In today's Joker draw, a total of €2.1 million has been awarded to lucky winners in the 1st category after seven consecutive jackpots. Winners who guessed five correct numbers in the 2nd category will receive €100,000. The winning numbers are 18, 37, 40, 21, and 41, with Joker number 5. Participation continues to grow as the lucky streak continues.
In a recent meeting, former Presidents and business leaders discussed the potential consequences of Donald Trump's re-election. Bill Clinton warned about threats to democracy, while George Bush expressed concern about the economy. Many CEOs who previously criticized Trump are now avoiding taking a public stance against the candidate. This shift highlights the uncertainty surrounding the elections and the need for businesses to maintain good relationships with political figures.
The New Democracy party leads in polls with 31%, while PASOK comes in second with 19.2%. SYRIZA trails with 10.3%, and other parties have lower percentages. Notably, Stefanos Kasselakis enjoys significant support for leadership within SYRIZA, while most PASOK voters express concerns about the party's ability to defeat ND in the upcoming elections.
The health condition of six newborns who were given milk with alcohol is stable, according to the health ministry. Their families experienced severe emotional distress, with mothers attempting to enter the hospital to see their children. One baby, a 20-day-old girl, died, leading to strong criticism regarding the state of the healthcare system. The responsibility is attributed to the government and the health ministry for their handling of the crisis.
In the Limassol district, authorities are continuing investigations to dismantle networks involved in money laundering. So far, €500,000 in cash has been seized. The operation, carried out with the support of Europol and Eurojust, includes searches in apartments and other locations. Authorities aim to closely monitor the financial activities of specific individuals.
The meeting between President Nikos Christodoulides and U.S. President Joe Biden is scheduled for October 30, 2024, in Washington. Biden is expected to reaffirm U.S. support for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation in Cyprus. The leaders will also discuss other global issues, including energy security and support for Ukraine. This meeting coincides with the 50th anniversary of the island's division.
Cypriot MEP Fidias Panayiotou released a video showing tensions during the Georgia elections, including incidents of violence and pressure. The video features clips such as a man headbutting another individual. Observers reported inequalities and allegations of stolen votes, raising concerns about democracy in the country. Despite these issues, Panayiotou stated that the day went smoothly overall.
President Christodoulides will meet with President Biden in Washington, following an invitation from the latter. The meeting will address Cyprus-US bilateral relations, the Cyprus issue, and the situation in the Middle East. This marks the first visit of a Cypriot president to the White House since 1996. Bilateral relations between Cyprus and the US are at an all-time high, with significant developments in defense and humanitarian aid.
The Anti-Corruption Authority is conducting investigations related to the book "State Mafia" and the diversion of water from the Kouris River. Over 100 witnesses have already testified, with investigation reports expected in January 2025. Makarios Drousiotis has been summoned to provide information, and the process also includes complaints regarding golden passports. More than 60 related allegations are under examination.
The article discusses the increasing racist attacks against food delivery workers in Limassol, which have become alarmingly frequent. These attacks, linked to a phenomenon of imitation, occur almost daily, prompting police efforts to identify the perpetrators. The motivations behind the attacks include theft and racist intent. The police have intensified their monitoring to curb this phenomenon.
The Ministries of Energy and Finance rejected a proposal for three central electricity storage systems that could improve the electrical system's safety. This proposal included the capability to provide electricity for two hours from each system, without using the Electricity Authority's generators. The general director of the Electricity Authority mentioned that the rejection may affect electricity prices for consumers. The Ministry of Energy prefers the development of hybrid storage systems over central installations.
The Ministry of Energy has been unsuccessful in convincing CINEA to retract the request for the return of 68.6 million euros allocated for the LNG terminal in Cyprus. European authorities identified irregularities in the bidding process for the contract awarded to a consortium, leading to the funding recovery decision. The government will attempt to persuade CINEA again with stronger arguments, but the chances are slim. This situation raises concerns about the project's funding and development.
Consumers in the EU are concerned about the detected presence of mercury in tuna cans. Two NGOs, Bloom and Foodwatch, published research showing that 100% of examined cans contained mercury at levels higher than permitted. The results suggest urgent action to lower allowable mercury limits in food. The organizations urge the European Commission to adopt stricter safety standards for food.
The practice of cooking on a spit is allowed in forests under certain conditions to prevent wildfires. According to a proposed bill, this can be done with a written permit or in designated areas for campers. The critical period for preventing fires is from June 1 to September 30. The Director of the Forestry Department can conduct inspections and investigations into the causes of fires.
Two young men were arrested in Limassol following an attack on a food delivery worker. The 28-year-old delivery driver was attacked by passengers in a car while stopped at traffic lights. Initial reports indicate that one attacker threw an unknown substance in the driver's face, causing burning in his eyes, and then they proceeded to physically assault him. The police located the vehicle used in the attack and are conducting investigations to identify its owner.
