At least 15 killed in New Orleans attack, snow alert in Luxembourg, and PM gives New Year's interview

World

NEW ORLEANS ATTACK – A suspected terrorist attack in New Orleans' French Quarter saw a man drive a pickup truck into New Year's Eve crowds, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens before being shot dead by police. Authorities identified the suspect as a US Army veteran inspired by the Islamic State, and investigations are ongoing to determine whether he had accomplices. The tragedy has left the city in shock, prompting calls for increased security ahead of major upcoming events like Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl.

NYE FATALITIES – Five people died across Germany and a police officer was seriously injured from accidents linked to the powerful fireworks Germans traditionally set off to celebrate the new year, police said Wednesday. Germans celebrate New Year's Eve with a particularly intense usage of fireworks, which spurs a recurrent debate about outlawing the most powerful devices, given the high number of injuries each year, as well as the pollution and noise they cause.

SOUTH KOREA – South Korean police on Thursday raided the offices of Jeju Air and the operator of Muan International Airport as part of the probe into the fatal crash of a Boeing 737-800 plane that killed 179 people. Authorities carried out search and seizure operations at the Muan airport where flight 2216 crashed, a regional aviation office in the southwestern city, and Jeju Air's office in the capital Seoul.

Meanwhile, impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol remained defiantly inside his residence resisting arrest for a third day on Thursday after vowing to "fight" authorities seeking to question him over his failed martial law bid. The embattled leader issued the bungled declaration on December 3 that led to his impeachment and has left him facing arrest, imprisonment or, at worst, the death penalty.

PALESTINE – The Palestinian Authority on Wednesday ordered the suspension of broadcasts by Qatar-based Al Jazeera across the Palestinian territories, accusing the network of airing "inciting content", official media reported. "The specialised ministerial committee, comprising the ministries of culture, interior and communications, has decided to suspend broadcasts and freeze all activities of Al Jazeera satellite channel and its office in Palestine", the official Wafa news agency said.

Luxembourg

YELLOW SNOW ALERT – Meteolux has issued a snow warning for the entire country, predicting 1–5cm of fresh snow, primarily expected in areas above 300m altitude. The alert is in effect from 6am to 1pm.

NYE HONOURS – Mike Dickes, recognised for his bravery in saving a child from a fire, and Chantal Keller, honoured for her stroke awareness campaigns, have been selected as the Luxembourgers of the Year 2024.

NYE INTERVIEW – Prime Minister Luc Frieden reflected on Luxembourg's stability in 2024 and outlined priorities for 2025, including reducing poverty, boosting purchasing power, and enhancing housing and security. He highlighted upcoming milestones such as the Grand-Ducal handover in October and praised essential workers for their service.

2025 CHANGES – Several changes have gone into effect on 1 January: the minimum wage has increased to €3,165 for qualified workers, rising by approximately €80. The next wage indexation is expected in the first quarter of the year, there will be tax relief for workers earning the minimum social wage, an increase in tax relief for single parents, and an increase in tobacco taxes, bringing the cost of a pack of 25 cigarettes to around €8. A bill on pension reform can be expected soon, the physical LuxTrust token has been deactivated, mobile phones will be banned in Luxembourg's schools, and the tram is expected to run to the airport in the spring.

Sport

FOOTBALL – Arsenal have closed the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to six points in a 3-1 winat Brentford last night.

Ivorian international Seko Fofana has signed a four-and-a-half year deal with Rennes, after 18 months playing in Saudi Arabia. The 29-year-old midfielder, who has 22 caps for the Ivory Coast, arrives on a deal estimated to be worth €20 million.
Former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney has stepped down as Plymouth manager after just seven months in charge of the Championship strugglers. Rooney leaves with Plymouth rooted to the bottom of the second tier following Sunday's 2-0 defeat at relegation rivals Oxford. 
 
CRICKET – Sri Lanka has secured a consolation seven-run victory in the third and final Twenty20 match against New Zealand in Nelson earlier today. Sri Lanka posted 218-5 in their 20 overs and New Zealand replied with 211-7.

BASKETBALL – The New York Knicks have won their ninth straight NBA victory, 119-103 over the Utah Jazz. In Detroit, the Pistons beat the Orlando Magic 105-96 and the Toronto Raptors halted their 11-game losing streak with a 130-113 home victory over the Brooklyn Nets. And Denver's NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic notched his league-leading 13th triple-double of the season, scoring 23 points with 17 rebounds and 15 assists in the Nuggets' 139-120 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

Weather

The northern part of the country and regions at higher altitudes are more likely to see snow, but everyone should count on at least some freezing rain making an appearance early on. The afternoon should be a bit drier, but do not be surprised if you still get a bit of rain.

The temperature will come down to a minimum of 0–2°C, and go back up to around 5°C in the afternoon.

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