Its crew abandoned it two weeks ago after it was hit by a huge explosion.

Russia hasn't come to pick it up and no country - including Malta - will touch it.

Still though, all eyes are on it, as it is loaded with some 700 tonnes of fuel and it could blow up.

In a 20-minute episode that will be out on Wednesday, Times Talk will discuss the inside story of how the Russian tanker story was discovered and revealed, what the authorities are saying and fearing behind closed doors, and how the government went from denying concerns to asking the EU for help.

Is time travel to the past and to the future possible? It turns out it is – at least one way.

And what is the likelihood that there are other worlds like ours out there? The short answer is: very likely. The long answer is even more interesting.

In a wide-ranging 90-minute discussion on Times Talk, astrophysicist professor Joseph Caruana breaks down the staggering reality of our existence – from the probability of humanity living in a computer simulation to the probability of time travel.

During the episode the 39-year-old Oxford-educated researcher and University of Malta lecturer explains why most of the universe is still a mystery and how scientists have managed to trace back its beginning 14 billion years ago. And along the way he answers a myriad of other questions.

When will the world end? Will the universe end? What happens to us after we die? And how is human consciousness the way the universe finally knows about itself?

And from all that he knows about the universe, does it look like there is a God? Does the universe need a creator to keep it going? Did it even need a creator?

And is it possible that we are all living in a computer simulation? Short answer is: quite possibly.

Watch the full 90-minute Times Talk episode to find out.

Gunshots rang out. The man was dragged out bleeding. He was accused of trying to kill Prime Minister Dom Mintoff.

That same day, thugs destroyed Times of Malta offices and ransacked the home of Mintoff’s rival, Eddie Fenech Adami.

In this episode, Times Talk explores one of the darkest days in Malta's modern history.

But that does not mean it was a year without interesting events.

From a building collapse in Paceville to family tragedies, the (second) rise of Donald Trump and the potential sale of HSBC Malta, Times of Malta journalists were kept busy right to the end of the year.

In this episode, Mark Laurence Zammit sits down with Times of Malta editor-in-chief Herman Grech, online editor Bertrand Borg, print editor Anthony Manduca and news editor Diana Cacciottolo to get their insights into the stories that made 2025

A five-hour work day is sufficient for most employees to produce high-quality work in today’s technology-driven economy, according to former Chamber president Marisa Xuereb.

Speaking on Times Talk, the long-time entrepreneur and employer said most people including herself can only produce top quality work for five hours a day, and if they worked for 25 hours a week (five hours a day for five days) they would likely produce around the same amount of work they do when they work eight hours daily.

Throughout the fiery debate, the pair butted heads over who emerged on top in the arbitration proceedings, whether the government could have pursued a different legal route, and what the tribunal actually said about a €400 million sum supposedly stolen by Steward.

Armed with a stack of meticulously annotated documents in hand, almost certainly the various court sentences, reports and rulings handed down throughout this multi-year saga, neither Attard nor Delia held back once the cameras were rolling.

Attard was speaking as justice minister while former opposition leader Delia waged a lengthy legal campaign that ended with a court annulling all contracts awarded to Steward and its predecessor Vitals Global Healthcare.

The trauma left deep scars, and as an adult, his father’s mind began to unravel. The voices that haunted him eventually drove him to commit an unthinkable act: the murder of Schembri’s mother.

Schembri, an author, journalist and activist, has now finally broken a decades-long silence through his new novel Eħlisna mid-Deni (Deliver us from Evil).

He tells Times Talk the book - a work of fiction inspired by his real story - is his way of achieving justice for a human tragedy that the authorities systematically overlooked for years.

In a one-hour interview about Budget 2026 measures, Caruana also speaks frankly about mass public transport, worker productivity and the end of cash-for-passports income.

We joined the team on a Monday morning as they monitored traffic flows, cleared roads and responded to crashes.

The two agree on almost nothing when it comes to construction and development - which is why this week they went head to head in this Times Talk debate on the highly controversial planning reform.

Another man lost his life savings to a fictitious Canadian woman whom he chatted with for months, and after she took all his money, he went to look for her abroad, only to discover the address she gave him didn’t exist.

