The Today Radio news team brings you the latest headlines for Tuesday, 20 August.
Luxembourg
HOLIDAY STAYS - Luxembourg's residents are increasingly embracing holiday travel. According to Statec, they embarked on 2.8 million trips last year. A significant portion were to neighbouring countries—France, Germany, or Belgium. On an EU level, Luxembourgers rank third in terms of stays per resident per year, behind Sweden (7) and Finland (9).
BED BUGS - Luxembourg has reported a recent case of bed bugs this year. However, identifying the parasites is challenging, and there is no requirement to report infestations, making it difficult to predict how the situation might evolve. Bed bugs can sometimes be brought back from holidays, hidden in luggage or clothing. In neighbouring countries like Germany and France, bed bugs are becoming a significant issue. According to Luxembourg’s Health Minister Martine Deprez and Environment Minister Serge Wilmes, the issue of bed bugs is not officially recognised as widespread, but the Ministry of Health is keeping a close eye on the situation.
GUY DE MUYSER DIES - Luxembourg diplomat and economist Guy de Muyser has died. During his long career, he was also a lawyer and Marshal of the Court under Grand Duke Jean for 12 years. In his role as ambassador, Guy de Muyser carried out missions in particular in Moscow and Brussels within NATO. He was the father of three children, including the lawyer, diplomat and politician Alain de Muyser, and Isabelle de Muyer, head of logistics at the United Nations since 2007.
HANGER FIRE - A massive fire erupted in a hanger at the Robert Steichen industrial zone in Hautcharage late Monday night, prompting a large-scale response from seven fire brigades, though no injuries were reported.
SCHUEBERFOUER START - Friday marks the return of Luxembourg's biggest fair - the Schueberfouer. This year, a total of 216 different stalls and rides will greet visitors on the Glacis square. There are new attractions for thrill-seekers. Among them is the Jetlag, replacing the popular Techno Power, along with the caterpillar coaster 'Starlight', the interactive Laser Pix course, the wild river ride 'Wild Wasser Blume', and the eerie new ghost train Spuk. Traditional favourites are also making a comeback, including the Wilde Maus, Bayernkurve, Circus Circus and the Jules Verne Tower which offers spectacular views over the capital. And of course, let's not forget the iconic Bellevue ferris wheel.
World
US ELECTION - US Vice-President Kamala Harris has made a brief appearance on the first night of the Democratic National Convention taking place in Chicago. She paid tribute to the outgoing President Joe Biden, saying the country would be forever grateful to him. The former US Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton told the crowd that Harris cared for the American people, while her rival Donald Trump cared only for himself. She urged the Democrats to back Kamala Harris as the next President. Outside the hall, thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators were demanding that Harris take a stronger stand against Israeli attacks on Gaza.
YACHT SINKS - The search for six people missing after a luxury yacht sank off the coast of Sicily will resume later this morning. Among them is the UK tech tycoon Mike Lynch and his daughter. The 56-metre yacht went down in a storm yesterday. 15 people were rescued. A man’s body has been recovered. Most of those aboard were British, and the passengers were guests of Lynch, according to Italian media.
ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR - Top US diplomat Antony Blinken said Israel has accepted a US "bridging proposal" for a Gaza truce deal, and pressed Hamas to do the same, having earlier said the talks may be the "last opportunity" for a ceasefire. Talks in Qatar are expected to resume this week.
UKRAINE WAR - Russia has ruled out any peace talks with Ukraine despite Kyiv raising pressure on the Kremlin by claiming fresh advances in its offensive into Russian territory. Ukraine sent troops and tanks over the border on August 6 in a surprise incursion two-and-half years after Russia launched its invasion and it says it makes new gains virtually each day.
Sport
TENNIS - World number one Jannik Sinner lifted his third ATP Masters trophy as the world number one beat Frances Tiafoe 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 to win the Cincinnati Open. Cincinnati is the fifth trophy of 2024 for the 23-year-old Italian, who began the season with an Australian Open crown in Melbourne.
In the women, Aryna Sabalenka beat Jessica Pegula in the final in 2 sets. 6-3, 7-5. The third seed who missed Wimbledon with a shoulder injury won a trophy for the first time since collecting her second Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January.
FOOTBALL - Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan has announced his retirement from international football after leading his country at Euro 2024, citing "a certain tiredness" both physically and mentally.
Thierry Henry has decided to step down from his role as coach of the France under-21 football team. Former France international Henry made the decision after guiding the under-23 side to a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
CYCLING - Wout van Aert held off Kaden Groves to claim the Vuelta stage three victory in another bunch sprint finish.The race enters Spain for stage four today, running over 170km from Plasencia to Pico Villuercas in the Extremadura region.
Weather
Today promises to be lovely on the weather front. Summery conditions continue, under lightly clouded skies. In the evening, a mild storm front will cross the region and bring with it some light rain – with drizzles continuing late into the night and the earlier parts of the morning.
Morning temperatures will be cooler at 13-16°C, rising to 23-27°C in the afternoon.
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