The Today Radio news team brings you the latest headlines for Tuesday, 9 July.
Luxembourg
BETTEMBOURG WORKS - Residents in southern Luxembourg and the French border region are set to face significant travel disruptions this summer, as extensive construction projects in Bettembourg will lead to a complete shutdown of the railway link to the capital for two months. Starting from Saturday, 13 July, until Monday, 16 September, there will be no train services operating between Bettembourg and Luxembourg. Furthermore, Bettembourg station will not be able to accommodate any trains during the first month of the planned works due to the full reconstruction of the Hammerel bridge over the train tracks.
HOUSING AID - Government aid for people on low incomes, spending over a quarter of their wages on rent, is causing headaches for those concerned. Approximately 80% of eligible individuals fail to apply for aid, largely due to the complexities and extensive delays involved in the process. Social services highlight the additional challenges posed by re-calculations. Currently, applicants for rent subsidies face waiting times of four to six months to receive a response.
INDEXATION FORECAST - On Monday, Statec reported a 0.1% increase in consumer prices from May to June, resulting in a slight decrease in annual inflation from 2.6% to 2.2%. Despite this, prices continue to rise, indicating that Luxembourg's next indexation is expected between October and December this year, assuming Statec's forecasts hold true. This adjustment period is projected to raise salaries, pensions, and retirement benefits by approximately 2.5%.
CSSF FINE - In a press release issued on Monday, Luxembourg's financial authority, the CSSF, announced it has fined BGL BNP Paribas 3 million euros for breaching anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws.
The breaches were identified during inspections conducted in 2021. The bank, in cooperation with the CSSF, has implemented corrective actions in response.
World
MODI IN MOSCOW - Prime Minister Narendra Modi was set to hold talks with President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, a day after the Indian leader arrived in Moscow amid global outcry over Russian strikes in Ukraine. Modi, visiting Moscow for the first time since Russia launched its campaign in Ukraine in February 2022, will seek to nurture New Delhi's long-standing relationship with Moscow. At the same time, he is seeking closer Western security ties after being returned to power last month as leader of the world's most populous country.
NATO SUMMIT - NATO leaders gather Tuesday in Washington for a summit aimed at showing resolve against Russia and support for Ukraine but the meeting is set to be overshadowed by US President Joe Biden's fight for political survival. Biden has so far defied pressure from some within his own party to step aside after a disastrous debate against election rival Donald Trump last month, which starkly highlighted fears he lacks the mental acuity and physical fitness to serve a second term.
STARMER VISITS US - UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer jets off to Washington this week for his first steps on the world stage, just days after taking office following a landslide election victory. Starmer, 61, will attend NATO's 75th anniversary summit in the US capital on his debut foreign trip since becoming British leader last Friday. The visit kicks off a whirlwind of international diplomacy in Starmer's first two weeks in power, with the UK also hosting a European leaders' conference next week.
Sport
TENNIS - At Wimbledon, seven-time champion Novak Djokovic defeated Denmark’s Holger Rune 6-3 6-4 6-2 on Monday to reach the Wimbledon men’s quarter-finals, staying on track for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam.
Meanwhile Ukrainian Elina Svitolina defeated China’s Wang Xinyu 6-2 6-1 to progress the women’s quarter finals.
GOLF - Keegan Bradley was named captain of the United States team for the 2025 Ryder Cup on Monday, taking over the position after Tiger Woods reportedly turned down the role. Bradley, 38, has played in just two Ryder Cups with a lone appearance in the Presidents Cup, and is a surprise choice for the US captaincy. Woods was long assumed to be the front-runner for the job, but multiple US reports on Monday said he had opted out of contention.
Weather
While some clouds may linger throughout the day, the temperatures more than make up for it. The day starts off with temperatures ranging between 16–19°C and will soar to a remarkable 29–31°C (can you believe it?!). By evening, temperatures will settle to a comfortable 22–26°C.
But because we can never have nice things, potential storms have been forecasted for the evening into the night, possibly extending into Wednesday. Although the risk has slightly diminished in the latest weather models, it's best to stay alert and stay informed with the latest updates.
In the meantime, enjoy the heat, soak up some rays (or risk a burn if, like me, you're cursed with unnaturally pale and burnable skin), and make the most of the day!
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