And another woman spent seven years and €170,000 trying to buy a dog that never even existed.

These are not plot lines from a film but real-life stories of Maltese people who have lost a lot of money to sophisticated online scams during the past months. Their stories are detailed in this episode of Times Talk.

The episode delves into a wave of increasingly sophisticated and insidious online scams that is sweeping across Europe, leaving a trail of financial and emotional devastation.

In this Times Talk interview, the PN's new leader speaks about the party's future and finances, his relationship with leadership rival Adrian Delia and perceptions that he is close to big business.

Grech has overseen the Times' shift from a primarily print-based newspaper to an online one. Scicluna joined the Times of Malta newsroom 45 years ago, following in his father's footsteps.

Together, the two recall some of the most significant events in Malta's modern history in his interview with Mark Laurence Zammit

Proposals to reform planning laws caught people off guard and led to howls of outrage, as activists noted they would effectively give the Planning Authority unfettered power.

Now, Camilleri says the critics are right.

In this exclusive interview, the minister vows to revoke many of the proposals' most controversial clauses, while arguing others parts of the reform are necessary.

"Despite our good intentions, the activists and NGOs are right," he says.

Then, one morning last September, Gouder took his own life.

In this Times Talk exclusive, Karl Gouder's brother Simon opens up about that tragedy and the days leading up to it.

We also speak to a young man who survived multiple suicide attempts, and psychiatrist professor Anton Grech and Richmond Foundation CEO Daniela Calleja about men's mental health and the risks of suicide.

But for the next few weeks, Cynthia Galea and Sarah Bajada have had to put part of their personal lives and careers on hold to support their partners, who are running to be the country's next opposition leader and - they hope - the next prime minister.

In this episode of Times Talk, Adrian Delia's partner Cynthia and Alex Borg's partner Sarah, bring Mark Laurence Zammit behind the scenes on the campaign trail.

So we had to adapt.

In this Times Talk episode, we interview the two candidates separately about their vision for the Opposition party, but present their replies to you in a single take.

A former president and deputy leader of the Labour Party, Abela can now add 'retired judge' to that resume, having served for nine years in the judiciary.

In this rare interview, Abela reveals what it's like to be a judge in Malta and opens up about how the power of deciding a person's fate weighed on him.

Bernard Grech’s surprise decision to step aside midway through the legislature caught the party off guard. And with Roberta Metsola deciding not to contest, the PN’s future appears uncertain.

Lou Bondi played a key role within the PN during its electoral heyday. George Vital Zammit was tasked by the party’s outgoing leader with writing its electoral manifesto.

In this Times Talk episode, we ask these two thinkers where the PN got it wrong, and what it needs to do to get back on track.

Portelli is one of Malta’s biggest construction moguls. Callus is arguably Malta’s best-known environmental activist. It is safe to say there is little love lost between the two.

The hour-long debate was moderated by Times of Malta assistant editor Mark Laurence Zammit.

In this exclusive interview recorded inside the Vatican, Cardinal Grech says he was relieved he was not the man chosen to lead the Catholic Church.

Cardinal Grech sheds light on the conclave that led to the election of Pope Leo XIV and also touches on various challenges the Church faces, including the problem of many priests not wanting to become bishops.

The laughs stopped this month, though, when the show was accused of humiliating Terry Muscat, a transgender social media personality.

One of the show's three hosts apologised and quit.

In this exclusive interview, Times Talk speaks to the remaining two, Max Vassallo and PJ Xerxen, about that joke, their plans for the show and whether there should be red lines in comedy.

Although the proposals are not a draft bill yet, they could lead to one, and on Times Talk, Buttigieg fields questions on what could go wrong if the country were to introduce some form of euthanasia.

Zammit explains how the process will unfold and why he believes it could take slightly longer than usual for a puff of white smoke to emerge from the chapel chimney.

He also weighs in on the internal politics that take centre stage during the event, in an election meant to be the work of the holy spirit.

One of those killings, the 2017 assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, is arguably the most significant crime in Malta's history.

In this episode, Mark Laurence Zammit speaks to Times of Malta court reporter Monique Agius and online editor Bertrand Borg about the ongoing trial. This episode was recorded on April 29, 2025.

