Taylor Swift supported Kamala Harris through a post that led over 405,000 users to visit vote.gov within 24 hours. This highlights Swift's influence, particularly among the younger generation and Gen Z. In her post, she encouraged her fans to register and vote, stressing the importance of being informed and getting involved. Harris's campaign expressed gratitude for the backing of such a significant public figure.
During a meeting of the Political Secretariat of SYRIZA, it was decided that Stefanos Kasselakis is removed from the presidency of the party. The decision was passed with a vote of 17 in favor, 1 against, and 1 abstention. Kasselakis announced that he is facing provocations and urged party members to remain calm and avoid protest gatherings. The matter is regarded as closed, and procedures for an extraordinary party conference have been initiated.
Tonight's Joker draw offers €10,400,000 for the first prize category. The winning numbers are 27, 4, 44, 20, 7, and the Joker number is 15. This presents an exciting opportunity for players. Participation continues to grow.
The Anti-Narcotics Unit (YKAN) discovered 20 kilograms of drugs in Nicosia during a dramatic chase. A suspect attempted to escape, colliding with a YKAN vehicle and then a pole. The man was injured and taken to the hospital, where he will be arrested. The operation is ongoing.
President Nikos Christodoulides announced progress in discussions regarding the electrical interconnection between Cyprus and Greece. He emphasized that the government's focus is on the interests of future generations rather than the next elections. He acknowledged support from Israel for the project and stated that decisions are made in service of the Cypriot people. In contrast, he dismissed Turkish reactions as non-determinative for the project's direction.
Six defendants in the murder case of Dimitris Andronikos will remain in custody until the conclusion of their trial. The defense lawyers filed an objection against their detention, but the court rejected it, finding there are sufficient grounds for a conviction. The defendants face a total of eight charges, including premeditated murder. The next court session is scheduled for September 24.
Two women have been convicted for spreading false claims about Brigitte Macron, the wife of the French president. The rumors that she was a transgender woman went viral through a YouTube interview in 2021. The women are ordered to pay 8,000 euros in damages to Brigitte Macron and 5,000 euros to her brother. The case highlights the fight against defamation stemming from fake news.
The police are warning the Cyprus Football Association about two upcoming football matches, urging them to take security measures to prevent incidents. The matches between Omonia 29 May – ENP and Apollon – AEL are considered high-risk due to past incidents among fans. Particularly, the situation with Omonia fans is expected to pose challenges due to protests regarding the fan card. The police will allocate personnel for the security of the events, despite budget constraints.
A 40-year-old suspect was arrested at Larnaca Airport while planning to depart for Georgia, following a significant burglary. He was found with burglary tools but not the stolen valuables worth €820,000. Authorities suspect he may have sent the stolen items to another country or hidden them in Cyprus. Investigations are also underway regarding a second suspect, and there is a European arrest warrant against him from Lithuania for another case.
Thalassemia patients in Cyprus are expressing serious concerns due to postponements of scheduled blood transfusions. They demand better management of blood supplies and scheduling, as the delays significantly impact their daily lives. Despite the increased demand for blood, they emphasize that chronic patients should not bear the full burden. They are calling on citizens to participate in blood donations to help meet the needs.
The Minister of Transport requested a one-week postponement for the discussion of legislative proposals concerning the installment payment of traffic fines. The proposals include payment options in monthly installments and increasing penalty points for certain offenses. The minister emphasized the need for better signage and regulation at intersections with traffic cameras to help drivers understand how to navigate. There is also an ongoing study to improve traffic light operation.
An incident of violence occurred in a high school in Paphos at the start of the new school year, where students attacked a classmate and broke her glasses. The deputy director stated that this was a fight between students and not an incident of bullying or racism. Educational measures have already been taken, and the parents have been informed. Efforts are being made to support the alleged victim if necessary.
The Cabinet is approving a new building amnesty plan aimed at legalizing unauthorized constructions. This plan allows citizens to rectify minor violations that do not significantly impact the overall development. It will be in effect for six months and will require compensation payments for unauthorized structures. The previous plan had covered a significantly smaller number of unauthorized constructions.
The Kissonerga coastal promenade project started in 2004 and was completed in 2020, after being halted in 2019. The project cost rose from €854,000 to €10.7 million due to changes and quality issues with materials. The Audit Service reported serious defects and omissions during the process. Despite warnings, the Community Council proceeded to accept the project.
The Elderly Care Home in Larnaca is facing serious issues following the transfer of unaccompanied minor migrants. Staff members report staff shortages and neglect from authorities, leading to resignations among caregivers. A climate of fear persists, as both the elderly residents and staff experience difficult conditions. The police are investigating allegations of indecent assault, and the transfer of migrants from the facility will be completed soon.
A 65-year-old Greek Cypriot was found dead after falling from the window of his hospital room in Nicosia. The police are investigating the circumstances of the fall, as there is no evidence of foul play and the patient had no known issues. The window of the room was open, suggesting he might have been outside to get some fresh air. An autopsy will determine the cause of his death.
