The Today Radio news team brings you the latest headlines for Friday, 30 August.
Luxembourg
CARITAS SCANDAL – Prime Minister Luc Frieden and several ministers have met to discuss the Caritas case. Despite the embezzlement scandal, Caritas services must continue without requiring the government to cover the €61 million euro loss. While some details are still being finalised, a definitive solution is anticipated in the coming weeks. Starting in October, new entities will take over the management of the organisation's services. Once Caritas undergoes its upcoming adjustments, members of the current management will no longer be involved.
REFUGEE RETURN HOME – From Sunday, refugees who have not received a residence permit, illegal residents who are obligated to leave the country as well as people who will be transferred to another EU country will be housed in a so-called ‘return home’ in Kirchberg, next to LuxExpo. Authorities say the creation of such a dedicated infrastructure enables the offer of a targeted social support system meant to encourage and accompany people on the cusp of their return or transfer.
BLUE ALGAE – Swimming in the upper section of the Weiswampach lake is now off-limits, as Luxembourg's water management authority has reported the discovery of blue algae in the area. Different types of blue-green algae can be toxic and harmful to both humans and animals.
MAX HENGEL FUNERAL – The funeral of Max Hengel, the late MP and Mayor of Wormeldange is taking place today place in Wormeldange Church. Following the service, attendees are invited to a moment of remembrance for Mr Hengel at the Wormeldange Cultural Centre, where they can also sign the remembrance book. Mr Hengel, who was 47, died on 17 August following a prolonged illness.
World
US ELECTIONS – The US Vice-President Kamala Harris has given her first interview since becoming the Democratic candidate in November’s Presidential election. She told CNN she would be tough on immigration, she would continue to support Israel and could appoint a Republican to her cabinet. Her opponent Donald Trump called her “the greatest flip-flopper”.
GAZA POLIO – The World Health Organisation says Israel and Hamas have agreed to several 3-day pauses in fighting to enable hundreds and thousands of children in Gaza to be vaccinated against polio. Israel has insisted it does not amount to a ceasefire.
ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR – A US diplomat says that Israel told Washington that its soldiers fired at a World Food Programme vehicle in Gaza on Tuesday because of a communication error between units. The WFP temporarily paused all movement of its staff after the incident.
MAORI KING DIES – King Tuheitia, the seventh leader of New Zealand's Indigenous Maori people, passed away on Friday at the age of 69 while recovering from heart surgery, leaving a legacy of cultural advocacy and unity. King Tuheitia passed away peacefully surrounded by family, just days after celebrating the 18th anniversary of his coronation.
EUROVISION SONG CONTEST – Basel or Geneva? The decision where the Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Switzerland next year should be announced this morning. Zürich and Bernre already out of the race. The Swiss radio and television company SRG is also expected to announce the exact date for competition.
Sport
PARALYMPICS 2024 – Yesterday was the first complete day of the Paralympics in Paris. China is leading the medal table with 4 gold and 1 silver. Great Britain, Italy and the Netherlands are behind with 2 gold medals each.
Today medals will be awarded in athletics, swimming, table tennis, shooting and track cycling.
FOOTBALL – The draw for the league stage of the new-look UEFA Champions League took place yesterday, throwing up a series of heavyweight fixtures including a trip for holders Real Madrid to Liverpool and a repeat of last season's final between the Spanish giants and Borussia Dortmund. Every team will play eight games against eight different opponents in the new format of Europe's elite club competition, with all 36 clubs now pooled together into one league rather than split into groups. UEFA have said the specific dates for fixtures will be revealed on Saturday.
The evening starts with the 2nd matchday in the German Bundesliga. St Pauli are playing Union Berlin. In France, Lyon is playing Strasbourg.
Today is the last day of the summer transfer window in most of Europe's top leagues. Until 8 o'clock tonight, players with contracts can still change. This applies to the Bundesliga, the English Premier League as well as the Spanish La Liga and Italian Serie A.
CYCLING – The 12th stage of the Vuelta was won yesterday by the Spaniard Pablo Castrillo. The Australian Ben O'Connor is still in the lead, with 3min16 seconds ahead of the Slovenia’s Primoz Roglic.
Luxembourg’s cyclist Kevin Geniets gave up yesterday due to health reasons.
FORMULA 1 – The Italian Grand Prix is taking place at Monza this weekend. The first two free practice sessions take place this afternoon, the third and the qualifying tomorrow and the race itself is on Sunday. It will be broadcast live on RTL 2 on TV, and streamed on all RTL platforms.
Weather
We should see some scattered clouds with an eager amount of sunshine peeking through for the duration of the day. A few friendly rain drops will be making an appearance, but just for the morning, joined by a nice breeze, setting sail at a speed of 5–10 km/h.Temperatures begin at an easy breezy 16–20°C degrees, climbing up to 25–28°C degrees by the time afternoon strikes.
----
Be sure to catch our full bulletin on the hour, every hour, and headlines at half past the hour on Today Radio. You can also access the news via Alexa, and on RTL Play.
