RAIL BRIDGE WORKS – The border bridge at Wasserbillig, on the Luxembourg-Germany rail line, is closed for renovation until 20 September. CFL and Deutsche Bahn are renewing its waterproofing after water was found seeping into the structure, with work under the bridge continuing to the end of October.
AFD REACTION – Luxembourg politicians have expressed deep concern following the Alternative for Germany’s (AfD) historic win in Saxony-Anhalt. Prime Minister Luc Frieden and Deputy PM Xavier Bettel warned against simplistic extremist solutions, while left-wing parties decried attacks on democratic values. Conversely, the right-wing ADR criticized political boycotts of the party. The AfD has finished three seats short of a majority in Saxony-Anhalt, winning 39 of 83 seats on 43.8% of the vote. The party says other parties should now be willing to work with it, but Chancellor Friedrich Merz has ruled out any cooperation with the AfD.
CYBERATTACK DOCTORS – At least 80 doctors' practices in Luxembourg have been affected by a major cyberattack on their IT provider, BMS Engineering, according to reporter.lu. The firm also installed the Immediate Direct Payment system used by doctors and affected practices risk losing some of their data.
CANADA TARIFFS – Canada's retaliatory tariffs on US imports, including steel, dairy and electronics, take effect today, with duties of up to 50%. It follows Washington's own 50% levies on Canadian goods after trade talks broke down.
UKRAINE WAR – Russia has resumed strikes on Kyiv, with a wave of strong explosions reported by AFP journalists early today. It follows a three day pause in attacks ordered by President Putin while US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Moscow and Kyiv over the weekend. Kyiv's mayor says the fresh strikes triggered fires and car alarms, and left six people wounded.
EU GREENLAND – The EU has announced a €200 million partnership package for Greenland, as commission president Ursula von der Leyen pledged greater European engagement in the Arctic during a visit to the Danish territory. The money will fund connectivity, clean energy and access to critical raw materials, amid a standoff with President Trump over his claim that Washington needs control of Greenland for security reasons.
TENNIS – Highlights include a first for Belgium, as Alexander Blockx beat Francisco Cerundolo in four sets to reach the US Open quarter finals. Top seed Alexander Zverev has romped into the quarter-finals with a straight sets defeat of Italy's Luciano Darderi. Coco Gauff is through to the last eight for the first time since her title win three years ago, while Zheng Qinwen pulled off another upset, beating Iga Swiatek. Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz faces his toughest test yet today, against American Ben Shelton.
FOOTBALL – The Champions League league phase gets underway tonight, with Real Madrid facing Inter Milan among tonight's fixtures.
CYCLING – Today's Stage 16 of the Vuelta covers 181km from Cortegana to Palos de la Frontera. Spain's Enric Mas leads the general classification, ahead of Austria's Felix Gall and Slovenia's Primoz Roglic.
Unlike yesterday's summery heat, today promises breeze and bluster, with the potential for rain showers later on. While the first part of the day should be relatively dry, the wind will pick up to around 50km/h in the afternoon, bringing the odd downpour as we head into the evening. Temperatures will start at around 15-17°C in the morning, warming up to highs of 22°C.
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