5 Minute News

last year

The Joker lottery draw took place on September 26, with one or more lucky winners sharing a prize of €17,000,000. The winning numbers drawn are 20, 8, 33, 32, 43, with the Joker number being 15. Participation in this lottery generates excitement and anticipation. Luck can strike and change someone's life suddenly.

New York Mayor Eric Adams is facing legal trouble over allegations of illegal funding from Turkish businessmen to advance their agenda in the city. The case highlights his relationships with Turkish officials and his connection to the 'House of Turkey' in New York. Authorities are investigating whether his mayoral campaign conspired with Turkey for foreign donations. Searches have been conducted on associates and connections of the mayor.

Marinella's health is critical as she is hospitalized in an ICU due to a severe stroke. She collapsed on stage during her concert at Herodes Atticus and was rushed to Hygeia hospital. Doctors indicate that she suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. Her condition is being closely monitored.

The board of the Health Insurance Organization (OAY) did not succeed in appointing a deputy general director after the departure of Andreas Papakonstantinou. It was decided that the five directors of the organization will take on the duties on a rotating basis until the position is officially filled. Papakonstantinou had taken up the position about six months ago. Additionally, the director position he held prior to his promotion remains vacant.

The 42-year-old convict Theodoros Theofanous was granted a release permit after spending ten years in prison and managed to escape. His permit was for visiting relatives in Paphos under police and prison staff escort. The case is likely to be taken seriously due to the serious crimes he had committed. The procedures followed for granting the permit will be investigated by the authorities.

A life-sentence inmate escaped while being guarded by seven police officers and prison guards at his family home in Paphos. An investigation has been initiated, and those responsible for the escort will be put on leave. The failure in security suggests a lapse in attention as the convict vanished while visiting his parents. The police have deployed a helicopter and drone to locate the fugitive.

The police arrested a 68-year-old father of a lifer hairdresser for aiding his son's escape. Additional arrests have been made, including a 43-year-old Syrian accused of conspiracy. Authorities suspect that the father knew his son's plans and may have assisted in the escape. Investigations are ongoing in the area around the fugitive's family home.

The SEGDA-MELIN-PEO union criticizes the Cyprus Ports Authority for refusing to continue the employment of three pilots, despite a signed agreement. The Authority’s attitude is described as arbitrary and undermines government credibility. The pilots have been assigned to unrelated positions, which is viewed as a punitive action. PEO warns that this situation may lead to industrial unrest at the port.

Marinella is hospitalized in critical condition at Ygeia Hospital after suffering a brain hemorrhage during her concert at Herodes Atticus. She collapsed on stage but regained consciousness before being taken to the hospital. Her personal doctor was present, providing first aid. There is concern regarding her health status.

The government has decided not to convert administrative fines into extrajudicial ones for undeclared labor. This change arose from legal concerns about imposing double penalties for the same offense. However, administrative fines will be doubled, from 500 to 1000 euros. The package of measures against undeclared labor remains strong and addresses legal issues.

In the first half of 2024, there was a slight increase of 1.5% in fixed-line phone connections. However, this increase is considered temporary, as most households tend to remove their landline connections. In contrast, mobile phone services show growth, particularly in unlimited connections, with young users preferring continuous internet access. Currently, 76.6% of users have internet speeds exceeding 100 Mbps.

The construction of a house near the Krios River in Pano Platres has raised concerns about environmental protection. The Parliamentary Environment Committee is discussing the negative impacts of inadequate urban planning and the degradation of natural landscapes in the area. Among these, the Kalidonian and Millomeris waterfalls are not sufficiently protected. Measures are expected from the ministries to amend the rural policy.

The government has decided to end subsidies on electricity prices and the zero VAT on certain products, despite rising costs. This decision came due to decreasing inflation and increasing wages. Starting October 1, consumers will pay more for basic goods as the 5% VAT returns. Meanwhile, food and fuel prices remain steady or are decreasing.

The president of ETEK, Konstantinos Konstantis, emphasizes the need for reforms in the District Autonomous Organizations (DAO) to simplify processes and better serve citizens. He points out that DAOs should collaborate more effectively and reduce bureaucratic procedures. It is important to shift responsibilities for building permits to the planners, allowing DAOs to focus on more substantive matters. Finally, he urges organizations to coordinate and adopt common processes, avoiding the outdated operating methods.

During the trial for the quadruple fatality, police officer Mario Matthaiou faced many unanswered questions regarding the reconstruction and scene diagrams of the accident. The defendant's lawyer claimed that the scene had been altered and proper braking evidence had not been identified. It was also noted that the defendant's vehicle was traveling at a speed of 108 kilometers per hour. The witness stated he was afraid to increase speed during the reconstruction due to potential dangers.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan demanded recognition of the pseudo-state's sovereignty as a condition for resuming negotiations on the Cyprus issue. He referred to a previous speech emphasizing the need for sovereign equality and equal international status for the Turkish Cypriots. The Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, praised Erdoğan's messages and asserted the rights of the Turkish Cypriots. Turkey emphasizes the importance of the 'TRNC' on the international stage.