Tonight, the Joker draw was held by OPAP. At least €1,400,000 will be shared among the lucky winners. The drawn numbers are 25, 32, 39, 42, 45, and the Joker number is 8. Draws take place every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Players eagerly await the draws.
A 30-year-old Turkish Cypriot was arrested at the Ayios Domethios checkpoint for a child pornography case. The arrest was made following a warrant issued based on information from Europol. His father, Hasan Tosunoglu, claims that political motives are behind the arrest. The detainee is expected to appear in court for a remand order. The case is under investigation by the relevant authorities.
Stavros Papastavrou, the President of Omonia, has acquired IF Bancorp in the United States for $89.8 million. This deal is recognized as a merger of two historic banks, aiming to strengthen the common interests of communities and customers. Servbank, which is part of ServBanc, is strategically expanding its operations in central Illinois. IF Bancorp boasts over 140 years of history in the banking sector. This acquisition marks Papastavrou's strategic entry into the American banking market.
The discussion in Parliament regarding foreign investment controls was intense, marked by political conflicts and references to ideological issues. The law was ultimately passed, while amendments proposed by AKEL regarding housing and labor issues were rejected. Legislators argued that the bill is aimed at protecting the public interest and promotes oversight of critical infrastructures. AKEL countered that its amendments seek to address serious housing problems. Overall, the debate sparked tensions and exchanges between the parties.
During the discussion in the Plenary of the Parliament regarding foreign investments, there was tension and shouting among the MPs. An incident occurred between Annita Dimitriou and Andreas Themistocleous, with the President of Parliament requesting to mute the latter's microphone. Ms. Dimitriou emphasized the need for respect towards fellow colleagues. The episode highlights the tensions that often arise in parliamentary procedures. A video captures the altercation.
Two 28-year-old men were arrested in Thessaloniki as suspects in the murder of businessman Stavros Dimosthenous. One is believed to be the shooter, while the other acted as the driver. The suspects are Greek expatriates from Georgia and were under surveillance prior to their arrest. The case has caused a shock in Cyprus, and authorities believe the arrests will shed light on the motives behind the murder. They will be sent to the Appeals Prosecutor's Office in Thessaloniki to start their extradition process to the Cypriot authorities.
Six bills related to tax reform were submitted to Parliament. The new taxation for individuals will be based on family composition and will increase the tax-free threshold to €20,500. Income tax will be structured into brackets reaching up to 35%. For businesses, 14 measures are proposed, including an increase in the corporate tax from 12.5% to 15% and the elimination of deemed dividend distribution. The bills aim to enhance tax deductions and support households and businesses.
A police officer who was nominated for a promotion due to heroic actions during a fire is facing disciplinary charges for false statements. He was found guilty of misconduct and lying, resulting in a penalty of wage deduction. After appealing, the Appeals Council upheld the decision. His initial rescue actions were questioned by the Fire Department. The officer filed a lawsuit, but it was dismissed as lawful.
Recent developments in the murder of businessman Stavros Dimosthenous are significant. Two Georgian nationals, who are second cousins, have been arrested in Greece. They are considered key figures in the case. The collaboration between the police forces of Greece and Cyprus has been exemplary. Investigators believe that the arrests may reveal new information regarding the case.
Israeli airstrikes and tank shelling targeted areas in Gaza despite Israel's commitment to a ceasefire. The Israeli military stated that the attacks aimed at terrorist infrastructure. The assaults resulted in the death of 104 individuals, including children and women. Hamas countered that the accusations against its fighters are false. International mediators are attempting to restore calm in the region.
In Thessaloniki, the Greek Police arrested two Greek nationals wanted in connection with the murder of Stavros Dimosthenous in Limassol. The arrests were made following European arrest warrants. The police expressed gratitude for the collaboration with the Greek Police. This partnership has recently improved, enhancing the fight against organized crime. The murder case remains under investigation.
Mayor of Amathus, Kyriakos Xydias, stated that trash fees could reach up to 1,000 euros per household, although a more optimistic estimate suggests it might be limited to 400 euros. The financial situation of municipalities was discussed during a parliamentary internal committee meeting, raising concerns about funding and state grants to local authorities. The mayor pointed out that previous situations led to significant deficits and expressed worries about the inadequate support from the government. He emphasized that public spending and improvements in local government are affected by system distortions. The funding for municipalities is notably low compared to other EU countries.
A mother from Limassol reported that her son is hospitalized at Makarios Hospital with a skull fracture following an attack at school. The student was injured when a classmate kicked the bathroom door, causing serious facial injuries. The mother describes the situation and highlights that the student had a history of misconduct. The police are investigating the incident and gathering testimonies. The student's condition and the follow-up procedures are ongoing.
In the District Court of Limassol, details emerged regarding the purchase of a motorcycle used for the escape of the perpetrators of Stavros Demosthenous' murder. The 30-year-old convict allegedly called a friend from prison, asking him to find a scooter for resale. The friend managed to find and buy the motorcycle, leading to disputes between them about the failure to locate it. The investigations revealed that the convict was trying to secure financial benefits through this process. Ultimately, the motorcycle was located by the police.
The police are investigating an incident where a citizen visiting the Central Prisons was wrongly arrested as if he were an inmate. The man was taken to the Appeals Court for trial, despite claiming it was a mistake. The confusion was discovered during the count of those being transported. The Chief of Police has ordered an investigation into the matter. There are questions regarding the procedure followed by the police officers.
