Erica Fox, a 55-year-old triathlete, tragically lost her life after a shark attack off the California coast. She had been missing since last week when she was seen swimming near Pacific Grove. Her remains were discovered near Davenport Beach, though formal identification was pending. Her husband and other swimmers were part of the training group when the incident occurred. Authorities are investigating the case and confirming her identity.
Ukraine reportedly attempted a drone attack on Vladimir Putin's residence. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia would respond to this attack. The incident occurred on the morning of December 29. Additionally, Russia will reconsider its negotiating stance. All drones were intercepted with no reports of damage or injuries.
Cyprus is set to close 2025 with a yellow warning for heavy storms, mostly along the coast. The weather will be mainly clear until the morning of December 30, but storms are expected to start in the evening and continue until the afternoon of December 31. On New Year's Day, some areas will experience limited weather phenomena, and conditions will improve on Sunday. Temperatures will be normal for the season, with possible snowfall in mountainous areas. Winds will strengthen, and storms may be accompanied by hail.
A seismic tremor was recorded in Limassol on Tuesday afternoon. The tremor was detected near the Ypsonas area and Kato Polemidia. Currently, there are no details on the magnitude or the epicenter of the quake. No damages or incidents have been reported. Residents are sharing their experiences regarding the tremor.
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly evolving and causing concerns about its impact on jobs and society. Scientist Geoffrey Hinton warns that by 2026, technological advancements could replace many jobs. He mentions that AI is already capable of completing tasks much faster than before. Hinton also highlights that AI could engage in deception and mislead people. The challenges and risks of this technology are serious and need careful consideration.
Russia demands the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donbass as a prerequisite for achieving peace. The Kremlin spokesperson stated that this withdrawal is essential for starting negotiations. Meanwhile, a phone call between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump is expected soon. Zelensky is asking Trump for security guarantees lasting up to 50 years. Negotiations continue with the aim of reaching a peace agreement.
Lefkara is facing serious traffic issues due to increased visitor numbers at the Christmas villages. The village chief, Andreas Gavriil, highlights the need for better traffic management as parents struggled to take their child to the doctor. This situation raises concerns, especially in emergencies. While the Christmas village brings traffic to the area, the traffic jams are alarming. The village chief calls on the police to take responsibility for the situation.
Emel McDowell spent 19 years in prison for a murder he didn't commit, highlighting a case of judicial error. Convicted in 1992 for the murder of Jonathan Powell, he always claimed that a friend was the real shooter. A letter from that friend expressing guilt was never used in the trial. In 2023, the case was re-examined, revealing the truth and leading the court to overturn McDowell's conviction. Now, McDowell is fighting for justice not only for himself but also for others.
Marinos Moustoutas sees 'survival games' behind Nikola Papadopoulos's recent comments against the government regarding the GSI issue. He believes that this strategy will not yield the desired results, as polls show that center parties are performing poorly. Christos Orphanides, a member of Diko, also criticizes Papadopoulos, calling him politically insincere. He emphasizes that support for the government is not progressing well, and these attacks distract from the actual situation. Overall, there is concern among center politicians about their survival and strategies leading up to the elections.
Troodos has turned white for the second time this winter after light snowfall overnight. Meteorological reports highlighted local rainfall and snow due to a cold front passing through the area. More snowfall is expected, with snow depth estimated at a few centimeters. Images from the ski center camera showcase the beautiful scenery. Troodos is getting ready to welcome its winter visitors.
Today, the weather is expected to be partly cloudy with localized rain and snowfall in higher areas. The winds will be northwesterly and moderate to strong. Tonight, the weather will become mainly clear, with decreasing temperatures and a possibility of frost in mountainous areas. Forecasts for the coming days include storms and snow at higher altitudes. Temperatures will fluctuate around the average climate values.
Shopping malls remain the preferred locations for retail in Cyprus, with rental prices on the rise. In 2025, rents in popular shopping centers have reached up to €70 per sqm, driven by demand from major retailers. While there is interest in new shopping center developments, some projects are facing delays. Significant differences are also observed in rents among various cities. Retail is divided into premium and more risk-sensitive segments depending on the location.
Ioannis Kapodistrias is recognized as a significant figure in Greek history, serving his country dedicatedly. His Cypriot roots and advocacy for Cyprus's inclusion in Greece are central themes. After the massacres of 1821, Cypriots fought for their freedom and identified with their Greek heritage. Kapodistrias worked to ensure that Cyprus was included within the rights of Greece. His ideas continue to influence the relationship between Greece and Cyprus.
The Cabinet has extended the compliance deadline for farmers using state forest land, giving them additional time to secure a usage permit. This deadline is now pushed to January 1, 2026, when a valid permit will be necessary for KOPAP subsidies. The government recognizes the challenges faced by farmers and opts for flexibility. However, the Minister of Agriculture states that this is the last extension, and non-compliance will result in exclusion from subsidies. The Forest Department will provide guidance to affected farmers.
A new serious incident of poaching involves an employee of the Department of Forests. The official was found hunting in a prohibited area and was fined a significant amount. These incidents are not isolated, as there are recurring reports of similar violations by forestry officials. The Game Service has reported serious poaching cases and is seeking a meeting to address the issue. This situation has raised concerns within the Directorate General of Environment.
The Ministry of Agriculture is in a state of emergency due to reports of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in a cattle unit in Lapas. Strict biosecurity measures are being implemented to prevent the disease's spread, which only affects cloven-hoofed animals. Authorities ensure that there is no risk to humans from consuming animal products. Australia has removed Cyprus from its list of disease-free countries, prompting diplomatic efforts to reverse this decision. Controls and disinfections have been intensified along the green line.
The Ministry of Health warns about the need for protection against respiratory viruses, such as seasonal flu. It recommends regular hand washing, avoiding contact with sick individuals, and vaccination for better prevention. The risk of severe illness is considered high for vulnerable groups. Individuals showing symptoms of infection should stay at home. The Ministry is monitoring the situation and will inform the public of new developments.
President Christodoulides emphasizes the importance of the benefits of economic growth reaching the citizens. He highlights that the government dares to promote significant reforms, which it is not afraid to present to the public, despite disagreement from trade unions. Important reforms, such as the evaluation of teachers and the tax reform, have been approved by the Parliament. The next goal is a significant increase in pensions by 2026, focusing on low-income pensioners. The government aims for a socially liberal approach with an emphasis on citizens' well-being.