Cyprus and Greece are seeking an agreement on electrical interconnection, with adjustments to the cost distribution. It is proposed that the costs for potential interruptions be split 50-50, while construction expenses will remain at 63-37 in favor of Cyprus. The Cypriot government is ready to approve funding of 25 million euros annually until 2029. However, there are still open questions regarding whether the funding will continue if the project is delayed.
A mystery surrounds the death of a 65-year-old Greek Cypriot who was found dead after falling from the hospital where he was being treated. The patient, admitted for medical reasons, appears to have fallen from his room's window. The police are investigating the circumstances of the fall, focusing on the possibility of an accident, and the open window is being examined. So far, foul play has been ruled out.
Citizens in Cyprus are receiving frequent calls from abroad, which are linked to scams. The calls occur at unexpected hours and from different numbers, causing concern among the public. It is advised to ignore the calls, not to answer, and to block the numbers. Authorities are working to block the scammers, but they continuously change numbers.
Journalist Stavros Kyprianou raised concerns about the health system in Cyprus during a Health Committee session. He stated that liver transplant patients face serious risks if they lack personal connections within the healthcare system. He described his personal ordeal with severe complications and highlighted how slow doctor responses can endanger lives. He called for a more effective and fair approach to handling the needs of transplant patients in Cyprus.
The police are investigating allegations of an indecent assault on a caregiver at the Agios Georgios Elderly Home in Larnaca. A 17-year-old unaccompanied migrant is the alleged perpetrator and has been arrested for causing damage to the building. Residents and staff report living in fear due to thefts and other incidents involving young people in the area. Social Welfare Services have planned the relocation of unaccompanied minors to other facilities.
The police are investigating allegations of an indecent assault on a caregiver at an elderly care home in Larnaca. A 17-year-old has been arrested for property damage, with court proceedings pending. Residents and staff report living in fear due to the involvement of youths in thefts and other crimes. The Social Welfare Services announced that the relocation of unaccompanied minors had been scheduled.
The police are investigating a curious death case at a private hospital in Nicosia, where a male patient fell from a great height. Initial reports indicate that the incident occurred shortly before the patient was set to be discharged. Authorities are present at the scene to examine the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
Cypriot banks are receiving positive feedback from the United States for distancing themselves from Russian and Belarusian assets, which have decreased to less than 1%. In a recent seminar, the U.S. ambassador praised the compliance departments for improving the reputation of the Cypriot banking system. She emphasized that banks are being more cautious regarding high-risk individuals and are more closely aligned with the Western banking environment.
Ersin Tatar is calling for direct flights, trade, and international contacts for the Turkish Cypriots as he travels to London and New York. These demands are rejected by the Greek Cypriot side and do not create hopes for a successful trilateral meeting with the UN Secretary-General. Tatar emphasizes the importance of recognizing the rights of Turkish Cypriots and suggests that the two communities can collaborate for mutual benefit. He also urges the UK to treat both sides in Cyprus equally.
The meeting in Nicosia indicates that a compromise may be reached to reduce the cost of electrical interconnection for Cypriot consumers. The Cypriot government is prepared to accept demands from ADMIE, including annual funding of 25 million euros for five years. However, both sides need to agree on outstanding issues before proceeding with the necessary project. Time is pressing, as the involved parties seek to achieve an agreement soon.
In Pindaros, an early discussion is underway about the presidential elections of 2028, with Averofo Neofytou and Annita Dimitriou being the main players. Averofo has stated that he plans to remain politically active, either as a candidate or in another capacity. Annita Dimitriou seems to avoid discussions about presidential candidacy but there are signs she is preparing for it. Despite the statements, the situation raises suspicion in Pindaros, putting internal party relations to the test.
The situation at the Saint George Elderly Home in Larnaca has reached a critical point with serious complaints of assaults and drug use. The elderly residents and caregivers are experiencing fear and unrest, seeking immediate solutions for their safety. Significant incidents, such as an attack on a caregiver by a minor, have come to light through the media. Local authorities appear to have been informed about the situation but have not acted promptly enough.
This year, the Anti-Narcotics Service in Cyprus has seized nearly half a ton of drugs, the majority being cannabis. New concerning substances, such as gummies and cookies, have emerged and pose a danger to children. The Anti-Narcotics Service is on alert, aiming to prevent the distribution of these drugs to users. Traffickers continue to invent new methods for drug transportation, with new routes now including the Middle East.
Miroslav Miskovic, a wealthy Serbian oligarch, remains a Cypriot citizen after the Cabinet's decision to revoke the previous decision to strip him of citizenship. This decision came after he was acquitted by the Belgrade Court in a tax evasion case. In 2021, it was decided to revoke his citizenship, but following legal developments, that decision was overturned. Miskovic owns Delta Holding and has significant wealth.
The Cyprus government and Hermes Airports have reached a preliminary agreement regarding the second phase of the infrastructure works at Larnaca and Paphos airports. The agreement includes an 18-month extension for airport management until December 20232. Additionally, Hermes will receive a compensation of 30 million euros while waiving claims that amounted to 400 million euros. This agreement emerged after intensive negotiations that lasted for 12 months.