The Today Radio news team brings you the latest headlines for Wednesday, 19 June.

Luxembourg 

POLAND EU – During a visit to Luxembourg yesterday, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that they are close to agreeing on the replacement of top leadership positions in the EU. He said that most likely, Ursula von der Leyen, Antonio Costa, and Kaja Kallas will get the top posts. He added that a final decision is expected next week. Tusk was on a working visit to Luxembourg and met Prime Minister Luc Frieden.

NEW TAXIS – Not one, but two new taxi companies launched on Tuesday in a shake-up for Luxembourg’s transport sector. Online taxi giant Uber launched their app in Luxembourg on Tuesday morning. A few hours later, a Luxembourgish alternative was announced under the name of LetzRide. The new app, which will allow customers to order taxis online, is a joint initiative by three different bus companies: Sales Lentz, Demy Schandler, and Josy Clement.

SOCIAL ELECTION RESULTS – Following the social elections, Nora Back has been re-elected as the president of the Chambre des Salariés (CSL). For the next five-year term, Back will be supported by vice-presidents Patrick Dury (LCGB) and Jean-Claude Reding (OGBL). In her acceptance speech, Back emphasised several key priorities including education, child poverty, and tax reform.

NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS – With almost two full days of concerts, fireworks, commemorative ceremonies and activities for children, you'll be entertained all weekend long. There should be something for everyone at this year's City Sounds - a free concert bringing international greats and local heroes to the Glacis stage on Saturday, 22 June and Sunday, 23 June. All shows are free and doors open at 5pm. Saturday's programming includes Robin Schulz, Jonas Blue, NOSI, Iceleak and Katy De Jesus. On Sunday, the stage will be turned upside down by TOTO, Morcheeba, LEEN, Seed to Tree and Jackie Moontan.

World

FRANCE ACCIDENT – Seven people were killed and two others injured, one seriously in a traffic accident early yesterday evening in Chartres, near Paris. A couple aged 90 and 85 were killed in the collision and five young people aged 17-19 died in the fire of the vehicle.
 
BOEING APOLOGY – The Chief Executive of Boeing has insisted the company has learned from its past mistakes, as he was questioned by US senators on the aircraft maker’s safety record.  During a congressional hearing Dave Calhoun apologized to the relatives of those killed in 2 crashes, involving 737 MAX planes. 
 
BIDEN IMMIGRATION – President Biden has announced a new policy which will protect from deportation up to half a million undocumented people who are married to US citizens, in a counterweight to his recent crackdown on illegal border crossers.  Immigration is a key issue in November’s presidential election.

PUTIN NORTH KOREA – Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have kicked off a summit in Pyongyang earlier today, where they are likely to discuss ways to boost their military ties. It is also the two leaders' second meeting in a year and it is expected that both leaders will sign a strategic partnership. North Korea is already supplying Russia with weapons for the Ukraine war.

MECCA DEATHS – At least 550 pilgrims have died during this year's hajj, predominantly due to heat-related illnesses, highlighting the severe impact of scorching temperatures on the annual Islamic pilgrimage. Temperatures hit 51.8 degrees Celsius at the Grand Mosque in Mecca on Monday, according to the Saudi national meteorology centre.

TIMBERLAKE ARREST – Pop star Justin Timberlake has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving in a chic town east of New York City and spent the night in jail before being arraigned and released. In a statement, Sag Harbor police said that a police officer pulled Timberlake over shortly after midnight on Tuesday, after seeing him driving his BMW through a stop sign and failing to stay on the right side of the road. The singer-actor, who is currently on tour in support of his latest album, reportedly told police he "had one martini" and was following his friends home.

Sport

FOOTBALL – Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal beat the Czech Republic 2-1 to claim a Euro 2024 debut victory last night. Earlier in the section's other clash, Turkey bested Georgia 3-1. Hosts Germany are back in action today, as the second round of group matches commences, facing Hungary. Scotland are chasing their first victory at a major tournament since 1996 as they take on Switzerland in the other Group A match, while in Group B Croatia play Albania.

WILLIE MAYS RIP – Baseball icon Willie Mays, one of the greatest players in the sport's history and beloved his for dazzling skill and athletic grace, died on Tuesday aged 93. Mays' family confirmed the baseball icon's passing in a joint statement with his former team the San Francisco Giants.

TENNIS – Former tennis world number one, Novak Djokovic will play at the Summer Olympics Games in Paris, the Olympic Committee of Serbia said on Tuesday. At the start of June, the 24-time Grand Slam winner withdrew ahead of his Roland Garros quarter-final against Casper Ruud after a scan revealed a torn medial meniscus in his right knee.

Weather

Although today doesn't get off to the most summery start, with clouds and rain, there's a chance things will brighten up later in the day. Expect rain showers and cloudy skies this morning, but by the afternoon the clouds will clear up and the sun will come out to play. It will be noticeably cooler to start, with morning temperatures of 15–16°C, rising to highs of 23°C by the afternoon.

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