Any decision on whether to designate Ħondoq ir-Rummien as outside the development zone will not be taken until after a review of the Strategic Plan for Environment and Development (SPED), the planning minister has said.  There have long been calls to turn the land back into ODZ after it was changed in 2006 to allow for tourist and marine-related developments. On Thursday a tribunal rejected plans by developers Gozo Prestige to turn the area into a port and yacht marina along with a luxury village including hotel and apartments. However Qala mayor Paul Buttigieg has said he will continue to campaign for the area to be protected. Planning minister Stefan Azzopardi Zrinzo said Ħondoq Ir-Rummien's zoning relies on local plans Video: Chris Sant Fournier Asked whether there are plans to return Ħondoq to its former ODZ status, Zrinzo Azzopardi said that any zoning changes will be based on updating local plans which in turn rely on the findings of a review of SPED, Following the publication of the SPED review “one can look not only towards reforms in the area [Ħondoq Ir-Rummien] but also on a national level,” the minister said.  SPED is Malta's 'bible' on planning and development rules,...

US job gains topped expectations in October, official data showed on Friday, as hiring remained resilient and wages moved ever higher even as unemployment edged up, underscoring the challenges in lowering rampant inflation. The data comes days ahead of midterm elections, where decades-high inflation has propelled economic issues to the top of voters' minds and President Joe Biden faces a battle to avoid losing control of both chambers of Congress. The figures will provide little comfort to the Federal Reserve, which has been battling to cool the economy, as central bankers fear high prices will become entrenched and rising pay will create an upward spiral – inflicting more harm on families and businesses. American employers added 261,000 workers last month, far more than economists had forecast, though this eased from a revised 315,000 figure in September. The jobless rate rose two-tenths to 3.7 per cent, the Labour Department said in its closely-watched US employment report. Average hourly earnings for private sector workers jumped another 12 cents, or 0.4 per cent, to $32.58, the data showed. Wages have increased 4.7 per cent over the last 12 months as firms have had to...

We are currently living in the era of digital transformation, an era that businesses, tech stakeholders, regulators, academia, and society in general have been preparing over the past few years. However, the time has come to turn these discussions into tangible endeavours and put the steps in motion to ensure that society and businesses are at the forefront of any technological revolution. In other words, nations must now actively pursue the establishment of their digital plans. To make our societies and economies fit for the digital age, the EU is committed to creating a safe digital space for citizens and businesses in a manner that is inclusive and accessible for all. This means enabling a digital transformation that safeguards EU values and protects citizens' fundamental rights and security, while also enhancing Europe's digital sovereignty. This is why the European Commission presented a vision that targets and avenues for a successful digital transformation of Europe by 2030.  As a negotiator on behalf of the Socialists and Democrats on the 2030 policy agenda 'Path to the Digital Decade,' MEP Josianne Cutajar has contributed to the agreement which reached by the...

Development in the construction industry should never cost lives, a judge warned when handing down a two-year jail term to a contractor involved in the collapse of a building 18 years ago.  The contractor, Paul Demicoli, had originally been condemned to a three-year jail term but had the sentence reduced on appeal. He was also spared payment of expenses related to experts appointed in the magisterial inquiry The case dates to June 3 of 2004 when a block of apartments on Triq Ramon Perellos, St Paul’s Bay, collapsed at around 3.30pm as a result of construction works next door.  Hours later, as rescue workers searched through the rubble, they discovered the lifeless bodies of Maria Dolores Zarb and Nadezda Vavilova, who were buried alive when the block of apartments collapsed. The incident led to criminal action against Paul Demicoli, the contractor, Kevin Bonnici, the worker who had been carrying out excavation works on site earlier that day as well as the owner of the plot, Paul Magro for having caused the victims’ death through negligence and inadequate risk assessment. In 2009, Demicoli and Bonnici were found guilty and were condemned to a three-year and an 18-month jail term...

Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber said Thursday the league was open to revamping its playoff format amid reports the postseason could be expanded to 16 teams. Speaking ahead of Saturday’s MLS Cup championship game in Los Angeles, Garber said league officials would review possible format changes in the close season. A report in The Athletic last week speculated that the playoffs could be increased to 16 teams divided into four groups of four — eight from each conference. The top two teams in each group would then advance to a straight knockout competition. Click here for full story. 

A 59-year-old man was on Friday remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to slightly injuring two Transport Malta officials. The man, a British national from Nadur, pleaded guilty to damaging their car. The police said in a statement the man assaulted, threatened and injured the officials on Triq it-Tiġrija in Nadur.  Prosecution was led by inspector Josef Gauci. Court was presided by Brigitte Sultana. 

