The RTL Today Radio News team brings you the latest news headlines for Thursday, March 30.
Luxembourg
SES INTELSAT TALKS - The Luxembourg-based satellite operator SES has confirmed merger talks with the American competitor Intelsat. Nothing has been decided yet. The background is the fierce competition in the field of "Internet via satellites". The Luxembourg state is the largest shareholder with 33% of SES, with headquarters in Betzdorf.
HUSKY JOB CUTS - The company Husky Technologies is axing 155 jobs in Dudelange. The reason given by the company is that it no longer wants to produce some of its products. The unions LCGB and OGBL both criticised the fact that personnel delegations and trade unions were only told of the plans one hour before the employees. They refuse to engage in any discussions regarding a prospective social plan. Instead, they advocate for a job retention plan to prevent numerous people from losing their jobs.
MINIMUM WAGE - The monthly qualified minimum wage will pass the €3,000 mark from April 1, as the wage indexation takes effect. After the adjustment, the non-qualified minimum wage for those over 18 years of age increases to just over €2,500 gross per month. The indexation will also affect pensions, family allowances, and all other social parameters.
PARC MERVEILLEUX - Parc Merveilleux in Bettembourg has opened its doors for this year's season. With preparations in full swing, new features have arrived as well; you can now spend the night in a hostel right next to the famous 'Renert'. Better known as the fox in a tailcoat, Renert is the anti-hero of Michel Rodange's fable which is a literary classic in the Grand-Duchy.
World
POPE HOSPITAL - Pope Francis has spent the night in hospital in Rome, where the 86-year-old will continue receiving treatment for what the Vatican has said is a respiratory infection. According to a statement, the pope had breathing difficulties in recent days, but does not have Covid. Francis' admission came a few weeks after marking a decade as head of the Catholic Church.
CHARLES GERMANY - Britain's Charles will address the German parliament today, becoming the first monarch to do so. Arriving for his three-day trip on Wednesday, the King and Queen Consort Camilla were greeted with military honours at the Brandenburg Gate, the first time the iconic site had lent the backdrop for such a ceremony. Today, he will start the day with talks with Chancellor Olaf Scholz, before addressing the Bundestag.
GREENPEACE JETS - According to a Greenpeace report, emissions from private jets have soared in Europe. The environmental group found private jets emitted a total of 5.3 million tonnes of Carbon Dioxide in the last three years, with the number of flights skyrocketing to over half a million in 2022. That amount of CO2 is more than Uganda - a country of some 46 million people - produces in a year. The findings highlight the devastating climatic impact of global elites, Greenpeace said, calling for private jets to be banned.
Sports
NATIONAL FOOTBALL - It was the 22nd game day in football yesterday. Hesperange remains first in the table, after a 4-0 win against Differdange. Dudelange beat Fola Esch 2.1 and among the other matches Niederkorn beat Hostert 6-0.
FOOTBALL U20 WORLD CUP - FIFA has removed Indonesia as hosts of this year's Under-20 World Cup amid political turmoil over Israel's participation. The draw for the 24-team tournament beginning on May 20 was due to be held on Friday in Bali, but the event was cancelled after the governor of Bali refused to host Israel’s team. The statement, said that a new host will be announced as soon as possible, with the dates of the tournament currently remaining unchanged.
Weather
We're in for a classic "April showers" kind of Thursday, with mostly cloudy skies and some rain showers sprinkled throughout the day. In the afternoon we might even get a thunderstorm. Morning temperatures will start off at 8 to 11°C, rising to 12-14°C in the afternoon.
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