ARA City Radio

Do you know the names of our Luxembourg highways? Where do the A1, A3, A4 and A6 come from and where do they go? And why does the A13 doe her own thing? Which one is the busiest and in need of widening? All that and more in this ACL Knowledge Bites.

An innovative, long-acting injection could prevent HIV infection with just two doses a year — a significant breakthrough in prevention technology

Soooooo much on in Luxembourg this week! Jon guides you through the best of this week's many performances!

Lambda Legal, a nonprofit that's been fighting for LGBTQ+ and HIV+ civil rights since 1973, just raised an astonishing $285 million in its first-ever major fundraising campaign

What if the most powerful forms of literacy aren't taught in schools—but passed down through resistance, gardens, and handwritten notes? Listen to Daniel Rudas' interview in the framework of the Redes_Ling project on language inequality.

Researchers at UC Davis have helped a man with ALS speak again—this time using only his brain

Summer is here and that means lots of gigs!

Language shapes how we connect, how we work, and how we live. But what happens when your language is seen as less valuable? That's the question Franziska and Flor are tackling through an ambitious EU-funded initiative called ReDes_Ling, a global project focused on reducing language inequality. Franziska, a familiar voice to listeners of Radio ARA, is leading Luxembourg's contribution to the project. She's joined this month by Flor, a researcher from Argentina's University of San Martín, where she works closely with Chinese migrant communities. Together, they're part of a multi-country effort that includes partners in Spain, Denmark, Colombia, Mexico, and beyond. The project is about more than just language, it's about access. “Language inequality isn't just one thing,” Franziska explains. “It's everything from how kids succeed in school, to how migrants navigate hospitals, to whether indigenous languages are seen as valuable at all.” Flor adds that in Argentina, indigenous and migrant communities often face barriers simply because their languages aren't part of the official system. “You can't go to a hospital or school if you don't speak Spanish,” she said. “And that makes people feel excluded, like they're not part of society.” But the goal isn't to reject national languages. It's to expand inclusion. “Yes, some standardisation is necessary,” Flor explained. “But it should never come at the cost of excluding others.” So how do you reduce language inequality in a world built on dominant languages? That's what Franziska and Flor are exploring during their time in Luxembourg. Their current focus is on communication technologies. They look at how tools like radio, social media, and even AI can make information accessible in multiple languages. Radio ARA has been leading by example. What began during the COVID-19 pandemic as a response to urgent gaps in public information has since grown into a permanent multilingual programming platform. “Back then, we realised many people weren't getting updates—because they didn't speak Luxembourgish, French, German, or English,” Franziska said. Now, the station runs daily shows in 17 different languages, from Arabic and Ukrainian to Chinese and Albanian. “It's about giving communities both access and representation,” she said. And the tech side doesn't stop at radio. The team is exploring AI-driven transcription tools developed at the University of Luxembourg, and how social media platforms can better serve multilingual users. The hope is that these innovations can be scaled and adapted globally. For both Franziska and Flor, it comes back to dignity and identity. “All languages are equal,” Flor said. “It's not about the language itself, it's about who is being heard.”

Moving across the world isn't just a change of scenery, it's a whole new way of working. Radhey Sham Punyani, a tax and accounting manager at PwC Luxembourg, joined this episode of the PwC People Pulse to share how his career took him from the skyscrapers of Chicago to the winding streets of Europe's financial heart. Radhey didn't always know tax would be his calling. In fact, it was a university course and a passionate professor that sparked his interest. What started as curiosity became a career. He says this is a career path for people who love to solve problems. “No day is the same,” he explained. “Every client brings new challenges, and that's what makes it exciting.” Even thousands of kilometres from where he started, Radhey feels right at home. PwC's values, he says, are the same wherever you go. That consistency helped him make the leap from PwC Chicago to PwC Luxembourg with confidence. “It didn't feel like starting over,” he said. “It felt like continuing, just on a global scale.” Outside of work, Radhey is just as engaged. From basketball to padel to launching PwC Luxembourg's chess club, he's made the most of the firm's POP (People of PwC) initiative. He praises the firm saying “If something doesn't exist, you're encouraged to create it.” These connections aren't just for fun, they are powerful at work too. With over 3,500 people in the office, Radhey says knowing colleagues across departments makes it easier to deliver for clients because you learn who are the experts in every field. Right now, his team is growing. He's looking for people who are curious, detail-oriented, and thrive on solving problems. If this sounds like you, you can find all job openings on the PwC Luxembourg careers page. [This is sponsored content]

