The Joker draw took place with a total prize of €5,000,000. This amount will be shared equally among the winners of the first category. For the second category, the prize per winner is now set at €100,000. The winning numbers are: 24, 8, 13, 36, 11, and the joker number is 6.
On Saturday, US Secret Service agents shot a man near the White House following an armed confrontation. The man, armed and previously reported to local police for suicidal tendencies, was approached by officers after they located his parked vehicle. He was taken to a hospital, with his condition unknown. There were no reports of injuries among Secret Service members.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the killings of Alawites in Syria and demanded accountability for the perpetrators. The attacks on the Alawite community have led to a severe humanitarian crisis, prompting many refugees to flee the country. Eyewitness accounts describe extreme violence and casualties from armed groups. Many Alawites are requesting humanitarian migration channels to escape.
Citizens who have installed photovoltaic systems are upset due to energy cuts intended for the safety of the grid. They are planning a protest outside the Presidential Palace in mid-April and have created a related social media group. Officials argue that the cuts are necessary for safety and that losses for consumers are small compared to the benefits of photovoltaic systems. The cuts are legal, as this is stipulated in consumers' contracts.
Russian soldiers used an abandoned gas pipeline to launch an attack on Ukrainian forces in the Kursk area. This operation seems to be part of Russia's strategy to regain lost territories. Although the Ukrainian forces identified and countered the attack, the fighting in the area remains intense.
A 63-year-old man was arrested in Paphos for growing cannabis in his home. Police discovered nine plants and a quantity of cannabis weighing 19 grams. Additionally, they confiscated sealed packages of cannabis weighing a total of 250 grams. The man is being held for five days for further investigation.
The election for the new leadership of the Cyprus Police Association is approaching, with two candidates vying for the presidency. Lefteris Kyriakou and George Georgiou, the outgoing president, have already prepared their strategies. The elections will take place next Wednesday at the Pasydy offices. The central committee participating in the elections consists of 25 members from six districts of Cyprus.
The Police are launching a nationwide campaign to promote the use of seat belts and child seats. The campaign will run from March 10 to March 16, 2025, aiming to reduce serious injuries in road accidents. According to statistics, 52.5% of deceased drivers and passengers were not wearing seat belts. The main goal is to raise public awareness about road safety.
A shooting incident occurred near the White House when an armed man reacted during the Secret Service's approach. The man, who traveled from Indiana, was neutralized and taken to the hospital. There are reports suggesting he may have been attempting suicide. His condition remains unclear.
A fire broke out in an abandoned building in Larnaca early on March 9. The fire was brought under control by the Fire Service, but the scene could not be examined due to the heat. The case is being investigated by the Larnaca CID, with inquiries expected tomorrow to determine the cause of the fire. There is a potential theory about the cause, but it remains to be substantiated.
The term 'fulul' is used by the Damascus regime to belittle the resisting groups. Recent massacres in Syria highlight the severity of Islamist terrorism and the confusion caused by political correctness in the West. The destruction affects not only combatants but also minorities. Atrocities continue, and the international media is not responding appropriately.
President Nicos Christodoulides stated that Cyprus is going to Geneva with a specific plan and proposals for negotiations. He acknowledged that Turkey collaborates with other EU countries in defense and emphasized the need to strengthen European defense cooperation. He mentioned that despite Turkish intransigence, Cyprus must strive to end the occupation. The President highlighted his obligation towards the Cypriot people.
Abdullah Öcalan's call for a ceasefire from the PKK marks a significant step towards political stability in the region. It acknowledges the historical armed conflicts in Turkey and highlights the need for political changes and democratic integration of the Kurds. This message is not a sudden break but the result of a long-term transformation process. The disarming of the PKK signals a new beginning for the Kurdish movement.
Today's weather is mostly clear with temperatures around 23 degrees. Local cloud cover and possible light rain in mountainous areas are expected in the afternoon. From Monday to Wednesday, the weather is likely to remain similar, with temperatures above average. A slight increase in temperature is anticipated on Wednesday.
The Economic Committee is considering the abolition of multiple pensions for public officials. The discussion will include proposals for one-time bonuses, which may not pass through Parliament. The Minister of Finance will attempt to highlight the benefits of the government proposal, but there are strong objections, mainly due to the lack of regulations for current officials. The goal is to reach an agreement before Easter.
On March 3rd, a public holiday for the Greek Cypriots, the government took advantage of the day for preparations ahead of a low-expectation conference in Geneva. President Christodoulides was getting ready with the positions, although the invitation from the UN Secretary-General had not yet been sent. Despite the delays, the procedures for the conference were somewhat known through prior contacts. Everyone is waiting to see how things will unfold.
The reform of Local Government is causing serious problems and added costs for taxpayers, with political parties appearing to bear the blame. The 93 deputy mayors cost €2.6 million annually, yet many do not have defined responsibilities. It is clear that ministers had warned before implementation, but appropriate measures were not taken. The issue is becoming more pressing as it affects citizens' daily lives and finances.
The potential tariffs from the U.S. on the European Union are expected to have limited effects on Cypriot dairies, as exports of halloumi to the U.S. account for only 3% of total exports. The President of the Cyprus Dairy Producers Association, Marios Konstantinou, mentioned that dependence on the U.S. market is minimal, and sales within Europe are larger. Additionally, there is a price difference between halloumi in Cyprus and the United States due to transportation costs. Halloumi is a PDO product and is legally protected outside the EU.
One in four students in Cyprus is a victim of school bullying, with many incidents occurring in playgrounds and classrooms. Drug use is also a significant issue, with 9% of students using cannabis. The Cyprus Youth Organization has developed two prevention programs addressing bullying and drug use. Recognizing and intervening in these challenges is crucial as they impact teenagers.
Giorgos Solomou emphasizes the importance of public participation in party elections, noting that this practice is also applied by other parties in Cyprus and abroad. The goal is to expand democratic participation and invite all citizens who believe in the principles of democracy and justice. He highlights that DIKO is open to everyone and encourages former members to return. Despite the challenges, the party aims to enhance citizens' participation in elections.
The Cyprus issue has become central in geopolitical developments, with Turkey's participation gaining more importance. Key players in the region are trying to secure their interests while Turkey appears strengthened and resistant to any negotiations concerning Cyprus. Nicosia is attempting to remain active in the unfolding events and deter Turkey. Recent geopolitical factors are influencing the strategy regarding Cyprus.
The Ministry of Finance proposes the elimination of pensions for public officials, replacing them with allowances, which could lead to income reductions of up to 82%. The proposed change will have varying impacts depending on the position, with the President and Ministers facing the largest cuts. Expected declines range from 65% to 81%. These changes aim to reduce the long-term financial liabilities of the state.