:49:00

TMID Editorial: Crimes we don’t see
Environmental crime does not always happen in plain sight, and that is precisely the problem. Insights from the Police Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) highlight a reality that is easy to overlook: many of these offences take place away from witnesses. Illegal hunting, dumping, and other environmental breaches are often carried out in isolated areas, at times when detection is least likely. By the time they are discovered, the damage has already been done. This is not a minor operational challenge. It is a structural one. When crimes happen out of view, enforcement cannot rely on traditional methods alone. It depends on intelligence, reporting, and, at times, coincidence. The EPU itself acknowledged that the absence of witnesses makes investigations significantly more difficult, even as the nature of environmental crime becomes more complex and, in some cases, more organised. The result is a system that is largely reactive. Authorities step in once harm has occurred, once protected species have been targeted, once waste has been dumped, once illegal activity has already taken place. While enforcement remains essential, it is not designed to operate in isolation. Without stronger preventative structures, it risks constantly playing catch-up. This same reactive approach is evident in another area flagged by the EPU: the rise in dangerous and exotic animal ownership. Cases involving such animals tend to surface only when something goes wrong - when animals are found in poor conditions, when they pose a risk, or when authorities are forced to intervene. Yet the question of what happens next remains far less clear. As Senior Inspector Elliott Magro from the EPU explained, once seized, these animals effectively become the responsibility of the State, yet in practice, they often remain in the same place where they were found. Confiscating these animals is not a straightforward process. It requires expertise, facilities, and long-term care arrangements that Malta does not have the capacity to provide. In the absence of these structures, enforcement risks stopping short of a complete solution. It is here that policy needs to move ahead of the problem. In an interview last year, animal activist Althea Galea had pointed to a key gap in Malta's regulatory framework: the reliance on a negative list system, which outlines which animals cannot be owned. As she explained, this approach leaves room for loopholes, with individuals able to bypass restrictions by claiming variations or sub-species that fall outside the defined list. Her proposal- a positive list - offers a more structured alternative. Rather than attempting to prohibit specific animals, it would clearly define which species can be owned, based on the country's ability to regulate and care for them. Common domestic animals would remain permissible, while exotic and dangerous species would fall outside that scope. Such a system would not only reduce ambiguity but also shift the approach from reactive to preventative. At the same time, any serious framework must address what happens to animals already in circulation. This means investing in safe confiscation procedures and, where necessary, establishing partnerships with sanctuaries abroad that are equipped to handle species Malta cannot adequately care for. Without this, enforcement risks being caught in a cycle - intervening when problems arise, without the tools to resolve them sustainably. The broader issue, however, remains consistent across both areas. Environmental crime in Malta is often hidden, evolving, and difficult to detect. Responding to it requires more than enforcement alone. It requires systems that anticipate, and manage risk before it materialises. Otherwise, Malta will continue to chase environmental crime after the fact, rather than preventing it in the first place.
2026-04-16 06:39:00

Trial by jury begins in Marsalforn murder case
A jury trial in connection with the murder of Fawez Najem, nearly four years after the fatal incident in Marsalforn , began on Monday. The accused, Maher Aljasem, who was 24 years old at the time of the incident and is now 28, stands charged with the murder of Fawez Najem (photo) during a violent confrontation at a residence in Marsalforn in May 2022 . He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. According to evidence presented during earlier court proceedings, Najem sustained a fatal stab wound to the chest, which pierced the heart. The court had heard how he was placed in a car and rushed to hospital, but he bled to death on the way. During the compilation of evidence, witnesses described how tensions escalated shortly before the incident. Testimony indicated that Najem had gone to the residence where the accused was present and knocked on the door. It was alleged in court that he told those inside that he intended to slash the accused, moments before the situation turned violent. Judge addresses jury Presiding judge Neville Camilleri opened proceedings by addressing the jury, outlining both the structure of the courtroom and the fundamental principles of criminal law. He explained the roles of the different parties, indicating where the prosecution, defence lawyers and the accused are seated, and clarified that the prosecution is led by lawyers from the Attorney General's office. The judge went on to explain key legal principles, including the presumption of innocence, stressing that the accused must be considered innocent unless proven guilty. He explained that it is the role of the prosecution to bring forward the charges and present evidence against the accused, while the defence is tasked with contesting those accusations. The jury was also told that the defence is always granted the final word in proceedings. Concluding his address, he assured the jurors that all aspects of the process will be explained as the trial moves on. He added that, after hearing all the evidence, it will ultimately be their responsibility to deliver a verdict.
2026-04-13 10:37:00

How they did it: US carries out daring rescue of service member in Iran
The United States pulled off a daring rescue of two aviators whose fighter jet was shot down by Iran, plucking the pilot from behind enemy lines before setting off a complicated extraction of the second service member who hid deep in the mountains as Tehran called for Iranians to help capture him. The CIA looked to throw off Iran's government before the crew member was found, launching a deception campaign to spread word inside the Islamic Republic that the U.S. had already located him. Even as President Donald Trump and other U.S. officials described an almost cinematic mission, rescuers faced major obstacles, including two Black Hawk helicopters coming under fire and problems with two transport planes that forced the U.S. military to blow them up. "This is the first time in military memory that two U.S. Pilots have been rescued, separately, deep in Enemy Territory," Trump wrote early Sunday on his Truth Social platform. "WE WILL NEVER LEAVE AN AMERICAN WARFIGHTER BEHIND!" US officials stayed silent as the operation played out In a pair of social media posts, Trump said the operation over the weekend required the U.S. to remain completely silent to avoid jeopardizing the effort, even as the president and top members of his administration continuously monitored the airman's location. The White House and the Pentagon refused to publicly discuss details about the downed fighter jet for well over 24 hours after the initial crash, particularly about the first crew member rescued from the F-15E Strike Eagle - an effort that Trump later said took seven hours in broad daylight over Iran. The United States and Iran's government then were both racing to find the second crew member, a weapons systems officer, whose location neither side knew. The CIA spread word in Iran that the U.S. had found him and were moving him by ground to get him out of the country, according to a senior Trump administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details not yet made public. The confusion allowed the CIA time to uncover the location of the service member, who was hiding in a mountain crevice, the official said. He had climbed 7,000 feet (2,133 meters) despite being injured, said Sen. Dave McCormick, a Pennsylvania Republican who told "Fox News Sunday" that he was briefed by a senior administration official involved in the operation. The intelligence agency sent the aviator's coordinates to the Pentagon and the White House, where Trump ordered a rescue operation. Iran urged the public to look for the 'enemy pilot' Meanwhile, an anchor on a channel affiliated with Iranian state television had been urging residents in the mountainous region of southwest Iran where the fighter jet went down to hand over any "enemy pilot" to police and promised a reward for anyone who did. Trump said the American aviator was being "hunted down" by enemies who were "getting closer and closer by the hour." The United States was monitoring his location continuously, he said. At the right moment, Trump said, he directed the military to send dozens of heavily armed aircraft to rescue the crew member, who the president said is "seriously wounded" but will recover. Iranian state media reported that airstrikes in southwestern Iran on Saturday killed at least three people and wounded others, in the same area where the missing American crew member was believed to be. US rescuers face obstacles with aircraft during the operation The American rescue mission ran into major challenges behind enemy lines. Iran's joint military command claimed it struck two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters taking part in the operation. A person familiar with the situation said the two helicopters were able to navigate to safe airspace, although it's unclear if they landed or if crew members were injured. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive information. Then, the U.S. military was forced to bring in additional aircraft to complete the rescue of the second service member due to a technical malfunction, according to a regional intelligence official briefed on the mission. The U.S. blew up two transport planes it was forced to leave behind because of the mishap, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the covert mission. Iran's state television on Sunday aired a video showing what it claimed were parts of a U.S. aircraft shot down by Iranian forces, along with a photo of thick, black smoke rising. The broadcaster said Iran had shot down a transport plane and two helicopters that were part of the rescue operation. Iran's joint military command said the destroyed aircraft included two C-130 military transport aircraft and two Black Hawk helicopters in the province of Isfahan, where the rescue took place. "The fact that we were able to pull off both of these operations, without a SINGLE American killed, or even wounded, just proves once again, that we have achieved overwhelming Air Dominance and Superiority over the Iranian skies," Trump said on social media. A second US military jet also was downed Trump, however, did not mention that a second military jet also went down the same day as the F-15E. Iranian state media said Friday that a U.S. A-10 attack aircraft crashed after being struck by Iran's defense forces. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive military situation, confirmed a second Air Force combat aircraft went down in the Middle East on Friday. An additional U.S. pilot was rescued but details were not available given the security concerns, another person familiar with the situation said. Neither provided more information, including whether it was the A-10.
2026-04-06 05:29:00

