5 Minute News

Konstantinos Karetsas, a young footballer with Greek roots, impressed with his performance for the Greek National Team. He scored the second goal in an official match at a young age, becoming the youngest player to score for the National Team in the Nations League. His story echoes football legends, highlighting the talents of Greeks. His spectacular display suggests a bright future for Greek football.

The new Forbes list records a global wealth record with 3,028 billionaires, totaling $16.1 trillion. Elon Musk returns to the top spot with a fortune of $342 billion, while Donald Trump has doubled his wealth to $5.1 billion. Despite economic challenges, the influence of billionaires in American governance is steadily increasing. The top five also include Zuckerberg, Bezos, and Ellison.

Authorities are continuing investigations into the cause of a fire that occurred in two shacks where five children, who reported abuse by their parents, were living. The fire broke out early Monday and was extinguished before spreading to nearby animal pens. The investigation faces challenges due to a lack of witnesses and information. The parents have been referred to trial and face serious charges.

Starting April 2, 2025, all Cypriot travelers to the United Kingdom will need to obtain a digital travel authorization (ETA) to enter the country. The application process is done online and takes about 20 minutes. The authorization costs 10 pounds and is valid for two years, allowing for multiple visits. Travelers are advised to initiate the application immediately after booking their tickets.

The electricity authority continues the installation of smart meters in Cyprus, aiming to install 500,000 by 2028. The process began in urban areas and is expected to expand further. No action is required from consumers, as the project is funded by the EU. There will be a temporary power outage of about 20 minutes for the safe replacement of the meters.

A long-standing conflict between the youth communities of Pyrgos and Parekklisia led to an attack by 15 young individuals on a 16-year-old resident of Pyrgos. The attackers beat him with bats and fists, requiring medical assistance. The Pyrgos mayor stated that the situation has reached a breaking point, with ongoing attacks and damages for years. The police have issued arrest warrants, and investigations are ongoing.

A storm affecting the Cyclades is expected to reach Cyprus tomorrow, but in a weakened state. The forecasts indicate cloudy skies and possible rain, mainly in the mountainous areas and the eastern part of the island. The storm is expected to leave after one day, but further rainfall is predicted over the next few days. The temperature will be slightly below normal levels.

A 32-year-old man was held captive by his stepmother for 20 years in Connecticut. After a dramatic escape attempt, he alerted the authorities to the horrific living conditions. The police found him emaciated and in a filthy state within a house filled with mold and rubbish. His stepmother has been arrested and faces charges of kidnapping and serious bodily injury.

An autistic minor's application for Guaranteed Minimum Income was denied by state services without clear justification. The Administrative Court found serious contradictions in the evaluations and the process, where the lack of detailed records calls into question the reliability of the results. The child's parents are appealing the decision, emphasizing its unjustified nature. The case highlights the need for better treatment and support for children with disabilities.

A 16-year-old was attacked by around 15 people in a church yard in the Limassol district. The assailants used bats and fists. The teenager was taken to a private hospital for examinations and was discharged. Three arrest warrants have been issued in relation to the case.

The University of Cyprus is concerned about a potential transfer of its School of Architecture to the Faneromeni school, as there are reports that the Kapodistrian University of Athens is considering taking over the building. The rector of the University of Cyprus views this as a potential 'cause for war.' Contacts have been made with the Archdiocese and the Mayor of Nicosia to clarify the situation. The leasing agreement is deemed binding for all parties involved.

At the Eastern Mediterranean summit, a roadmap for Syria was announced, which includes lifting sanctions and increasing economic aid for the country's reconstruction. The heads of state committed to monitor the process and adhere to commitments related to political transition and security. The importance of accountability and citizen protection was also emphasized. Finally, a regional approach to support refugees was endorsed.

A seismic tremor of 3.5 on the Richter scale was recorded in Cyprus, with its epicenter near Paphos. The earthquake was felt in other areas as well, including Limassol. The tremor occurred shortly after 7:15 AM, at a depth of 13 km.

The SEK will present a study on wages in Cyprus that is expected to reveal significant findings. This research, conducted by IMR, aims to emphasize the need for wage increases through collective agreements and ATAs. Trade unions believe that these changes will benefit both workers and businesses, although employers express concerns. Overall, the study highlights inequalities in the purchasing power of Cyprus compared to other EU countries.

Eugenios Champoullas' announcement of leaving DISY indicates a new direction, as his political inclinations towards ELAM are strongly noted. DISY's shift towards more right-wing politics appears not to yield the expected results, with voter spillover continuing. Champoullas emphasized that his decision is not based on bitterness but on political responsibility and concern for the party's evolution. Meanwhile, DISY's leadership seems anxious about these developments.

The situation in the pathology department of Famagusta Hospital is dire, with serious staff shortages. Doctors are complaining about mismanagement and practices that lead to resignations. Indeed, many doctors have left or submitted their resignations, resulting in only one doctor remaining for the entire department. The discussion regarding these issues will be brought to Parliament, as complaints continue.

Major sports clubs are facing a deadline to settle tax debts but are requesting an extension of 2-3 weeks. They have gathered some funds, but the total requirements amount to €5.3 million. The Ministry of Finance will soon decide on the extension, as their officials face criminal charges. The situation is critical and requires immediate solutions.

The revelation of abuse involving five children by their parents highlights the failure of the Social Welfare Services to protect vulnerable groups. Despite previous reports about the appalling living conditions, the Social Welfare Services did not take sufficient action. The parents are alleged to have exploited their children, forcing them to work under inhumane conditions. The situation is now under review following disclosures from the child's school.

The police are investigating the circumstances of a serious traffic accident on the Nicosia-Limassol highway caused by a collision of two heavy vehicles. A fuel tanker caught fire, and the second driver, who was trapped, suffered serious injuries. In addition to significant traffic congestion, the incident required the firefighters' intervention to extinguish the flames and rescue the drivers. Fortunately, both injured individuals are hospitalized in Nicosia and their health is being monitored.