The Joker draw took place on April 23, 2026, with a prize pool of €6,200,000. The winning numbers drawn were 44, 15, 21, 41, and 22. Additionally, the Joker number is 1. Joker draws occur every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 10:00 PM.
Cyprus and France will sign the SOFA agreement next June, strengthening their strategic partnership in defense. The agreement will allow French forces to be hosted on the island, which is seen as crucial for strengthening the deterrent capability of the Republic of Cyprus. French President Macron stated that France is proud of its cooperation with Cyprus. Joint military exercises and the upgrade of the naval base at Mari further bolster this partnership. Nicosia views this agreement as a positive development for European strategic autonomy.
Cyprus is set to change its Terrestrial Digital Television system, requiring viewers to purchase DVB-T2 decoders by May 1. Demand for these decoders is high, as many consumers were unaware of the change. Electronics stores have limited supplies and are placing orders for more. Viewers need to check if their TVs support the new technology and take appropriate actions. The new platform promises better picture quality and more channels.
In the area of Rizokarpaso, drivers have been trapped due to farmers' protests. Ten-year-old Panagiotis, who was traveling with his family for a saxophone lesson, decided to play music on the road. This way, he tried to make the wait more enjoyable. His initiative reflects his love for music, even in difficult circumstances. The event highlights the power of art to bring smiles in tough times.
Odysseas Michaelides responded to former President Nicos Anastasiades' comments about fraternities by declaring himself a member of the Brotherhood of the Inappropriate. He emphasizes that his life stance is to not bow down or adapt to the demands of the corrupt. He expresses his dedication to this philosophy. Michaelides condemns the idea of belonging to the Lodge of the Corrupt. His public post on X highlights these opinions.
The Parliament accepted changes to four laws concerning foreclosures and the insolvency framework. The changes include removing the disadvantageous position attributed to creditors and prohibiting additional securities for borrowers. The legislation also forbids imposing extra interest when the owed amount exceeds double the original debt. Attention was given to retroactive provisions and their application to new loan contracts. Additionally, judges are granted authority to make decisions regarding foreclosure notices.
A priest who was convicted for drug possession and fraud was sentenced to five years in prison. After his release, he worked as a lawyer but had his license revoked due to false representations. The Supreme Court rejected his appeal to overturn the revocation decision. The case highlights the challenges he faced in professional rehabilitation due to his past. The priest serves as an example of the legal process and the moral consequences of his offenses.
Emmanuel Macron visited the Presidential Palace in Cyprus, marking the first official visit by a French President since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960. He was welcomed by President Christodoulides. After the national anthems were played, Macron inspected the guard and laid a wreath at the statue of Archbishop Makarios. This visit highlights the diplomatic relations between France and Cyprus.
The Commissioner for Children's Rights addressed a recent incident of violence among children circulating on social media. She highlighted the importance of responsibly handling such incidents to protect all involved children. The publication of videos and personal information can lead to serious psychological harm and stigmatization. Emphasis was placed on the role of the media to inform responsibly and promote violence prevention. Finally, citizens are reminded to report incidents to protect children.
On Thursday, farmers protested in Rizoelia against mass animal culling due to foot-and-mouth disease. In a symbolic act, they handed their young child over to Justice Minister Kostas Phitiris, asking him to raise the child. The child was visibly frightened by the unfolding situation and started crying. This scene occurred during the minister's visit for security reasons. The farmers are trying to express their outrage over the state of their industry.
The Cypriot government continues its operations to control migration flows, aiming to combat crime. Since the beginning of the year, there have been 535 deportations and 2,052 voluntary departures. Additionally, 578 arrests for illegal stay and 529 irregular arrivals have been recorded. The results show that the efforts of the authorities are yielding results. The operations will continue with the goal of enhancing public safety.
A couple from Florida discovered that their baby is not biologically theirs due to a mistake at a fertility clinic. Tiffany Scorr and Steven Mills stated that genetic testing confirmed the baby’s biological parents. Despite the serious error, the couple emphasizes that they will love and parent their daughter forever. However, unanswered questions about their own embryos remain. Their legal process continues to investigate the details of the case.
The nomination of the book "And Many Were Formed – The Helen of Karpasia" for the European Literature Prize has sparked debates around historical memory and literature. Helen Foka, the central figure of the book, requests the withdrawal of the candidacy, claiming that her personal testimonies are being presented as fiction, which affects her dignity. The author, Eurydice Perikleous-Papadopoulou, counters this, stating that her work is literary and incorporates fictional elements. This dispute highlights the struggle between truth and creative representation in art. The book's selection for the EUPL has already raised concerns about its eligibility.
Two traffic accidents occurred on the Nicosia - Limassol highway on Thursday morning. The first accident involved four vehicles near Pyrgos. The second one involved three vehicles near Parekklisia and resulted in one minor injury. There is heavy traffic in the area as police are on their way to the scenes. This may cause delays for drivers.
The spread of foot-and-mouth disease has put livestock farming in a critical state, with agricultural organizations condemning upcoming protests by farmers in Rizoelia. The general secretary of EKA emphasized the importance of dialogue, while other leaders labeled the protests as irresponsible. The organizations called on President Christodoulides to raise the issue of Turkey in the EU due to illegal transactions. The police reported that there are 'self-appointed' instigators behind the protests. Representatives warned that without a change in strategy, the future of the Cypriot economy looks bleak.
