Longevity in Cyprus and Greece comes from a lifestyle filled with family gatherings and enjoyable food. Chef Marina Georgallides describes her grandmother, who lived until 98, as a source of inspiration in her life. Collective experiences around food are essential for long-term health. Greek olive oil is considered a crucial element of the diet and positively contributes to health. Georgallides aims to revive these traditions through her recipes.
Seven years after his amputation, Scott Endersby became the first strongest athlete with a disability in the world. Following a serious motorcycle accident in 2018, he faced tough times with depression but found a new purpose in life through the sport of strongman. After working hard for 18 months, he competed and won titles in England. His passion goes beyond his athletic success; he aims to leave a strong legacy for his family. Throughout his journey, he demonstrated that mental resilience is as important as physical strength.
The dismissed abbot Nektarios makes serious accusations against a hierarch who expressed a desire to become Archbishop. He also predicted the deaths of bishops due to vaccines and referred to God's plans involving himself. Nektarios analyzes the political ambitions behind these statements, arguing they reflect personal aspirations. Additionally, he mentions candidates he intended to propose in the future. His allegations provoke reactions and questions about the truth behind the hierarch's claims.
The two social services officials convicted for serious neglect of duty related to the case of 14-year-old Stylianos will not return to work. One has retired and the other has resigned. Their suspended prison sentences are without practical effect since they have already left the Service. The convicted individuals admitted to charges of willful neglect of their duties. The court considered mitigating factors when imposing their sentences.
A recent ruling by the Court of Appeals confirmed that parents can receive alimony from their children, challenging traditional views in family courts. In the case of a 73-year-old father, the court dismissed the appeal of his two sons against a temporary order requiring them to pay alimony. The sons argued that their father had misled the court and questioned his needs. However, the appeals court noted that they failed to substantiate their claims. Therefore, the court ruled in favor of the father, recognizing the obligation for financial support in this direction.
The 35-year-old British mother is in a bad psychological state after her child was abducted by the 26-year-old Turkish father. The child has been located in the hands of Social Welfare in the occupied areas. Both the father and an accomplice have been detained regarding this serious case. The mother is providing information that may involve other people, including a Turkish Cypriot woman. There are questions about how the father knew where the mother and child resided.
In Larnaca, two apartment buildings have been deemed dangerous and the Larnaca District Administration Organization will proceed with evacuation orders. Residents must leave the buildings within three days. Additionally, 14 other buildings in the area have been identified as potentially dangerous and will undergo further inspections. The Organization is working on creating a digital archive of dilapidated buildings in the district. The safety of the residents is a priority, and efforts are being made to assist those affected.
A lucky player won 11.6 million euros in the Joker lottery with a 6 euro ticket. The ticket was submitted in Panos Deftera and included all correct numbers along with the Joker number. This is the second-largest amount ever won in Cyprus, following 16.7 million in 2017. The winner will receive the amount after tax deductions. Joker draws take place every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
The Israeli Navy has begun actions to intercept an activist mission heading to the Gaza Strip. The activists claim their mission aims to challenge Israel's naval blockade and provide humanitarian aid. Israel has warned participants to change course and return. Some vessels have been spotted near the flotilla, with reports of harassment. This situation falls within Israel's broader policy regarding the Gaza Strip.
Metropolitan Tychikos has requested the Supreme Court to annul the Synod's decision that placed him on suspension. He claims that the decision was made by an unauthorized body and that proper procedures and fundamental rights were violated. Additionally, the Metropolitan is citing legal errors and is seeking a retrial. The Church is preparing to present its case in the Supreme Court, asserting that Tychikos will not prevail. It is noted that the Court has recognized the autonomy of the Church of Cyprus.
The Cyprus Police clarified that no arrest warrant has been issued against Makarios Drousiotis. This clarification was made to avoid misinformation regarding the 'Santis' case. The alleged warrant mentioned in a publication has never been issued. The police emphasize their commitment to transparency and professionalism in the processes they follow. The goal is to provide accurate and substantiated information to the public.
The Paphos district has exceeded 50% in the fill level of its dams, a scenario that seemed impossible a while ago. After four months of heavy rainfall, all dams in the area show significant increases in fill levels compared to last year. The Asprokremos dam is at 41%, while some smaller dams have already overflowed. This situation has brought relief to citizens and producers. Although it does not solve the overall water issue, recent developments provide a positive outlook.