Donald Trump is planning to ride a wave of Republican victories in next week's midterm elections by announcing a run for the presidency, US media reported on Friday, as Democrats braced for a punishing night even in the most liberal corners of America. The one-term president has hinted for almost two years a potential third tilt at the White House after losing to Joe Biden, but aides are firming up plans for an announcement on November 14, according to Axios. Trump sent his clearest signal yet that he intends to announce his 2024 candidacy soon, as he addressed a rally Thursday in Iowa, the first state to hold its Republican nominating contest in presidential elections.  "In order to make our country successful and safe and glorious, I will very, very, very probably do it again, OK? Very, very, very probably," Trump teased to rapt applause at the event in Sioux City.  "Get ready. That's all I'm telling you. Very soon. Get ready. Get ready." Trump's remarks came with polling pointing to a re-emerging "red wave" that will likely see the tycoon's party dismantling the Democrats' razor-thin majority in the House and possibly retaking the Senate. Republicans are confident they can...

Miles Bridges, a restricted free agent with the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, pleaded no contest to felony domestic violence charges in California and agreed to a three-year probation, prosecutors in Los Angeles said Thursday. Bridges had originally pleaded not guilty to three domestic violence and child abuse charges in July, which stemmed from an alleged assault of his wife in front of their two children in the Southern California city in June. After Bridges turned himself in to police and was released on bond his wife, Mychelle Johnson, posted photographs on Instagram that appeared to show injuries to her face and body. Click here for full story. 

Japan full-back Yuta Nakayama will miss the World Cup after suffering a season-ending Achilles injury while playing for English side Huddersfield Town, the club said. Nakayama was named in Japan’s 26-man squad for Qatar on Tuesday and was expected to start in their Group E games against Germany, Costa Rica and Spain. Huddersfield said the 25-year-old will require surgery that will rule him out for the rest of the Championship season after being stretchered off in the Terriers’ 2-0 home defeat to Sunderland on Wednesday. Click here for full story. 

Planning minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi on Friday dismissed claims by a PN MP that his father was on a planning-related board till only “a few weeks ago”. The claim, according to Zrinzo Azzopardi, was "a work of fiction". On Wednesday, PN MP Julie Zahra claimed that the minister's father, Joseph Zrinzo, had served on the Heritage Advisory Committee, until "a few weeks ago" and was the "go-to guy" for several architects wanting to influence the recommendations by the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage. Culture Minister Owen Bonnici later explained that while he had appointed his old friend Zrinzo to the HAC in 2020, once his son was appointed planning minister in March he had transferred Zrinzo to the European Films Board.  Planning minister Zrinzo Azzopardi rubbished claims Video: Chris Sant Fournier On Friday Zrinzo Azzopardi told Times of Malta that Zahra's claim was untrue.  “Someone fed her [Zahra] a work of fiction and she went ahead and repeated it in parliament,” he said.   The HAC is tasked with advising the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, which, in turn, gives recommendations on planning applications based on cultural value. A government notice dated July 6,...

France's National Assembly voted on Friday to sanction a far-right MP with a rare 15-day suspension and pay cut after he yelled "back to Africa" at a black colleague, a clash that drew outrage across the political spectrum. Gregoire de Fournas, a newly elected member of the National Rally, has denied any personal racist attack in the outburst, saying he was referring to a ship carrying rescued migrants in the Mediterranean. The penalty urged by the council of the lower-house National Assembly is the harshest possible under its rules, which broadly uphold free speech for MPs while in session. It was only the second time in the history of France's Fifth Republic, established by Charles de Gaulle in 1958, that an MP had received such a rebuke. The incident came as tensions over immigration are running high, with President Emmanuel Macron's government promising a new crackdown amid accusations of failing to stem new arrivals or deport those whose residency requests are denied. Carlos Martens Bilongo of the leftist France Unbowed party (LFI) was questioning the government Thursday on the request by the SOS Mediterranee NGO for Paris's help in finding a port for the ship that rescued...

As part of the World Stroke Day on October 29, Gozo General Hospital recently hosted an event at the Duke Shopping Mall in Victoria. World Stroke Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of the serious nature and rates of stroke, and talk about ways in which we can reduce the burden of stroke through better public awareness of the risk factors and signs of strokes. At the Gozo General Hospital a stroke team, composed of various professionals, is responsible for the care of stroke patients in the hospital and the community. The team organises awareness activities during the end of October and the month of May, also dedicated to stroke. On October 27 and 28, stroke team members were at the Duke mall monitoring blood pressure and blood glucose level of visitors. Informative leaflets were also distributed. The aim of the exercise is to raise awareness on stroke signs and symptoms, how to reduce the risk of stroke and the benefits of timely access to emergency medical care. Another event organised by the team was a lecture for medical professionals held at Bart University Gozo on October 24. The lecturer on the day was neurology consultant Adrian Pace.    

