Roger Federer has lost his billionaire status after a significant drop in shares of the company On Holding, in which he invested. The stock fell by 19%, causing him to lose at least $52 million in just one day. His estimated net worth now stands at $952 million. Despite this loss, he remains one of the wealthiest former athletes in the world. His investment in On was considered his most profitable business move.
On Thursday, August 13, high temperatures nearing 40 degrees are expected, with a possible yellow warning for heat. From Friday, rain and storms are forecasted, mainly in mountainous and inland areas. Temperatures will drop to around 38 degrees. The rainfall events will be limited in intensity and extent, and humidity levels are higher but not problematic. Weather conditions will return to normal levels for this time of year.
In the community of Neo Chorio in Paphos, over 200 residents are facing severe water outages for the past few months. The deputy mayor states that the issue is due to an outdated system and a large leak that has not yet been located. Residents are expressing dissatisfaction as the water interruptions are also impacting local tourism. There are recorded cancellations of bookings at tourist accommodations. The situation remains alarming, with potential damages to household appliances due to the outages.
The police arrested a 30-year-old Syrian in the Ledra area regarding the arson case of a betting shop in Germasogeia that occurred in June. The suspect is expected to appear at the Limassol District Court, where the police will request his remand. Two other 20-year-old Syrians and a 44-year-old convict are already in custody for the same case. The 44-year-old is believed to be the mastermind behind the arson, with the others involved in a criminal organization. The fire caused significant damage to the betting shop but was extinguished by neighbors before spreading further.
A tragic traffic accident occurred on the Delikipos-Lythrodontas road, where a 22-year-old woman, Anreea Larisa Harabor from Romania, succumbed to her injuries after a collision between her motorcycle and a car. The accident took place on Saturday afternoon, and she was taken to Nicosia General Hospital with severe head injuries. Despite the doctors' efforts, her condition worsened, leading to her death. The police are investigating the circumstances of the accident. An autopsy will be conducted tomorrow to determine the cause of her death.
A night of fun in Limassol turned into a violent incident when two men stabbed a 44-year-old Iranian. The 37-year-old suspect is the victim's brother, and both suspects are not cooperating with the authorities regarding the reasons for the attack. The victim was hospitalized with serious injuries but was later discharged. The suspects were arrested with knives in their possession and remain in custody. The case is under investigation with no further updates on the motives behind the incident.
Today marks the first total solar eclipse in 27 years, but it is not visible from Cyprus. The president of the Cyprus Space Exploration Organization stated that residents will not even see a partial phase. The eclipse begins in Russia and crosses various countries before reaching the Mediterranean. In other parts of Europe, observers will only see a partial eclipse. This event is a unique astronomical experience for those who can witness it.
The Benefits Management Service announced the schedule for August 2026 benefit payments. Increases will be automatically granted to beneficiaries without any additional action required from them. The new amounts include allowances for individuals with disabilities, with increases reaching up to €87. Payments will be made on August 14 and 28, 2026, directly to the beneficiaries' bank accounts. The increases pertain to specific categories of beneficiaries, covering individuals of various ages.
The Health Insurance Organization informs patients and doctors about the voluntary recall of medications affecting products from Remedica. There are alternative options available for five medications, but solutions for seven others are still being sought. The announcement lists 12 affected medications. The organization plans to identify alternative drugs through the Ministry of Health. Changes in medication require new medical assessment.
Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou stated that no one will be prosecuted if journalist Makarios Drousiotis' fundraising campaign is lawful. An investigation will be conducted to determine whether the campaign complies with legislation. The Minister emphasized that the Ministry is not seeking to prosecute anyone. The police have been asked to look into any irregularities. If the investigation shows that the regulations are followed, there will be no penalties.
The release of 68 inmates has begun through a presidential pardon due to the holiday of Dekapentavgoustos. This move comes after coordination between the Attorney General and the Central Prison administration to address the overcrowding issue. Among those released are 27 Cypriots and 41 foreign nationals. Inmates convicted of serious crimes are excluded from this pardon. Currently, the prisons house over 1,100 inmates, while their capacity is only 800.