In this episode of Times Talk we meet the first people of Malta - hunter-gatherers who reached the island 1,000 earlier than previously believed, navigating vast open waters before the age of agriculture.

Times Talk follows the journey of the scientists that traced back these prehistoric pioneers and redefined what we thought we knew about the dawn of civilisation in the Mediterranean.

This episode was produced by Mark Laurence Zammit and edited by Karl Andrew Micallef.

Cardona has been on an incredible winning streak this past year - writing and performing in Malta's longest-running solo show, starring in critically acclaimed musical and theatre productions and now, winning the prestigious music competition Mużika Mużika at the first attempt.

Mark Laurence Zammit sits down with Cardona to learn more about what makes him tick, and what he makes of his sudden burst of success.

This episode was edited by Karl Andrew Micallef.

Times of Malta investigation reveals how the drug culture has seeped into bars, bathrooms, and beyond.

Mark Laurence Zammit speaks to Times of Malta journalists Marc Galdes and Emma Borg as well as medical experts Anton Grech and Godwin Sammut to explore the seedier side of Maltese nightlife.

Hosted by Mark Laurence Zammit. Edited by Karl Andrew Micallef.

Mark Laurence Zammit was granted an exclusive, unprecedented four-hour filmed tour of the facility by prisons director Chris Siegersma, one month after a damning report by the Ombudsman which saw Corradino described as a "factory of evil" by one inmate.

This is what he saw.

Produced by Mark Lawrence Zammit. Filmed by the Correctional Services Agency. Edited by Karl Andrew Micallef.

If Ian Borg's many hats are weighing him down, he doesn't show it.

In this interview with Mark Laurence Zammit, Borg - one of Malta's most powerful and recognisable politicians - delves into his plans to reform the tourism sector, "fix" Comino and adapt Malta's diplomatic neutrality to the geopolitics of today.

This episode was produced by Mark Laurence Zammit and edited by Karl Andrew Micallef.

They share a first name and a flair for bombastic posts on social media. The similarities end there. 

Azzopardi is a lawyer and former Nationalist Party MP who crusades against the Labour government. Micallef is a Labour official who has vocally defended Labour figures facing corruption allegations. 

In this hour-long discussion moderated by Mark Laurence Zammit, the two Jasons go head-to-head on some of the hottest political issues in present-day Malta. Expect fireworks. 

Produced by Mark Laurence Zammit. Edited by Karl Andrew Micallef. 

We still don't know when Fenech - the millionaire heir to the Tumas Group fortune - will stand trial on those charges. What we do know is that he will be sleeping at home until that happens. 

Times of Malta journalist Claudia Calleja was in court when a court granted Fenech bail. Her colleague Daniel Ellul was outside prison when he was released. 

Mark Laurence Zammit speaks to both of them to get some insight into this major event. 

This episode was produced by Mark Laurence Zammit and edited by Karl Andrew Micallef. 

The Um el Faroud, a Libyan oil tanker, had exploded "like a tin can".  Nine people lost their lives. 

30 years on, we revisit that disaster with the help of two people who were among the first to reach the scene: court analyst and University of Malta Rector Alfred Vella and Times of Malta deputy online editor Chris Scicluna. 

This episode was produced by Mark Laurence Zammit, written by Matthew Bonanno and edited by Karl Andrew Micallef. 

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On this episode, we hear the stories of some of those men.

In part two, we catch up with Claudio Camilleri, a marathon runner who found time to stop and help a stranded tourist despite being in the middle of a 190km charity run.

Find out more at https://times-talk.pinecast.co

Cauchi vanished in 1982, but his body wasn’t discovered until three years later. His family are now seeking compensation for how the investigation was handled by police and the government at the time.

We speak to forensic expert Anthony Abela Medici, who was one of the first people to go down the well where Cauchi's body was found.

Find out more at https://times-talk.pinecast.co

In this episode, Times of Malta journalist Ivan Martin explains how the PN got here and where things may end up in the weeks to come.

In part two, we speak to ultra-runner Claudio Camilleri, who’s attempting to run 190km around Malta and Gozo later this month, all in the name of charity.

