SATELLITE LAUNCH - It’s a big day for the University of Luxembourg. It is launching its first satellite, POQUITO, into orbit. The miniature satellite developed by the university, will be launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket manufactured by SpaceX at around 7.40pm from California’s Vandenberg Air Force base. The satellite’s primary objective is to demonstrate the functionality of miniaturised technology in space.
GOOGLE DATA CENTRE - Further steps have been taken on the future Google data centre in Bissen. The local council accepted two agreements for the implementation of the project yesterday evening. They include infrastructure requirements, such as water consumption and compensatory measures. It does not authorise construction, and Google has not yet applied for a building permit.
AUTOFESTIVAL - The Autofestival, Luxembourg’s largest annual automobile event, officially begins on 25 January 2025, but buyers can already benefit from its offers. According to the Federation of Automobile Distributors and Mobility (Fedamo), it’s a good year to buy an electric vehicle as interest rates are falling, leasing options are attractive, and government subsidies for electric vehicles are still available. Last year, new vehicle registrations fell by 5%.
HIT-AND-RUN - A family in Niederdonven has issued a heartfelt appeal after their dog was killed in hit-and-run incident this month. The motorist involved fled the scene and remains unidentified, the family is therefore urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or observed unusual activity to report directly to the police.
SUNDAY SHOPPING - The debate over Sunday shopping hours continues, with supporters citing fairness and critics defending rest days. A proposed government reform aims to extend Sunday working hours from 4 to 8 hours, which before now required special permission. However, already 80% of the municipalities in Luxembourg have obtained the necessary permissions for their businesses, demonstrating that there is a high demand.
GAZA WAR - The US President Joe Biden says Hamas and Israel are on the brink of reaching a ceasefire deal in Gaza. It’s understood the agreement would involve the gradual return of hostages held in the territory with Israel then removing its troops from the most populous areas. The talks are being attended by representatives of both President Biden and President-elect Donald Trump.
NATO MEETING - NATO countries on the Baltic Sea are looking to boost security when they meet in Helsinki today, following the suspected sabotage of undersea cables widely blamed on Russia. NATO is expected to announce a patrol mission monitoring activity “below, above, and on the sea surface”.
LA FIRES - Los Angeles firefighters are bracing for high winds today, gusts that could fuel two huge wildfires that have already levelled entire neighbourhoods, killed at least 24 people and burned an area the size of Washington DC. California Governor Gavin Newsom has said the firestorm could rank as the most devastating natural disaster in US history. More than 10 people have been arrested in connection to the fires.
FRANCE POLITICS - The new French prime minister Francois Bayrou is making a landmark speech in the National Assembly this morning. The stakes are high as his centre-right government does not hold a majority and the opposition has already called for a no-confidence on Thursday.
TENNIS - Three-time losing finalist Daniil Medvedev and home favourite Alex de Minaur set out on the road to Australian Open glory earlier today, while rampant fourth seed Taylor Fritz was among the early winners on day three. World number four Jasmine Paolini headlines the women’s action at Melbourne Park, with former finalist Elena Rybakina also in action.
DAKAR RALLY - South African Henk Lategan (Toyota) consolidated his lead atop the driver standings of the Dakar Rally by winning the eighth stage on Monday.The 30-year-old, in his fourth Dakar outing, covered the 487km special between Al-Duwadimi and Riyadh in 4hr 51min 54sec. Today’s stage nine features a 357km special from Riyadh to Haradh.
ATHLETICS - You can win tickets to the CMCM Luxembourg Indoor meeting on January 19 at the Coque Arena. 160 international athletes, including 61 Olympians, are taking part in the competition which will feature long Jump, running in all categories, pole vault, hurdles, shot put, and more. Check out the sports page on RTL Today on details how to enter.
After an incredibly cold night, with temperatures plummeting to as low as -10°C, the day will start with clear skies and sunshine for most of the day, but expect it to become cloudier as the day progresses. The national weather agency Meteolux has issued a yellow weather alert for freezing temperatures until 9am – especially in the northern regions of the country. So, starting off at -6, we should reach temperatures of 0 to +1 degrees by the afternoon.
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