The Joker lottery draw took place on Tuesday, August 13, 2025. The jackpot amounts to at least €25,000,000, making it the highest in Joker's history. The winning numbers announced are: 2, 9, 13, 26, 44, with the Joker number being 20. More than one winner might share the prize. People are eager to see if there will be any winners.
Many households and businesses will experience power cuts due to the electricity system's inability to meet demand. The first disconnections of consumers have already begun. The Transmission System Operator is trying to limit the duration of outages to 30 minutes per group of consumers. The overall production capacity of the electricity company is low, while demand exceeds supply. Conditions are difficult as the contribution from wind farms is nonexistent.
Fires are wreaking havoc in several regions of Greece, especially in Achaia, Zakynthos, and Chios. Authorities are continuously issuing evacuation messages as the fires cause damage and injuries. In Achaia, at least 15 settlements have been evacuated. Strong winds are worsening the situation, while firefighters are working to control the flames. The fire risk remains very high across many areas of the country.
In Limassol, a dramatic pursuit occurred leading to the arrest of a 49-year-old man. He was found with around 7 kilograms of cocaine. During the chase, members of the drug enforcement agency fired shots to immobilize him. The arrested individual had prior encounters with law enforcement. Investigations are currently underway at his residence.
The Cyprus Transmission System Operator warns that electricity demand will be critically low this evening, urging consumers to reduce their usage. From 18:30 to 22:00, there may be power cuts lasting up to 30 minutes for each consumer group. The issues stem from technical limitations, and it's crucial to maintain the safe operation of the system. The operator is managing the situation and requests public cooperation. While understanding the inconvenience for consumers, ensuring reliable electricity service is a top priority.
Anita Dimitriou's speech during the unveiling of statues sparked political controversy. Her statement that division should exist with the 'opposite side' led to strong reactions from AKEL and Volt, resulting in a harsh response from DISY. Political parties emphasized the importance of coexistence and pointed out that Dimitriou's rhetoric does not contribute to a solution for Cyprus. The situation remains tense, with criticisms coming from all sides. AKEL highlighted that the real enemy is the occupation, not the Turkish Cypriot citizens.
Thirteen-year-old Majed from Syria has been missing from a shelter in Nicosia for six days. The police and social services are fully mobilized to locate him. On Monday, the director of social services stated that there is no indication of bullying as a reason for his disappearance. Searches are focusing on airports, ports, and checkpoints. Citizens are urged to provide information regarding his whereabouts.
The Cypriot Parliament granted citizenship to 208 foreign nationals employed in high-skilled companies, along with 65 family members. These applications aim to attract investments to the Republic, with an additional 360 currently pending approval. The process includes specific requirements for foreigners wishing to obtain Cypriot citizenship. The Minister of Interior noted that details about the companies are not available. The new legislation seeks to enhance employment and development.
The Environmental Authority presented a new report on the projects in the Akamas National Forest Park, outlining compliance with 19 environmental terms. These projects began in September 2022 and were suspended in October 2023 due to environmental concerns. The new report suggests establishing a monitoring mechanism and offers solutions for managing rainwater runoff. The reassessment of the projects aims to ensure the environmental integrity of the area. Implementation of the proposed measures will be overseen by relevant agencies.
A 25-year-old man was arrested by police while picking up a package containing 5.6 kilograms of cannabis at 'Eleftherios Venizelos' airport. The package originated from the United States and was destined for Greece. The man was collaborating with a 30-year-old rapper from Cyprus, who is also facing charges. Police conducted a 'controlled delivery' operation to apprehend him. Additional items violating drug laws were found in his possession.
Former minister Kostas Themistocleous harshly responds to Nikos Anastasiades' comments about the Cyprus issue. He accuses the former president of having the illusion that he can relinquish responsibility for the declining situation of the Cyprus problem. Themistocleous also claims that Anastasiades stated in a secret meeting that a federal solution is not feasible, pushing for a bi-zonal approach. He discusses Anastasiades' successes but also mentions his failures in handling economic issues. Overall, he argues that Anastasiades' political decisions have negative implications for the island.
Doctors of the GESY who are abroad are facing issues as access to the system's website is restricted to Cyprus and Greece only. This complicates situations where they need to assist patients in Cyprus. The OAY informed beneficiaries and doctors via SMS about the temporary access restrictions due to security measures. However, many citizens and healthcare providers misinterpreted the message, thinking it was about a cyberattack. The OAY assured that there has been no attack and plans to lift the access restrictions soon.
Europe is experiencing heatwaves, with temperatures reaching up to 43 degrees Celsius, particularly in southern France. These extreme conditions pose a risk of wildfires in many areas, with meteorological stations recording temperature records. In Italy, a four-year-old boy died from heatstroke. Europe is warming rapidly, with 2023 expected to be one of the hottest years recorded. France and the United Kingdom have issued warnings for high temperatures.