Trump issues an expletive-filled threat against Iran as details of US aviator's rescue emerge
U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday made expletive-filled threats against Iran and its infrastructure if it doesn't open the Strait of Hormuz by his Tuesday deadline, after American forces rescued a wounded aviator whose Iran-downed plane fell behind enemy lines. A defiant Iran struck infrastructure targets in neighboring Gulf Arab countries and threatened to restrict another heavily used waterway, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait off the Arabian Peninsula. Trump on social media vowed to hit Iran's power plants and bridges and said the country would be "living in Hell" if the Strait of Hormuz, crucial for global trade, isn't opened. He ended with "Praise be to Allah." Trump has issued such deadlines before but extended them when mediators have claimed progress toward ending the war, which has killed thousands, shaken global markets and spiked fuel prices in just over five weeks. "It seems Trump has become a phenomenon that neither Iranians nor Americans are able to fully analyze," Iranian Culture Minister Sayed Reza Salihi-Amiri told visiting Associated Press journalists in an interview in Tehran, adding that the U.S. president "constantly shifts between contradictory positions." Both sides have threatened and hit civilian targets like oil fields and desalination plants that provide drinking water. Iran's U.N. mission called Trump's threat "clear evidence of intent to commit war crime." Iran's joint military command warned of stepped-up attacks on regional oil and civilian infrastructure if the U.S. and Israel attack such targets there, according to state television. The laws of armed conflict allow attacks on civilian infrastructure only if the military advantage outweighs the civilian harm, legal scholars say. It's considered a high bar to clear, and causing excessive suffering to civilians can constitute a war crime. The US describes a dramatic rescue An intense search followed Friday's crash of the F-15E Strike Eagle, while Iran promised a reward for the "enemy pilot." It was the first known American aircraft to crash in Iranian territory since the U.S. and Israel launched the war on Feb. 28. Trump said that the service member was "seriously wounded and really brave" and rescued from "deep inside the mountains" in an operation involving dozens of armed aircraft. He said a second crew member was rescued in "broad daylight" within hours of the crash. A senior U.S. administration official said that before locating the second aviator, the CIA spread word inside Iran that U.S. forces had found him and were moving him out, creating confusion for Iranians. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss details not yet made public. Iran also shot down another U.S. military plane Friday, demonstrating the perils of the bombing campaign and the ability of Iran's degraded military to hit back. Neither the status of the A-10 attack aircraft's crew nor where it crashed is known. On Sunday, Iran's state television aired a video showing what it claimed were parts of U.S. aircraft - a transport plane and two helicopters - shot down by Iranian forces during the rescue operation. However, a regional intelligence official briefed on the mission told the AP that the U.S. military blew up two transport planes because of a technical malfunction and brought in additional aircraft to complete the rescue. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the covert mission. Iran's joint military command later said the U.S. bombarded its own aircraft to "prevent embarrassment for President Trump." Two Black Hawk helicopters were hit but navigated to safe airspace, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive information. Diplomatic efforts continue Trump's deadline centers on alarm over Iran's grip on the Strait of Hormuz, critical for global shipments of oil and gas from the Persian Gulf as well as humanitarian supplies. Some ships have paid Iran for passage. An Iranian presidential spokesperson, Seyyed Mohammad Mehdi Tabatabaei, said on social media that the strait can reopen only if some transit revenues compensate Iran for war damages. A top Iranian adviser, Ali Akbar Velayati, warned on social media that Tehran also could disrupt trade on the Bab el-Mandeb, a key chokepoint to and from the Red Sea. Diplomatic efforts continued. Oman's Foreign Ministry said that deputy foreign ministers and experts from Iran and Oman met to discuss proposals to ensure "smooth transit" through the strait. Egypt said that Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty had spoken with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and with Turkish and Pakistani counterparts. Russia said that Araghchi also spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Bahrain urged the U.N. Security Council to act on its draft proposal with language authorizing defensive action to ensure safe passage through the strait. Airstrikes hit Iran An airstrike early Monday struck a residential building near Eslamshar, southwest of Tehran, killing at least 13 people, the semiofficial Fars news agency and Nour News reported. Airstrikes also damaged buildings at the Sharif University of Technology in Tehran as well as a natural gas distribution site next to the campus, Iranian media reported. It wasn't immediately clear what was targeted at the university campus, which has switched to online classes because of the war. Elsewhere in Iran, an airstrike killed at least five people in a residential area of Qom, the state-run IRAN daily newspaper said in an online message. Qom is a Shiite seminary city just south of Tehran. It wasn't clear why the buildings were struck. Neither Israel nor the United States claimed the strikes early Monday In the United Arab Emirates, authorities said one Nepali and three Pakistanis were hurt in fires caused by debris from the interception of an Iranian projectile at Khor Fakkan port, and interception debris caused fires at a petrochemical plant in Ruwais, halting operations. In Kuwait, Iranian drone attacks caused significant damage to power plants and a petrochemical plant. They also put a water desalination station out of service, according to the Ministry of Electricity. In Bahrain, a drone attack caused a fire at a national oil company storage facility and a state-run petrochemical plant, the kingdom's official news agency said. In Israel, rescue authorities searched for three people in the northern city of Haifa after an apartment building was hit. It wasn't immediately clear what struck it. More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began, but its government has not updated the toll for days. In Lebanon, whose health ministry said an Israeli strike without warning killed four people in Beirut, more than 1,400 people have been killed and more than 1 million people have been displaced. Eleven Israeli soldiers have died there while targeting Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants. In Gulf Arab states and the occupied West Bank, more than two dozen people have died, while 19 have been reported dead in Israel and 13 U.S. service members have been killed.
2026-04-06 05:28:00

Lautaro Martinez's brace helps Inter rout Roma 5-2 to get Serie A title pursuit back on track
Lautaro Martinez is back from injury, and Inter Milan is back looking like the Serie A leader again. Lautaro scored twice in his first action since February and Inter routed visiting Roma 5-2 on Sunday to end a four-match winless streak across all competitions. Lautaro scored in the second and 52nd minutes at the San Siro. Hakan Calhanoglu - fresh off helping Turkey qualify for the World Cup - Marcus Thuram and Nicolò Barella also found the net for Inter. Gianluca Mancini, along with Barella a member of the Italy team that failed to qualify for the World Cup, scored a momentary equalizer for Roma. Then Lorenzo Pellegrini pulled one back for Roma after the Giallorossi had gone four goals behind. Inter, which had its advantage sliced from 10 to six points before the international break, moved nine points ahead of city rival AC Milan and 10 ahead of defending champion Napoli, which hosts Milan on Monday. Bologna prepares for Aston Villa Earlier, Bologna won 2-1 at relegation-threatened Cremonese to move up to eighth before hosting Aston Villa in the Europa League quarterfinals on Thursday. Joao Mario and Jonathan Rowe scored early for Bologna before Federico Bonazzoli pulled one back late for Cremonese by converting a penalty. Youssef Maleh of Cremonese and Lewis Ferguson of Bologna were each sent off in stoppage time. Cremonese was without former Leicester striker Jamie Vardy, who sat out due to a muscle injury. Also, Torino won 1-0 at last-place Pisa with an 80th-minute goal from Che Adams.
2026-04-06 05:24:00

