STATE BUDGET - The transitional budget for the remainder of 2024 was approved by the CSV-DP government in the Chamber of Deputies on yesterday afternoon. The opposition parties, consisting of the LSAP, ADR, the Greens, the Pirates and the Left, all voted against the budget, as previously signalled during the debates.
ABORTION REQUESTS - The number of abortion requests exploded in 2023, compared to the year before. The association ‘Planning Familial’ (Family Planning) said yesterday, it is having difficulty coping with the increase in demand. In 2023, over 1000 women requested an abortion; an increase of 46% compared to 2022.
PETROL UP - And mere days after the price dropped on Tuesday, super unleaded (98) petrol has now gone up again. It will now cost €1.80 per litre from today. All other fuel prices remain unchanged.
LUXEMBOURG TECHNOLOGY - Luxembourg-based firm Tractel is revolutionising tunnel construction with its innovative machinery, playing a pivotal role in the construction of Europe’s longest immersed tunnel between Germany and Denmark. The new 18-km-long tunnel is currently being constructed and will have a maximum depth of 40 metres underwater.
CHINA TALKS - China has urged US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to address rising disagreements or risk a “downward spiral” between the two powers as talks opened in Beijing. Blinken, paying his second visit to the rival country in less than a year, voiced hope for progress but said he would directly raise areas of difference, which are expected to include Russia, Taiwan and trade. Russian President Vladimir Putin said yesterday he plans to visit China in May, his first planned trip abroad since re-election as Moscow seeks deeper ties with Beijing.
WEINSTEIN CONVICTION OVERTURNED - New York’s highest court has overturned Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 conviction on sex crime charges, a shock reversal in the landmark case that launched the #MeToo movement. In their decision, judges cited errors in the way the trial had been conducted, including admitting the testimony of women who were not part of the charges against him. The disgraced Hollywood producer was convicted in 2020 of rape and sexual assault by a court in New York, and later sentenced to 23 years in prison.
US PROTESTS - More than 200 protesters were arrested Wednesday and early Thursday at universities in Los Angeles, Boston and Austin, Texas, where around 2,000 people gathered again on Thursday, as protests against the war in Gaza intensify across university campuses.
FENCING - This weekend the qualification for the Olympics is taking place in Differdange. 126 athletes are competing for 6 Olympic places. Among them is Flavio Gianotte, who has the best chances to represent Luxembourg. He is currently number 47 in the world, and is expected to win on Sunday.
FOOTBALL - It’s the start of the 31st match day in the German Bundesliga. Bochum meets Hoffenheim tonight. In the English Premier League, Manchester City demolished Brighton 4-0 as Phil Foden’s double lifted the Premier League title chasers to within one point of leaders Arsenal.
AMERICAN FOOTBALL - The draft has started in the NFL, the selection period for new players, who mainly switch from universities to the professional league. The Chicago Bears had the first pick this year, and decided on quarterback Caleb Williams. The entire draft continues until tomorrow.
It’s gearing up to be one of those lovely Luxembourg days: cloudy, with a bit of sun peeking through and the rain reminding us that it’s not going anywhere, as we should experience a few short bursts throughout the day. The temperature will be a bit more pleasant today, starting off around 3-5°C in the morning, and reaching up to 11-13°C in the afternoon.
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