The Today Radio news team brings you the latest headlines for Thursday, 20 November.

Luxembourg 

CHILD POVERTY – On World Children's Day, UNICEF is reporting that 417 million children worldwide live in poverty. In Luxembourg, one in four children remains at risk, with high housing costs a major factor, particularly for single parents. UNICEF Luxembourg is calling for expanded family allowances, more flexible parental leave, and free childcare for under-fives. The organisation says such measures could reduce child poverty from a quarter to a tenth. Buildings across the country are being lit blue today to highlight children's rights

GARE SECURITY – Luxembourg City Mayor Lydie Polfer says security is the top concern in the Gare neighbourhood, where 40% of the capital's crime occurs. Residents report just 52% satisfaction with quality-of- life, well below the citywide average of 75 to 83%.

LABOUR REFORMS – Labour Minister Georges Mischo says progress was made in talks with social partners on working time, with potential compromises on paid breaks and work organisation plans. Unions say the tone has improved but isn't good enough to resume talks with employers. Mischo also addressed planned Amazon redundancies, pledging to seek an employment maintenance plan rather than a social plan. Up to 470 jobs are reportedly at risk.

World

UKRAINE WAR – At least 26 people have been killed and more than 70 wounded after Russian cruise missiles struck two residential blocks in the western city of Ternopil yesterday, one of the deadliest attacks in the region since the full-scale invasion began. Meanwhile, it is being reported that the US has prepared a new peace plan with Russia to end the war in Ukraine, including a proposal which would see Kyiv ceding land and more than halving its army.

EU FOREIGN MINISTERS – EU foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels today for a Foreign Affairs Council, with discussions on Ukraine – including an intervention by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. The situations in the Middle East, Sudan, and the Sahel are also on the agenda.

MAGDEBURG CHRISTMAS MARKET– The Magdeburg Christmas market opens this morning, marking its first event since last year’s attack that killed six people and injured over 300. Authorities say security has been significantly strengthened.

COP 30 – Brazil is pushing for an early COP30 climate deal ahead of Friday’s scheduled end, as negotiators face pressure to agree on a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels. A press briefing is expected late tonight.

Sport

FOOTBALL – In the Women's Champions League, holders Arsenal came from behind to beat Real Madrid 2-1, ending the Spanish side's unbeaten record in the competition. Meanwhile, Manchester United suffered their first defeat of the league phase, losing 5-2 away to Wolfsburg in Germany. 
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has won the African men's player of the year award, capping a season in which he lifted the UEFA Champions League with his club Paris Saint-Germain.

FORMULA 1 – Lando Norris heads to Las Vegas this week with a 24-point lead in the Formula One championship after back-to-back victories. The Briton could end Max Verstappen's title defence this weekend, with the four-time champion now 49 points behind with three races remaining.

Weather

Although the yellow alert has been lifted, we could still see some snow showers over the course of the afternoon. Meteolux is predicting overcast skies for the whole day, with the potential for light snowfall in some areas throughout the afternoon. Once again, it's a chilly day, with temperatures starting off at -1 to 1°C, rising no higher than 2-4°C.

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