After a year of trials and tribulations, Christmas comes to offer hope, cheer and light. And this year, it shines even brighter, with new attractions at the Malta Illuminated Trail.  This magical, after-dark adventure for all the family will once again be held at the Verdala Palace Gardens – which will be transformed into a magical wonderland with loads of new attractions, including an all-new Christmas Village.    The event – which will shine from November 25 till January 7 – will once again be held in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation. At the Malta Illuminated Trail – surrounded by the elegant charm of one of Malta’s most beautiful palaces – families can embark on a journey through a walkway featuring hundreds of new, larger-than-life lantern illuminated sculptures, light Installations, projections and much more. Children and adults can enjoy spotting glittering structures like Santa’s Toy Shop, the North Pole, Sea Life, and the cutest family of pandas. And that is just a start. Walk through the enchanted forest, twinkling with thousands of fairy-lights. The trail will also include some incredible showstoppers and amazingly illuminated paths and irresistible...

Eddie Howe revealed on Friday that he walked into a Newcastle dressing room that “wanted help” when he launched his rescue mission as he prepares to mark 12 months in charge at St James’ Park. Howe, who took over as manager from Steve Bruce on November 8 last year, has lifted the club from the Premier League relegation mire to a position as unlikely top-four contenders ahead of Sunday’s trip to Southampton. He said the struggling squad he inherited, since boosted by big-money signings, was better than it was given credit for. Click here for full story. 

Graham Potter expects Chelsea’s players to put their bodies on the line in the run-up to the World Cup despite injury concerns after Ben Chilwell joined the growing list of stars facing potential heartbreak. Chelsea left-back Chilwell appears unlikely to make the England squad for Qatar after a hamstring injury in the Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday. He is one of several top-flight players who have late fitness concerns ahead of the tournament. South Korea’s Son Heung-min had surgery for a facial fracture sustained as Tottenham won in Marseille earlier this week. Click here for full story. 

South Korean football fans were nervously following the saga of Son Heung-min’s facial injury on Friday and fear their World Cup will be ruined if the influential skipper is ruled out. His club Tottenham said the forward suffered a fracture around his left eye and will have surgery, less than three weeks before the country’s opening match in Qatar. The nasty injury, which Son picked up in a Champions League win over Marseille earlier this week, has put his World Cup in doubt. Click here for full story. 

Twitter sacked half of its 7,500-strong staff on Friday as new owner Elon Musk launched his major overhaul of the troubled company just a week after his blockbuster takeover. An internal document seen by AFP said "roughly 50 per cent" of employees were impacted and would be denied access to company computers and email on an immediate basis. Workers around the world were shown the door and took to Twitter to vent their frustration or disbelief and say goodbye to one of Silicon Valley's most iconic companies. "Woke up to the news that my time working at Twitter has come to an end. I am heartbroken. I am in denial," said Michele Austin, Twitter’s director of public policy for the US and Canada. Ahead of the layoffs, Twitter closed access to its offices worldwide, asking employees to stay at home to await news of their fate at the company. The cull is part of Musk's push to find ways to pay for the mammoth $44 billion deal for which he took on billions of dollars in debt and sold $15.5 billion worth of Tesla shares, his electric car company. Musk, the Tesla and SpaceX chief, has been scrambling to find new ways for Twitter to make money after his mammoth buyout, including an idea to...

Aston Villa’s new manager Unai Emery has set his sights on leading the struggling club to their first major trophy in more two decades. Emery is back in the Premier League after leaving Spanish side Villarreal to take charge of Villa following the sacking of Steven Gerrard. The 51-year-old flopped during a brief reign as Arsenal boss that ended with the sack in 2019 but he is still highly regarded across Europe after impressive spells with Villarreal and Sevilla. Click here for full story. 

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez says he understands Gerard Pique’s decision to retire halfway through the season, because the 35-year-old defender doesn’t feel as “important or useful” to the team as before. Pique announced he would play his final match at Camp Nou on Saturday against Almeria, while he will also be available for the club’s last game before the World Cup at Osasuna on Tuesday. This season Xavi has only called on him because of injuries, with Pique behind Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen in the pecking order at centre-back. Click here for full story. 

A woman was seriously injured when she got out of her car with the engine still on only for it to run her over three times, Swiss police said on Friday. The 45-year-old had stepped out of her car in a residential area in St Gallen in northeastern Switzerland, likely in order to get something out of the boot, regional police said, according to the Swiss news agency ATS. But then the car, which was on a slight slope, began rolling backwards. The woman had attempted in vain to stop the vehicle, before falling to the ground and was run over a first time. The car had then rammed into another vehicle and rebounded back in the opposite direction, running over the woman a second time, police said. But the car then hit a sidewalk, sending it back towards the woman and running her over a third time, before finally hitting a wooden barrier and coming to a halt. The woman was sent to hospital in a serious condition.