ATM EXPLOSION - Wincheringen residents have helped police make three arrests following an explosion of a cashpoint machine. The ATM in the centre of the village, close to Luxembourg’s border exploded in the early hours of Monday morning, prompting a major search operation with armed police officers guarding the Germany-Luxembourg state border. According to the Saarburg police, the perpetrators fled but did not get far, as shortly thereafter they had a car accident. Three men were arrested.
POPE VISIT - It has been confirmed that Pope Francis will visit Luxembourg on September 26, before he continues on to Belgium. There is no official programme yet, but the Pope is coming on an official visit at the invitation of the Grand Ducal Court.
HOPPING PROCESSION - Today is the unique the “Sprangprozessioun” or Hopping Procession in Echternach. Thousands of visitors, pilgrims and residents take part in this UNESCO-listed tradition to honor Saint Wilibrod, taking place every year on Whit Tuesday.
ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR - The Israeli Prime Minister has furiously denounced the International Criminal Court’s prosecutor for seeking his arrest for alleged war crimes in Gaza, alongside three leaders of Hamas. Benjamin Netanyahu accused Karim Khan of being among the greatest anti-semites of modern times. The prosecutor said there was evidence of extermination and purposeful starvation of civilians in Gaza. President Biden has also strongly defended Israel, condemning the request for an arrest warrant of Israeli leaders and rejecting claims of genocide in Gaza.
IRAN CRASH - Funeral ceremonies for the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi will start today in the city of Tabriz, near where he died in a helicopter crash. The Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei will preside over the main ceremony on Wednesday.
NEW CALEDONIA RIOTS - Australia and New Zealand are sending planes to New Caledonia to evacuate tourists, grounded by violent unrest in the French Pacific island. There has been a week of rioting, sparked by electoral changes.
REICHSBURGER TRIAL - Alleged ring leaders of a far-right plot to overthrow the German government are due to go on trial in Frankfurt today, linked to the so-called Reichsbuerger (Citizens of the Reich) movement. A group of 9 people has been charged, including the leader, who calls himself Heinrich, the 8th Prince Reuss. The group’s overall aim is to overthrow the ‘Deep State’ they believe has entrenched itself in Germany politics since World War II.
MICROSOFT AI - Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has unveiled a new category of PC that features generative artificial intelligence tools built directly into Windows, the company’s world leading operating system. The tech giant estimates that more than 50 million “AI PCs” will be sold over the next 12 months, given the appetite for devices powered by ChatGPT-style technology.
CYCLING - Runaway Giro d’Italia leader Tadej Pogacar says his current form feels “good enough” to carry him to a rare cycling double as he chases victory in the Italian race and the Tour de France in July. The 25-year-old Pogacar has won four stages at the ongoing 2024 Giro, and leads second-placed Geraint Thomas by 6min 41sec with six days racing remaining.
FOOTBALL - Manchester City made history on Sunday, beating West Ham 3-1 to win their fourth straight Premier League title.
Meanwhile Liverpool have confirmed that Arne Slot, the Feyenoord coach would be their new manager. Just 24 hours after Jurgen Klopp’s emotional farewell at Anfield, the Premier League club said in a statement that the Dutchman would take up the position of head coach on June 1, subject to a work permit. The club did not specify the length of Slot’s contract but it has been widely reported in the British press that he has signed a three-year deal.
OLYMPIC FLAME - The Olympic Committee announced that the Olympic flame, currently touring France and its overseas territories will cross Luxembourg soil on June 27. According to the committee, former number 18 in the world rankings for tennis, Anne Kremer, will carry the flame.
After a brief respite at the start of the week, the rain is making a comeback and brings along another yellow alert. Luxembourg should be bracing for another potential day of constant rain, and possible floods. The morning fog will gradually give way to the clouds, which will likely be with us throughout the entire day. Expect heavy rain leading to rising water levels.
It will be a cooler day, with temperatures starting around 12°C in the morning, only to a maximum of 14-15°C after-midday.
---
Be sure to catch our full bulletin on the hour, every hour and headlines at half past the hour on Today Radio. You can also access the news via Alexa, and on RTL Play.
