The RTL Today Radio News team brings you the latest news headlines for Thursday, March 23.

Luxembourg

ELECTION GREENS - The election commission of the Green Party has unanimously voted to nominate Minister of Justice and Culture Sam Tanson as the party's national lead candidate. After the unanimous nomination of Sam Tanson, an extraordinary Green Party congress will convene next Tuesday to vote on the electoral commission's proposal. A three-fifths majority is required.

REFUGEE COUNCIL - The Luxembourg Refugee Council has criticised that the government is focusing too much on monitoring refugees and too little on their integration.The Council is particularly concerned about the facilities used to accommodate refugees, which they say is secured by over 730 security agents 24/7. The Council argues that it is more important to offer these people psychological and socio-educational support than to monitor them.

EUROVISION PREVIEW - You can get a sneak preview of all 37 entries to the Eurovision Song Contest at a special viewing night organised by the OGAE representation in Luxembourg and the town of Bissen. On the 21 April, you can take part in rating and judging all the songs, along with a bite to eat with some crémant and it’s for a good cause. All the proceeds from food and drinks sales will go to benefit the non-profit organisation LUkraine, which launched in October 2022 and raises money to buy fully equipped life-saving vehicles for Ukraine

World

EU SUMMIT - Today and tomorrow, the first regular EU summit for this year in Brussels is taking place. On the agenda of the 26 heads of state and government, including Xavier Bettel, is support for Ukraine, an exchange with the UN on the world climate report and the competitiveness of the European economy. But discussions around the phasing out of combustion engine cars, which is being blocked by the German government is likely to cause dispute and France’s woes at home are likely to distract the lawmakers. It's another big strike day again today in France. Trade unions have called for strikes despite or indeed because the pension reform has been boxed through the French Parliament. Demonstrations are planned across France today and the strike will also bring public traffic to a standstill again. A "black day" is predicted for the train network and a third of flights will be cancelled.

US INTEREST RATES - The US central bank has raised interest rates again. Yesterday, the FED unanimously agreed on a further increase of 0.25 percentage point, calling the banking system "sound and resilient". The decision underscores the Fed's determination to keep inflation under control. The American and Asian markets have reacted negatively so far.

TRUMP INDICTMENT - The Manhatten grand jury which is considering criminal charges against Donald Trump over his role in the payment of hush money to the adult film star Stormy Daniels did not meet yesterday and is on standby to meet today. With barricades outside Trump Tower and police on high alert, the city has been holding its breath over the expected indictment for days but the timing is uncertain.The 76-year-old Republican would become the first former or sitting president to ever be charged with a crime if the panel votes to indict.

Sports

FOOTBALL - The national soccer team will start tonight in the qualifiers for the European Championship. In the first match, it's an away game against Slovakia. Kick-off is at a quarter to 9.

At the start of the European qualifiers of the U19s, there was a victory for Luxembourg's team. 2-1 against Ukraine. Leon Elshan scored both goals. In the other group stage, Sweden and Denmark drew 0-0. On Saturday, Luxembourg will play Spain.

And staying with football: Cristiano Ronaldo has made no secret of his ambition to notch up another world record -- for the number of international caps -- a day before Portugal face Liechtenstein in Euro 2024 qualifiers. After the Liechtenstein match, Portugal face Luxemburg on Sunday. The 38-year-old was named in new Portugal coach Roberto Martinez's first squad despite being dropped from the starting line-up for Portugal's final matches of the World Cup in Qatar. Ronaldo already holds the world record for men's international goals, with 118, and the European men's record of 196 caps.

Weather

Not much to report on this morning other than it's going to be rainy all day long. The morning will start off between 8-10°C, rising to highs of 11°C in the afternoon.

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