5 Minute News

President Trump announced a ban on the enrollment of new foreign students at Harvard and threatened deportations for current students. This decision affects not only new registrations but also the renewal of student visas. Harvard responded that this action is illegal and retaliatory. The conflict began due to government demands that violate academic freedom.

The Archbishop of Cyprus expressed his dissatisfaction with the stance of the deposed Metropolitan of Paphos, Tychikos, stating that he was given many opportunities to reconsider his behavior. Despite repeated interventions and accusations from the Holy Synod, Tychikos did not change his course. The Archbishop warned that his behavior endangers the Church's relationships with other Orthodox Churches and emphasized the need for an official statement of faith from Tychikos.

The former Metropolitan of Paphos, Tychikos, has been accused of three serious violations by the Holy Synod and the Greek Government. The accusations include ordaining members of a breakaway group, refusing to perform mixed marriages, and questionable ceremonies. Despite warnings, Tychikos appears to continue his behavior, causing concerns about church unity. This situation has led to public reactions and raised questions.

An Italian speedboat driver was detained after a prolonged chase by the Coast Guard in the Cavo Greco area. Instead of stopping, he attempted to ram the police vessels, prompting officers to open fire to immobilize him. The Italian has been taken to Larnaca port and is being investigated for a possible criminal record. There are suspicions that he may be involved in illegal activities such as human trafficking.

The Parliament proposes a new law requiring school administrations to contact parents when children are absent without justification. If communication cannot be established, the administrations will notify the Police. The law aims to encourage parents to inform the school about their children's absences in advance. It applies to all public and private schools and preschool centers.

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke about Turkey's relations with the U.S. and Donald Trump, as well as the Cyprus issue and the revision of the Turkish Constitution. He stated that he is not concerned about his re-election but about how to improve his country's reputation. Additionally, he emphasized the need for a solution to the Cyprus issue that considers current realities. He mentioned that Turkey-U.S. relations are strong, based on mutual respect.

Bishop Tycho was ousted from his position with a vote of 10 in favor and 6 against, largely due to the charge of apostasy. Despite support from some bishops, the decision reinforced the notion that penalties should be strictly enforced. Tycho remains a member of the Holy Synod but has lost the chance to return to his throne or to contend for the archbishopric. Apostasy is viewed as an extreme behavior that casts others as heretics and demands a stringent approach to faith.

An Italian national was arrested following a chase in the sea area of Cape Greco. He attempted to escape on a speedboat, but authorities had to shoot the boat's engine to stop him. Currently, the arrested individual is being interrogated, and there are suspicions of illegal migrant trafficking. Reports also suggest he had firearms that he threw into the sea before being apprehended.

A security alert was issued outside the CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, when guards shot a suspicious man. The man was not seriously injured, and the CIA is investigating the incident. This event occurred shortly after another fatal shooting outside the Jewish Museum in Washington. There are no indications connecting the two incidents.

The arrests of prison guards related to classified documents found with the chief guard have begun. The police have issued four arrest warrants, and one arrest has already taken place. Investigators are gathering evidence on who helped transfer the documents outside the prison. Further developments are expected as investigations continue.

The Holy Synod has decided to depose Metropolitan Tychikos from his position in Paphos. This decision has significant implications for the church. More details are expected soon. This action may provoke reactions within the local community.

The number of billionaires in the U.S. who are current or former company executives is increasing. In 2025, their number reaches 48, up from 29 last year. High salaries and rising stock prices contribute to this growth. Today, 5% of American billionaires come from this category.

The case of the prison guard from the Central Prisons, accused of selling products within the correctional facility, was overturned in the Court of Appeals. The guard was released by the court. Additionally, another inmate and his wife have been referred to trial regarding the case. The developments are still being monitored.

The Dutch Central Bank advises citizens to keep cash on hand for at least three days due to the increasing risk of cyberattacks. The suggested minimum amount is €70 per adult and €30 per child to cover basic needs in emergencies. Authorities stress the seriousness of this warning, especially following recent incidents of technical failures. Similar recommendations have been made in other Scandinavian countries.

