The Today Radio news team brings you the latest headlines for Monday, 16 December.

Luxembourg

BATTLE OF THE BULGE - This weekend, commemoration ceremonies took place in Hamm and Bastogne to remember the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, with five veterans being honoured. The ceremonies continue today at the Liberation Memorial at Schumann’s Eck in Wiltz, in the presence of Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Minister Martine Hansen.

PELOSI SURGERY - Former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi underwent successful emergency hip-replacement surgery on Saturday after she fell during a visit to Luxembourg to mark the 80th anniversary of World War II's Battle of the Bulge. According to her spokesman, Pelosi is well and on the mend.

SATELLITE LAUNCH - The launch of a rocket carrying two satellites from Luxembourg-based company SES has been postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions at Cape Canaveral, with a new launch date expected soon.The satellites will eventually be launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

PENSIONS - According to the latest OECD figures, the total income received by pensioners in Luxembourg surpasses the average income of the population as a whole. Retirees have an income equivalent to 110.1% of the national average, making Luxembourg one of only two European countries where pensioners earn more than the average population.

World

CYCLONE CHIDO - French troops, rescue workers, and aid are being rushed to Mayotte by air and sea to help victims of the worst storm to hit the French Indian-Ocean territory in almost a century. Cyclone Chido flattened whole neighbourhoods on Saturday and hundreds, possibly thousands of people are feared dead.  The cyclone also caused damage in Mozambique. Acting French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said the storm had left a "dramatic" trail of destruction. He is travelling to Mayotte today.

EU SYRIA - EU Foreign Ministers are meeting in Brussels today for their last meeting this year. The agenda includes military assistance to Ukraine, the situation in Syria, and possible sanctions against the Georgian authorities. The meeting will be chaired by the new head of EU diplomacy Kaja Kallas. In an interview with Reuters, Kallas said it was too early to lift sanctions on Syria before its new rulers ensure minorities are not persecuted and women’s rights are protected with a unified government that does not allow religious extremism. Luxembourg is represented by Xavier Bettel.

Syria’s de-facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa has promised that all armed groups and militias will be disarmed. He said reconstructing the country is the priority and for people living in refugee camps to get housing. He invited Syrians abroad to come home and help rebuild the country.

GAZA WAR - Medics and civil defence workers in Gaza say Israeli bombardments on Sunday killed at least 53 Palestinians, including three rescue workers and an Al-Jazeera cameraman. Israel says it killed dozens of militants.

GERMANY VOTE - The German Bundestag is holding a vote of confidence in Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government later today. After the collapse of the ruling “traffic light coalition,” Scholz promised to call the vote, which he is widely expected to lose. This means the president can dissolve parliament and call for new elections. The date for the new elections has already been set for the 23 February.

GUINNESS SHORTAGE - A Guinness shortage has hit UK pubs during the holiday season, driven by rising popularity among younger drinkers and viral trends, with some pubs introducing rationing to manage dwindling supplies. So-called "Guinnfluencers" online have been credited with fuelling the stout's appeal among Gen Z and a viral craze online where drinkers take a big gulp to try to line up the beer with the glass's Guinness logo in a challenge called "Split the G" has also helped.

Sport

FOOTBALL – Starting with some football results from the weekend: In the German Bundesliga, Leipzig beat Frankfurt 2-1, Dortmund and Hoffenheim drew 1-1, and Stuttgart beat Heidenheim 3-1.
In the English Premier League, Manchester United won the derby 2-1 against City.
In Spain, La Liga leaders Barcelona lost to Leganes 1-0 at home, and in France, PSG beat Lyon 3-1.

BASKETBALL - Luka Doncic reeled off a triple-double with 45 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds to spark the Dallas Mavericks over Golden State 143-133 in a record-shattering NBA matchup on Sunday. The Mavericks won for the eighth time in nine starts.

SKIING - Henrik Kristoffersen has extended his lead at the top of the overall World Cup standings with his first win of the season in the slalom at Val d'Isere on Sunday. Kristoffersen clocked a combined time of 1 minute 36.40 seconds. 
Meanwhile, Swiss skier Marco Odermatt bounced back to form in the giant slalom, his favourite event, to take his first victory in the discipline this season at Val d'Isere on Saturday.

Weather

The morning starts off rainy, with light showers expected until noon. Overcast skies persist for the remainder of the week, so don't expect any sunshine before Friday. 
Temperatures will be slightly warmer than yesterday: going from 6-7°C in the morning and climbing up to 9°C in the afternoon.

---
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.