Have an idea or story suggestion? Email us at timestalk@timesofmalta.com

Find out more at https://times-talk.pinecast.co

On this episode, historians Charles Xuereb and Simon Cusens debate whether some of Malta’s colonial monuments should be removed or relocated.

In part two, we speak to John Edward DeMicoli about his fascinating World War II discovery inside a German antique he bought at auction.

Send your suggestions or story ideas to timestalk@timesofmalta.com

Find out more at https://times-talk.pinecast.co

In part two of this episode, we ask epidemiologist Neville Calleja what Malta has done right during the pandemic and get his take on whether we should be concerned about a second wave.

Find out more at https://times-talk.pinecast.co

Borg was speaking before former minister Konrad Mizzi was kicked out of the Labour Party and economic crimes unit chief Ian Abdilla was replaced.

In part two of the episode, expats who used to call Malta home tell us they are packing their bags and leaving for good... because they sense rising xenophobia.

Have a story or suggestion to share with us? Email us at timestalk@timesofmalta.com

Find out more at https://times-talk.pinecast.co

Hours before that probe began, he sat down with Times of Malta for an exclusive interview. Ivan Martin provides insight into the latest developments in a case that keeps twisting and turning.

In part two of this episode, we speak to Valletta business owners about their eight months of misery which began with national protests and continued with a global pandemic. Many tell us they're struggling to stay afloat.

Have a tip, idea or suggestion? Get in touch at timestalk@timesofmalta.com

Find out more at https://times-talk.pinecast.co

In part two of the episode, we hear from swimmer Neil Agius about how he's preparing - mentally and physically - to cross from Sicily to Malta later this month.

Find out more at https://times-talk.pinecast.co

Plus, teenager Leon Bartolo talks about the strains of being a student in Malta, after a global study found that local 15-year-olds face the most schoolwork pressure in Europe.

Find out more at https://times-talk.pinecast.co

We also speak to national long jump record-holder Claire Azzopardi about the mental challenges she faced when training during lockdown.

Find out more at https://times-talk.pinecast.co

Plus, Times of Malta reporter Claire Caruana talks us through the challenges the media has faced while covering the pandemic, as daily COVID-19 briefings come to an end.

Find out more at https://times-talk.pinecast.co

Plus: wondering if you should get swabbed for COVID-19? Times of Malta online editor Bertrand Borg went and took the test, all in the name of research.

Find out more at https://times-talk.pinecast.co

Plus, musician Glenn Sacco talks about his virtual collaboration with rock legend Jon Bon Jovi.

Background reading: 'Tourism will be the last sector to recover'

Find out more at https://times-talk.pinecast.co

Plus, marine biologist Alan Deidun tells us how and why he believes wildlife is thriving across the islands since the COVD-19 pandemic forced us all indoors.

Background reading:

Archbishop slams 'cardboard institutions with no teeth' Dolphins arrive on a coastline quietened by coronavirus

Find out more at https://times-talk.pinecast.co

Plus, Times of Malta journalist Jacob Borg explains how Malta gets its electricity, what are the rules it must play by, and why those contracts make it tricky for the government to lower utility rates.

Background reading: Gas is more expensive than interconnector - Electrogas advisers The $1 billion energy deal that's costing Malta millions Enemalta 'is not just the government's company' - Edward Scicluna The multiple problems found in Electrogas' winning bid

Music: Verdi - Un Ballo in Maschera (Abbado)

Find out more at https://times-talk.pinecast.co

In the second part of the episode, we speak to a Maltese teen activist who managed to secure a one-hour meeting with Prime Minister Robert Abela to discuss the rights of migrants.

Learn more about these stories and more at www.timesofmalta.com.

Find out more at https://times-talk.pinecast.co

And 100 days into the tenure of Prime Minister Robert Abela, we speak to Times of Malta editor-in-chief Herman Grech about how Malta's new leader is handling the hot seat.

Background reading: https://www.um.edu.mt/newspoint/news/2020/04/covid-19-risk-management?fbclid=IwAR1suOPHnezFTyc8Vc8FJ_N2F137jh8PA2HncWw6T7c5k311TlxoM1iJ358

https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/from-construction-to-corona-100-days-of-robert-abela.786539