The Today Radio news team brings you the latest headlines for Friday, 3 October.
Luxembourg & Greater Region
ROYAL SUCCESSION – The big day is here and we will have a new Grand Duke later this morning. The accession to the throne will be marked by several days of celebrations but official ceremonies start today, including the abdication of Grand Duke Henri at the Grand Ducal Palace at 10am, and the swearing-in of Guillaume as the new Grand Duke in the Chamber of Deputies at 11am.
At 12.15pm, the Grand Ducal family will then make an appearance on the balcony of the Palace, marking Guillaume's first public appearance as the new sovereign.
A brief reception at the Luxembourg City town hall follows at 1.10pm before the new Grand Ducal couple is scheduled to meet the public at Place Guillaume II at 1.25pm. The government will then hold a final reception at Cercle Cité at 1.50pm, while the day is rounded off with a gala diner at the Palace at 7pm.
On Saturday, the Grand Ducal couple embarks on a one-day tour of Luxembourg, starting in Grevenmacher, then on to Wiltz, Steinfort and Dudelange.
As of 8pm, attention will once again turn to the capital for the spectacular conclusion of public festivities. Starting off is a large-scale performance on the Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge, featuring eight trams, including a 1,600 participants and live music. At 10pm, a drone show will be held at Glacis square, followed by 32 local artists performing on a stunning 360-degree stage.
TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS – There will be traffic restrictions in place, the Red Bridge is now partially closed to traffic, including pedestrians and cyclists, the parking lot on the Glacis has been completely closed. There are a number of changes on bus lines and the City of Luxembourg is appealing for people to use Park & Ride parking and come into the city by tram or bus.
WEATHER WARNING – Throne succession enthusiasts are advised to take care when celebrating, as national weather service Meteolux has issued a weather alert for strong winds this Saturday. From 8am to 4pm, the whole country will face potential wind gusts of 65 km/h, up to 75km/h.
World
GAZA AID FLOTILLA – Tens of thousands have taken to the streets across Europe, notably Spain and Italy after Israel intercepted the flotilla bound for Gaza, demanding tougher sanctions and stronger action from governments as activists aboard the convoy now face deportation. Aboard one of the boats was Luxembourgish activist Nora Fellens Huberty, who was confirmed to be in Israeli custody by Thursday evening. Foreign minister Xavier Bettel has told RTL that all were deeply concerned by the situation and that the Israeli authorities have been called upon to respect international law. The Ministry has not been given any further details to date, other than the fact that the boat had been intercepted by Israel.
MUNICH AIRPORT – Nearly 3,000 passengers were stuck at Munich airport last night, as it halted all in- and outbound flights after several drone sightings, though its origin remains unclear. The drone sightings in Denmark and high-profile aerial incursions by Moscow in Estonia and Poland have heightened fears that Russia's assault on Ukraine could spill over Europe's borders. EU heads of state met in Copenhagen this week to discuss bolstering the bloc's defences with the establishment of a "drone wall".
TAYLOR SWIFT ALBUM – US pop star Taylor Swift's 12th album is being released today on all streaming platforms and will be featured in special cinema screenings worldwide. The Life of a Showgirl is a collection of bouncy pop songs about love, marriage, success – and score-settling.
DIDDY COMBS SENTENCING – Sean "Diddy" Combs faces more than two decades in prison following a blockbuster trial that saw the music mogul accused of harrowing crimes. During today's sentencing hearing lawyers as well as at least one witness called by the prosecution is expected to address the court. And Combs is expected to speak directly to the judge.
Sport
FOOTBALL – Luxembourg's national coach Jeff Strasser has announced his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Germany and Slovakia. Progrès Niederkorn's Kenan Avdusinovic will make his national debut. Notably absent from the squad is Mica Pinto, forward Daniel Sinani will sit out the game against Germany next week due to suspension, but will return against Slovakia. Dany Mota has not been called up to the national team this time but Christopher Martins makes a return to the squad. After two games, Luxembourg's national team is the only team in Group A without a single point. They face Germany on October 10, and head to Slovakia on 13 October.
FORMULA 1 – Four-time world champion Max Verstappen says he has "nothing to lose" as he looks to extend his late-season resurgence at the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend. The Red Bull driver was all but out of the title race two months ago as the McLarens of championship leader Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris dominated. But back-to-back wins in Monza and Baku have left third-placed Verstappen 69 points behind Piastri, who crashed last time out, and 44 behind Norris.
Weather
Today might be the big day, but unfortunately the weather isn’t rising to the occasion. It will be grey all morning, then in the afternoon and in evening the rain will set in. Temperatures aren’t much better – starting off with 5–7°C in the morning, only rising to highs of 10–12°C in the afternoon.
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