ARUC and MFA launch fund to help 160 children join football nurseries
Around 160 children from families facing social and financial difficulties will be given assistance to attend football nurseries under a new agreement signed between the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) and the Malta Football Association (MFA). The scheme will cover up to €250 per child, enabling more youngsters to take up football in nurseries across various localities in Malta. Under the agreement, ARUC will provide 75% of the funding, while the MFA will contribute the remaining 25%. Applications for the programme will be assessed by a dedicated committee. The agreement was signed at the football nursery in Sliema, where officials from both entities said the initiative is aimed at helping children from challenging social backgrounds while also promoting sport as a healthy lifestyle choice and an alternative to harmful habits. Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms Rebecca Buttigieg said the agreement strengthens ARUC's mission of using its resources to promote sports and social activities as the best alternatives to help young people avoid vices, including drug use. She said the initiative also reflects ARUC's wider goal of reducing cannabis consumption and limiting the harm associated with its use through prevention and responsible controls. ARUC chief executive Joey Reno Vella said the authority was pleased to be collaborating with the MFA, Malta's largest sporting association, in what he described as a practical and concrete initiative that promotes healthier, more natural choices over cannabis use. He added that the agreement reinforces ARUC's commitment to drug abuse prevention and builds on its ongoing partnership with Sedqa in educational and awareness programmes about the dangers of drugs. MFA Senior Vice-President Matthew Paris described the project as another important collaboration with the government in support of sport, saying its social dimension was especially significant because it would widen access to football for children who might otherwise be excluded.
2026-03-28 16:14:00

Ultra-luxury Four Seasons Yacht 1 arrives in Malta
Malta is welcoming the prestigious Four Seasons Yacht 1, a new ultra-luxury yacht, as it ended its maiden journey with an inaugural call into the iconic Grand Harbour. The yacht arrived early on Saturday morning, the final stop of its maiden voyage, a nine-night Grand Mediterranean tour from Málaga to Valletta, calling at exclusive destinations across the Mediterranean. Following its inaugural visit, Four Seasons Yacht 1 will immediately launch its second voyage, with new passengers boarding from Valletta, at fares starting from circa €20,900, the government said. Designed as a floating five-star resort, this Malta-flagged yacht caters to ultra-high-net-worth individuals, including Four Seasons patrons and discerning travellers seeking privacy, space, and bespoke experiences. This ultra-luxury segment represents a strategic shift toward quality over quantity, with passengers estimated to reach total per-guest expenditures of up to €200,000 per voyage. The yacht offers 95 luxury suites, each with a private ocean-view terrace, catering for 180 guests with 180 crew members, delivering personalised hospitality and a 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio. It also hosts chef-led fine dining venues and spa, wellness, and marina facilities, with AI-driven onboard systems and low-emission, environmental technologies. The vessel's limited capacity ensures minimal strain on infrastructure while delivering maximum economic and reputational value to Malta. Its long port stays, including overnight visits, further enhance opportunities for authentic cultural, gastronomic, and experiential engagement on land.
2026-03-28 16:01:00

Pope Leo XIV to make a rare 1-day visit to glitzy Monaco
Pope Leo XIV travels Saturday to the principality of Monaco, becoming the first pope in nearly five centuries to visit the glitzy Mediterranean enclave and highlighting how small states can punch above their weight on the global stage. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said the visit would provide the American pope with his first real chance to speak to all of Europe. "In the Bible, it is precisely the small ones who play a significant role," Bruni said. Monaco is also one of the few European countries where Catholicism is the official state religion. And Prince Albert recently refused a proposal to legalize abortion, citing the important role Catholicism plays in Monaco society. The decision was largely symbolic, since abortion is a constitutional right in France, which surrounds the coastal principality of 2.2 square kilometers ( about 1 square mile). In refusing to allow it in Monaco, Albert joined other European Catholic royals who have taken a similar stand over the years to uphold Catholic doctrine on an increasingly secular continent. When Pope Francis visited Belgium in 2024, he announced he was putting the late King Baudouin on the path to possible sainthood because he abdicated for a day in 1990 rather than approve legislation to legalize abortion. Bruni said the "defense of life" would be one of the themes of Leo's one-day visit Saturday. But he stressed that Leo's vision would be in the larger context of defending all life, including in wars and conflicts. An unexpected destination The visit includes a private meeting with Albert and Princess Charlene at the palace, a meeting with Monaco's Catholic community in the cathedral and Mass in the sports stadium. A coastal playground for the rich and famous, Monaco is renowned as much for its tax-friendly incentives and Formula 1 Grand Prix as its glamorous royal family. The son of the late American actress Grace Kelly, Albert spoke in perfect, unaccented English when he visited the Chicago-born Leo at the Vatican on Jan. 17 and invited him to visit. The trip came together quickly after that, and raised eyebrows about why Leo had chosen Monaco, a hereditary and constitutional monarchy, as his first foreign trip in Europe. Pope Francis also liked to travel to small countries, but Monaco's glitz factor likely would have turned him off. "It does raise questions," conceded Abbe Christian Venard, spokesperson for the diocese of Monaco. "Is it really the place for a pope to go to a principality better known - somewhat caricatured - as a haven for billionaires, even if that is part of Monaco's reality? I think it reflects some inner freedom from the pope," he told The Associated Press. In fact, there are good reasons for Leo to visit, not least because there hasn't been a pope who visited in 488 years, since Pope Paul III in 1538. Monaco's population of 38,000 is heavily Catholic and also multinational, with only a fifth of the population actually citizens of the principality. Short but symbolic trip Leo will be in Monaco for just under nine hours, and the principality is so close to home that he can get there and back to the Vatican by helicopter. But the visit is rich in symbolic significance, since it represents the leaders of the world's two smallest states coming together to talk about some of the world's biggest problems. With Russia's war in Ukraine raging and the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran spreading, Leo will likely want to repeat his appeal for peace and dialogue to prevail. "Much like the principality's role in fostering dialogue and mediation, serving as a laboratory for peace, social friendship, and the responsible use of influence and wealth," Bruni said. That is a reference to Monaco's financial support of initiatives to help Christians in the Middle East, including its participation in the Aliph Foundation, which works in particular to rebuild and restore churches and other sites of cultural importance that get damaged or destroyed by conflict. The government has also been a longtime supporter of church projects in Lebanon organized by l'Œuvre d'Orient, a French-based group that supports bishops, priests and religious orders working in 23 countries. Albert is also a well-known environmental campaigner, and Monaco hosts regular international conferences, especially on the plight of the Mediterranean. Leo has strongly carried on Francis' legacy of ecological stewardship, and the environment is expected to be a topic of discussion. "The fact that Monaco hosts environmental forums, scientific conferences, and thematic summits makes sense and effectively counterbalances the somewhat 'glitzy' image that the event might initially convey," noted François Mabille, director of the Geopolitical Observatory of Religion at the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs. Mabille said it is precisely on issues such as the environment where two small states with similar values can work together on the global stage, especially when the Holy See has a tradition of diplomatic neutrality and only enjoys observer status at the United Nations and other international organizations. "What's interesting is to realize that there is indeed a Monaco foreign policy that can, in a way, enable or allow the Vatican to go further,'' Mabille said. "And here, the Vatican's soft power can find ... a sort of continuity and, in any case, a convergence with another small state - one that, this time, votes and participates."
2026-03-27 06:37:00

