The Today Radio news team brings you the latest headlines for Thursday, 4 September.

Luxembourg 

TRI-PARTITE TALKS  – Luxembourg's trade unions have voiced sharp disappointment following a third round of failed negotiations yesterday. Progress was made on pensions and labour rules, but a final deal is still elusive. On the issue of Sunday work, the government is proposing doubling the permitted hours from four to eight. And as regards to pension reform, the legal retirement age will be maintained at 65. Key measures include a gradual increase, to be implemented over five years, in the contributory period required for early retirement. 
 
VON DER LEYEN FLIGHT – After a flight carrying EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen experienced significant GPS jamming on Sunday, the German magazine Spiegel has reported that the aircraft belonged to the Luxembourg airline LuxAviation. Initial reports suggest the GPS interference was caused by a suspected Russian attack. The Kremlin has denied any involvement in the incident.

AIRPORT RUNWAY – Luxembourg Airport's 150 million euro runway, refurbished just four years ago, requires further repairs, but Mobility Minister Yuriko Backes has assured Parliament that lux-Airport will cover the costs and passengers will not face higher ticket prices.

ISRAEL PHILHARMONIC – This November, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra is set to perform at the Philharmonie in Luxembourg as part of its European tour. The concert has drawn criticism from some, who argue that hosting an orchestra from a country currently involved in a bloody conflict – where alleged human rights violations are under scrutiny – risks sending the wrong message or appearing politically supportive.The orchestra last visited Luxembourg in 2007 and 2011.

World

LISBON ACCIDENT – At least 15 people have been killed and 18 injured when Lisbon’s historic Gloria funicular derailed in the city’s worst recent accident. Last night’s accident happened at 6.15pm local time on a steep stretch of tracks near Liberty Avenue. The SIC television channel quoted a witness as saying that the funicular, which can hold about 40 people, hit a building as it sped down the steep street "at full speed". According to the emergency services, all of the victims have been recovered from the wreckage, adding that they included foreigners. Details of their identities were not immediately available. Authorities have declared today a day of national mourning.

UKRAINE TALKS – European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are meeting in Paris today in a new effort to pile pressure on Vladimir Putin after he vowed Russia will fight on in Ukraine if no peace deal is reached. The summit, to be co-chaired by the leaders of France and the UK, aims to firm up plans on security guarantees for Ukraine if or when there is a ceasefire, and get a clearer picture of US involvement.

GAZA WAR – Israel estimates that its imminent offensive on Gaza City would displace one million Palestinians, as Gaza's civil defence reported dozens killed across the territory. According to UN estimates, nearly a million people currently live in and around Gaza City, where famine has been declared. In Jerusalem, meanwhile, hundreds of Israeli protestors took to the streets to call for a truce and hostage release deal after nearly two years of war.

BLOOD MOON – A striking "Blood Moon" will light up skies on Sunday as a total lunar eclipse unfolds across Asia and parts of Europe, Africa, and Australia. When the Sun, Earth, and Moon line up, the shadow cast by the planet on its satellite makes it appear an eerie, deep red colour. Stargazers in Luxembourg should also have a brief chance to see the lunar eclipse, if the weather is clear.

Sport

FOOTBALL – A new chapter begins for Luxembourg’s national team this Thursday evening as the Red Lions kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign. Following the departure of long-time coach Luc Holtz, Jeff Strasser will make his debut on the touchline as the new national coach. Luxembourg face Northern Ireland in their opening qualifier, with live coverage starting at 8.30pm on RTLToday.lu.

ATHLETICS – Luxembourgish middle-distance runner Charel Grethen has announced his retirement from professional athletics, declaring the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo will be the final competition of his career. The 33-year-old, will conclude a distinguished career that includes three World Championships and two Olympic appearances. He was crowned Luxembourgish Sportsman of the Year in 2021.

TENNIS – reigning champion Jannik Sinner has marched into the US Open quarter-finals as Amanda Anisimova avenged her Wimbledon thrashing by Iga Swiatek to set up a last-four clash with Naomi Osaka. Sinner will now play Canadian 25th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime in the semi finals.

Weather

Today will be grey and dreary with some surprise sunshine if we're lucky. Today will begin with temperatures around 15–17°C, climbing to 20–22°C by the afternoon. But take care: storms and heavy rain showers are likely later in the day.

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