Heidi Klum Transforms into E.T. for Halloween

Nov 1 2024

Heidi Klum once again outdid herself at her 23rd Annual Halloween Party, this time transforming into E.T. from Steven Spielberg’s 1982 cult classic. The supermodel, 51, arrived at the Hard Rock Hotel in New York City dressed as the beloved alien, alongside her husband, musician Tom Kaulitz, 35, who joined her in a stripped-back version of E.T.’s look.

In a nod to the movie’s memorable scenes, Klum donned a platinum blonde wig, a black bowler hat, a floral slip dress, and a fur scarf around her neck. Kaulitz’s E.T. sported the iconic ‘nude’ look from the character’s original reveal. The duo reenacted scenes from the film, using remote-controlled mechanics to wave and point, with their fingers intertwined as they strolled the red carpet.

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Klum documented her Halloween preparations on Instagram, sharing glimpses of her extensive makeup and prosthetics. Fans were delighted by the homage to E.T., with one social media user exclaiming, “Kills it EVERY SINGLE TIME.” Klum’s elaborate costume cements her title as the reigning Queen of Halloween.

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PN, Students Demand Action Due To MCAST ‘Limbo’

Nov 1 2024

The ongoing MCAST dispute over the delayed Collective Agreement has sparked concern from both the Partit Nazzjonalista (PN) and MCAST students, who are feeling the strain of ongoing disruptions.

In a recent statement, the PN condemned the government’s three-year delay in addressing the agreement, which, they argue, has left educators and students in an “unacceptable” state of limbo.

With the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) enforcing directives, the PN emphasised the impact on students’ educational experiences and called on the government to lead with transparency and commitment to resolve the issue.

Students, meanwhile, voiced increasing frustration over how the delays have disrupted their studies, especially under the MUT directives. One student detailed the consequences: exams have been cancelled, grades withheld, and assignment approvals delayed, making it unclear whether students can progress academically.

This uncertainty has been particularly hard for final-year students facing critical thesis deadlines.

“Students are being left in the dark,” the student explained, noting that Kunsill Studenti MCAST’s (KSM) portrayal of the situation misrepresents students’ urgent need for clarity on their academic status, not simply released marks.

They stressed solidarity with lecturers, who are rightfully seeking fair compensation, and placed responsibility for the issue on the government and MCAST’s leadership. Both PN and students demand swift government action to prevent further setbacks to students’ education and future.

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Imperium Europa Complaint Against Parliamentary Secretary Dismissed

Nov 1 2024

The Standards Commissioner dismissed a complaint by Norman Lowell, leader of Imperium Europa, claiming that Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttiġieġ breached the ministerial code of ethics through a Facebook comment.

Lowell’s complaint followed a Broadcasting Authority decision to fine RTK103 radio €4,660 for excluding him from a pre-election discussion program.

In response, Buttiġieġ posted on Facebook advocating against hate speech, arguing that promoting views that undermine others’ fundamental rights threatens democracy and public safety.

Lowell argued that Buttiġieġ’s comment was misinformed and unethical. The Commissioner assessed two points: whether her comment reasonably described Imperium Europa’s views and whether her position allowed her to express such opinions.

Regarding the first, the Commissioner confirmed that Buttiġieġ’s remarks were based on established facts, noting that Lowell had previous convictions for hate speech and that Imperium Europa’s website historically contained anti-democratic statements.

On the second point, the Commissioner concluded that Buttiġieġ, as a public official, maintained the right to express personal political views on non-state platforms like Facebook. Since no misuse of state media occurred, the Commissioner found no basis for further investigation, clearing Buttiġieġ of any ethics violations.

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Launch Of Project Aimed At People-Centred Access To Justice

Nov 1 2024

Justice and Construction Sector Reform Minister Jonathan Attard recently opened an international project launch focused on enhancing People-Centred Access to Justice, hosted by Malta and organised by the OECD with EU support. The event drew experts from various countries, including Ireland, the Netherlands, and Italy, to discuss judicial systems that prioritise individual needs.

In his address, Minister Attard highlighted Malta’s commitment to a justice system that is effective, transparent, and accessible. He outlined key areas of reform, such as strengthening mediation, arbitration, and legal aid services, to ensure a system responsive to citizens.

Attard underscored recent investments, which have grown Malta’s judiciary to its largest size, along with reforms to improve the Legal Aid Agency and implement digital justice solutions for smoother interactions across justice institutions.

Minister Attard also emphasised the importance of timely justice, as mandated by the European Convention on Human Rights, to foster public trust. He referenced reforms like the creation of a commercial court and the appointment of specialised Inquiry Magistrates, as well as the government’s commitment to inclusive policy-making, particularly regarding drug victim justice and family court reforms. He closed by thanking international partners for supporting Malta’s efforts to build a more people-centred justice system.

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