BANK ROBBERY – A man suspected of trying to rob a bank in Kirchberg has been arrested and will appear before an investigating judge this morning. At around 9.25am on Monday, police received a report of a man carrying a weapon in a bank branch on Avenue John F Kennedy in Kirchberg. According to a police spokesperson, several patrols were deployed, including special units, who were able to apprehend the suspect on the spot. For safety reasons, the building was evacuated during the operation and the street was closed. No one was injured in the incident. The suspect, who was carrying a replica weapon, was arrested on the orders of the public prosecutor.
THRONE FESTIVITIES – The Maison du Grand-Duc and the State Ministry have released initial details on the schedule of events for the throne transition. The official ceremony will take place on Friday, 3 October. On Saturday, the public is invited to meet the new Grand Ducal couple at three major festivities marking the transition of the throne, held in Wiltz, Dudelange, and Luxembourg City. The day will conclude at the Glacis with a drone show accompanied by a concert highlighting the Luxembourgish artistic scene.
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY – Schools in Limpertsberg have united to demand urgent pedestrian safety measures. Representatives from both the International School Michel Lucius (ISML) and the École Fondamentale de Limpertsberg have joined forces for the first time to appeal to Mayor Lydie Polfer and the municipal council to improve pedestrian safety. It follows a serious car accident on 14 March directly outside the Tramsschapp school.
GERMANY CHANCELLOR – Germany’s parliament is expected to elect the conservative CDU leader Friedrich Merz as its new chancellor this morning. He will be sworn in if he wins the parliamentary vote. Once confirmed by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, he is then set to deliver the oath of office at noon.
TRUMP CANADA – Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has arrived in Washington ahead of a planned meeting with President Trump today. The meeting is expected to be tense following repeated suggestions by Trump that Canada should become the 51st state.
RUSSIA DRONES – Russia says Ukraine has launched an overnight drone attack targeting Moscow for the second night in a row, prompting the closure of all airports in the capital for several hours. According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, at least 19 Ukrainian drones were destroyed on their approach to Moscow, causing no major destruction or injuries.
GAZA WAR – Israel’s security cabinet has approved a plan to expand military operations in Gaza, including the “conquest” of the Palestinian territory and a push for its residents to leave. The cabinet, which includes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several ministers, “unanimously approved” the plan aimed at defeating Hamas and securing the return of hostages held in the territory.
Meanwhile, Israel struck Yemen on Monday in what the Huthis said was a joint raid with the United States, a day after the Iran-backed rebels claimed missile fire at Israel’s main airport. Sixteen people have been injured.
SMALL STATES OLYMPICS – Luxembourg has sent 164 athletes to the Games of the Small States of Europe, taking place in Andorra from 26–31 May. There are a number of different sports that will be represented at the games from athletics, basketball, beach volleyball, cycling, gymnastics, judo, karate, swimming, rugby, tennis, table tennis, shooting, and volleyball.
Meanwhile Grand Duke Henri and Minister of Sport Georges Mischo presented a new a new sports concept by the Olympic Committee for the country called ‘Concept Intégré 2.0'. The goals are to strengthen society through sports and exercise, encourage everyone to be physically active on a regular basis, and promote more Luxembourg athletes to compete internationally.
SNOOKER – Zhao Xintong has made snooker history by becoming the first Chinese player to win the World Championship, defeating Mark Williams 18-12 in a sensational final to complete a fairy tale run from qualifier to champion at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre.
FOOTBALL – The return matches of the semi finals in the Champions League are taking place this week. Tonight, Inter Milan plays Barcelona; their first match ended in a 3-3 draw. You can watch this live on RTL Today from 9pm. Tomorrow, Paris St Germain are playing Arsenal; PSG won the first match 1-0.
Nearly three years after chaos engulfed the 2022 Champions League final in Paris, France’s former interior minister Gérald Darmanin has publicly apologised to Liverpool fans for the mishandled security operation. Darmanin, now justice minister, said “we got the measures wrong” in an interview broadcast on YouTube.
Although some clouds will linger throughout the day, temperatures will stay pleasantly mild today. We have another cold start, with temperatures of between 4 and 6°C, but we will have mostly sunny skies and warmer afternoon conditions, with a high of about 17°C.
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