An astonishing incident occurred on October 29, when a citizen was mistakenly transported from the Central Prisons to the Court along with inmates. The citizen was visiting the prisons and exited at the same time as the detainees were leaving. When he tried to explain the mistake, he was told to be silent and get into the transport vehicle. The error was discovered at the Supreme Court, where the extra person was identified. Chief Themistocles Arnaoutis requested a report on the incident for investigation.
Cyprus is fully prepared to take over the Presidency of the EU Council in the first half of 2026. The government views this mission as a national priority. President Christodoulides emphasized the importance of the preparations and the plan that has been developed. Priorities include security, support for Ukraine, and innovation. Cyprus aims to establish itself as a reliable European partner.
The Electricity Authority of Cyprus is installing smart meters in various areas throughout November. The work will require a power cut of about 20 minutes for the safe installation. The affected areas include Aglandjia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paralimni, and Paphos. The EAC apologizes for any inconveniences caused during this process. This upgrade aims to improve electricity service quality.
The Alama Movement announced its first ten candidates for the 2026 Parliamentary Elections. Leader Odysseas Michaelidis discussed the movement's goals, which focus on creating a state of law. The candidates include well-known figures with backgrounds in sciences and activism. Additionally, no candidates have been announced yet for Limassol and Kyrenia. Attention is on the representatives who will represent the party in the elections.
Over 173,000 citizens have registered for the 'pronomia' plan by Bank of Cyprus. The plan offers benefits such as travel, discounts, and tickets for events. So far, 8,000 individuals have benefited from the program's perks. Participants also have a chance to win weekly travel packages to popular destinations. The program is divided into three categories, each with different privileges for customers who meet specific criteria.
Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to resume nuclear weapons testing, claiming he had no choice due to nuclear tests being conducted by Russia and China. The last U.S. nuclear test took place in 1992, and since then, they have adhered to a treaty that prohibits such tests. Trump emphasizes that the U.S. has the largest nuclear arsenal in the world. The tests are deemed necessary for assessing nuclear weapon performance. Trump's decisions reflect international pressures and growing concerns about global security.
Anna Aristotelous, the director of the Central Prisons, has been placed back on administrative leave following a ruling by the Administrative Court. The judge concluded that the Public Service Commission's decision to extend her leave was not obviously unlawful. Her leave is set to last until December 23, while her promotion to general director is scheduled to begin on December 1. The case regarding the prison documents remains unresolved and could impact her situation. The court's decision can be appealed.
A 41-year-old cyclist is in serious condition following a traffic accident in Limassol. He collided with a car driven by a 49-year-old man. The accident occurred around 10:50 PM, and the circumstances are under investigation. The cyclist was taken to a hospital where he is now intubated. Authorities are looking into the case.
Patients at a hospital waited for a long time without any updates while the doctor was in a meeting. They were not informed about the delay, and some elderly patients began to feel weak. The Patient Rights Observatory is seeking answers from the hospital regarding this situation. Hospital officials emphasized that patient safety and proper service should always come first. There are calls for better communication and rescheduling of appointments when such delays occur.
Tufan Erhürman, the new leader of the Turkish Cypriots, has not yet responded to proposals for meetings regarding the Cyprus issue. He requires a prior meeting with Turkish President Erdoğan. This is delaying the process and the visit of the UN Secretary-General's envoy, Maria Angela Olguin. Erhürman's current actions leave open the possibility of further delays for the upcoming multilateral conference. In contrast, Christodoulides has already held significant meetings in the Cyprus process.
The government proposes Automatic Cost of Living Adjustment (ATA) for all workers, causing a deadlock in negotiations with employers and unions. Despite meetings, employers oppose applying ATA to everyone, while unions have not publicly accepted the government's proposal. This has led to limited chances of reaching an agreement. The government now faces a dilemma: continue with its proposal or back down, potentially facing political repercussions. This situation highlights that the social dialogue has not yielded positive outcomes.
The Ministry of Education is preparing final changes to the bill concerning teacher evaluation, which is currently being discussed in Parliament. There are disagreements from educational organizations, and the Ministry aims for greater consensus. Meetings will take place with these organizations before the final proposals are submitted. The organizations have already articulated their positions, and relevant studies are anticipated. The Minister emphasizes that the philosophy of the evaluation system will not be altered.
A new modern building for the Legal Service is planned in Nicosia, with a budget of 56 million euros. The building will have 11 floors and is expected to be constructed in about 4.5 years. It will include offices for 402 employees and parking spaces for 253 vehicles. The project will incorporate high-energy efficiency measures and modern materials. This development is set to enhance public administration and the infrastructure of the city.
The investigation into the murder of Stavros Dimosthenous is actively being conducted by the Limassol TAE detectives. They are examining numerous pieces of evidence, and ballistic results from two shell casings are awaited. The 30-year-old suspect is set to appear in court again for a renewal of his detention. Authorities are also searching for two more individuals who may be involved in the case. The investigation includes data from surveillance cameras and telecommunications.
The new tax reform includes 33 changes and the removal of problematic provisions aimed at securing its approval in Parliament. The modifications aim for a fairer distribution of the tax burden, focusing on strengthening low and middle incomes. The tax-free threshold is increased, and tax rates for various income brackets are adjusted. The reform is expected to support the developmental prospects of businesses and public finances. Discussions in Parliament will begin at the end of November.