In the Joker draw on October 16, 2025, the drawn numbers are 1, 21, 25, 27, 31, with the Joker number being 20. At least €5.7 million will be shared among the lucky winners. Joker draws take place every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 10:00 PM. Many players participate, hoping to win the big prize. The excitement for the numbers is always high.
In Arizona, a father is accused of leaving his two-year-old daughter, Parker, to die from heat exposure in a car while he played video games. Investigators claim he left her in the vehicle for over three hours, neglecting her well-being. There are reports of past incidents where he left his children unattended in cars. Prosecutors presented text messages indicating this pattern of behavior. This tragic case is shocking the community.
The Attorney General approved a request from the Independent Authority for the Investigation of Police Claims and Complaints to appoint two criminal investigators. They will look into citizens' complaints regarding excessive police violence during a recent protest about Gaza. The incidents took place outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when protesters refused police requests to clear the road. Protesters reported the use of pepper spray by police. The Independent Authority will select the investigators from a list of trained lawyers.
A serious incident occurred in the buffer zone near the village of Potamia when the driver of a vehicle with Turkish Cypriot plates reacted during a patrol by the MMAD. The driver increased speed upon seeing the police and returned to the occupied areas. A similar incident happened in January in the same area with a fatal outcome. This area is known for illegal activities and serves as a checkpoint for traffickers. This situation has persisted for years and poses a risk to the safety of police members.
The Supreme Constitutional Court rejected the appeal of four former executives of Laiki Bank against the administrative fines imposed by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission. Boulloutas, Chiliadakis, Foros, and Kounnis sought to annul the fines for breaches of transparency legislation. The court ruled that there was no bias from the commission's chairperson and the claimants did not substantiate their allegations. The legality of the fines was confirmed, and claims of unfairness were dismissed. The fines amount to significant sums for each of the four former executives.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his commitment to securing the return of all hostages held by Hamas. Although Hamas released some hostages, they have not returned all the corpses. Netanyahu warned that anyone who attacks Israel will pay a heavy price. Families of the hostages are urging the government to delay the ceasefire agreement until Hamas returns the bodies. Tensions continue to escalate, with Hamas being blamed for violating agreements.
The representative of the Association of Families of Mentally Ill People expresses the despair of families dealing with mental health issues. Individuals with mental illnesses often have to wait in police cars until a doctor sees them, while parents must accuse their children to secure their hospitalization. It is emphasized that patients need ongoing support and monitoring. The Parliamentary Health Committee discusses mental health issues in Cyprus. Families are demanding social support and effective procedures for mental health.
The removal of two vehicles from the Larnaca salt lake ultimately cost €7,000 due to more hours needed than initially estimated. The owner is required to pay this amount along with a €2,000 fine from the Game Service. So far, the owner has not shown up to pay and retrieve the vehicles. If he does not appear soon, the municipality will auction the vehicles. The removal operation took seven hours and required a special crane.
A 34-year-old man was arrested in Limassol after shooting in the air to scare his ex-girlfriend. The incident occurred during an argument when the woman refused to get on his motorcycle. The police found shell casings at the scene, and the suspect is now held for eight days. The woman had recently ended their relationship upon learning that the suspect had a child with another woman. Police are continuing their investigations into the origin of the gun and the motorcycle.
Andreas Themistocleous criticizes the operation of ELAM, comparing it to a gang. He states that his collaboration with ELAM ended due to disagreements. Following the resignation of Evangelos Tsanggaridis, he warns candidates to be cautious with ELAM's leadership. He declares that democracy has no place in the party and that decisions are made from above. Finally, he urges non-ELAM candidates to understand the consequences of their participation.
The addition of new candidates to ELAM has led to public disagreements and resignations, including that of Deputy President Evaggelos Tsanggaridis. Tsanggaridis expressed reservations about certain candidacies, particularly that of Evgenios Haboullas. This situation is new for ELAM, which typically managed internal matters more quietly. The dynamics of the party are changing, and significant developments are expected with the upcoming elections. ELAM's leadership is trying to keep balance, while internal disagreements become increasingly visible.
Israel warns of a potential resumption of military operations if Hamas does not return all remains of the hostages. So far, Hamas has returned only 9 out of 28 remains. The Israeli Defense Minister stated that failing to comply with the agreement would result in consequences. The situation feels tense, raising concerns about the humanitarian needs in Gaza. The UN has called for immediate action to ensure humanitarian aid access.
Many patients are waiting in long lines at public hospital pharmacies to get their medications. Processes have not improved despite expressed concerns. The head of the Patients' Associations Federation states that patients face deception due to bureaucracy. Many of them have to take time off work to be served. The need for access to medications in private pharmacies is suggested as a solution.
The Health Insurance Organization imposed a €25,000 fine on a GHS supplier for delivering products that were not approved. The supplier delivered different products from those assessed and approved. The amounts paid for these products were also reclaimed. A personal physician of the GHS was fined €4,000 for insufficient documentation on referrals. Inspections found irregularities in the recording of visits and referrals.
Succession is the biggest challenge faced by family businesses in Cyprus and globally, with less than 30% successfully passing to the second generation. Family businesses play a crucial role in the Cypriot economy, comprising 99% of registered enterprises. Many of them are facing issues such as high debt and difficulties in accessing new capital. Renos Ioannidis highlights that there are numerous challenges, but their true value lies in their people and values. These businesses are integral to the economic fabric of Cyprus.
The tax department's circular explains when VAT applies to concerts and events. A reduced VAT of 5% is applicable for tickets to concerts, theatrical performances, and similar events without food services. If food services are included, then a VAT of 9% is charged. The clear categorization aims to reduce misunderstandings and injustices for taxpayers. Citizens should stay informed to ensure they pay the correct tax rate.
The pseudo-parliament in the occupied territories approved a resolution supporting the 'two-state' solution to the Cyprus issue, aiming to assist Ersin Tatar in the upcoming leadership vote. The resolution argues that there are 'two separate peoples' in Cyprus and that any future negotiation process must ensure the sovereignty and equality of the Turkish Cypriot people. Tatar hailed the decision as 'historic,' suggesting that the federation model has failed. Conversely, Tufan Erhurman criticized the decision for a lack of seriousness due to its timing. Political difficulties persist as the elections approach.
The 'Phase B' of the Nicosia Perimeter Highway is planned with underground sections, increasing construction costs. The decision for underground construction has sparked reactions since it may benefit certain properties in the Municipality. The highway spans 5.7 kilometers with an estimated cost of €130 million. While the underground option raises questions, it could also enhance the area. Public discussions are focused on the motives behind the decision as well as its potential benefits.
A complaint was filed with the commissioner of Administration by a lawyer on behalf of a father of three who has a serious disability. The complaint addresses discrimination in his promotion at the former Water Supply Council of Limassol. Despite his disability, the father works diligently and is not wheelchair-bound. The general director of the Limassol AO responded that intervention in the promotion process is not feasible since the Council no longer exists. The lawyer argues that his client's disability is affecting his promotion, while mentioning cases where disabled individuals are promoted normally.