TURKEY/SYRIA EARTHQUAKE - The UN has denounced a failure to get desperately needed aid to war-torn regions of Syria, while warning that the death toll of over 33,000 from an earthquake that also devastated Turkey could double. A UN convoy with supplies for northwest Syria has arrived via Turkey, but the agency’s relief chief Martin Griffiths said much more was needed for millions whose homes have been destroyed.
From today, Germany is allowing concerned Turks to apply to stay with their family in Germany. A fast track visa procedure has been put in place, even for people who have lost their passports in the earthquake. A Luxembourg-Belgian military aircraft is involved in aid for Turkey and over the weekend flew there, to bring materials for a field hospital.
FLYING OBJECTS - A US fighter jet has shot down another flying object near the Canadian border, the latest of four mysterious devices spotted in just over a week – after objects were shot down in Alaska and Canada on Friday and Saturday as well as the suspected Chinese spy balloon earlier in the week. Speaking on Sunday, US Air Force general Glen VanHerck said they were calling them objects, not balloons for a reason, refusing to rule out any explanation when asked by a reporter if they could be extra-terrestrial.
EUROZONE ECONOMY - Finance ministers from the Eurozone, including Luxembourg’s Yuriko Backes are meeting in Brussels today. They are expected to discuss the current situation on the European energy market, as well as the challenges on the labour market. Tomorrow is the Ecofin Council, where economic consequences of the Russian offensive in Ukraine will dominate discussions.
BEST SOMMELIER - A competitor from non-wine producing Latvia has caused a stir at this year’s Best Sommelier in the World contest, beating the entrant from France and claiming the top prize with his dizzying “thirst for knowledge”. Raimonds Tomsons said he could not believe it on the stage after the final, which took place at the La Defense Arena just outside Paris on Sunday.
BRIT AWARDS - British singer Harry Styles won the top awards on Saturday at the UK’s biggest popular music prizes, the Brit Awards, while acknowledging his “privilege” for triumphing in a supposedly gender-neutral category that featured no female artists. Styles made multiple appearances on stage, winning awards for artist of the year, album of the year, song of the year for “As It Was” and best pop/R&B act.
POLICE CARNIVAL - The police will increase their presence on Luxembourg’s roads and carry out additional safety checks over the Carnival holiday. Police patrols will target intoxicated motorists and speeding drivers in particular. As part of the campaign, the police issued a reminder that alcohol played a role in 17% of serious crashes in 2021, as well as 33% of fatal collisions.
STABBING - The police have issued an appeal for witnesses after a man was attacked and stabbed in the back in Erpeldange-sur-Sûre on Saturday night. According to the police, the incident occurred at around 2.30 am during an event organised at the Gruefwee.The victim was taken to hospital, while the search for the perpetrator(s) was unsuccessful.
SUPER BOWL - In American football, the Kansas City Chiefs have defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 to win their second Superbowl in four years. The game featured a historic faceoff between the Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes and dynamic newcomer Jalen Hurts. Rihanna dazzled in a 13-minute performance of her greatest hits. Then she broke the internet with reports she is pregnant with her second child.
SKIING WC - The Swiss skier Marco Odermatt is the world champion in alpine downhill diking. He got through yesterday in Courchevel-Meribel ahead of the Norwegian skier Kilde and Canadian skier Alexander.
FOOTBALL RESULTS - In national football, Hesper is now the new table leader after a 5-1 victory against Hostert. In the German Bundesliga, Cologne won 3-0 at home against Frankfurt and Hertha won 4-1 against Gladbach. In France, Lyon won 2-1 against Lens. And in England, Manchester City won 3-1 against Aston Villa and is 3 points behind the leader Arsenal. Manchester United won 2-0 at Leeds. And in Italy, Napoli is still on course to become champion. Last night there was a 3-0 win against Cremonese.
While the morning does not look very promising with all the clouds and local fog, some sunshine will come through later on. The afternoon should stay sunny and dry, with mist and fog building up again during the night. Morning temperatures of -1 to 2°C will rise towards 5-8°C in the afternoon.
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