The Today Radio news team brings you the latest headlines for Friday, 31 October.

Luxembourg 

ANTI TOBACCO LEGISLATION – Parliament has approved a reform to anti-tobacco legislation. The new law sets strict limits on alternative nicotine products such as snus pouches, with a maximum nicotine content of 0.048 milligrams per sachet. Whilst the measure passed with 49 votes, opposition parties were divided. Some wanted an outright ban, others fear the restrictions will fuel a black market. Health Minister Martine Deprez said the government would focus on prevention, particularly among young people.

WEALTH STUDY – A recent study by Swissquote and Ilres (the Luxembourg institute for social research), has found that the perception of ‘being rich’ in Luxembourg means having a net worth of 2 million euros. According to respondents, a gross household income of €408,000 per year marks the threshold for being considered wealthy, while €249,000 per year is viewed as enough to feel financially comfortable.

RENT COSTS – New figures show Luxembourg tenants are spending nearly 40% of their income on rent and housing costs. The Housing Observatory says private tenants are particularly exposed to rising expenses, despite the country's higher standard of living compared to neighbouring nations. The financial burden on renters continues to grow.

US AMBASSADOR – The newly appointed US Ambassador to Luxembourg, Stacey Woolf Feinberg, has officially arrived in the Grand Duchy, marking the start of her tenure as Washington's top diplomat in the country. At 61, Feinberg brings a background in business and investment to the post, rather than a traditional diplomatic career.

World

US NUCLEAR – The United Nations has strongly condemned President Trump's announcement that the United States intends to resume nuclear testing. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said such tests cannot be welcomed under any circumstances, describing the legacy of some 2,000 atomic bombs already detonated as catastrophic. He disputed Trump's claim that other countries are conducting tests, noting no nuclear warhead has been detonated in 25 years, except by North Korea.

UK PRINCE ANDREW  – Buckingham Palace has confirmed that Prince Andrew has been stripped of his title and is no longer welcome at the Royal Lodge, Windsor Castle. He will now use the name Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. The decision follows continuing allegations linked to his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

HURRICANE MELISSA – The death toll from Hurricane Melissa continues to rise across the Caribbean. At least 30 people have died in Haiti, with 20 missing. Jamaica has reported 19 deaths, with damage estimated at over 20 billion US dollars. Several areas remain cut off. The storm has weakened and is moving towards Bermuda. 

Sport

RUGBY – In rugby, Ireland coach Andy Farrell says his team's clash with New Zealand in Chicago on Saturday marks the start of the long build-up to the 2027 World Cup as he returns to the helm of the Six Nations giants. The Irish are facing the All Blacks on US soil nine years after their first ever victory over New Zealand in a memorable 40-29 win over the Kiwis at the same venue in 2016. 
  TENNIS – Jannik Sinner breezed past Francisco Cerundolo at the Paris Masters to reach the quarter-finals, where he will face Ben Shelton. The Italian remains on course for the title, which would return him to world number one after Carlos Alcaraz's early exit.

CRICKET – Players wore black armbands and held a minute's silence as tributes poured earlier today for the Australian teenager whose death touched the cricket world. Ben Austin died on Thursday after being hit in the neck before a local Twenty20 game in Melbourne while in the nets facing a ball-throwing device. He was wearing a helmet, but reportedly not a stem guard, which protects the neck. 

Weather

Seemingly fitting for Halloween, there could be some localised mist or fog this morning, but do not fear as it should have cleared by the afternoon, and we can expect a cloudy afternoon with sunny intervals. The cloud cover is set to increase by the evening, but no rain is forecast today! This morning will feel chilly, with temperatures between 3–6°C, rising to a maximum of 14°C this afternoon.

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