Pope Francis's condition has worsened due to respiratory issues and anemia, necessitating blood transfusions. While his health remains critical and his life is in danger, he continues to communicate with those around him. He spent part of the day sitting in an armchair, though with more difficulty than in previous days. The doctors are unable to provide a precise prognosis for his health's progression.
In France, there was a knife attack at a market in Mulhouse, resulting in one death and two injuries, including municipal police officers. The attacker, who is 37 years old, has been flagged for possible radicalization. The injuries include wounds to the neck and chest. The attacker has been arrested following the incident.
The investigation into the death of Thanasis Nikolaou is progressing, with the forensic pathologist Panikos Stavrianos undergoing a lengthy interrogation. Following the dismissal of his appeal by the Supreme Court, he plans to bring the case to the European Court of Human Rights. He faces allegations of inadequate performance in his duties during the autopsy and scene investigation. Investigators are expected to summon him again for further questioning before submitting their report.
A tragic story from 1974 emerges, revealing the murder of a mother and her two children by Turkish soldiers. The only survivor, Savvas Drakos, recounts the horrific moment the family attempted to escape the attack. Despite the tragic losses, the remaining children who were ahead with another couple managed to survive. The funeral for the victims took place today, closing a painful chapter in history.
Donald Trump unexpectedly dismissed General Charles Brown Jr. from the leadership of the U.S. Armed Forces, indicating his intention to place trusted individuals in high positions. The new commander is Dan Cain, who lacks some qualifications for the role. This dismissal comes during a turbulent time for the Pentagon, which is preparing for significant layoffs and budget revisions. Democrats are reacting, noting that such decisions undermine trust in the military.
Odysseas Michailidis warns about a scandal regarding the new Archaeological Museum, highlighting the skyrocketing costs due to the change in design method. The Audit Office suggested canceling the tender due to a lack of competition but was ignored. He notes that pressures from the Presidential Office led to the premature advancement of the process before the elections. So far, serious allegations have been made to the Anti-Corruption Authority regarding this case.
Dimitris Papacharidimou plans to invest 1 billion euros in Prastio Avdimou, aiming to create a sustainable project focused on health, education, and innovation. The investment will include a hospital, university, and research centers, rather than traditional luxury properties. He seeks to prevent the negative effects of over-reliance on foreign investments. Papacharidimou emphasizes the importance of long-term investments for the Cypriot economy.
A family of five from Limassol mourns after they tragically died in a house fire. At their funeral, relatives and friends gathered at St. Nicholas Church to say goodbye to the mother and her three children. The atmosphere was filled with sorrow as the family's dreams were lost in one night. The grief and separation were emotionally overwhelming, reflecting the loss left behind by this tragedy.
The Meteorological Service has upgraded the warning for extremely low temperatures to orange. In the mountainous areas, temperatures will drop to -11 degrees Celsius. The warning is in effect from tonight until Sunday morning. Citizens are advised to take precautions against the cold.
Two years after the railway tragedy in Tempi, Father Christodoulos speaks about the loss of his son Kyprianos. He reflects on his emotional state and how the incident has impacted their lives. Kyprianos was preparing to marry and complete his studies at the Theological school. The father describes the horrific details of that tragic day and the marks on his son's body.
The cold air mass named Coral is affecting Cyprus, bringing rain and snow to mountainous and semi-mountainous areas, as well as lower elevation regions. Temperatures are below average, with frost expected in the mountains. The weather is likely to remain cloudy with chances of light rain or snow until the end of the week. An increase in temperatures is expected on Tuesday.
An informal expanded meeting regarding the Cyprus issue is scheduled for March 17-18, with Nicosia awaiting an official confirmation from the United Nations. The government is working to resume negotiations, despite Turkish threats over energy cooperation agreements between Cyprus and Egypt. The Foreign Ministers of Cyprus and Greece are closely discussing the next steps during this period. Nicosia assures that it will not yield to Turkey's ambitions.
The municipalities of Larnaca and Dromolaxia plan to demand compensatory fees for the impacts of the airport's operations on their areas. Local leaders argue that while the state and Hermes company reap significant profits, the municipalities receive no compensation at all. They promise to pursue this support from the government with more vigor this time. The lack of investment and pollution remain major issues for both communities.
The Supreme Constitutional Court's decision regarding the citizenship application of Edna Hancer Akor, a child of a mixed marriage, is awaited with interest. This decision is significant for thousands of children of mixed marriages in the occupied areas who have not obtained Cypriot citizenship. Akor plans to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights if her application is rejected. A supporting gathering highlights the importance of this issue for many residents.
A family is in mourning after a deadly fire occurred in Limassol. The funeral for mother Maria Georgiou and her children will take place today at public expense. The Limassol Municipality will cover all costs and support the relatives. The day's carnival events have been postponed in respect for the family.
In 2024, there was a small increase in crime in Cyprus compared to 2023, especially in Limassol and Nicosia. While homicides slightly decreased, there was an increase in robberies and thefts, and cases of domestic violence were upgraded to serious crimes. The police face challenges in solving crimes, particularly arson and bomb attacks. Overall, the crime situation remains concerning despite an increase in the clearance rate.
The construction of the new Archaeological Museum in Nicosia is facing delays as the contractor is claiming 11-month extensions. However, the Department of Public Works does not intend to accept all of the contractor's demands. Despite these delays, the progress of the work appears to have improved recently. Committees will review the requests and decide on the extensions.
Cyprus is changing the way doctors renew their licenses with a new bill. Doctors will need to complete a specific number of educational units each year to maintain their licenses. The bill also includes stricter penalties for disciplinary offenses and ensures transparency in the decisions of the Disciplinary Council. These changes were initiated by the Cyprus Medical Association.