Israel launches new wave of strikes on Iran with no sign of diplomatic breakthrough
Israel launched a wave of strikes on Iran early Friday ahead of a planned U.N. Security Council meeting to discuss attacks on Iranian civilian infrastructure, while Iran and the United States appeared at a diplomatic impasse, setting the stage for more potential escalation as the first month of the Middle East war neared its end. Israel's attack Friday on targets "in the heart of Tehran" came after the country said it would be "intensifying" its strikes on Iranian weapons production facilities, but there was no immediate information on what was hit. Smoke also rose over Beirut, although Israel did not immediately report hitting the Lebanese capital, while air raid sirens sounded in Israel as the military said it was working to intercept Iranian missiles. Iran kept up its attacks on its Gulf Arab neighbors, with incoming drones and missiles reported in both Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. The U.S. has been pushing Iran to start talks on a 15-point proposal for a ceasefire, but at the same time has ordered thousands more troops to the region, possibly in preparation for a military attempt to wrest the Strait of Hormuz from Iran's tight grip. After Wall Street's worst day since the war began, Asian shares mostly fell Friday over growing doubts about the chances of de-escalation. Oil prices rose again, the Brent crude, the international standard, at $107 a barrel in morning trading, up more than 45% since Israel and the U.S. attacked Iran on Feb. 28 to start the war. US pushing diplomatic solution but sending more troops to the region Iran's stranglehold on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, has caused growing concerns of a global energy crisis, and appears part of a strategy to get the U.S. to back down by roiling the world economy. A Gulf Arab bloc said Thursday that Iran is now exacting tolls from ships to ensure their safe passage through the waterway. Trump envoy Steve Witkoff said Washington has delivered a 15-point "action list" to Iran for a possible ceasefire, using Pakistan as an intermediary. The list includes restrictions on Iran's nuclear program and re-opening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has rejected the U.S. offer and put forth its own five-point proposal, which includes reparations and recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. As the diplomatic efforts went on, a group of U.S. ships drew closer to the region with some 2,500 Marines. Also, at least 1,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne - trained to land in hostile territory to secure key territory and airfields - have been ordered to the region. As American and Israeli attacks on Iran continued, the U.N. Security Council scheduled closed consultation on Iran for Friday in New York, according to two U.N. diplomats who spoke on condition of anonymity because the meeting is not public. They added that Russia had asked for the meeting on U.S.-Israeli attacks on civilian infrastructure in the country, that the United States, which holds the Security Council presidency, had scheduled it. Deaths continue to climb, primarily in Iran and Lebanon Since the war began, more than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran, according to the Health Ministry. Eighteen people have died in Israel, while at least three Israeli soldiers have also been killed in Lebanon. At least 13 American troops have been killed. Four people in the occupied West Bank and 20 in Gulf Arab states have also died. Authorities said more than 1,100 people have died in Lebanon. In Iraq, where Iranian-supported militia groups have entered the conflict, 80 members of the security forces have been killed.
2026-03-27 06:35:00

Italy beat Northern Ireland 2-0 in World Cup playoff semifinal; Gyökeres gets hat trick for Sweden
Italy finally won a match in the World Cup playoffs. Now the four-time champion needs to win one more to avoid failing to qualify for a third straight time. The Azzurri beat Northern Ireland 2-0 in the European semifinals on Thursday. Sandro Tonali broke the deadlock with a half-volley early in the second half for Italy at home in Bergamo and then set up another goal for Moise Kean. "After taking the lead, we cleared our minds," Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso said. "We put in a good performance. This should be a confidence boost for Tuesday. ... We have to win. We have no other choice." Also advancing to the playoff finals scheduled for Tuesday were Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sweden, Poland, Turkey, Kosovo, Denmark and the Czech Republic. Italy next visits Bosnia and Herzegovina needing another victory to reach the upcoming tournament in North America and avoid going at least 16 years without even playing a match at soccer's biggest event. Bosnia beat Wales, and the Czech Republic beat Ireland in penalty shootouts. The other finals matchups are: Sweden vs. Poland; Turkey vs. Kosovo; and Denmark vs. the Czech Republic. Italy was eliminated by Sweden over two winless legs in the playoffs for the 2018 World Cup then was stunned by North Macedonia in the semifinal round in 2022. Italy's World Cup struggles go back all the way to 2010 and 2014, having failed to advance from its group on both occasions. The Azzurri's last World Cup knockout match was when they won the title in 2006 by beating France in a penalty shootout. Italy produced seven shots on goal while Northern Ireland had none. For the second goal, Tonali's cross-field pass set up Kean, who made an expert control and finish. "We didn't have many moments of quality, but we did well to make the most of them when we did," Tonali said. "We focused on not giving them their strengths and were concentrated on the set plays, so when we do that, it's unlikely we'll concede to this kind of team. "We've been feeling positive since the coach arrived, we've got to continue like this, there's no other option but to win," Tonali said of Gattuso, who replaced the fired Luciano Spalletti in June. Gyökeres scores three for Sweden Viktor Gyökeres hit a hat trick to send Sweden past Ukraine 3-1 despite not having scored for his country since 2024. Until Thursday, Gyökeres was scoreless and Sweden winless in a miserable qualifying group campaign. The game was played in Spain because Ukraine hasn't hosted international games since the Russian invasion of 2022. "Viktor Gyökeres made the difference tonight," Ukraine coach Serhiy Rebrov said. "He showed his quality and proved he's one of the best strikers in Europe." Sweden will face Poland after 37-year-old Robert Lewandowski scored a crucial header in a 2-1 win over Albania, keeping alive the Barcelona striker's bid to reach a third World Cup. Albania took the lead through Arber Hoxha just before halftime after a defensive blunder by Poland. Lewandowski's header at a corner got his team back into the game before Piotr Zielinski's goal put Poland in front. Kosovo is a game away from its first-ever World Cup after twice recovering from a goal down to upset Slovakia 4-3. That sets up a playoff with Turkey for a World Cup spot. Gustav Isaksen scored twice in two minutes in a Denmark's 4-0 win over North Macedonia. Bosnia and Czechs win penalty shootouts Bosnia advanced after 40-year-old Edin Dzeko leveled the score and 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic converted the winning spot-kick in a 4-2 penalty shootout win over Wales following a 1-1 draw. The Czech Republic awaits next for Denmark after beating Ireland 4-3 on penalties. Ireland gave up an early 2-0 lead in the game, and was also leading the shootout before failing to convert either of its last two attempts. Lucescu's Romania eliminated In an early match, Turkey beat Romania 1-0 and will face either Slovakia or Kosovo for a spot at its first World Cup since a third-place run in 2002. Turkey took the lead shortly after the break when Ferdi Kadioglu was set up in front of the goal with a long, accurate pass from Arda Guler, a 21-year-old winger for Real Madrid who could become one of the World Cup's younger standouts. Vincenzo Montella's Turkey squad reached the quarterfinals of the 2024 European Championship. Romania's elimination means that 80-year-old Mircea Lucescu won't get a chance to coach at the World Cup for the first time. Lucescu captained Romania at the 1970 World Cup. He previously coached Turkey. Nicolae Stanciu hit the post for Romania in the second half in Istanbul. "We knew it would be a tough match. Lucescu knows us well and prepared accordingly," Turkey captain Hakan Calhanoglu said. "In the first half, we could have made better runs in behind. In the second half, Ferdi scored with a ball in behind. ... From then, it was ours."
2026-03-27 06:30:00

