Cyprus Film Days kicks off with performance by Lia Haraki
Fact: Lia Haraki will be at the helm of the opening ceremony as the Cyprus Film Days International Festival launches its 22nd edition in Limassol.
Fact: Lia Haraki will be at the helm of the opening ceremony as the Cyprus Film Days International Festival launches its 22nd edition in Limassol.
Cyprus is making rapid progress in its digital transition, with the creation of a Broadband competence office to promote broadband connection projects. One success of this transition is the newfound broadband access at a primary school serving the remote villages of Kampos and Tsakistra in the northwest of the Troodos mountain range.
Simon Harris, Ireland’s prime minister-in-waiting, has embraced TikTok to connect with younger voters, despite security concerns about the Chinese-owned platform. European politicians like French President Macron and German Health Minister Lauterbach have also joined TikTok to reach a wider audience. Mainstream parties are feeling pressured to engage with TikTok to prevent fringe parties like the AfD from dominating the platform. Concerns about data privacy and influence from China persist, but politicians are finding ways to use TikTok effectively while addressing these issues.
Fact: An engine cover on a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 fell off during takeoff in Denver, striking the wing flap.
One of the hostages seized by Hamas gunmen during an attack on Israeli communities around Gaza was likely killed by an Israeli helicopter gunship that was responding to the attack. The military conducted an investigation into the kidnapping of Efrat Katz and found that the helicopter fired at a vehicle carrying gunmen and hostages, resulting in the death of most of the terrorists and possibly Efrat Katz. The investigation concluded that the hostages could not be distinguished by existing surveillance systems, and the air force commander did not find fault in the operation.
Nickecoy Bramwell, a 16-year-old Jamaican sprinter, broke Usain Bolt’s U-17 record in the 400-metre race at the 51st Carifta Games with a time of 47.26 seconds, securing a gold medal and a new world record in his age category.
Attorney General George Savvides was briefed on an ongoing investigation into a cash scandal involving monks at the monastery of Saint Avvakoum. Monks were allegedly found in possession of €800,000 in cash and were also discovered to own property in Greece and Limassol. The investigation includes allegations of money laundering and obtaining money with false representations. The police are working to identify whether felonies have been committed and initial findings were presented to the Attorney General. The monastery has faced criticism for allegedly receiving donations through fake “miracles” and promises to people suffering from diseases. The monks have vehemently denied the accusations, claiming there has been no financial mismanagement. The monastery has also been accused of engaging in sexual acts on CCTV footage, with one monk reported for sexual harassment. The scandals have raised concerns about potential money laundering through church donations.
Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Luton Town.
The Legal Service was convening to review the results of police investigations into the Osiou Avakoum monastery scandal.