The Today Radio news team brings you the latest headlines for Wednesday, 20 November.

Luxembourg

WORLD CHILDREN'S DAY - Today is World Children's Day. According to UNICEF, this year represents a fight for survival for millions of children rather than a celebration. Conflicts, climate crises and systemic neglect are destroying young lives. James Elder, a spokesperson for UNICEF has called on world leaders to honour their obligations under international humanitarian law and treaties, and to take 10 minutes to reflect on World Children’s Day how to use their influence to take meaningful action. On this subject, the latest report of the ombudsman for Children and Young People will be presented in the Chamber of Deputies this morning. The day after tomorrow, around 100 children will be welcomed in the parliament to exchange ideas with MPs.

HEALTH REPORT - A new report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reveals that while Luxembourg residents generally enjoy good health and a high life expectancy, the country faces challenges in areas such as smoking and dietary habits. The average life expectancy in Luxembourg is approximately 83 years, placing it among the highest in Europe, behind only Spain, Italy, and Malta.

PROSTATE CANCER - Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men, with more than 520 new cases each year in Luxembourg. It is also the second most deadly cancer, causing 55 deaths in 2019, according to the National Cancer Registry. As part of Men's Health Month, the Ministry of Health and Social Security aims to raise awareness among men of the importance of checking for symptoms that could indicate prostate cancer and seeing a doctor as soon as possible.

BLOOD SHORTAGE - There are only enough blood supplies to provide hospitals in the country for one more week, according to the Red Cross. The recent school holidays as well as the increase in respiratory diseases have contributed to less blood donations, and stocks have gone down drastically. The Red Cross (Croix Rouge) is appealing to the population to make an appointment and donate blood if possible.

CHEF WIN - Théo Kopp, a station chef at the double Michelin-starred Ma Langue Sourit restaurant in Moutfort has won the Western European category of the San Pellegrino Young Chef Academy competition. Kopp prepared his signature dish: Potée Lorraine, featuring a selected piece of pork, kimchi, Mirabelle Plum, pig's ear, as well as a reduced pork and picon Mirabelle jus.  His victory has earned him a spot in the global final, set to take place in November 2025.

World

UKRAINE WAR - Ukraine has used US missiles to strike Russian territory for the first time. Speaking at the G20 summit, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the attack showed Western countries want to “escalate the conflict”. Putin signed a decree on Tuesday lowering the threshold for using nuclear weapons, a move that the White House, UK and European Union condemned as "irresponsible". Meanwhile the BBC is reporting that US President Biden has agreed to give Ukraine anti-personnel land mines, a move seen as an attempt to slow Russian troops advancing in the east of Ukraine.

ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR - Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on a visit to Gaza yesterday that five million dollars will be given as a reward for each captive released from Gaza and those that help free Israelis held by Hamas will be given a way out of the war-torn Palestinian territory. It is estimated that 97 of the Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas a year ago are still in Gaza.

Sport

TENNIS - Rafal Nadal has played his final game of professional tennis, ending his glittering career with a defeat in the first singles match against the Netherlands at the Davis Cup. The 22-time Grand Slam champion told the crowd that he was privileged to have made his hobby his profession.

FOOTBALL - Sweden has showcased their striking prowess with a 6-0 thumping of Azerbaijan in the last of the Nations League group stage games.  For Luxembourg’s national team, this means that they will not be relegated directly to the D-League and will take part in the play-offs in March. The opponent, which is either Gibraltar or Malta, will be drawn on Friday.

In other games last night, Germany rounded off their Nations League group stage campaign with a 1-1 draw in Hungary, the Netherlands and Bosnia drew 1-1, Wales beat Iceland 4-1 and Turkey went down 3-1 in Montenegro. The Czech Republic booked top spot in Group B1 with a 2-1 win over Georgia. Ukraine downed Albania 2-1.

According to the Athletic, Pep Guardiola is set to extend his stay in charge of Manchester City by signing a one-year extension to his contract. Guardiola has won six Premier League titles and the club's first ever Champions League since arriving at the Etihad in 2016. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach's current contract expires at the end of the season.

FORMULA 1 - Lewis Hamilton will race the final three races of his Mercedes career after the seven-time world champion raised doubts about his immediate future earlier this month. The British driver, who is moving to Ferrari next season, is understood to have been in Mercedes' factory preparing on the simulator as usual ahead of Saturday's Las Vegas Grand Prix. He will address the media today.

Weather

While a yellow alert for heavy rain (and flooding in the south) is still in effect until 10am, predictions point towards a relatively drier day. Today is supposed to be less unpleasant, but the northern reaches of the country could see a little bit of sleet. Otherwise, the sky will be cloudy, with some potential clearings.
The temperature drop is in full effect now: we'll be officially below zero in the morning, between -1–1°C. It won't be much warmer throughout the day, with predictions giving us a 3–5°C range.
 

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