The murder of 20-year-old Melissa Taylor Ellison remained unsolved for nearly 40 years. A 70-year-old man confessed to hitting Melissa while searching for money in 1987. His decision to come forward followed reading an article that reminded him of the case. The man has been charged with murder and is being held without bond. The case serves as a reminder of the consequences of criminal behavior and seeks justice for the victim.
After three years in prison, the 69-year-old who was convicted for the deadly fire in July 2021 was acquitted by the Court of Appeals. The court overturned the convictions, stating that the defendant's guilt was not proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The fire caused significant damage in the mountainous areas of Limassol and resulted in loss of life. The arguments presented during the trial did not convince the court of his guilt. Notably, there were no direct evidences linking the defendant to the start of the fire.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry accused Turkey of hypocrisy for criticizing its policies and military actions. It pointed out that Turkey occupies 36% of Cyprus and has a military presence in several countries. Jerusalem emphasized the differences between its strategic approach and Turkish military operations. Netanyahu urged Erdogan to calm down, noting that Turkey faces challenges in the region. This situation highlights the escalating tensions between the two countries.
Two men were arrested by the police in Limassol following an attack on a 44-year-old man. The victim was stabbed by his roommate and a second individual, resulting in serious injuries. He was transported to Limassol General Hospital with lacerations to his head and neck. The suspects were arrested during a traffic stop and found in possession of knives. The police continue to investigate the case.
In the last 72 days, 700 new public sector jobs have been created, with 396 of these in the first week of August alone. These hires were decided by the Public Service Commission to fill vacant positions. Despite the Ministry of Finance's efforts to control the state payroll, the increase in hiring raises questions. Most of the positions filled had been unoccupied for years, and the government continues its policy of hiring permanent staff. It is noteworthy that this year there will be a reduction in the overall number of public sector positions.
The ferry connection between Cyprus and Greece has been labeled as 'unviable' by the CEO of Scandro Holding Ltd. Charalambos Manolis warns that without an extension of state subsidies, 2027 might be the last year for ferry services. However, the Audit Office believes that the state subsidy was higher than necessary. Low passenger demand and increasing fuel and carbon emission charges remain significant issues for the sustainability of the service. Improvements in demand are needed to ensure the connection's success.
The legislation regarding property expropriations is being modernized with new rules that clarify the compensation process. It is established that compensation will have an interest rate of 3% without taxes and fees, and it will be deposited electronically. Procedures are introduced for cases of refusal to collect or the death of the beneficiary. Citizens will have 12 months to appeal to the court, with a possibility of extending the deadline. The amendments aim to improve the functionality and clarity of the compensation process.
The school schedule issue has been put on hold in recent years due to reactions and its complexity. Education Minister Athina Michailidou stated that it cannot be examined in isolation, as it affects many other sectors. However, there is an initiative by the Ministry to reconsider it, aiming for consultation with other stakeholders. The discussion will be based on scientific and social data. The topic may soon return to public discussion.
The new school year in primary education includes 22 policies and significant directions. Teachers will return on September 7, and students on September 14. Key policies include the expansion of compulsory preschool education and the evaluation of teachers. There will also be advancements in teaching programs and supplementary teaching. The new year focuses on improving the quality of education.
The establishment of an organized beach in Argaka is progressing positively according to the Environmental Authority, under strict environmental conditions. The area is crucial for sea turtle nesting and requires careful regulation enforcement. The project includes the installation of umbrellas and sunbeds, as well as facilities for disabled access and lifeguards. The aim is to protect the natural coastline and limit beach usage. The success of the proposal relies on ongoing monitoring of environmental regulations.
Nikolas is waiting for Mario for collaboration discussions at the Center. Irini Charalambidou publicly congratulated Christos Senekis on his new position as Minister of Agriculture, but she received a response from Nicoletta Tsikkin, a member of her own party. Internal party disagreements continue during the summer lull. Despite political differences, Charalambidou acknowledged Senekis for his dedication and wished him good luck. Activities on social media reveal political intentions.