The Joker draw by Allwyn took place, with at least €10,800,000 to be shared among lucky winners. The drawn numbers are 42, 38, 12, 16, 44, and the Joker number is 3. Drawings occur every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 10:00 PM. Entries can be submitted up until the draw time. It is a popular activity that attracts many players.
In the occupied areas, a 29-year-old father who kidnapped his 23-month-old baby from the mother has been arrested. Authorities charged him with illegal entry and violation of a military zone. The baby was found with him, and it was decided that the child would temporarily stay with the paternal grandmother. The Department of Social Services is monitoring the child's situation. This case raises concerns about the baby's safety.
The kidnapping of a 23-month-old baby has shocked the community of Apesia. The alleged accomplice of the baby's father has been arrested and remains in custody. The father is currently wanted by the authorities, who are investigating the details of the case. The child's mother has reported aggressive behavior from the father, who sent her threatening messages. This incident has raised concerns about the safety of women and children in the occupied areas.
Datis Kalali is withdrawing his candidacy for the 2026 parliamentary elections due to personal issues and safety concerns. He reported receiving threats and facing homelessness alongside his mother. Despite his desire to serve in politics, he deemed his situation too difficult to continue. He works as a nursing assistant while studying at the Medical School. He intends to send a letter to formalize his decision.
The police in Limassol conducted two operations during which three individuals were arrested, including a 45-year-old police officer. The officer is under investigation for money laundering from illegal activities. Various assets valued over €420,000 were seized during the searches. The other two arrests involve individuals linked to a criminal organization. Investigations are ongoing.
A 24-year-old Cypriot living in South Africa is labeled as a conscription evader, preventing him from visiting his mother in Cyprus. The movement 'Active Citizens' claims he was never summoned for military service. In contrast, the Ministry of Defense states he received calls for enlistment but did not respond. They clarify that his military service was suspended rather than that he is a deserter. The young man can visit Cyprus as long as he addresses his military obligations.
According to Eurostat data, Cyprus ranks as the 9th most expensive country in Europe for household electricity prices. The price is €0.2774 per kilowatt-hour, which is lower than the EU average. However, when factoring in purchasing power, the price rises to €0.3037 per kilowatt-hour, above the European average. The lowest prices are found in countries like Hungary and Malta. Greece is slightly cheaper than Cyprus in nominal terms.
A serious traffic accident occurred on the Paphos-Limassol highway. A worker performing road maintenance was struck by a passing vehicle. His condition is reported to be very serious, and he has been transported to the hospital. More information is expected soon.
The Cypriot economy continues to show strong growth, achieving a rate of 3% in the first quarter of 2026. Despite geopolitical tensions and the impact of the war in Iran, Cyprus's growth surpasses the average of the Eurozone and the EU. Key sectors contributing to this growth include trade, technology, and financial activities. The Ministry of Finance forecasts an overall growth rate of 2.7% for 2026, indicating a positive trajectory. However, the tourism sector has faced significant challenges due to cancellations.
Golshifteh Farahani is an Iranian actress recently linked to reports about the tension between Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron. She often critiques the Iranian regime and advocates for women's rights. Born and raised in Tehran, she began her career at a young age. Her name means 'flower that loves,' while her legal name 'Rahavard' translates to 'gift of the road.' Her first major success came in 1998 when she was 14 years old with the film 'The Pear Tree.'
The police have arrested a 53-year-old Turkish Cypriot believed to be involved in the abduction of a two-year-old child in Limassol by the child's Turkish father. The father crossed from the occupied areas to attempt to abduct both the child and the mother. It is reported that the 53-year-old was an accomplice during the abduction and was located in Larnaca. The child's mother provided information to the authorities to assist in the investigation. Authorities are working to locate the father and return the child to its mother.
Cyprus is participating in the Eurovision 2026 Semi-Final B with Antigoni and the song 'Jalla'. The predictions are positive, placing her in the 12th-13th position for a chance to advance to the final. Her stage presence is impressive and energetic, although there were some vocal missteps during rehearsal. The semi-final features a total of 18 countries. The choreography and lighting enhance the dynamism of her performance.
A fire broke out early in the morning at a club in Lakatamia, causing significant damage inside the establishment. Authorities, including police and fire service members, responded to the scene and extinguished the fire. The affected club is the Union of Young Asomatos. The causes of the fire will be investigated by the police this morning. More details and information about the situation are needed.
Donald Trump arrived in Beijing where he was welcomed by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of People. The two leaders began discussions focusing on trade, technology, and the Iran crisis. A military ceremony with national anthems marked their reception. The American delegation includes government officials and prominent business leaders. Trump and Xi are set to have a bilateral meeting to discuss critical issues.
Water is being removed from the protected Paralimni Lake, raising concerns from environmental organizations. The Paralimni-Deirneia Municipality claims this process is necessary to alleviate mosquito issues. BirdLife Cyprus alleges that these actions are being taken without scientific backing and highlights the risk of losing bird nests. They emphasize that the lake is a protected wetland and that responsible authorities may face legal consequences again. The Municipality counters that measurements and inspections ensure rational management of the water.
The government has proposed regulations for the allocation of state land to private universities, allowing for leasing or usage permits. These regulations consider factors such as the size of the development and its sustainability. A license for operation must also be secured within two years. These proposals have raised concerns about competition with public universities. There are fears that the process could lead to the exploitation of state land for profit.
The promotional and final exams for high school and technical school students are continuing normally, with 23,350 students participating. There were some complaints about the Physics exam for the 2nd grade due to confusing questions, and guidelines have been issued to the correctors regarding certain points. Additionally, there was confusion caused by the extensive solutions for the Modern Greek subject, which are intended for the correctors and not for the students. The exams for middle schools will begin on May 25, with 24,198 students participating. Meanwhile, practical tests in team sports are being held for 6th-grade students interested in entering Sports High Schools.
Two police officers were recently acquitted of charges of mistreatment against an Iranian citizen in 2016. The process lasted 10 years and involved the appointment of an independent criminal investigator. The court initially found there was a case against one officer but ultimately acquitted him as well. Witness testimonies were insufficient to support the charges, and the complainant's testimony did not adequately confirm the claims of mistreatment. This decision highlights the challenges in judicial processes and the examination of such cases.
The rupture in the relationship between Odysseas Michailidis and AKEL brings significant shifts in the political landscape. Michailidis has accused Stefanos Stefanou of corruption, which has caused discontent among AKEL supporters. This confrontation affects Michailidis' chances of receiving support for the Presidency of the Parliament. Despite a recent poll showing a drop in his ratings, these developments introduce uncertainty about the future of his political career. The coming days will be crucial for AKEL's political strategy.
The government announced €35.6 million in compensation for farmers affected by foot-and-mouth disease. The compensation will be issued via direct cash payments and will exceed European standards. The Ministry of Agriculture has developed a new pricing methodology for the animals to be compensated. The decisions are retroactively effective and aim to provide full economic support to livestock farming. The President expressed his support for the farming community.
There are issues regarding the integration of counseling psychologists into the General Health System, with professionals expressing disagreements. Counseling associations are publicly criticizing the Health Insurance Organization for undermining their specialty. The Cyprus Psychological Association argues that the proposed integration does not reflect their education and the realities of their profession. The Health Insurance Organization suggests a limited number of diagnoses and is willing to expand services after evaluation. There is an ongoing dialogue and disagreements regarding the proposals from the Health Insurance Organization.