A ray of hope has emerged in the decades‑long fight against HIV.

India has reduced its extreme poverty rate from 27.1% in 2011–12 to just 5.3% in 2022–23

Alex from the Zenter fir d'Lëtzebuerger Sprooch (ZLS) (Centre for the Luxembourgish Language) came on the Breakfast Show to talk about his exhibit D'Lëtzebuerger Sprooch(en). The exhibition has been on tour and is currently at the Luxembourg City museum. D'Lëtzebuerger Sprooch(en) translates to The Luxembourgish Language(s), this exhibit encompasses the multilingual society of Luxembourg whilst telling the history of the Luxembourgish language. Technology is to be credited with formalising Luxembourgish. As recent as 50 years ago, Luxembourgish was almost only spoken with no official spelling or grammar rules. This began to change after 1984 when the language was officially recognised as more than a dialect. Now, since 2017 the ZLS has been helping promote and create rules for the language. Alex thinks that technology, particularly the invention of texting and SMS is what made people start to write the language down and created a demand for these rules. Find out more at the exhibit which is open from 5th June until 31st July. https://citymuseum.lu/en/exhibition/langues-luxembourgeoises/

Level op your driving skills on ACL's karting track in Mondercange. Open from March to October, rain or shine. Even if you've never driven before, you'll get proper attire and a proper briefing. If you are looking for a fun, competitive experience with a bit of an adrenaline thrill, this is it!

Japanese scientists have developed a revolutionary plastic that fully dissolves in seawater — in just a few hours

There's a lot of metal on offer this week but also a free show at Rotondes and some Belgian pop!

The Ohio House of Representatives has unanimously passed House Bill 29, mandating that all correctional facilities in the state provide free feminine hygiene products to inmates

Learn more about some of your favourite and forgotten songs with Francesca. 00:00 Sledgehammer by Peter Gabriel 01:31 Heroes by David Bowie 03:08 Elenor Rigby by The Beatles 04:30 Another Brick in the Wall pt. 2 by Pink Floyd 05:52 Ramble On by Led Zeppelin

High Fever, the Paranoia Project opens at the Théâtre National du Luxembourg on Wednesday 4th June. Directed by Max Blom and starring Christiani Wetter and live musician Jorge de Moura, the production is an exploration of paranoia through the works and minds of poets, writers, singers and others. Christiani, when talking about immersing herself in the role admits that she did become more paranoid and aware. Mental health is an important topic for her, as is awareness of problems with society today. At the same time, having to confront these situations gave her an appreciation of the irony and sarcasm in it. For Max, the production is an homage to the writers and artists that you often read about, creating a collage of their work and thoughts. This all started when Max hosted the Freak Hour on Radio ARA, a show in which he had a similar concept of choosing texts by writers that he liked and then making a collage out of it. Alongside the dramaturge Florian Hirsch, Max found texts that were paranoiac and High Fever was created. Although there is not one message that the show aims to share amongst its audience, it does invite you to see the intense struggle the character is going through. There is a funny side to paranoia, despite its brutal and intense nature. Find out more here: https://www.tnl.lu/high-fever

