The Today Radio news team brings you the latest headlines for Friday, 12 September.

Luxembourg 

REACTION RUSSIAN DRONES – Luxembourg Defence Minister Yuriko Backes has condemned the violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones, calling it "absolutely unacceptable" and stressing the need for NATO unity. In an interview on RTL, she highlighted the need for continued investment in defence, particularly since the threat is close. Poland says 19 Russian drones entered its airspace, with at least three downed by Polish and NATO aircraft. Warsaw has called an emergency UN Security Council meeting.

GRAND DUKE LAST MILITARY INSPECTION – Grand Duke Henri has inspected and saluted Luxembourgish troops for the last time. He has been the head of the army for 25 years now, before ceding the throne to his son, the Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume. Defence Minister Yuriko Backes and the Chief of Staff of the Army, Steve Thull also participated in the ceremony at the army headquarters Härebierg.

SCHOOL SAFETY – Next week, as pupils across Luxembourg return to school for the autumn term, the police will launch their annual safety campaign aimed at drivers. Police presence will increase around schools, with more checks on drivers, and fluorescent vests will be distributed to the youngest schoolchildren. Officers will be monitoring speed and parking in particular in zones around school buildings.

UNIONS PROTEST – Luxembourg's trade unions have announced they no longer intend to participate in the Committee on Labour and Employment, saying the government's stubbornness in recent social negotiations was the reason behind their decision. The current debate raging between unions, employers, and the government hinges on working hours, including contracted working hours and breaks.

World

BELARUS MILITARY DRILLS – Russia and its key ally Belarus are to start major joint military drills today, putting NATO on edge. NATO's eastern flank members that border Belarus – Poland, Lithuania and Latvia – are on high alert and have ramped up security ahead of the exercises. Poland has ordered the complete closure of its border with Belarus for their duration. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned of "critical days" for his country.

BOLSONARO VERDICT – Brazil’s Supreme Court has sentenced ex-president Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison for plotting a coup after losing the 2022 election. The sentence could see the 70-year-old far-right leader spend the rest of his days in jail.

KIRK ASSASSINATION – US authorities investigating the killing of right-wing youth leader Charlie Kirk say there have been "rapid developments" after releasing pictures and a video of a man they are hunting. Kirk was shot while addressing a large crowd at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Authorities have acknowledged the gunman remains at large after escaping into woodland.

ED SHEERAN ALBUM – British popstar Ed Sheeran, who recently revealed an upcoming United States tour, will release his latest album Play today. Play is the 34-year-old singer-songwriter's eighth studio album and follows more than a decade of stunning global success and smash hits like Shape of You and Perfect.

Sport

FOOTBALL – Newly-promoted Hamburg travel to Bayern Munich on Saturday as the Bundesliga sees the return of one of its most storied clashes – seven years ago, Bayern rampaged to a 6-0 win at their Allianz Arena home ground.

Manchester City will be desperate to avoid a third successive defeat when they face neighbours Manchester United as the Premier League returns this weekend. Elsewhere, Alexander Isak is set for his Liverpool debut.
 
The 2027 Champions League final will be played in Madrid, UEFA has announced. This season's Champions League final will take place in Budapest on May 30, 2026.

RUGBY – The Women's Rugby World Cup reaches the quarter-final stage this weekend, with four clashes between old rivals. Champions New Zealand face South Africa in Exeter on Saturday while Canada play Australia in Bristol.Sunday belongs to Europe, with France up against Ireland before tournament hosts and favourites England take on Scotland.

BOXING – Saul "Canelo" Alvarez stands in the way of Terence Crawford's bid for boxing history on Saturday when they clash in Las Vegas for Alvarez's undisputed super middleweight world title. Crawford is jumping up two weight divisions in a bid to become the first male boxer to become an undisputed champion in three different categories. Crawford previously claimed all four belts on offer at super lightweight and welterweight.

Weather

It’s a mixed day, starting off with some clouds and rain but getting nicer as the day goes on. Still plenty of clouds but with some sunshine bursting through and a nice dry afternoon. Temperatures are very similar to yesterday, starting off with around 7–10°C in the morning, rising to a maximum of 19°C in the afternoon.

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