REPATRIATION FLIGHTS – Two Luxair repatriation flights from the Middle East touched down at Findel airport yesterday, bringing 201 Luxembourg residents home to safety. CEO Gilles Feith said he was “immensely proud”, with around 100 staff and multiple government ministries involved in the operation. The second flight carried seven infants on board. Passengers on the first flight greeted their arrival with cheers of “Vive le Luxembourg.” Transport Minister Yuriko Backes, who welcomed passengers at the airport, confirmed the repatriations will come at a cost, but called it an absolute priority. Luxair has suspended regular flights to Dubai until further notice, with the situation to be reviewed in October.
STABBING SENTENCE – A man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison, 10 suspended, for a stabbing in Bonnevoie in 2021, when he was 17. He must also pay over 250,000 euros in damages.
WOLF ATTACK – Authorities have confirmed a wolf attacked five sheep near Wincrange at the end of February, leaving two injured. Genetic testing on the deceased animals proved conclusive. It’s unclear whether the wolf is still in Luxembourg.
MISSING PERSON – Police are appealing for information on a missing 12-year-old girl, Sophia Vakova, last seen in Dudelange on Wednesday evening. She may be in the Schifflange or Esch-sur-Alzette area. Anyone with information should contact police immediately.
MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT – Israel has launched fresh strikes on Tehran this morning, targeting what it calls regime infrastructure. Saudi Arabia has intercepted three ballistic missiles aimed at a key air base, while Iran has also struck targets in Bahrain and fired a missile at NATO member Turkey, prompting the alliance to raise its missile defence posture. Lebanon’s death toll from Israeli strikes has climbed to 123. And President Trump says he wants a role in choosing Iran’s next supreme leader following the death of Ayatollah Khamenei.
UKRAINE WAR – Ukraine and Russia have each released 200 prisoners of war, the first stage of a deal struck in Geneva last month to swap 500 people on each side. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelensky said that the US has asked for its help defending Gulf allies against Iranian drones. President Zelensky says he’s ready to assist, but only if Ukraine’s own defences are not weakened in return.
BRITNEY ARREST – Britney Spears has been released from custody after being arrested near Los Angeles on suspicion of drink driving. The 44-year-old pop superstar is due in court on May 4th.
EU MEAT TERMS – The EU has agreed to ban meat terms like “steak” and “bacon” from plant-based food labels, but veggie burgers and sausages will keep their names. The move is a win for Europe’s livestock farmers.
FORMULA 1 – Charles Leclerc outpaced Ferrari team-mate Lewis Hamilton to top the timesheets in first practice for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix earlier today. Leclerc powered his Ferrari round the Albert Park circuit with a best lap of one minute 20.267secs at the death to pip the British seven-time world champion by 0.469secs. The race is on Sunday.
WINTER PARALYMPICS – The Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics open tonight, but the ceremony is overshadowed by a boycott. Ukraine and six other nations are refusing to attend in protest at Russia and Belarus competing under their national flags for the first time since 2014.
FOOTBALL – Harry Kane will miss Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga match against Borussia Moenchengladbach tonight with a calf injury. The England striker, who has been an ever-present for Bayern this season, should be fit in time for the Champions League last-16 first leg at Atalanta next Tuesday.
RUGBY – Wales take on Ireland in Dublin tonight in the Six Nations, looking to end a 14-match losing run in the tournament. Ireland will start heavy favourites after thumping England 42-21 last time out.
What awaits us this stellar Friday is eight hours of sunshine, once the morning fog clears. Temperatures will start off chilly around 2–4°C in the morning, warming up to a beautiful maximum of 18°C in the afternoon.
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