This year, more members from the security forces are participating as candidates in the parliamentary elections than ever before. At least seven active and former police officers and firefighters are vying for a seat in Parliament. Their ability to participate was restored in 2021 following a court ruling. The Police Headquarters has issued guidelines for their participation, including requirements for leave and avoidance of political confrontation. The candidates primarily come from the police and fire service.
The Holy Synod is meeting to discuss amendments to the Statute of the Church of Cyprus, with a major change being that decisions can be made by a simple majority instead of a three-quarters majority. This aims to simplify procedures and expedite decision-making. The revisions also include changes to the election of hierarchs, limiting the participation of the faithful in these processes. Archbishop Georgios has indicated that the changes can pass with a simple majority. The session will last until May 20.
A lucky Joker ticket combination of 5+1 won €11,653,128.87 in Cyprus. The ticket was purchased in Panos Deftera, Nicosia. The next draw will distribute at least €1,000,000 for the winners of the 1st category. The winning numbers are 40, 36, 5, 32, 33, and the Joker number is 8. Draws are held three times a week.
As summer approaches, the Ministry of Agriculture warns that lighting fires in state forests or within two kilometers from boundary lines is strictly prohibited. Offenders face heavy fines, ranging from €500 to €2,500 depending on the season. In cases of negligent fire that leads to damage, penalties can reach up to 12 years of imprisonment or fines of up to €100,000. In 2025, there were 232 fires reported, with an average burned area of 0.7 hectares and an average response time of 11.5 minutes. A significant reduction in burned area was noted, with 91% of fires being extinguished before they exceeded one hectare.
During the 16th New Democracy conference, Nikos Christodoulides and Annita Demetriou promoted a shared stance against populism, despite the time gap between their speeches. Annita Demetriou described populism as a divisive political style and emphasized the need for responsibility in politics. Christodoulides highlighted the necessity for actionable policies and avoided experimentation on national issues. Both politicians expressed shared concerns regarding toxicity and superficiality in politics. They stressed the importance of truth and prudence in governance.
The photo enforcement system in Greece has recorded over 850,000 violations in the last four years. 2024 was the year with the highest number of infractions, while a decrease is observed in 2025. However, about half of the recorded violations are pending, as many drivers do not pay the fines. This indicates a generally disobedient driving behavior. Drivers seem to be aware of where the cameras are placed but may choose to ignore them or believe they can evade the payment process.
New political parties, like ALMA, are struggling to survive under pressure from traditional parties and are resorting to toxic strategies like personal attacks. These attacks have sparked strong reactions from political opponents, such as George Pamboridis, who countered ALMA's propaganda. Meanwhile, AKEL emphasized its ongoing contact with the community, stressing the importance of political work even after elections. The article highlights the increasing toxicity in the political landscape. ALMA seems to be reverting to old tactics, even as society calls for ideas and solutions.
New Regulations have been announced to regulate the allocation of state property, including agricultural land and water resources. The disposal of lakes or rivers is prohibited except in exceptional cases deemed necessary by the Council of Ministers. The regulations also allow for the allocation of state land for ecclesiastical purposes under strict conditions. Farmers will be able to acquire irrigated or dry land with limitations. The process requires unregistered farmers to register in a special registry.
A dispute in Cypriot sports is escalating around the Olympic Swimming Pool in Nicosia. The Nicosia Nautical Club is protesting the removal of 40 swimmers under 12 from the municipal pool due to new regulations from the Cyprus Sports Organization. Parents and athletes are caught in a difficult situation because of these decisions. The president of the CYSO, Giannis Ioannou, argues that the changes are made for fairness and equal treatment of all athletes. The club demands an upgrade of the facilities to ensure better training conditions.
The Cypriot government is implementing a new strategic plan for fire protection. An investment of 28.5 million euros aims to enhance resilience against natural disasters. In a meeting led by the President, actions were outlined, including automated systems and detectors. The goal is early detection and addressing of fires using modern technologies. The plan encompasses strategy, prevention, and restoration, covering extensive forest areas.