The RTL Today Radio News team brings you the latest news headlines for Friday, April 7.

Luxembourg

TOTAL ENERGIES BOUGHT - Couche-Tard, a Canadian convenience store chain, is taking over 60% of Total Energies petrol stations in Luxembourg and Belgium. All French owned and operated Total petrol stations in Germany and the Netherlands were also sold to Couche-Tard for a sum of €3.1 billion. The union LCGB in Luxembourg has confirmed that the change in ownership will not affect Total Energies' employees.

BANK PROFITS - Despite a difficult year marked by high inflation and interest rates, the BGL BNP Paribas bank reported net profits of €408 million in 2022, an increase of 4% compared to 2021. The head of BGL, Yves Nosbusch said yesterday that inflation and increases in the interest rate will continue at least until the summer.

GLYPHOSATE BAN - The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will today outline the next steps now that glyphosate may once again be used in the Grand Duchy. While farmers are happy about the decision, the Ecological Movement opposes the use of the pesticide. Glyphosate had been banned in Luxembourg since 1 January 2022, but the Administrative court found that the ban was unlawful.

World

ISRAEL STRIKES - Israel has launched air strikes before dawn in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, saying it was targeting Hamas in retaliation for several dozen rockets fired at Israel from both territories. Tensions have soared between Israel and Palestinians during what is both the Jewish Passover and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, prompting condemnations and calls for restraint from abroad. The latest flare-up of violence comes after Israeli police clashed with Palestinians inside Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque on Wednesday.

GOOD FRIDAY AGREEMENT - Police in Northern Ireland are drafting in hundreds of extra officers due to fears of unrest ahead of the visit of US President Joe Biden on Tuesday. This weekend marks the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, which largely ended the violence of the Troubles. Officials are warning that some people might try to provoke street violence over the Easter weekend.

AFGHANISTAN WITHDRAWAL - The US has published a report blaming the chaotic withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan in 2021 on a deal made with the Taliban by Donald Trump. The report says little could have been done to stop the Taliban taking over, except the evacuation of people from Kabul should have started earlier.

TRAVOLTA SUIT - If you've ever fancied yourself as a disco legend --  this could be your chance, as John Travolta's "Saturday Night Fever" suit goes up for auction. The most famous three pieces of polyester in movie history are going under the hammer in California this month, offering one lucky buyer the opportunity to set the dance floor on fire.  The white suit, with its high waistband and flared pant legs is expected to fetch up to $200,000 at the auction.

Sport

FOOTBALL VIOLENCE - Twenty-two people have been arrested for throwing objects and setting off fireworks following Ajax Amsterdam's 2-1 Dutch cup semi-final win at Feyenoord. Ajax's Davy Klaassen suffered a head injury when he was hit by an object thrown from the stands, causing a lengthy delay as players from both teams walked off the pitch. The Dutch football association said it would introduce stricter measures. The referee will automatically stop a match if objects are thrown onto the field from the stands or if a fan invades the pitch. If an object hits any player or the referee, the match will be terminated.

CHELSEA LAMPARD - Frank Lampard has made a surprise return to Chelsea as caretaker manager until the end of the season, just over two years after he was sacked by the Premier League club. The 44-year-old's unexpected move back to Stamford Bridge came after Tuchel's successor Graham Potter was dismissed on Sunday with the club in the bottom half of the Premier League.

WOMEN'S FOOTBALL - England beat Brazil 4-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout to win the first-ever Women's Finalissima at Wembley on Thursday, with Euro 2022 hero Chloe Kelly scoring the decisive spot-kick after a 1-1 draw.

Weather

Today will start off with a cloudy sky and some light rain showers. The rain will fall throughout the day so be sure to pack your umbrella and rain jackets. In the evening the rain will cease but unfortunately the clouds won't leave us for the rest of the weekend. Today is finally starting off with some positive temperatures of 2 to 4°C. In the afternoon the temperatures will climb to 13°C.

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