The Today Radio news team brings you the latest headlines for Monday, 20 October.

Luxembourg & Greater Region

WORLD WAR II COMMEMORATIONS – Luxembourg has commemorated the "Personenstandsaufnahme" – the Nazi population census in October, 1941. When forced to declare their language, nationality and "race", the majority of Luxembourgers defied German occupiers by answering Luxembourgish to each question in a powerful act of resistance. Ceremonies honouring the Resistance, forcibly conscripted soldiers, and Holocaust victims took place across the country this weekend, with special significance as 2025 marks 80 years since the end of World War Two.

AFGHANISTAN DEPORTATIONS – 20 European countries, including Luxembourg, have called on the EU to coordinate deportations to Afghanistan. In a letter to EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner, the group argues that returns should become a shared European responsibility. Last year, over 22,000 Afghans across the EU received deportation orders, but only 435 were actually returned.

MURDER TRIAL – Four people go on trial in Luxembourg City today accused of murdering a Luxembourg resident in Portugal. The man's body was found in a stream near Figueira da Foz in August 2021. Police arrested his girlfriend, her boyfriend, her mother, and her mother's partner in March 2022. They are alleged to have poisoned him by mixing pesticide into his drinks. The trial is expected to last all week.

HOUSING MARKET –  Luxembourg remains by far the most expensive housing market in the Greater Region, with prices roughly three times higher than neighbouring areas. Houses sell for nearly €6,000 per square metre compared with around €2,000 across the border, whilst apartments fetch close to €10,000 per square metre - higher than central Paris. The Housing Observatory's study also reveals apartments now dominate Luxembourg's market, representing over 60% of all listings.

World

LOUVRE HEIST – The Louvre in Paris closed yesterday after chainsaw-wielding robbers broke in and stole jewellery. The thieves arrived on a scooter, used a goods lift to reach their target, and made off with items of as-yet unknown value. French Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed the robbery, saying no one was injured.

GAZA CEASEFIRE – Israel says it will restore the Gaza ceasefire but is warning of decisive responses to violations. Sunday's airstrikes, which killed 14 Palestinians, followed alleged Hamas attacks on Israeli soldiers. Hamas denies involvement and insists it remains committed to the truce. Relief agencies have called for the Rafah border crossing from Egypt to be reopened to speed the flow of food, fuel and medicines.

JAPAN PM – Despite a coalition collapse that rocked the road to appointment, right-wing Sanae Takaichi has been confirmed as Japan's newest and first female prime minister. Japan's ruling LDP will sign a coalition deal later today, paving the way for Sanae Takaichi to become the country's first woman premier and lifting the Nikkei to a new record. 
 

Sport

FORMULA 1 – Max Verstappen has revived his championship hopes with a dominant win at the US Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver claimed his third victory in four races, closing the gap to championship leader Oscar Piastri to just 40 points. With five races remaining, Verstappen sits third on 306 points, behind Piastri's 346 and Lando Norris on 332.

RUGBY – Luxembourg opened their Rugby Europe Conference campaign with a commanding 6 - 60 victory over Norway in Stavanger on Saturday. The win gives Luxembourg early momentum ahead of their next fixture against Estonia, which they will host at the Stade de Luxembourg on Saturday 6 December.

FOOTBALL – Arsenal have opened up a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League after beating Fulham 1-0, while champions Liverpool suffered their fourth straight defeat, losing 2-1 to Manchester United. In France, Mason Greenwood's four-goal haul powered Marseille to the top of Ligue 1 with a 6-2 win over Le Havre. And in Germany, Harry Kane scored for the seventh consecutive game as Bayern Munich beat Borussia Dortmund 2-1 to maintain their perfect Bundesliga record.

Weather

Rain and cloud are back with a vengeance this week, with wet weather forecast to linger until Friday. Sunshine may be in short supply for a few more days yet. The temperature in the morning will be slightly warmer than yesterday: 10–12°C, rising to 16°C by mid-afternoon.

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