Nicole joined the Breakfast Show to talk about the upcoming summer programme at de Gudde Wëllen. So, what is coming up? The 'Lotterie Solidaire' is taking place again this month, with the winner being drawn on 6th June. This is in collaboration with a local artist Mia Kinch. The prizes for the lottery are gifted from lots of local artists and entrepreneurs. They try to raise visibility for those who have donated, as well as creating a community that can get to know each other and connect. The money raised from the lottery this year is going to Foundation Solina, an association that help youth and older people get settled, or re-settled in life. Whether that is helping them find a place to live, or help them out with furniture the organisation tries to improve the life of people.The tickets will be drawn live at the de Gudde Weather terrace on 6th June. Find out more here: https://deguddewellen.lu/Agenda/LOTERIE-SOLIDAIRE Outside, de Gudde Wëllen have two venues; de Gudde Weather and in the park near Villa Vauban at the LUGA Mikrokosmos. Both venues are open when its good weather and serve drinks in a good atmosphere. de Gudde Weather has been around for the past few summers, but the Mikrokosmos is a new collaboration this year. LUGA and de Gudde Wëllen have created a social hub in the gardens that will be a place for concerts, afterwork DJs and a relaxed atmosphere.

In Uganda, a simple yet transformative solution is improving lives: replacing dirt floors with affordable, sustainable clay-based alternatives

The UK has officially banned the sale of disposable vapes as of June 1st, 2025

France is taking a significant step to protect public health, especially for its younger citizens. Starting July 1, 2025, smoking will be banned in all outdoor areas frequented by children

This episode of the PwC People Pulse is all about rugby! Rugby fans and PwC employees Marie Wojtusciszyn and Henrik Lars Latino-Madsen joined the show to talk about the upcoming PwC Cup of Nations, rugby at PwC and the charity this is all in aid of: BackToSport. Saturday 7th June at Walferdange Rugby the Cup of Nations is being held. Pop, or People of PwC, is the social groups that are run within the company to give a place for employees to share in their extra circular interests. One of these groups is rugby. Marie and Henrik are part of this group and talk about how great it is to be able to play with their colleagues. Marie has been instrumental in helping increase the women's game, both in Luxembourg and bringing to the big PwC Cup of Nations. Branches of PwC from this side of Europe come together to celebrate and compete in the PwC Cup of Nations. The event is free for all spectators and will be a day of rugby where PwC Luxembourg competes against PwC teams from England, France, Ireland and more. BackToSport is an a.b.s.l that supports people with reduced mobility in playing sports. People with reduced mobility can face many challenges when trying to participate in sport, so this association helps to encourage and give people a way to play. You can find out more about it here: https://www.backtosport.lu/page/858964-presentation *this was sponsored content*

Dutch scientists and engineers are turning to age-old ice rink techniques to address one of our planet's most pressing challenges: the melting Arctic sea ice

Zoos across the UK are set to roll out major animal welfare reforms aimed at giving their residents a better quality of life

Another Legacy Links treat is landing with a bang!

Stayfou a.b.s.l are a collective of creatives and friends that are putting on a pop-up event this weekend in the Luxembourg-Grund area. Magali and Jill came on the Breakfast Show to share their excitement ahead of the opening of the pop-up. The event is running from 23-25th May and is free to attend. They are inspired by the joy of working together, sharing their creative talents to teach people in workshops, and to meet fellow creatives in Luxembourg. The event consists of an art and photo exhibition, a live DJ set by Contrôle Technique, a theatre workshop, a beatmaking workshop and an upcycling workshop as well as a creative brunch. As well as the organised sessions and events, the pop-up has spaces for people to relax, have a drink and check out the music of members of the collective. Keep an eye on Stayfou a.b.s.l as they will soon be accepting members and growing their association.

After replacing approximately 700 employees with artificial intelligence systems in 2022, Klarna is now reversing course and rehiring human workers

In our new interview series on language inequality, sociolinguist Laura Vila Galán reveals how language inequality stems from history and power, not grammar. Hear why dialects matter and how social change begins with linguistic awareness.

The ACL Diagnostic Center, located in Bertrange, is the place where your car gets a full health check—without the commercial interests of a typical garage because it is focused purely on expertise, not sales. The purpose is simple: To make sure you can hit the road with confidence, knowing that your car is in top shape. So, take your car to the ACL Diagnostic Center for an expert check-up to keep your car running smoothly.

