The Today Radio news team brings you the latest headlines for Tuesday, 24 September.
Luxembourg
WOLF PROTECTION - Wolves in Luxembourg could be less strictly protected in the future. This was confirmed to Radio 100.7 by the Minister of Agriculture, Martine Hansen. The EU is looking to adapt the protection status of wolves, as their comeback has become a real danger, especially for livestock. Hansen confirmed that Luxembourg would approve a corresponding proposal from the EU Commission.
ENERGY SUBSIDIES - Last chance to benefit from the current energy subsidies! As of 1 October, new subsidy regulations will come into effect, reducing overall financial aid for housing and mobility. The general subsidy for electric bikes will be discontinued, unless you qualify for the cost-of-living benefit or the energy premium. Subsidies for electric cars and for solar panels will also be reduced.
CONCERT ANNOUNCEMENTS - den Atelier has announced some of the big names coming to Luxembourg next summer. It includes Sting on 1 July, Martin Garrix on 4 July, and the man responsible for bringing sexy back: Justin Timberlake will also play LuxExpo, on 8 July.
World
MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT - Israeli air strikes on Lebanon have killed close to 500 people according to the health ministry. Thousands of families have also fled their homes as the Israeli military said it hit 1600 Hezbollah targets, including a "targeted strike" in Beirut. Hezbollah, meanwhile has launched more than 200 rockets into northern Israel.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has expressed alarm at the escalating situation and said he did not want Lebanon to “become another Gaza”. EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell has warned that Israel and Hezbollah are "almost in full-fledged war".
UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY - The escalating clashes between Israel and Hezbollah threaten to overshadow US President Biden's final appearance at the UN General Assembly, starting in New York today. The main issues will be the wars in Ukraine and Middle East. Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel will make a speech at the UN on Saturday.
POPE VISIT - Pope Francis cancelled his scheduled audiences yesterday due to a 'light flu.' The decision was made as a precaution to ensure his recovery ahead of his planned visits to Luxembourg and Belgium on Thursday. During his stay, Francis will meet privately with 15 victims of clerical sexual assault, arranged by the Belgium's bishops' conference after a hard-hitting documentary last year put the scandal back on the front pages.
Sport
FOOTBALL - Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri could miss the rest of the season due to an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament injury,) according to reports in Spain. He limped off during City's 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday after going down holding his right knee.
Meanwhile Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen will have surgery on a ruptured knee tendon, with the club's captain potentially sidelined for the rest of the season. The German international was stretchered off after falling awkwardly during his team's 5-1 victory over Villarreal on Sunday.
Everton has announced y that the US-based Friedkin Group has reached an agreement to buy a majority stake in the struggling Premier League club.The deal is subject to regulatory approval from the Premier League, the Football Association and the Financial Conduct Authority.
RUGBY - New Zealand centre Jordie Barrett has been ruled out of the second Test against Australia with a knee injury. He will miss Saturday's return match against the Wallabies in The Rugby Championship after limping off at half-time in Sydney last weekend before the All Blacks clinched a 31-28 victory over Australia.
TENNIS - Spain has named Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz in a five-man Davis Cup team, while Italian world number one Jannik Sinner will also compete in the final eight in Malaga. Alcaraz will be Spain's key figure as they bid to win the competition dubbed the World Cup of tennis for the first time since 2019, starting with a clash against the Netherlands.
Weather
Cloudy skies and rain showers set the tone for today.
Bid farewell to the sunshine for a while, as today is largely set to be grey and wet. The morning might have more dry spells, but expect plenty of rain throughout the afternoon and evening. Morning temperatures start off at 9-11°C, rising to highs of just 15-17°C as the day progresses.
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