REDUCED TRAFFIC – Luxembourg motorists are being advised that traffic is reduced to one lane in each direction at the Grouft and Stafelter tunnels from today. A 70km/h speed limit is in place. The duration of the restrictions are not known and follow an inspection that found abnormal wear to the tunnels’ ventilation propellers.
FLU RATES DOWN – Flu cases in Luxembourg have fallen for a second consecutive week, but the virus remains in wide circulation, according to the Health Ministry. Lab-confirmed cases showed a 5% weekly decrease – from 872 to 740 between 19 and 25 January. Despite the decline from January’s peak, authorities say flu activity is still elevated.
RECRUITMENT DRIVES – The government has launched a centralised strategy to attract foreign talent, amid recruitment shortages in Luxembourg. The initiative includes two new websites, Work in Luxembourg and Talent Desk, to simplify access to the job market. Ministers say the campaign will target skilled workers from abroad.
FRAUD PREVENTION – Minister for Finance Gilles Roth has warned that banks should be more proactive in preventing fraud and financial crime. He made the comments following a parliamentary committee meeting yesterday. Roth said new EU-wide regulations, agreed last November, will take effect within the next two to three months, strengthening customer protection.
IRAN CRACKDOWN – Turkey says it will offer to mediate between Washington and Tehran during a visit by Iran’s foreign minister today. The talks follow US President Donald Trump’s threat of military action over Iran’s protest crackdown and the stalled nuclear deal. A US naval strike group is already in the region, with Washington warning it is ready to act if necessary.
In the meantime, the European Union has resorted to adding Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to its terrorist list, citing its role in violent crackdowns at home and militant activity abroad.
PATAGONIA ABLAZE – Argentina’s government has declared an emergency in Patagonia, where wildfires have ripped through vast tracts of forest since the start of the Southern Hemisphere summer. The biggest blazes are in southern Chubut province, where at least 45,000 hectares of forest – an area roughly the size of San Francisco – have gone up in smoke since mid-January. Hundreds of firefighters are trying to prevent the flames reaching populated areas.
AI MEDICAL SCREENING – A Swedish nationwide trial has found that using AI alongside radiologists in routine mammography screening detected significantly more breast cancers among more than 100,000 women.
The world-first randomised controlled study, published in The Lancet, suggests AI could help ease pressure on short-staffed radiology services. Researchers said the technology had been tested for years, but this marks the first completed trial of its kind in breast cancer screening. In the study, women were randomly assigned to scans read either with AI support or by standard methods.
RESILIENT POLAR BEARS – Scientists say polar bears in Norway’s Arctic Svalbard region are gaining weight despite melting sea-ice and their hunting grounds shrinking. A new study shows the animals are adapting by feeding more on land-based prey such as reindeer and walruses. Researchers warn the shift may be temporary, with shrinking ice still posing a long-term threat.
TENNIS – Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina are set to meet in a blockbuster Australian Open final tomorrow. The clash is a rematch of the 2023 decider, won by Sabalenka, who is chasing a third title in four years at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. The showdown pits two players who are on rampaging form and yet to drop a set in Melbourne in the past fortnight.
RUGBY – Montauban coach Sebastien Tillous-Borde insists his struggling side can still avoid relegation despite losing 13 of 15 Top 14 matches this season. Seven points adrift of the play-off spot and facing Bordeaux-Bègles this weekend, the promoted club has 11 rounds left to save their status.
FOOTBALL – Jamal Musiala’s return has given Bayern Munich a timely boost as they battle on three fronts after a tiring run of form. The midfielder, sidelined since breaking his leg at the Club World Cup, is set to start away at Hamburg tomorrow. Bayern remain eight points clear at the top of the Bundesliga despite a shock 2-1 home loss to Augsburg last week. Club bosses have likened Musiala’s comeback to a key “internal winter signing”.
This morning will start cold and mostly cloudy. Rain and light showers are expected later in the morning and into the afternoon, with a risk of snow and sleet in the north. Highs today of around 2–4 °C. Currently its 0 °C.
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