ARCELORMITTAL JOB CUTS – 1,150 jobs at ArcelorMittal Luxembourg are at risk, one-third of all positions, as part of European restructuring measures. According to Paperjam, the company is analysing these roles for possible relocation to India or dismissal. The measures could potentially affect over 5,600 employees across 20 European countries.
SUSPENDED SURGEON – Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Philippe Wilmes, who has performed approximately 5,500 operations since 2013 and sees around 5,000 patients annually, has defended himself against accusations of operating on healthy knees. The suspended doctor told RTL last night that he believes there is a coordinated effort to destroy his reputation, calling the anonymous allegations “very terrible”. Wilmes insists all his operations were necessary. He said he is filing an administrative appeal on Thursday to investigate the claims. Meanwhile the Patient Advocacy Group has confirmed that it has received 35 formal submissions from patients related to the case of the suspended surgeon.
WORLD CANCER DAY – Today is World Cancer Day. Cancer was Luxembourg’s leading cause of death in 2024: lung cancer in men, breast cancer in women. The World Health Organisation says nearly 40% of cases worldwide could be prevented by avoiding smoking, alcohol, and poor workplace air quality.
FRANCE EXTRADITION – According to reports in the French newspaper Le Parisien, two suspects involved in a violent home invasion that occurred in Eschweiler last October, have been remanded in custody in Paris and are awaiting extradition to Luxembourg.
UKRAINE WAR – The US, Ukraine, and Russia resume trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi today, after an initial round in January. At the same time, Russia has launched missile and drone strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leaving thousands without heating in -20° temperatures.
GAZA PLAN – US envoy Steve Witkoff arrives in Israel today to discuss the next phases of Trump’s Gaza plan, including Hamas disarmament and reconstruction. The Rafah crossing has reopened, allowing some Gazans to return from Egypt for the first time in months.
US TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT SENTENCING – Ryan Routh faces sentencing today after being convicted of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump at his Florida golf course in September 2024. He could receive a life sentence on attempted assassination and firearms charges.
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH REPORT – Human Rights Watch releases its annual World Report today, warning the rules-based international order is in peril from the Trump administration, China, and Russia. The group urges rights-respecting democracies to form a strategic alliance to preserve fundamental freedoms.
WINTER OLYMPICS – The Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina begin today with mixed doubles curling, although the official opening ceremony isn’t until Friday evening at San Siro Stadium. Women’s ice hockey starts tomorrow.
FOOTBALL – In the German DFB Cup quarter-finals, Bayer Leverkusen beat St Pauli 3-0, Kiel plays Stuttgart tonight. Arsenal reached the English League Cup final with a 1-0 win over Chelsea, while Manchester City faces Newcastle today. In France’s Coupe de France, Marseille won 3-0 against Rennes.
After the typical morning fog, the sky will remain mostly covered. However, we might just get a couple sunbreaks here and there. And most importantly, we’re not expecting rain today. Another welcome change will be the temperature: The minimum starts around 0–2°C in the early morning, but maximum temperature will reach close to 10°C.
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