Nations League play-off: Malta fall 2-0 to Luxembourg in disappointing first-leg defeat
MALTA 0 LUXEMBOURG 2 MALTA: H. Bonello, R. Camenzuli, K. Shaw, M. Guillaumier, T. Teuma, I. Cardona, E. Pepe, I. Chouaref, Z. Muscat, A. Satariano LUXEMBOURG: A. Moris, S. Korac, F. Bohnert, C. Martins, A. Dardari, D. Sinani, D. Carlson, V. Thill, L. Barreiro, M. Olesen Referee: I. Peljto Assistant Referees: S. Ibrismbegovic, D. Beljo At the National Stadium in Ta' Qali, Malta on Thursday suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat in the first leg of the play-off for promotion to the Nations League C, meaning they will now head into the second leg in Luxembourg trailing by two goals. The opening minutes of the match were quiet, with both teams sizing each other up and staying compact, unwilling to take risks and concede the first goal. Luxembourg's first dangerous move came in the 25th minute when Daniel Sinani made a good run, but his right-footed effort went wide of Henry Bonello's post. In the 28th minute, Malta produced a well-worked move. Teddy Teuma found Irvin Cardona, who cut the ball back to the far post, but Matthew Guillaumier's finish was weak and easily gathered by the goalkeeper. Towards the end of the first half, Malta had a golden opportunity when a pass from the right by Paul Mbong found Irvin Cardona, but he fired wide. A minute later, Malta were dangerous again when, from a teasing pass, Ilyas Chouaref saw his cross deflected onto the post, with the first half ending goalless. At the start of the second half, Luxembourg took the lead when a cross from the left by Florian Bohnert found Vincent Thill unmarked in the box, and he finished past Henry Bonello to make it 1-0. With Luxembourg managing to control the remainder of the match, Malta failed to pose much of a threat. Then, in added time, Mathias Olesen doubled Luxembourg's lead directly from a corner, making Malta's task in the second leg in Luxembourg even more difficult.
2026-03-27 06:29:00

Greens criticize ministerial asset declaration changes
ADPD-The Green Party has hit out at the government's proposed changes to ministerial asset declarations, labeling the move a regressive step for transparency and accountability. During a press conference held outside Parliament, party leaders described the shift as a Machiavellian attempt by Prime Minister Robert Abela to normalize a lack of oversight for those in power. Deputy Chairperson Melissa Bagley criticized the Prime Minister for failing to publish ministerial declarations for some time, suggesting that the government is operating under a double standard. She noted that while average citizens face legal consequences for failing to follow financial regulations, ministers are being granted a reprieve from the same level of scrutiny. Bagley argued that weakening these laws diminishes public trust and suggests the current leadership is prioritizing self-interest over national service. By bending the rules to hide assets, she claimed, the government is actively undermining the principles of good governance. Chairperson Sandra Gauci added that rather than diluting existing rules, the country should be introducing more stringent laws regarding unexplained wealth. She noted that previous attempts to strengthen such legislation have been shelved, leading to the current situation where elected officials are not held to the same standards as the public. Gauci emphasized that every member of Parliament should be a model citizen, capable of accounting for every cent of their holdings. ADPD-The Green Party has pledged that, if elected to Parliament, they will prioritize the introduction of rigorous scrutiny measures for all members. Gauci concluded by questioning what the Prime Minister is hiding with this proposal, asserting that everyone must remain equal in the eyes of the law. The party remains committed to fighting against what they describe as a systemic abuse of power designed to shield ministers from public accountability.
2026-03-21 13:58:00

Anton Refalo, Alicia Bugeja Said cannot evade responsibility for Animal Welfare Directorate’s – PN
The PN said in a statement that it expects that all necessary investigations are carried out following the allegations made against the Animal Welfare Directorate and its leadership concerning negligence and abuse. The PN said that for years it has been drawing the Government’s attention to the fact that it is not taking this sector seriously and, despite proposals put forward by the Opposition in various draft laws, including in Parliament, the Labour Government has continued to ignore them. “In recent days, it was revealed that the Commissioner for Animal Welfare has launched an investigation into the operations of this Directorate following reports regarding the deteriorating conditions of the facilities at Għammieri where dogs are kept, with a direct impact on the animals housed there,” the party said. These concerns have been raised not only by NGOs in the sector but also by members of the public who visit these facilities, including those seeking to adopt, it added. The PN said that it also expects that justice is served if this investigation confirms the allegations being made – allegations which include cases of animal cruelty. “The situation is so serious that it has even been described by some as a total collapse of the animal welfare system in our country,” the party said. Now that these serious accusations have emerged, Minister Anton Refalo and Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said – who are responsible for animal rights – are attempting to shift blame and evade responsibility by claiming that the Directorate is “autonomous,” the party said. “This, despite the fact that for years they have praised its work and sought to take credit for it themselves. It is widely known that the Directorate operates according to directives issued by the Parliamentary Secretariat,” the PN noted. “All this further demonstrates that animal welfare is not a priority for this Government. A number of cases in recent months confirm this, including the controversial decision taken by Alicia Bugeja Said’s Parliamentary Secretariat towards the end of last year to send 19 dogs to a shelter in Naples at a cost of €100,000 to the Secretariat. It was only thanks to strong resistance from several NGOs and activists, with the full support of the Nationalist Opposition, that these dogs were ultimately not sent to Italy,” the party added. “On that occasion, despite the fact that the decision had been taken entirely by Alicia Bugeja Said, following strong criticism she attempted to shift responsibility onto the Directorate,” the party concluded. The statement was signed by PN MP and Shadow Minister for Animal Welfare Janice Abela Chetcuti.
2026-03-18 18:09:00

MIDI says it will receive €43 million as Manoel Island and Fort Tigné return to State
MIDI plc said Tuesday it is set to receive €47.321 million in reimbursement as part of an in-principle agreement with the government for the partial rescission of its long-standing emphyteutical concession over Manoel Island and Fort Tigné. In a company announcement issued on the Stock Exchange on Tuesday, MIDI said that after adjusting for the reimbursement of VAT arising from the transaction, the deal is expected to yield a net reimbursement of around €43 million. The agreement, reached following negotiations with the government, provides for the emphyteutical concession over Manoel Island and Fort Tigné to be rescinded, while the concession over Tigné Point, excluding Fort Tigné, will remain fully in force. MIDI said the agreement remains subject to a number of conditions, including the finalisation of the terms under which the rescission will take place, as well as approval by the company's shareholders at an extraordinary general meeting. That meeting, the company said, will only be convened once the terms of the deed of partial rescission have been agreed between MIDI and the government, and after the deed is approved by the House of Representatives. A further company announcement will be issued once the terms of the deed of partial rescission are finalised, MIDI added. The company also said that full details of the transaction, its financial impact, and the reasons why the board accepted the proposal and will recommend it to shareholders, will be set out in a circular to shareholders in line with Capital Market Rules. The company's announcement follows Prime Minister Robert Abela's declaration on Monday night that an agreement had been reached for Manoel Island and Fort Tigné to return to government hands. In a video message posted on social media, Abela said he had been informed that the board of directors of the MIDI consortium had accepted a government offer which would see both sites removed from the concession and returned to the State. The Prime Minister said the government intends to transform Manoel Island into what he described as Malta's largest national park, following years of campaigning by environmental activists and a parliamentary petition signed by thousands calling for the site to be saved from extensive development. Abela said the government had made it clear during negotiations that it would not pay for the value of the land at Manoel Island, and that MIDI had accepted this position. Instead, he said, government would only pay for "just over half" of the "verified and justified" expenditure the consortium had incurred on the island. He also said that once concerns emerged late last year that Fort Tigné could be developed - after reports that it was to be sold to Gozitan developer Joseph Portelli for €2.5 million with plans for a hotel conversion - the government moved quickly to open discussions with the consortium. The Manoel Island concession dates back to a 99-year agreement signed in 2000 under a Nationalist administration, which also led to the development of Tigné Point. Abela described the agreement as a significant step towards creating more public green open spaces, saying Manoel Island and Fort Tigné would join other planned projects at White Rocks, Fort Campbell and Fort San Salvatore. "We now only have the final steps left before Manoel Island and Fort Tigné formally return to your families," Abela said.
2026-03-17 07:52:00

