A 50-year-old Irish man was shot dead in Malta following a three-hour standoff with police on a beach. His ex-partner was found dead in an apartment located 6km away. The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the incident, and it is noted that the victim had previously reported issues to the police after the breakdown of their relationship.

Edward Johnston, an Irish national, was shot dead by Maltese police after a standoff on a beach in St Julian's, Malta. He was suspected of murdering his ex-partner, Nicolette Ghirxi, who was found stabbed to death in her apartment in Birkirkara. The incident unfolded after Johnston reportedly threatened hotel employees and revealed the murder. Despite negotiations, Johnston was shot after pointing a weapon at police. The case is under investigation, with autopsies ongoing. The Irish Embassy and Department of Foreign Affairs are providing consular assistance.

Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela avoided directly answering whether Malta will continue selling citizenship to Russian nationals amid western sanctions on Russia due to the Ukraine crisis. He emphasized the robustness and strong due diligence of the Individual Investor Programme (IIP), noting its high rejection rate. Abela highlighted the financial benefits Malta has reaped from the IIP, including support for businesses and families during the pandemic and contributions to social projects through the National Development and Social Fund, which has received €599.8 million from the IIP. The Maltese foreign ministry condemned Russia's recognition of Ukraine's breakaway republics, expressing support for Ukraine's sovereignty.

Two magisterial inquiries are investigating deaths at Mater Dei Hospital, which have not been made public, according to MUMN president Paul Pace. These inquiries involve nurses and are examining potential hospital errors. Pace contrasts the private nature of these inquiries with the public scrutiny faced by a nurse suspended after the death of dementia patient Carmelo Fino. He criticizes the healthcare system for overburdening nurses, leading to inevitable mistakes, and argues against the need for multiple inquiries into such incidents, suggesting they could be used to unfairly target nurses or absolve ministers of blame. The health ministry has declined to comment on the ongoing inquiries.

The Central Link road project in Malta, spanning from Mrieħel to Rabat, was officially inaugurated despite initial controversy over environmental concerns. The €55 million project, partially funded by the European Union, aims to reduce travel time and pollution, featuring new trees, plants, walkways, and cycling tracks. Prime Minister Robert Abela and Transport Minister Ian Borg highlighted the project's benefits for the economy, environment, and public safety. Infrastructure Malta, responsible for the project, emphasized the increase in trees and improved air quality. The project is expected to complement the regeneration of Ta' Qali, enhancing its appeal to residents and tourists.

The Malta Football Association (MFA) has accepted Joseph Portelli's resignation as president of Ħamrun Spartans FC, but his registration as a player remains uncertain. The MFA may refer the case to its ethics committee due to potential reputational risks. Portelli, a construction magnate, wishes to play in the final matches of the season, despite opposition from some football clubs and officials. He defends his decision, citing his investment in the team and past experience as a youth player. Sports Minister Clifton Grima commented that the decision rests with the MFA.

Victor Vella, the editor-in-chief of it-Torċa and L-Orizzont, is to be reinstated as the editor of the Sunday paper it-Torċa after being suspended. The suspension, which was allegedly due to his editorial stance on workers' rights and social issues, sparked public outcry and internal pressure within the General Workers' Union (GWU). The GWU and its subsidiary, Union Print, faced criticism for their handling of the situation, with accusations of censorship and insubordination. The union denied these claims, stating the suspension was a purely administrative matter.

A teacher at St Albert the Great College avoided a potential €23,000 fine after rector Fr Aaron Zahra forgave her for posting 'vulgar' comments on Facebook. The comments were made following the firing of headmaster Mario Mallia, which led to protests from parents and staff. In court, Zahra requested the legal procedures against the teacher, Maria Scicluna Mantas, to be dropped after she apologized. Magistrate Charmaine Galea warned that a guilty verdict could have resulted in a hefty fine and revocation of her teaching warrant.

Malta's Energy Minister Miriam Dalli, along with experts from the Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Malta Chamber of Geologists, discussed the future of Malta's energy sector at a business breakfast organized by the EU Commission Representation in Malta and Times of Malta. The event, moderated by journalist Mark Laurence Zammit, focused on diversifying Malta's energy mix to meet EU carbon targets. Offshore wind and solar farms were highlighted as potential solutions, with discussions also covering hydrogen, geothermal, and nuclear energy. The panel addressed questions from stakeholders and social media viewers.

Talks between the Malta government and Steward Health Care regarding their concession agreement are at a standstill, with no current negotiations. The government is focused on collecting remaining tax arrears, and a judicial process is ongoing. Steward Health Care, which took over the contract from Vitals Global Healthcare in 2015, is currently managing three state hospitals but is refusing to pay €36.5 million in unpaid taxes, blaming the issues on VGH.