• Malta

    Share index climbs to a fresh near nine-year high

    Yesterday’s marginal drop in the share index proved short-lived as it rebounded by 0.1% to 4,647.789 points – the highest reading since mid-April 2008. Trading activity was spread across 11 equities with four moving higher, another four registered declines whilst HSBC, IHI and Mapfre Middlesea closed the day unchanged. Volumes dropped ...

  • Italia

    Italy reopening embassy in Libya two years after closure

    Italy is sending its ambassador back to Libya, making it the first Western diplomatic mission to reopen in the divided country. Italy closed its embassy in Libya in 2015 as rival factions descended into a conflict which has let people smugglers operate with impunity and Islamic State establish a firm foothold. The ...

  • USA Argentina

    Maradona backs Infantino’s 48-team World Cup plan

    Diego Maradona is delighted by plans to expand the World Cup to 48 teams and Argentina’s former captain said yesterday that it would rekindle interest in the tournament. The FIFA Council is expected to approve a proposal to expand the finals from 32 to 48 teams, starting in 2026, when it ...

  • Brasile Qatar Russia USA

    Updated - It's official: FIFA to expand World Cup to 48 teams in 2026

     FIFA will expand the World Cup to 48 teams, adding 16 extra nations to the 2026 tournament which is likely to be held in North America.President Gianni Infantino's favored plan — for 16 three-team groups with the top two advancing to a round of 32 — was unanimously approved Tuesday ...

  • Malta

    Updated: Veteran journalist, former Ramblers’ president Lino Bugeja passes away

    Veteran journalist and former Ramblers Association president Lino Bugeja passed away today, aged 86, the Institute of Journalists said.Mr Bugeja was the author of several analytical contributions on education, culture, sports and the environment.The IGM had recognized Mr Bugeja’s work by awarding him for the best entry in the cultural ...

  • Malta

    Reform means that all shops can open on Sundays without having to pay additional fees

    Small shops are now allowed to open on Sundays without having to pay a €700 fee, according to new rules laid out in a recently published Legal Notice. Shops that will start opening on Sundays have to give up a weekday in return and they have to notify the relevant ...

  • Malta

    Updated: Tenants told new system to register for lower utility rate not ready due to technicalities

    A number of local tenants attempted to file a mass application this morning at ARMS ltd in order to be charged the lower residential rate that is awarded to primary households to Maltese residents, but were told to sit tight until technicalities are all smoothed out.Just last week however, when ...

  • Russia

    Watch: Trump battles Meryl Streep as Cabinet picks prepare for grilling

    Donald Trump and his Cabinet picks are preparing to face public questioning over their business conflicts, their approach to Russia and other issues during a critical week of confirmation hearings and the president-elect's first news conference in nearly six months.Trump plunged Monday into another fight with a high-profile critic, this ...

  • USA

    Updated - APNewsBreak: Jolie Pitt and Brad Pitt reach divorce pact

    Angelina Jolie Pitt and Brad Pitt have reached an agreement to handle their divorce in a private forum and will work together to reunify their family, the actors announced in a joint statement Monday.Their statement released Monday night to The Associated Press said that they will keep future details of ...

  • Malta

    Parliament discusses use of canines in prison, suggests strengthening of rights

    Parliament this evening discussed a number of issues related to the use of animals, mainly canines, at the Corradino Correctional Facility, with both sides of the House calling for measures that strengthen animal’s rights.Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela explained the change of location for the kennels from the prison to ...