TMID Editorial: Building first and asking questions later
Malta's construction boom has long been accompanied by concerns about safety, regulation and the pace at which development is being approved. Over the years, the public has become accustomed to reports of buildings collapsing or being severely damaged when neighbouring properties are demolished or when deep excavation works begin. Residents have been forced to evacuate their homes, sometimes with little warning, while investigations attempt to determine what went wrong. Each incident sparks outrage, inquiries and promises of reform. Yet the underlying sense remains that the system continues to move faster than the safeguards designed to protect the public. What has been highlighted to The Malta Independent on Sunday in an interview with the president of the Malta Chamber of Geologists, Dr Peter Gatt, introduces a further and more fundamental concern. His warning does not focus on demolition procedures or construction practices alone. Rather, it points to a structural flaw in the planning system itself: the lack of mandatory geological assessment before development permits are granted. In simple terms, buildings are being approved without a clear understanding of the ground they will stand on. That reality should alarm anyone who lives in a country experiencing such intense and continuous construction activity. Malta's skyline is changing rapidly, with taller buildings, deeper excavations and increasingly complex projects becoming commonplace. Yet if the planning framework does not require a professional geological assessment of the terrain before development begins, the risk being taken is obvious. Ground conditions matter. They determine how foundations should be designed, how excavation should be carried out and whether the land is even suitable for the type of development proposed. Without that knowledge, construction becomes partly a matter of assumption rather than science. Gatt's remarks also highlight something that is perhaps even more troubling: Malta appears to be lagging significantly behind comparable European jurisdictions. In countries such as Italy and Greece, geological assessments are a mandatory part of the development process. A qualified geologist evaluates the ground conditions and produces a report before construction proceeds. In Malta, however, while core extraction may be required, there is no clear obligation that a geologist conduct the assessment or that a comprehensive geological model of the site be produced. This gap may appear technical, but its implications are not. When ground conditions are poorly understood, a range of problems can follow. Buildings may experience settlement. Excavations can become unstable. Structural stresses may develop in ways that were not anticipated during the design phase. What Gatt is pointing out is that a basic precaution may be missing from the system altogether. If development permits can be issued without a proper geological understanding of the site, then the regulatory framework is incomplete. It means that the connection between what is built and the ground on which it is built is not being systematically addressed. At a time when construction activity continues to multiply, that omission is difficult to justify. Economic growth and urban development are important, but they cannot come at the expense of safety and sound planning. The drive to build quickly should not override the need to build responsibly. Geological assessments are not an unnecessary bureaucratic hurdle; they are a fundamental safeguard in any country where excavation and large-scale construction are taking place. Malta has already learned, often the hard way, that construction without adequate oversight carries serious consequences. The warnings now being raised should therefore not be ignored or treated as technical complaints from a specialised profession. They point to a gap in the planning system that needs to be addressed before further risks are taken. The country cannot afford to discover, after the fact, that developments were approved on ground that was never properly understood in the first place.
2026-03-17 07:40:00

Iran signals World Cup withdrawal amid war and tensions with United States
Iran's sports minister Ahmad Donyamali has indicated that the country's men's national football team will not take part in this summer's FIFA World Cup in the United States, citing the ongoing war in the Middle East. Speaking in a television interview with German news agency DPA, Donyamali said the current circumstances made participation impossible following recent military strikes against Iran. Airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel since 28 February have targeted several locations in Iran. Iranian authorities say the attacks resulted in the death of the country's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. "Since this corrupt government murdered our leader, we do not have the conditions to participate in the World Cup," Donyamali said. He added that the country had been forced into two conflicts within the space of less than a year, with thousands of Iranian citizens killed. "Because of the malicious measures taken against Iran, we were forced to fight two wars in eight or nine months. Therefore, we have no possibility of participating under these circumstances," he said. Iran had qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026, which will take place between 11 June and 18 July in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The Iranian national team is scheduled to play its three group-stage matches against Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand in the United States, with the first two games set for Inglewood, California, and the third in Seattle. The possibility of a boycott has also been raised by the president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj. Taj referred to tensions following an incident at the AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia, where six Iranian women's national team players chose to remain in the country after being granted humanitarian visas. According to Taj, the visas were offered after comments by US president Donald Trump, who said he would provide such visas if Australia did not. "What sensible person would send their national team to the United States if the World Cup were as political as it was in Australia?" Taj said. Meanwhile, Gianni Infantino , president of FIFA, wrote on Instagram that Trump had told him during a meeting on Tuesday that Iran's team would be welcome to participate in the tournament in the United States despite the ongoing conflict.
2026-03-11 13:18:00

The Latest: Global energy concerns mount as Iran threats stop cargo through the Strait of Hormuz
The ongoing Israeli-American war on Iran, for all its complexity and global effects, boils down to a single question: Who can take the pain the longest? A surge in oil prices points to what may be Iran's most effective weapon and the United States' biggest vulnerability in continuing the campaign: Damaging the world economy. Wednesday's major developments include Iranian attacks against commercial ships across the Persian Gulf and its targeting of Dubai International Airport, escalating a campaign of squeezing the oil-rich region as global energy concerns mount. The U.S. campaign of air strikes also continues, and the Israeli military said it is simultaneously striking across Iran as well as Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut. The war has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, at least 550 in Lebanon and 12 in Israel, according to officials in those countries. The Pentagon said Tuesday that about 140 U.S. service members have been wounded, with 108 of them back on duty. Eight suffered severe injuries and seven have been killed. Here is the latest: Romania allows more US troops and air support at its air bases Romania's top defense body on Wednesday approved a request from the United States to increase its troop presence and use of the NATO country's air bases to facilitate its military operations in Iran and the Middle East. President Nicusor Dan said the agreement would allow for the temporary deployment of more U.S. troops, and military equipment for refueling planes and defensive equipment such as satellite communication and monitoring equipment. Japan plans to start releasing its own oil reserves Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Wednesday that her country will start releasing its own oil reserves starting Monday to minimize the fallout of the war in the Middle East. More than 90% of Japan's oil imports come from the Middle East, most of the shipment pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Japan has oil reserves worth 254 days. With the strait virtually being blocked, however, oil imports to Japan are expected to significantly decrease from the end of March, Takaichi said. Iran cracks down on criticism on social media Iran has arrested 81 people who have posted information on social media the authorities deem unacceptable during wartime, Iran's state TV reported. "Since we are at war, we will act like it, those in social media who cause tension for the public mind will be considered the enemy and will be treated as such," Ahmad Reza Radan, the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Republic's security forces, said on state TV late Tuesday. He said the people who post critical things or repost things connected to Iran's enemies will face lengthy prison sentences and possibly executions. Several other countries in the Middle East have also instituted similar bans. Israel has restrictions on sharing photos and videos that show specific locations of strikes. Several dozen have been arrested in Bahrain and Qatar for sharing "misleading" opinions and information online, according to DAWN, a Washington-based rights organization. Germany, Austria say they'll release oil reserves to help curb price spikes Germany and Austria say they are releasing parts of their oil reserves following an International Energy Agency request for its members to release 400 million barrels to help temper energy price spikes due to the Iran war. The largest-ever previous collective release of emergency stocks by IEA member countries was 182.7 million barrels, in the wake of the energy shock prompted by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Germany's economy minister said Wednesday the country would release parts of its oil reserves following a request by the IEA to its member states Tuesday evening "to release oil reserves amounting to 400 million barrels, which is a good 54 million tons." Romania approves US request to increase its use of air bases Romania's top defense body on Wednesday approved a request from the United States to increase its troop presence and use of the NATO country's air bases to facilitate its ongoing military operations in Iran and the Middle East. President Nicusor Dan said after a meeting of the Supreme Council of National Defense, which was convened to discuss the impact of the Middle East conflict, that the agreement would allow for the temporary deployment of troops, and military equipment for refueling planes and defensive equipment such as satellite communication and monitoring equipment. New alarms sound across Israel The Israeli military sounded alarms across Israel after detecting missiles launched from Iran. U.S. Embassy in Baghdad urges its citizens to leave The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad urged U.S. citizens on Wednesday to leave Iraq, citing the risk of attacks and kidnappings. "There have been attacks against U.S. citizens and U.S. interests in Iraq, and Americans face risk of kidnapping," the statement said. "American businesses, hotels frequented by foreigners, and other facilities in Iraq, including those with U.S. ties, have been attacked." Since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran, triggering the ongoing war in the Middle East, Iran and Iran-backed Iraqi militias have launched dozens of missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases and diplomatic facilities, energy and communications sites in Iraq, particularly in the semiautonomous northern Kurdish region. Iraq's airspace is closed, with land borders open to cross into Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. "Americans should strongly consider departing via one of these overland routes if they believe it is safe to do so," the statement said. Egypt urges Iran to stop its attacks on Arab countries Egypt's Foreign Minister has called for Iran to stop its attacks in Arab countries and warned that it should avoid "comprehensive chaos" in the Middle East. Badr Abdelatty's comments Wednesday came in a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to the Egyptian foreign ministry. Death toll in Lebanon rises to 570 Lebanon's Health Ministry says that the death toll since the latest round of Israel-Hezbollah fighting began on March 2, has risen to 570. The ministry added that 1,444 people have been wounded since then. The ministry said the dead included 86 children and 45 women. Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific to raise fuel surcharge Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways will soon raise its fuel surcharges after experiencing a jump in jet fuel prices during the Iran war, its leaders said Wednesday. The company's CEO, Ronald Lam, said an announcement on surcharge adjustment will be made soon. The airline saw jet fuel prices roughly double in March from the average prices recorded in January and February. Lavinia Lau, the firm's chief customer and commercial officer, reported a surge in demand for routes, including those flying between Hong Kong and Europe, as passengers sought alternatives. The airline has already halted flight services to Dubai and Riyadh for this month. Thai cargo ship struck in Strait of Hormuz; 3 crew members are missing Thai officials say a search is underway for three missing crew members after a Thai cargo ship was struck and set ablaze in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. Thailand's Marine Department said 20 crew members from the ship Mayuree Naree have already been rescued by the Omani navy and brought ashore in Khasab. The department said the three missing crew members were reportedly in the engine room when the explosion occurred. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center, run by the British military, said earlier that the vessel had been hit just north of Oman in the strait. The Marine Department said it is coordinating with relevant domestic and international agencies for the search and rescue operation and to provide assistance to the affected crew members.
2026-03-11 13:01:00

