The Today Radio news team brings you the latest headlines for Wednesday, 8 January.

Luxembourg

SNOW WARNING – MeteoLux has warned that between 2–6cm of snow could fall in the northern half of Luxembourg between 3 and 8pm, with a yellow alert in place.

HOUSING MARKET – A steady decline in lending rates in Luxembourg is sparking hopes of a revival in the property market as new figures from the Central Bank reveal. The latest data highlights a continued decline in lending rates, offering potential relief to residents planning property investments.

PARLIAMENT WORK – Parliamentary work begins again in the Chamber today for the first time this year. This morning, the Special Commission on the Caritas affair is meeting the Financial Sector Supervisory Commission (CSSF) and in the afternoon MPs will discuss security in the country.

RIVER RESCUE – A person was rescued from the Alzette River yesterday afternoon after being carried downstream from the Grund to the Pfaffenthal neighbourhood. According to preliminary reports, the person, who was naked at the time, was rescued near the Pont Grand-Duchesse Charlotte bridge. They were then then transported to a hospital for further care. Police were also at the scene.

MAISON GILLY – The 'Maison Gilly', which served as the office of the European Parliament and European Commission's Representation in Luxembourg, is currently undergoing renovations. The Chamber of Deputies plans to open a visitors' centre, hosting conferences and public events related to Parliament. The centre will be open to everyone, with a particular focus on young people.

World

TRUMP PRESSER – Donald Trump sparked global concern yesterday with provocative remarks suggesting military or economic pressure to acquire Greenland, the Panama Canal, and even Canada, leaving world leaders questioning whether his threats signal serious intent or mere political bluster. He also claimed NATO members should raise defence spending to 5% of GDP.

As a reminder, Luxembourg has agreed to increase military spending to 2% of the gross national income by 2030, which according to Defence Minister Yuriko Backes is already a big challenge.

TIBET EARTHQUAKE – Rescuers in Tibet are racing against freezing temperatures to search for survivors after a powerful earthquake killed at least 126 people and injured close to 200 others. Videos published by state broadcaster CCTV show rescue workers pulling injured victims from the rubble of collapsed buildings and carrying them to safety. More than 400 people have been rescued.

AUSTRIA POLITICS – President Alexander van der Bellen will announce today who will be the interim chancellor after the resignation of Karl Nehammer. The far-right leader Herbert Kickl has been tasked with trying to form a government in a historic move after coalition talks that excluded the Freedom party (FPÖ) collapsed.

LA FIRE – A ferocious wildfire in a Los Angeles suburb has devoured buildings and sparked panicked evacuations, as hurricane-force winds tore through the region. Frightened residents abandoned their cars on one of the only roads in and out of the upscale Pacific Palisades area, fleeing on foot from the almost 3,000-acre blaze engulfing the area.

JIMMY CARTER – The body of late US president Jimmy Carter has been transferred to the US Capitol, where it will lie in state until a national funeral later this week. Carter, who died on 29 December at the age of 100, served a single term from 1977–1981 and was widely praised for his post-presidential humanitarian efforts, for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

META FACT-CHECKING – Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, has announced it is ending its fact-checking programme and replacing it a community-driven system similar to X. In a video posted by the company, chief Mark Zuckerberg said the outcome of the 2024 US presidential election influenced the decision, "prioritizing free speech".

Sport

FOOTBALL – According to sources close to French team, head coach Didier Deschamps will step down from the role when his current contract ends after the 2026 World Cup. Deschamps led Les Bleus to the 2018 World Cup title, becoming only the third man to win the tournament as a player and a manager.

In England, Newcastle took a giant stride towards the League Cup final as goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon earned a 2-0 semi-final, first leg lead at Arsenal yesterday. The Magpies have never previously won the competition and have had to wait since 1969 to celebrate any major trophy.

DAKAR RALLY – Sebastien Loeb has been forced to withdraw from the Dakar Rally after a crash yesterday, denying the Frenchman his dream of a first title in the event. The nine-time World Rally champion went off the road, seriously damaging his car in the third stage.

TENNIS – Novak Djokovic returns to the scene of his greatest triumphs this week at the Australian Open, adamant he is ready and able to see off the challenge from Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam crown. The 37-year-old has brought in former rival Andy Murray as coach in an eye-catching move that he hopes will give him a winning edge.

Meanwhile, Nick Kyrgios has pulled out of an exhibition match with Novak Djokovic, citing an abdominal strain and casting doubt on whether he will be fit for the Australian Open starting this weekend. The polarising Australian made his return to tennis after 18 months last week in Brisbane following knee surgery and wrist reconstruction.

Weather

It's going to be chilly today. More importantly, we’re expecting 2–6cm of snow from 3pm onward. As we move into the evening and Thursday, some rain is forecast, along with sleet in the northern parts of the country. As for the temperatures, they will stick around 1–2 degrees all day.
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