Witness testimonies continue to shock the court regarding the quadruple fatality that occurred in Limassol. A new eyewitness testified about the details of the violent collision between two cars on New Year's Day. According to the witness, the defendant's vehicle entered the intersection at high speed, causing severe damage to the victims' red car. The court is thoroughly examining the witness statements and the evidence in the case.
In Rizokarpaso, there are concerns that the high school diploma may be downgraded as Turkish authorities restrict the visit of inspectors and control the use of textbooks and teachers. This ban affects school building maintenance, and changes may be necessary, such as temporarily closing schools for repairs. Additionally, the local grocery store might be used as a temporary school until the situation improves. MP Christos Christofides notes that the other side is trying to control the appointment of teachers and the approval of textbooks.
The police are investigating the injury of a 26-year-old that occurred after the APOP - Anorthosis football match in Nicosia. Fans of the visiting team clashed with fans of the home team during their departure. The 26-year-old sustained serious injuries, including a fractured jaw. The police continue to examine the incident.
A 26-year-old man was seriously injured in incidents following the AEL - Anorthosis match. He has a facial fracture and other injuries and is currently hospitalized at the General Hospital of Nicosia. Police intervened earlier to prevent further tensions among fans. An investigation by the Nicosia CID is ongoing.
The Ministry of Education is proposing a total ban on the use of mobile phones in schools. Research shows that their usage can distract students and decrease academic performance. Additionally, the ban encourages face-to-face interactions and improves students' mental health. Students seem to be calmer and their social interactions are more meaningful without mobile phones.
On November 8, a disciplinary process begins against Nikos Loizidis, a union police officer, for his public statements regarding the state of the police. His comments, aimed at defending police rights, were deemed inappropriate by the previous leadership. He will be represented by four lawyers, facing serious charges. The disciplinary board's decision could even lead to his dismissal.
The meeting between Joe Biden and Nikos Christodoulides is set for October 30, breaking a three-decade informal embargo. This visit strengthens the bilateral relations between the US and Cyprus, focusing on important issues such as defense, humanitarian cooperation, and energy security. The scheduled duration of the meeting holds significant diplomatic weight. The dialogue indicates a deeper relationship that has developed between the two countries.
Starting October 1, salaries for state employees will increase by 1.5%, with certain minimum amounts set annually. This increase will also impact allowances and overtime pay. It marks the first general salary increase for public sector employees in 15 years. The increases will apply to the wages of hourly workers and retirees in the public sector as well.
Coastal erosion in Cyprus is causing serious issues, with some areas losing up to 50 centimeters of shoreline annually. The Ministry of Transport has planned protection works along 78 kilometers of coast, with significant projects already completed in areas such as Geroskipou, Paphos, and Larnaca. Since 2012, substantial efforts have been made to restore and protect the affected shores. The primary causes of erosion are climate change and human activities.
There has been a significant reduction in compensation requests within the General Health System, with 65,000 claims rejected in the first 8 months of 2024. The rejections amount to 19 million euros, mainly due to medically unjustified actions or providers exceeding set limits. The Health Insurance Organization has initiated checks for abuses and is investigating 132 cases against providers. The goal is to protect the integrity of the GHS and minimize abuses.
The Environmental Authority has rejected the construction of two additional asphalt plants in Vasilikos, citing nine reasons related to the environmental burden on the area. This decision follows a positive opinion for another asphalt concrete production unit, but it emphasizes that the additional infrastructure would lead to significant negative environmental impacts. The Authority will reassess its decision when environmental conditions improve. Local authorities and the public have been informed about the implications of the proposed projects.
The meeting between Nikos Christodoulides and Annita Dimitriou opens new channels of communication, indicating a need for discussions about the current political situation in Cyprus. The two sides talked about the Cyprus issue and other pressing matters during a time when their relationship was tense. Additionally, rumors about the formation of a new political space supporting the government are emerging. The year 2026 is expected to be significant for elections and the political support of DISY.
A serious traffic accident occurred in the Limassol district, resulting in injuries to five individuals. A 72-year-old woman is in critical condition, while three other passengers sustained various injuries. The 19-year-old driver of one vehicle has severe injuries, but another 19-year-old was discharged from the hospital. The police are investigating the causes of the collision.
Professor Georgios Xenis criticizes the disregard for specialized teachers in the allocation of subjects, as they are not teaching their specific courses. In a particular school, a qualified classical philologist was assigned to teach Modern Greek instead of Ancient Greek, despite his qualifications. Xenis urges the Minister of Education to investigate this issue, which affects the quality of education. This situation is not isolated and reflects a broader practice that undermines teaching standards.
In Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon, at least 60 people were killed, including two children. The attacks targeted communities in the Baalbek area and the Bekaa Valley. Lebanon is experiencing the most violent days since the war began in September, with Israeli forces continuing their strikes. So far, the bombings have resulted in over 1,700 fatalities since September 23.