Russell, Antonelli lead Mercedes in one-two qualifying positions for F1's Australian GP
Mercedes has revealed its dominant hand in qualifying for Sunday's Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.George Russell earned his ninth-career pole position Saturday ahead of his teammate Kimi Antonelli for the team's 83rd front-row lockout and its first since the 2024 British Grand Prix.Russell topped all three sessions in F1's knockout qualifying format, finally casting aside questions of where Mercedes team was in the new-era pecking order. His pole time, at 1 minute, 18.518 seconds, was almost eight-tenths faster than the nearest non-Mercedes challenger, Red Bull debutant Isack Hadjar, who completed the top three."It was a great day, we knew there was a lot of potential in the car, but until we get to this first Saturday of the season, you never know," Russell said. "But it really came alive this afternoon, especially when the track temperatures cooled, we know we tend to favor those conditions."Ferrari showed it's neck-and-neck with McLaren on pace, with just one and a half tenths seconds covering the four drivers just beyond the top-three - with Charles Leclerc qualifying fourth, McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in fifth and sixth respectively, and Lewis Hamilton in seventh.Racing Bulls showed they've taken a step forward over the winter, with New Zealander Liam Lawson eighth ahead of his highly-rated rookie teammate Arvid Lindblad.The big surprise of the session came from four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen, who triggered red flags at Melbourne's Albert Park after he lost control of his Red Bull car in braking for turn one in the first half of Q1 and ended in the barriers.The Dutchman, who was unhurt from the crash, though upset that his brakes locked up, will now start from the back of the grid.F1 heads into a new era this year, with unprecedented changes across the chassis (car) and power unit, which now feature an almost 50:50 output split between the turbo 1.6-liter V6 engine and electrical energy harvested from the brakes, one that requires a new, often counterintuitive driving style from the drivers.
2026-03-07 07:30:00

Chief Justice appointment is not a political contest, Chamber of Advocates says
The Chamber of Advocates said Wednesday the appointment of a Chief Justice should not be a political contest but an act of national responsibility.It was referring to a letter Judge Lawrence Mintoff sent to the Cabinet Secretary in which he said Prime Minister Robert Abela had told him that he (Mintoff) was not being considered for the post of Chief Justice because he had been nominated by the Opposition and, if appointed, this would irk Labour diehards.In its statement, the Chamber of Advocates said the Constitution provides for a two-thirds majority precisely to ensure that such an appointment is the result of national consensus and not political calculation. The fact that the political parties have failed to reach agreement, and that the process has been forced into the public domain through speculation and the circulation of the names of potential candidates, demonstrates a serious lack of leadership and national responsibility.The Chamber said it believes that the political class has failed the country by allowing such a delicate process to be instrumentalised for political ends. The publication and public discussion of the names of members of the judiciary or prospective candidates is a practice that runs counter to the spirit of this appointment and exposes individuals to unwarranted pressure and unjustified criticism.This process ought to have been confidential, conducted with dignity and with full respect towards the institution of the judiciary. The authority and credibility of the Courts cannot remain subject to political calculations or negotiations carried out on the public stage.The Chamber of Advocates once again called upon political leaders to act with constitutional maturity and to reach agreement without further delay. Each passing day in this situation continues to erode public confidence in the institutions and to cause harm to the justice sector.The appointment of a Chief Justice must not become a political contest, but rather an act of national responsibility, the chamber said.
2026-02-25 07:48:00

Repubblika files formal complaint to Standards Commissioner over sworn allegations concerning PM
Repubblika said Wednesday it has filed a formal complaint with the Commissioner for Standards in Public Life requesting an investigation into serious allegations made under oath by Judge Lawrence Mintoff regarding the conduct of Prime Minister Robert Abela.The complaint, dated 25 February 2026, calls for the examination of allegations including alleged pressure on a court employee, the use of parliamentary questions in a context of personal financial interest, private communications with a sitting judge concerning judicial appointments, and political considerations in relation to the appointment of the Chief Justice.Repubblika makes no determination of guilt but maintains that allegations of this nature, made under oath by a member of the judiciary, require immediate and independent scrutiny, the NGO said Wednesday.The purpose of the complaint is to safeguard public trust in institutions and the independence of the judiciary, while the process for appointing the Chief Justice remains ongoing, it said.The complaint was filed in the wake of a letter sent by sitting judge Lawrence (Wenzu) Mintoff in which he accused Prime Minister Robert Abela of prioritising money and political calculation over judicial independence.The dispute centres on the succession to Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti, who recently turned 68 and must retire. Although the Nationalist Party proposed Mintoff among four potential nominees, the Labour government has backed other candidates.
2026-02-25 07:40:00

