MEP EXPULSION – Luxembourg MEP Fernand Kartheiser has been expelled from his faction in the EU Parliament, the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR). The decision, passed by majority vote, follows Kartheiser’s recent trip to Moscow, where he met Russian parliamentarians and government officials. When asked about his future in the European Parliament, Kartheiser said he would either join a new parliamentary group or work as an independent MEP in the European Parliament.
PIRATE PARTY INVESTIGATION – The Pirate Party has confirmed that close to €24,000 were seized from its accounts in April as part of the European Public Prosecutor’s ongoing investigation. The case stems from a 2016 contract to develop a translation app for the National Reception Office (ONA) during the refugee crisis. Authorities are investigating whether all funds received were properly allocated to the project.
INFLATION – The National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (STATEC) has reported that consumer prices rose 0.6% in May, pushing the annual inflation rate to 2%. The monthly increase was driven by notable price surges across several categories, including alcoholic beverages and tobacco, hotels and restaurants, and healthcare.
TRUMP TRAVEL BAN – President Trump has signed a new travel ban targeting 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, and Yemen. Entry from seven other countries will be partially restricted. He said the ban, which comes into force next week would protect Americans from terrorist attacks.
TRUMP HARVARD – Trump has also signed a proclamation banning visas for foreign students to study at Harvard, in an escalating dispute with the elite university. The directive said it had a history of foreign ties with potential security implications. Harvard has accused the president of retaliating because it refused to concede control of its governance and curriculum.
UN GAZA WAR – The United States has been criticised for vetoing a UN Security Council draft resolution demanding an immediate and unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. China said it exposed Washington as the root cause of the UN’s inability to stop the war.
MECCA HAJJ – Nearly 1.5 million Muslims are preparing to perform the most important ritual of the hajj pilgrimage, ascending Mount Arafat. Saudi officials say they have stepped up safety precautions.
FOOTBALL – Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner in a 2-1 victory over Germany in Munich last night, sending Portugal through to the Nations League final. Ronaldo’s 68th-minute tap in, a record-extending 137th international goal, sealed a first win over Germany after five losses, the 40-year-old’s longest streak against any national side without tasting victory.
Tonight’s second semi-final sees Spain taking on France.
In local football, for the first time in the competition’s history, four new teams will feature in the National Division compared to last season. They include Mamer 32, UN Kaerjeng, Atert Bissen, and Jeunesse Canach.
TENNIS – Novak Djokovic beat Alexander Zverev and set up a blockbuster French Open semi-final against Jannik Sinner. Meanwhile, French world number 361 Lois Boisson stunned Mirra Andreeva to continue her dream run at Roland Garros where she will be playing Coco Gauff. In the other women’s last-four clash, Iga Swiatek is playing Aryna Sabalenka.
Expect a cloudy day with occasional rays of sunshine breaking through in the morning. In the afternoon and evening, rain will make its daily appearance, ahead of a rainy night. Temperatures are mild, starting at around 12°C in the morning and rising to highs of 17–18°C in the afternoon.
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