Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in different rooms of their home in New Mexico, with police investigating the cause of their deaths. The couple is believed to have been dead for some time and were in advanced stages of decomposition. Sudden fall is suspected in Hackman's case, while their daughter speculates carbon monoxide poisoning. The state of their food and pets is also raising concerns among authorities.
Alpha Bank is acquiring AstroBank for around €200 million, forming the third largest bank in Cyprus. This move is expected to strengthen the Greek bank's position in the Cypriot market. The deal is pending necessary regulatory approvals. Once completed, the merged entity will employ over 700 staff.
Forensic expert Panikos Stavrianos has filed a complaint against a criminal investigator for aggressive behavior during an interrogation. He claims that investigator Thanasis Athanasiou threw a computer screen towards him, causing panic. Stavrianos stated that such conduct is unacceptable and has made an official complaint. Another investigator intervened in an attempt to calm the situation.
A 16-year-old is in a coma and on a ventilator at a private clinic after using drugs. He collapsed while returning home in a taxi, experiencing a seizure and sustaining injuries. Authorities are investigating the incident and awaiting laboratory results. The young man has suffered serious injuries, and the Drug Enforcement Agency has been notified.
The English School is at the center of a serious issue involving pressures from board members to admit a child of a member who failed the entrance exams. The Presidential Office is investigating the situation and decisions are expected to be made soon, with potential dismissal of all board members. Parents of the school express deep concern and demand the resignation of the president and board members for violating ethical standards. The impact of the case has shocked the English School community.
The Mayor of Limassol, Giannis Armeftis, revealed that the municipality has already paid €2,000 for the children's carnival parade, but he will not pay the €43,000 requested by the police for the main parade. Armeftis states that this high amount is not budgeted and that the police should have informed them earlier about the charges. He also emphasized that discussions regarding the charges could take place, but prior consultations are necessary.
The European Court of Human Rights found that Cyprus violated the rights of a British woman who reported a gang rape. The investigation was marked by biases and deficiencies, and the woman was prosecuted for false testimony. The court awarded her compensation, highlighting the need for improvements in handling such cases. The Cypriot authorities failed to consider psychological factors and the management of the case.
Limassol and Larnaca have been chosen as the two cities in the shortlist for Cyprus's candidate for the European Capital of Culture 2030. The announcement was made at a press conference by the Ministry of Culture. The final selection will take place by the end of 2025. Cyprus hosted the event for the first time in 2017, with Paphos being the first cultural capital.
There was turmoil at the English School when principal Stuart Walker revealed he faced pressure from board members to admit a student who failed the entrance exams. During a meeting, the principal remarked that allowing the admission would compromise the integrity of the admission process. Despite the pressures, he decided to uphold the exam results without exceptions. He emphasized the importance of the school's integrity and reputation.
The Department of Public Works responds to the former Auditor General's remarks about the Archaeological Museum, stating that delays are related to the pandemic. It affirms that studies and the competition for the project are advancing, aiming for implementation through the traditional method. Additionally, it mentions cost increases due to extra requirements and price hikes. The Department ensures public interests are secured through the selection of designs.
A significant turn occurred in the case of Iranian investor Mehdi Ebrahimi Eshratabadi, also known as Tony Newman. The Appeals Court overturned the acquittal given by the Permanent Criminal Court of Larnaca, and the case will be retried. The defendants included members of a law firm and other associates. The Appeals Court's decision acknowledged serious omissions in the evaluation of evidence.
Every year, state hospitals lose about €10 million due to the lack of a price list for the services at emergency departments. Foreigners and tourists who are not entitled to the General Health System receive free services, resulting in financial losses for OKYPY. The parliamentary health committee is reviewing a bill aimed at updating the prices that have been in effect since 2013. This situation leads to proposals for changes in the charging policy and service provision at emergency departments.
The 47-year-old Swedish man pleaded guilty to two charges at the Larnaca Criminal Court related to his escape from a clinic. His lawyer and a police officer, allegedly involved in the escape, requested time to respond to their charges. The court proceedings are scheduled to resume on March 13 for sentencing and response from the other two defendants. The Swedish man remains in custody while the others have been released under conditions.
The Limassol Criminal Court has ruled that there is sufficient evidence to support the charges in the double murder case in Ypsonas, which occurred on June 29, 2023. The defendants, S.A. and A.K., are facing charges of premeditated murder. The defense attorneys requested a postponement to discuss their next steps. The case will continue in early next month.
Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their home in Santa Fe. Local authorities have not identified any criminal activity and the cause of death remains unknown. Hackman, a legendary actor, retired from acting in 2004 due to health issues. The couple was married since 1991 and had been living in isolation in recent years.
As of February 26, 464,064 driving licenses have been renewed. The deadline for renewal without a penalty is March 11, 2025. The Department of Road Transport encourages vehicle owners to update their information and renew on time. Vehicles that are not renewed will be deleted from the registry.
The Department of Forests warns the public about the pine processionary moth affecting pine trees this Clean Monday. It advises people to avoid sitting near affected trees and coming into contact with the caterpillars. Additionally, citizens are urged to respect the environment and keep the areas they visit clean. The prohibition of lighting fires is also emphasized, except in designated areas.
Public doctors are voicing their dissatisfaction with a bill that proposes the establishment of university clinics in Cyprus. The Pancyprian Union of Government Doctors is calling for more consultation, as their views are not taken into account. The Health Minister responds that the doctors' positions are known and invites them to present their arguments in Parliament. The situation remains tense, and discussions continue.
An Investigative Committee for the Takata airbags has been established by the Cabinet to look into the recall process and the responsibilities of distributors and importers. The committee has three months to complete its investigation, starting in March. The scandal has drawn the attention of the EU, and recalls of these vehicles remain a significant issue. The committee will be led by Costas Pamballis, a former Supreme Court judge.
Approximately 80,000 homes in Cyprus are at risk of electric shock due to outdated circuit breakers. The Ministry of Finance stated it does not intend to fund the replacement of these devices. These old breakers were installed in homes built before 1980 and are now considered dangerous. The replacement process requires cooperation between tenants and owners, complicating the issue.
The Center for Economic Research in Cyprus proposed a new tax reform, 23 years after the last one. The proposals include new tax brackets and tax deductions for households, along with an increase in corporate tax. Implementing the reform is expected to spark discussions and concerns in the market, highlighting both positive and negative aspects. The evaluation of the proposal will depend on examining taxes related to the green transition.
Two Egyptian nationals were found dead in Limassol, likely due to fumes from a portable grill they had moved inside their room. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths, with autopsy and toxicology results pending. The men reportedly lit charcoal on the balcony before deciding to bring it inside to cook due to the cold. Police are gathering testimonies from those connected to the victims or who frequented the area.
A new unknown disease is causing concern as it has been identified in children in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with hundreds of cases and dozens of deaths reported. Symptoms include fever and bleeding, with fatalities largely attributed to severe malnutrition and delayed medical services. Scientists are still investigating and have not yet reached definitive conclusions. The situation is being closely monitored by international health organizations.
Ersin Tatar, the leader of the Turkish Cypriots, expresses his wish for a Cyprus under the Ottoman Empire, stating that the Ottomans displayed democracy and respect for the Orthodox community. He emphasizes the importance of Turkey's presence on the island for security and peaceful coexistence. Meanwhile, there are internal disagreements within the Turkish Cypriot community regarding the approaches to be taken for the Cyprus issue. Tatar dismisses the idea of federation, considering it a failed concept.