PN inviting public participation in national convention
The Nationalist Party said Thursday it is inviting the public to participate next weekend in the Malta 'l Quddiem National Convention, whose aim is to gather and reflect what people have to say so that the PN can develop policies with the citizen's voice at their core, and an electoral programme that works for the people.As promised by Leader of the Partit Nazzjonalista Alex Borg during his campaign for the leadership of the PN, this Convention will serve as an open space where people's ideas, energy and experiences come together in a vision that will shape the policies of the Partit Nazzjonalista.The PN said itwill be holding this National Convention on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 February at the Excelsior Hotel.On Saturday, between 9am and 1pm, following the opening by the President of the PN's General Council, Mark Anthony Sammut, and the address by the Chairman of the Convention, George Vital Zammit, a number of workshops will take place, led by various moderators.On Sunday, between 9am and 12:30pm, the rapporteurs of each workshop will present their conclusions, followed by a discussion involving experts from different fields. After the Convention is addressed by a special guest, it will conclude with a closing message by Leader of the Opposition and of the PN Alex Borg.The Convention will focus on a number of important themes that will serve as the basis for discussion: Malta as we know it - a Malta where quality of life matters; Prosperity that truly reaches everyone; Strong communities; A government that looks after you; A Malta ready for tomorrow and Gozo at the heart of the national visionThe National Convention will be open to anyone who wishes to make their voice heard, the PN said Therefore, in addition to encouraging its members to take an active part in this process of dialogue, the PN is extending its invitation to all Maltese and Gozitans who wish to participate in this Convention.Social partners and constituted bodies, as well as the country's main organisations, are also being invited to the Convention so that, together with a number of experts, they too can contribute to shaping the PN's policies across the various sectors.The PN said it believes that solutions can only be found when we bring everyone together - individuals, communities, businesses, NGOs, trade unions and others - to listen to one another and jointly shape the future. In this way, the Convention will truly serve as a catalyst for ideas, from which a framework of policies for the future will emerge, enabling us to move Malta forward together, the PN said.
2026-02-12 14:21:00

HSBC Malta launches campaign to support customers with wealth, lending and insurance offers
HSBC Bank Malta has launched its 2026 Start of Year Campaign, a coordinated series of customer focused initiatives aimed at delivering enhanced value to customers. Running until 30 April 2026, the campaign spans Wealth, Personal lending and Insurance, with the objective of maintaining a strong and responsible market presence while supporting customers through competitive offers on their personal banking, Wealth and Insurance needs."Our priority remains clear, supporting our customers, strengthening relationships, and delivering value in a sustainable and responsible way," said Muriel Rutland, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking at HSBC Bank Malta. "This campaign is a testament to our commitment to doing that in ways that are both practical and meaningful for our customers." Wealth Investments OfferA headline initiative is the 0% initial fee offer on all mutual fund investments, available through HSBC's Accredited Financial Advisors and Premier Relationship Managers. The offer which is valid until 30 April 2026 is designed to give investors a cost-effective entry into professionally managed funds, with no exit fees and access to personalised financial planning support.The campaign is being supported by an advertising rollout featuring HSBC's team of Wealth advisors, as well as targeted activity online.Four tailored email campaigns will also promote specific wealth solutions including pensions, regular premium products and Key 5 Critical Illness Protection. Discounted Personal Lending RatesCustomers can benefit from discounted interest rates across all personal loan products. Rates are discounted by up to 1.75% depending on the loan purpose and customer segment, with the most competitive options starting at 3.25%* for loans related to energy efficiency and electric vehicles.Our best mortgage offer in years with fast turnaround times and expert assistance, reinforcing the bank's support to customers to invest in property. Cashback on Home Loan Buildings InsuranceTo complement its mortgage offering, HSBC Malta is also providing a cashback incentive on new Home Loan Buildings Insurance policies issued until the end of April, whereby customers will benefit from this one time-offer in receiving back 15% of the first annual premium. This offer is aimed at providing added value while supporting customers' protection needs. A Focus on Relationship-Led BankingBeyond the campaign's headline offers and the standard point of sale messages, HSBC is continuing its year-round customer engagement activities, ensuring customer relationships are nurtured with relevant, timely and tailored communication. The approach is designed to engage customers throughout the relationship lifecycle and includes educational content such as fraud avoidance tips and personalised needs-based messaging.* Refers to the reduced interest rate on our Energy Efficiency Loan which can be used for double glazing, photovoltaic panels etc. This rate also applies on personal loans to buy fully Electric Vehicles or Plug-In Hybrid Cars. The Annual Percentage Rate of Charge (APRC) on an Energy Efficiency Loan of €15,000, repayable over 7 years at a fixed borrowing rate of 3.25% per annum, will be 3.40% p.a. The APRC quoted in this example may vary depending on the interest rate, the amount borrowed and the duration of the loan. No processing fee is applicable for Energy Efficiency Loan applications. The loan will be repayable in 83 equal monthly instalments of €200.22 and one final instalment of €198.42. The total amount paid after 7 years will be €16,816.68.The maximum amount you may borrow is subject to your financial status, and to further approval by your branch.Full terms and conditions are available on request.*This is a limited-time offer, and HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c. reserves the right to close the offer before‌ the ‌30‌ ‌Ap‌ril‌ ‌2026‌.Sponsored Content
2026-02-08 08:00:00

Malta’s successful maritime story
Malta's maritime industry rarely makes front-page news. It tends to operate quietly in the background. Sometimes, taken for granted. Yet in recent years, and especially in 2024 and 2025, the sector has been writing a success story that deserves wider recognition.We believe that this is not just a story for shipowners and maritime professionals. It illustrates economic resilience, national reputation and, most significantly, how Malta continues to punch above its weight on the global maritime stage.In 2024, Malta reached a record milestone, recording a total gross tonnage of 89.9 million tonnes registered under its flag. This positions Malta as Europe's largest register and firmly amongst the world's leading maritime registers. There is no doubt, that behind such nationwide achievement lies years of sustained investment in regulatory quality, technical expertise and service standards.Our modus operandi is not based on simply attracting ships to register; it is about building trust in the Maltese flag as a reliable, well-regulated jurisdiction in a highly competitive global industry.The positive momentum did not stop in 2024. By 2025, Malta's register grew further with a gross tonnage exceeding 91.3 million tonnes, confirming that the 2024 result was not a one-off achievement but part of a sustained growth trend. Stability and consistency matter in shipping, where owners look for flags that demonstrate reliability over time, not short bursts of success.In November 2025, that trust was reinforced by Malta's re-election to Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). For a small island state, maintaining a seat within the IMO is far more than symbolic. It ensures Malta has a voice in shaping international maritime regulations which affect safety, environmental protection, and the future direction of global shipping. Being present at that table allows Malta to safeguard its interests while contributing responsibly to global maritime governance. In practical terms, we're not just following international standards, we are shaping them. Apart from prestige and reputation, ship registration directly generates around €20 million annually in contribution to the national economy. Apart from this, there is substantial multiplier effects on the Maltese shipping sector through professional services, technical operations, legal and financial expertise, and employment across related industries. Even for those who never step on board a vessel, maritime activity helps sustain high-value economic activity in Malta.Another key achievement is Malta's continued top ten ranking in the ICS Flag State Performance Table. For over two decades, this index has provided shipowners an objective, data-driven assessment of flag administrations based on safety performance, environmental compliance, and adherence to international conventions. Maintaining a top-tier position sends a clear signal to the global market: the Malta flag is well-regulated and aligned with the highest international standards. This consistency supports confidence in the Malta Ship Registry and is a relevant factor for operators when selecting a flag for their vessels.Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of Malta's maritime success story is the unity of all stakeholders, working together for one common aim - success. The strong collaboration existing between the Malta Ship Registry, governmental entities, and private stakeholders has been widely recognised by the international shipping community. This collective effort ensures that Malta's maritime product remains competitive, credible, and future-focused.In a world where global competition is fierce and reputations are fragile; Malta's maritime achievements stand out. This success is a testament to what can be achieved when expertise, consistency, and collaboration come together with a uniting purpose. It is precisely for this reason that Malta's maritime success story belongs to all of us.Dr Ivan Tabone is Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen Sponsred Content
2026-02-08 08:00:00

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