Employees at the EAC are staging a 24-hour nationwide strike starting midnight on April 22. Critical infrastructures affecting consumers will not be impacted, and security personnel will ensure the continuous supply of electricity. Customer Service Centers and EAC Offices will be closed. Customers can pay their bills electronically through various platforms. There is a possibility of escalating actions by the unions.
Wendy Duffy, a 56-year-old British woman, has decided to travel to Switzerland for euthanasia after the tragic loss of her only child in an accident. Her decision stems from overwhelming pain and a profound sense of emptiness. She has informed her family of her intentions, while her application was approved by a committee at the Swiss clinic Pegasos. The process is expected to be legal and controlled, reinforcing her choice. She shares her story to highlight her personal journey.
U.S. Secretary of the Navy, John Phelan, has unexpectedly resigned effective immediately. He will be replaced by Deputy Secretary of the Navy, Hung Kao. This resignation follows the early retirement announcement of General Randy George. Phelan was appointed only last March, and many noted his lack of experience in critical roles. No details have been provided regarding the reasons for Phelan's departure.
The murder of 43-year-old Eleftheria Giakoumaki in Crete has shocked the community. The 39-year-old suspect reportedly killed her in less than 1 minute and then attempted to hide the crime by transporting her body. After the act, he crashed his motorcycle and returned home while trying to mislead the authorities. Days later, as investigators closed in on him, he took his own life. The woman's body was discovered several hours after the crime, with evidence highlighting the brutality of his actions.
Today, dust and isolated rain are expected, according to the Meteorological Service. Temperatures will reach 25 degrees inland and around 21 degrees at the coasts. Later, the weather will be mainly clear with limited cloudiness and possible rain in the mountains. Winds will be light, and the sea will be calm. By Sunday, temperatures will gradually rise slightly above the average for this time of year.
A farmer accused of bribery regarding the slaughter of 500 infected sheep made claims during a protest. However, when called to testify to the police, he couldn't provide specific details. The veterinary services express doubts about the allegations. The director of the Veterinary Services requested an investigation into the farmer's statements, suggesting ulterior motives. The police have started an investigation into the matter.
The Parliament is set to discuss the recall of a law concerning homeowners with residential photovoltaic systems. President Christodoulides deemed certain provisions of the law unconstitutional. It was decided that families with 2021 photovoltaic systems will not lose their production surplus. Awaiting official decisions, around 10,000 homeowners will benefit from this development. Others will see their surplus written off according to their contracts.
The Minister of Agriculture is facing protests from groups of livestock farmers due to the culling of animals because of foot-and-mouth disease. Protesters are preparing to block the Rizolelia roundabout, demanding better treatment and compensation. Despite government assurances, farmers express dissatisfaction with their proposals. Veterinary Services warn that these protests may worsen the health situation of the animals. The police are on alert due to the Informal Summit taking place today.
The Audit Office is preparing to conduct an audit of the GeSY software due to concerns about the collaboration with the private company managing it. The audit will assess the company's compliance with contractual obligations and technical malfunctions of the system. The contract's expiration is approaching, and no agreement has yet been reached on transferring management to the Health Insurance Organization. There are worries about the potential complications of this 'divorce.' Health and Innovation ministers have been involved in seeking a consensual solution.
Cyprus is hosting a European Union Summit for the first time, marking a significant moment in its history. The agenda includes topics such as energy independence and the crisis in the Middle East. President Macron is the first French President to make an official visit to Cyprus since its establishment. These visits highlight Cyprus as a strategic partner in the region. The visit of the Lithuanian leader after 25 years emphasizes Cyprus's importance on the international stage.
Cyprus and Egypt are working towards implementing a bilateral agreement signed in 2024 for the employment of Egyptian workers in Cyprus. The Minister of Labor, Marinos Mousiouttas, visited Egypt and met with his counterpart to revitalize the agreement. The previous agreement did not yield the expected results, but there are plans to expand it to new sectors such as tourism and IT. A joint committee has been established to evaluate and prepare for the agreement's implementation. Cyprus aims to address its labor market needs with safe and legal mobility of workers.
Cyprus is one of the countries facing the highest risk due to climate change, with rising temperatures and heat-related deaths. According to the Lancet Countdown Europe 2026 report, the Mediterranean is one of the most vulnerable areas. The hot weather severely impacts at-risk groups, particularly the elderly. Instances of heatstroke and the effects of mosquito-borne diseases are already a reality. This situation calls for immediate attention and specific measures.
The police have issued four warrants for the disclosure of bank accounts related to the 'Santi' case. FBI specialists will analyze the profile of 'Santi' and the financial transactions mentioned in reports. The investigative team will summon named individuals for testimonies regarding potential acts of corruption. Eight chapters related to corruption and other illegal activities are being examined. The process will include the analysis of sms and financial data expected from the banks.
A 32-year-old suspect for attempted murder was arrested in Romania after managing to escape from Cypriot authorities. His arrest took place under a European arrest warrant, and the extradition process to Cyprus is now anticipated. The Cypriot police are conducting an administrative investigation to uncover any potential responsibilities. The suspect had been hospitalized twice, and his escape was discovered through a TikTok post. This situation raises serious concerns and questions about the detention process.