Archbishop Georgios is considering imposing suspension or removal of Metropolitan Tychikos due to issues affecting the reputation of the Church. The Holy Synod is meeting urgently to decide whether to impose penalties. There are various opinions regarding the Metropolitan's case, and a three-quarters majority is needed for a decision. The situation has raised concerns due to recent scandals within the Church of Cyprus.

Odysseas Michaelides states that after his dismissal he is free to talk about his allegations. He has given a statement to the police and is considering informing the ECHR about the developments. He emphasizes the swift response from the government and the Supreme Constitutional Court, hoping they will show the same determination on corruption issues. He underscores the need for clean politicians in Cyprus.

The Hellenic Bank is changing its name to Eurobank due to the merger with Eurobank Cyprus. The changes are expected to be completed by July 1, with branches undergoing significant renovations. Customers are assured that they will not experience major changes in their services during this process. The merger is expected to be successful and management assures that services will remain uninterrupted.

A 32-year-old mother is being sent to Korydallos prison for child abuse after her two children were found with cigarette burns. She claims that the biological father is responsible for the injuries. A 50-year-old friend of the mother, accused of abuse, has surrendered to the authorities. Investigations are ongoing into the mother's background and her other connections.

Cypriot diplomacy succeeded in excluding the occupying regime from the informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Budapest. Turkish President Erdoğan expressed his dissatisfaction with this outcome. Ersin Tatar attempts to emphasize the significance of Turkic states for his breakaway state, despite the lack of an invitation. Overall, the exclusion highlights the challenges faced by the occupying regime in gaining international recognition.

This morning, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake occurred north of Crete, with the epicenter located 55 km from Neapolis Lasithiou. The tremor was also felt in Attica, causing concern among residents. However, the head of the Civil Protection Authority indicated that there is no tsunami risk and predicted minimal damage in the area. The focal depth of the earthquake is estimated at 37 km.

The government is expected to make decisions regarding the green tax on fuels by the end of the month. This tax will be around 3 to 4 cents per liter, although the European Commission is concerned about its suspension. There is a possibility that the measure might not be implemented, which could cost Cyprus 50-60 million euros from the Recovery Fund. The green taxes include other measures aimed at transitioning to green development.

A 55-year-old woman was found unconscious floating in a beach in Limassol. Lifeguards rescued her, and she was taken to the hospital, where she was placed in intensive care. Her health condition is critical, and the police are investigating the case.

Odysseas Michailidis stirred political turmoil with allegations regarding a close aide of the President and President Christodoulidis. His claims about prior knowledge of the Supreme Court's decision have sparked political reactions and legal implications, involving the police. As the leader of the ALMA movement, Michailidis insists on continuing his denunciation of the processes. It will be interesting to see his political path as he faces opposition from nearly the entire political system.

The Cabinet of Cyprus approved a proposal for stricter legislation regarding water usage as part of efforts to combat water scarcity. The new regulations include penalties such as imprisonment of up to 6 months and fines of up to €3,000 for wasteful water consumption. The proposal will be presented to the Parliament for approval and aims to improve the protection of water resources. Inspections will be conducted by both public and private entities.

In Latsia, Swedish journalists reported on the Astrasol factory linked to the carcinogenic dichloromethane. The impact of this substance has sparked protests and legal actions, gaining international recognition. The journalists met with scientists and victims of the toxic substance. This case highlights a serious public health issue in Cyprus and Sweden.

The Holy Synod is meeting urgently to address the case of the Metropolitan of Paphos, Tychikos, related to allegations of anti-heresy actions. There are hints of a potential new case that could cause a scandal. The level of evidence will determine if an investigation takes place, and photographic material may influence the decision. The average citizen may be scandalized by this matter.

The renovation project for the Liopetri River is facing significant delays, with cost estimates rising sharply. Two bids exceeded the initial estimate by a wide margin, leading to a potential cancellation of the tender. The Minister of Interior mentioned that a new tender will soon be announced to complete the necessary works. The path toward full renovation completion remains challenging.