23 March 2026
Malta rolls out welcome mat for wealthy Gulf exiles, but not refugees
Finance Minister Clyde Caruana announced Malta is actively courting wealthy Gulf Arabs fleeing regional instability, highlighting family offices and wealth management as economic draws. However, Prime Minister Robert Abela made clear the government is determined to keep refugees displaced by the Iran war away from the island.
Young Boy Making Steady Recovery After Alleged Attack by Father
A 12-year-old boy who was allegedly attacked by his father in White Rocks last March is out of intensive care and no longer in critical condition. The boy's father is facing criminal proceedings for the attempted murder of both his children; the girl managed to escape and alert authorities.
Aviation Cosmetics workers finally getting paid after court intervention
Aviation Cosmetics workers have begun receiving their wage arrears after the GWU secured court orders to release frozen funds. Some employees had gone without pay since January. The company faces eviction from Safi Aviation over unpaid rent and is subject to a garnishee order from a failed takeover dispute.
Man charged over plot to import 19kg of khat into Malta
A 58-year-old Somali national from Marsa has been charged with plotting to import 19kg of khat into Malta. He allegedly orchestrated the smuggling operation from Paris. The court has denied bail.
Van Driver and Transport Malta Official Charged in Death of 77-Year-Old Woman
A van driver and Transport Malta official have been charged with involuntary homicide in connection with a fatal traffic accident in Qormi that killed a 77-year-old woman in August 2024. Both defendants pleaded not guilty and the case has been adjourned.
Ombudsman Orders Immediate Action After Lands Authority's 'Gross Neglect' of Fort Campbell
The Ombudsman has ruled that the Lands Authority failed to adequately protect the public from serious safety hazards at Fort Campbell in Mellieħa, ordering immediate action to block or clear dangerous structures. The historic fort, built by the British in 1937-38, has deteriorated significantly and poses risks to the many visitors, including families and children, who frequent the site. The Lands Authority's reliance on warning signs and legal defences was found wholly inadequate.
Trump Lifts Iran Threat After 'Very Good' Talks on Ending War
President Trump announced Monday that the US and Iran have held 'very good' talks aimed at ending the three-week Middle East war, leading him to postpone threatened military strikes for five days. The announcement sent oil prices tumbling by over 14 percent as markets reacted positively to the diplomatic shift. The humanitarian toll continues to mount, with thousands dead in Iran and over a million displaced in Lebanon.
Corinthia Palace Joins Virtuoso and American Express Hotel Collection
Corinthia Palace has joined the prestigious Virtuoso global network and American Express Hotel Collection, cementing its status as one of the Mediterranean's leading luxury destinations. The Attard hotel has undergone extensive refurbishment, with 74 guest rooms redesigned to blend timeless aesthetics with contemporary comfort, while its wellness offerings and culinary experiences continue to evolve.
St Julian's Crime Rates Five Times National Average as Patterns Shift Across Malta
St Julian's is recording crime rates five times the national average, emerging as Malta's main crime hotspot. The CrimeMalta Observatory's 2025 analysis reveals shifting patterns, with March and October as peak months and crime increasingly occurring between 9am-1pm and 9pm-11pm. Domestic violence remains elevated in localities including Valletta and Cospicua.
Two Pilots Killed in Runway Collision at New York's LaGuardia Airport
Two pilots were killed when an Air Canada regional jet collided with a fire truck on a LaGuardia Airport runway late Sunday. More than 40 others were injured in the crash, the airport's first fatal accident since 1992. Investigators are examining air traffic control communications and airport operations.
Four Palestinians Killed in Gaza Air Strikes as Regional Tensions Overshadow Ceasefire
Israeli air strikes killed four Palestinians in Gaza on Sunday as the ceasefire agreement continues to unravel. The violence persists while international attention is diverted to escalating tensions with Iran, leaving over 680 Palestinians dead since the October 2025 ceasefire began.
A Love Lost and Found: How John Discovered His Sliema Sweetheart Was Alive After 40 Years
After 40 years of believing his Sliema sweetheart Louise was dead, John made an astonishing discovery: she was alive. A wicked deception had kept them apart all this time, making for a remarkable tale of love, loss, and an unexpected reunion.
Bungalow Complex Approved in Żurrieq's Protected Valley Despite Massive Public Opposition
A controversial tourist bungalow complex in Żurrieq's protected countryside has received full planning approval despite opposition from environmental groups and hundreds of residents. The Baldacchino Group's 14-unit development was approved using a rural redevelopment policy that applied even though the original permit for existing buildings could not be traced. Environmental groups warn the project threatens vulnerable seabird colonies and sensitive natural habitats.
Metsola warns of energy crisis threatening EU's grip on global stage
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has warned that energy shocks and geopolitical tensions are threatening the EU's economic strength, with oil prices surging past €119 per barrel following Middle East conflicts. Malta's Government is responding by investing in grid reliability, the Sicily interconnector, and renewable energy projects to shield households from global market disruptions.
22 March 2026
'The Gospel first reveals Jesus' love, then His power over death' – Archbishop
Archbishop Charles Scicluna reflected on faith, love, and mortality during a Lenten Mass at the Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre, drawing on the Gospel's account of Lazarus's resurrection to speak to those facing death through illness. He emphasised that Christ's love precedes his power over death, and that God grieves with those who suffer. The Archbishop also recognised the partnership between medicine and faith, while acknowledging that death ultimately cannot be avoided by human means alone.
Iran Warns of 'Irreversible Destruction' After Trump's 48-Hour Ultimatum
Iran has vowed "irreversible destruction" of regional energy infrastructure after Trump threatened to obliterate Iranian power plants unless the Strait of Hormuz is opened within 48 hours. The situation escalated dramatically when Iran struck near Israel's nuclear facility, with missiles penetrating Israeli air defences. The Trump administration remains internally divided on strategy, raising concerns among allies about the true objectives of the escalating conflict.
Archbishop Scicluna Meets Young Confirmation Candidates in Meaningful Dialogue
Archbishop Charles Scicluna met with hundreds of adolescents preparing for Confirmation at the Basilica of Christ the King in Paola on Saturday, engaging them in dialogue about faith, vocation, and living as active Church members. The gathering, organised by the Archdiocese's Lifelong Catechesis office, saw young people pose questions about the Sacrament and how to maintain their relationship with Jesus in daily life.
Abela Says Labour's Electoral Manifesto Nearly Ready
Prime Minister Robert Abela announced Labour's new electoral manifesto is nearly ready, signalling campaign momentum despite repeatedly denying snap election plans. The announcement comes as Labour's polling lead has narrowed to just 2.6 points over the Nationalist Party, and as the party's campaign machinery has been quietly activated for months.
Borg Teases Major Industry Pledge in Pre-Election Push
Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg has teased a major new industry he plans to bring to Malta, refusing to name it but promising an announcement within weeks. The PN chief framed the mystery pledge as part of his party's economic vision for sustainable growth, drawing parallels to past successes like the gambling and maritime sectors.