Late last night, the home of a 42-year-old Greek Cypriot in Agios Athanasios, Limassol was targeted in a shooting attack. Unknown assailants fired at the entrance and perimeter of the house, causing panic among the neighbors. The owner was abroad at the time of the incident. This morning, police began investigations to gather evidence and surveillance footage from the area. The attackers used an automatic weapon during the assault.
Aken Arandaza, a former Miss Philippines, was abducted while shopping and found dead at sea with her hands and feet bound. Her family reported the abduction on the same day her body was discovered, and authorities believe she could have been saved if the report had been made earlier. The police are reviewing security camera footage and attempting to track down the suspects. This incident highlights serious issues of safety and kidnapping in the country. Arandaza's family has connected the abduction to prior violent incidents in the area.
Wealth is complex and cannot be measured solely by income. According to the Economist, three countries are vying for the title of the richest country in 2025: Switzerland, Singapore, and Norway. The analysis takes multiple indicators into account, such as GDP per capita and purchasing power. The authors conclude that Norway leads the ranking when factoring in working hours. These economies provide different qualities of life and work for their citizens.
A fire broke out in the Tala area early in the morning, triggering an immediate alert from the authorities. Firefighting forces, including two planes, quickly responded to the incident. The fire threatened homes near the Monastery of Saint Neophytos, but damage was prevented due to swift intervention. However, the situation remains concerning due to the expected extreme weather conditions. Authorities are on high alert and continue firefighting efforts.
On Monday night in Limassol, the police were alerted to gunfire directed at a house in Agios Athanasios. The shots hit the fence and entrance of the residence. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. The situation is under control, and no injuries have been reported. The police are working to identify the perpetrators.
Vehicle rental owners are opposing the police's plan to withhold money from renters for fines, as stated by the Cyprus Association of Vehicle Renters. The association's president, Constantinos Kontos, highlights that current legislation requires complete tenant information and suggests that tourists should prepay any fines before leaving. Proposed changes to the legislation will be discussed in Parliament, with hopes of improving the situation. Many rental vehicle drivers are locals, and the lack of shared information leads to unpaid fines. Compliance by rental companies with the law is critical to resolving the issue.
The recent fire in the mountainous Limassol exposed delays in the digitization of buildings. Many destroyed structures are being searched for through traditional folders, delaying assessment and restoration processes. The president of ETEK warns about the consequences of this delay and calls for steps towards digitization. This process would facilitate the search for information regarding the buildings and securing compensations for the owners. Discussions about digitization are ongoing, but the process is expected to take time.
Pindarou avoided commenting on the letter from former President Nikos Anastasiades, which was published recently. Despite this avoidance, the issue sparked intense discussion within the Political Bureau of the Democratic Rally. Anastasiades expresses concern about the party's distancing from his government years and its approach to the Cyprus issue. This stance appears to be adding pressure on the party's leadership. Despite the turmoil, the party leadership prefers to refrain from public statements on the matter.
Patients in Cyprus are facing significant shortages of medications despite receiving approvals for their treatments. Frequent shortages at hospital pharmacies are attributed to poor planning and insufficient supplies from importing companies. Many individuals are forced to visit pharmacies in other districts to obtain their necessary treatments. The Patients' Rights Observatory is recording numerous complaints regarding this issue. The situation raises concerns among patients and their families.
The analysis discusses the devastating wildfires in Europe this summer, focusing on Cyprus and extreme temperatures. On July 23-24, temperatures above 44°C led to wildfires in Limassol, evacuating 16 communities. The article outlines the overall picture of wildfires across Europe, highlighting destruction in multiple countries. The situation is perilous, with the EU losing over 353,000 hectares by early August. The combination of heatwaves, drought, and strong winds has created conditions conducive to the spread of these fires.
Cyprus is facing serious electricity supply issues, especially during peak hours. The aging power plants in Dhekelia, combined with breakdowns, are leading to power outages in many areas. Authorities acknowledge that meeting electricity needs is marginal. Yesterday, electricity supply was maintained with great difficulty, while the contribution from renewable sources was limited. In the future, storage facilities are expected to be operational by 2026.
Daniel Yehonatan Zarug, a 36-year-old suspected of serious crimes in Israel, was arrested in Kyrenia where he was living under a false identity. Zarug is believed to have killed the wife of a man and seriously injured him. U.S. authorities pressured local authorities to hasten his arrest. Reports indicate that the occupied territories serve as a haven for individuals trying to avoid capture. Israeli criminals are attracting others to the island, creating a growing criminal community.