The Today Radio news team brings you the latest headlines for Thursday, 9 January.

Luxembourg

WINTER WEATHER – Despite giving rise to some stunning images, snowfall yesterday afternoon caused widespread traffic problems across Luxembourg, with multiple accidents reported on roads and motorways.

Since the snow stopped, it has been raining almost non-stop leading to the levels in streams and rivers rising again and causing a real risk of flooding. As of early this morning, the Alzette, Attert, Eisch, and Syre rivers are all placed under orange alerts. The Alzette in particular might reach the red alert level over the course of the morning. The areas around Mersch and Ettelbruck face the biggest flood risk. As for the northern parts of the Grand Duchy, the Sûre is also placed under orange alert, most notably around Diekirch and Bollendorf. However, the red alert level is expected to be reached in Diekirch by noon. According to authorities, it is further likely that the Moselle will be placed under yellow alert at some point in the day.

Findel airport closed for a while yesterday afternoon, as take-offs and landings were not possible. In a statement, Luxair informed that several flights such as those to London, Vienna, Porto, or Madrid had to be cancelled. Arrivals from Porto and Barcelona were first diverted, but could then land later in the evening.

SATELLITE LAUNCH – The University of Luxembourg will make history with the launch of its first satellite, POQUITO, from California's Vandenberg Air Force satBase next Tuesday. The miniature satellite developed by the university will be launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket manufactured by SpaceX. Its primary objective is to demonstrate the functionality of miniaturised technology in space.

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS – Luxembourg's judicial authorities have confirmed an ongoing investigation into alleged sexual offences linked to Lycée Hubert Clément in Esch-sur-Alzette. The inquiry is being conducted by investigators specialising in youth protection within the Criminal Police Service. Investigators have been deployed to carry out searches and interviews at various locations, including the offices and homes of teachers, students, and former students.

World

LA FIRES – Five people have now died in the wildfires in Los Angeles, which have forced more than 100,000 people from their homes. Officials have warned of potential looting with many affluent areas abandoned. Fires have worsened as a result of strong winds. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said his crews were overwhelmed by the scale and speed of the unfolding disasters.

UKRAINE MEETING – Ukraine's Western allies are gathering with President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Ramstein US Air Base in Rheinland Pfalz today, in their last such meeting before Donald Trump returns to the White House in less than two weeks. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected to announce a substantial new military aid package for Kyiv. Luxembourg's Defence Minister Yuriko Backes, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius are among representatives of 50 countries attending the meeting.

JIMMY CARTER FUNERAL – President Joe Biden is set to lead the tributes at a funeral service for Jimmy Carter, who died last Sunday at the age of 100. All former living presidents including Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, George W Bush, and Donald Trump are expected to attend.

PRINCESS KATE BIRTHDAY – Princess Catherine of Wales celebrates her 43rd birthday today, seeking to turn the page on a turbulent year, which saw her retreat from public life to fight cancer. The royal couple are set to make more appearances together over the next 12 months as they eye a return to normality, with William suggesting that an overseas trip may even be on the cards.

Sport

FOOTBALL – Swift Hesperange has been fined €4,000 after failing to comply with orders from the Labour and Mines Inspectorate over unpaid wages. In 2024, five employees said they had not been paid for months.  According to Minister of Sport Georges Mischo, the Inspectorate took action in all five cases.

The FLF has announced that the national football team is playing a test match against Sweden on Saturday 22 March. The game will take place at the Stade de Luxembourg at 6pm. In the course of March, there will be a second test match in the run-up to the World Cup qualifiers but the opponent has not yet been determined.

And Neymar said that the 2026 World Cup will be his last adding he was confident that Brazil would qualify for the finals in North America. He also told an American news network that he would not rule out reuniting with former Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at US club Inter Miami.

TENNIS – World number one Jannik Sinner has been against big-hitting Nicolas Jarry to start his Australian Open defence while Novak Djokovic is on a collision course to meet Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals. Djokovic drew American wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy, he is then seeded to meet world number 10 Grigor Dimitrov in round four and Spain's Alcaraz in the last eight, before a potential clash with Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals.

Weather

For now, an orange alert for flooding is still ongoing. As yesterday's snow starts to melt, water levels in rivers throughout Luxembourg are expected to rise, so please be aware of a notable flood risk. We're expecting a generally rainy Thursday, with a potential return of the snow in the late afternoon. The temperature will start off warm at around 8°C and will slowly drop to around 0–2°C.
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