In the Press: PM closes hunting season after shot kestrel lands in school yard

Today's headlines are dominated by PM Joseph Muscat's decision to close the spring hunting season, three days before its legal closure, after a kestrel was shot and landed in the school yard of St Edward's College, Cottonera. The students were highly upset by the sight of the bloodied bird. 

Hunting federations condemned the illegal act but protested what they called the 'collective punishment' of an early ban.

The Times of Malta

A human rights report reveals that the majority of asylum applications this year were made by Libyans. With nearly 300 applications this year alone, the number may surpass last year's total of 418, which accounted for about a third of the overall applications received last year.

In-Nazzjon

Sources tell this newspaper that the hospital ambulance service lacks a long-term plan, surviving day-to-day and arriving at emergency cases much later than the EU-established eight minutes, putting patients at risk.

L-Orizzont

A report by the ministry for tourism shows how a 7% increase in tourist arrivals, with the accompanying €88 million injected into the economy, has boosted tourism sector wages and maintains a 27,500-person workforce. 

The Malta Independent

Former MUMN head Paul Pace has been appointed CEO at the ministry for health, in a surprise move that drew criticism from some health care professionals, saying that Pace lacked the qualifications for the role. The University of Malta bristled at the fact that a new nursing school is to be set up without it being officially informed.