In a ground-breaking medical achievement, surgeons in California have successfully performed the world's first human bladder transplant

A groundbreaking study in Luxembourg reveals how long COVID impacts mental health in unique ways, urging personalized care. Experts say one-size-fits-all treatment no longer meets patient needs. Photo: NIH Clinical Center via flickr

In Albuquerque, New Mexico, the city is rolling out a groundbreaking guaranteed basic income program funded entirely by cannabis tax revenue

In a landmark decision, Pakistan's Senate has passed a bill banning child marriage in the Islamabad Capital Territory

The Luxembourg Allergy Network (LAN) turned 10 this week! Emile and Tamara, members of the LAN want to spread awareness about the issues and severity of food allergies, but also show that there is support here in Luxembourg. The LAN focus predominately on children and have good advice on how to spot when a child has or may grow into food allergies. They are a patient facing organisation that attempts to educate, inform and support people about and with allergies. Allergies and tolerances change over time, this can be confusing but also can expand your palette, something Emile has experience with. He was able to confront his pine nut allergy that used to be life threatening, now he jokes about how he could eat a whole bag. At different ages children start to exhibit different intolerances and allergies. Emile shared his experience about one massive impact his food allergies has had on him, socialising. He has had a variation of responses from people when he has to tell them about his food allergies. Tamara adds that children notice they are the odd one out or different very early on. For example, not being allowed to have the same birthday cake as everyone else, or even not being invited to the party so no one there has to worry about the risk. You can find out more information on their website: https://www.luxallergy.net/

Since January 1st, Portugal achieved a remarkable feat in its pursuit of sustainable energy. Renewable energy sources supplied 82.2% of the country's total electricity consumption.

Critical climate tools that farmers rely on are finally being restored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

This week's gig guide focuses on what's coming up, including the Radio ARA Lux Mini Fest!!

This is an episode in our Live & Unfiltered series where we highlight the artists performing at our Radio ARA Crowdfunding Concert: A Lux Mini Fest. Today's episode features Maz Univerze. You can see Maz Univerze live and help keep Radio ARA going at the Radio ARA Crowdfunding Concert: A Lux Mini Fest. Get your tickets from the Rotondes website here: www.rotondes.lu/en/agenda/radio-ara-crowdfunding

This is an episode in our Live & Unfiltered series where we highlight the artists performing at our Radio ARA Crowdfunding Concert: A Lux Mini Fest. Today's episode features The Kools. You can see The Kools live and help keep Radio ARA going at the Radio ARA Crowdfunding Concert: A Lux Mini Fest. Get your tickets from the Rotondes website here: www.rotondes.lu/en/agenda/radio-ara-crowdfunding

At PwC Luxembourg, diversity, equity, inclusion, and well-being (DEI&W) aren't just buzzwords. Last week, staff gathered for “Diversity Day,” a flagship event highlighting the company's evolving commitment to workplace culture that is open, inclusive, and supports worker's wellbeing. Organised largely by Gaia, a recent intern from Italy, the event brought together internal diversity networks including: Shine (LGBTQ+), Ability (disability and neurodiversity), LatAm (multicultural backgrounds), Women & Men (gender equity), and Generations (age inclusion). Held in PwC's central atrium, the day featured interactive stands, games, and open conversations. For Marc, a partner with over 30 years at PwC, the DEI journey has been long but meaningful. “We've come a long way from only focusing on gender balance. Now we tackle multiple dimensions of identity and experience,” he said. Marc emphasised that these initiatives are not only ethical imperatives, but also strategic for attracting top talent. “Well-being is business-critical,” he added. May is recognised as European Diversity Month, and PwC Luxembourg sees it as an opportunity not just to celebrate, but to reaffirm its values. “Repeating the message matters,” Marc said. “If we want real inclusion, we can't just talk, we have to act every day.” The message was clear: diversity at PwC isn't about ticking boxes, it's about building a culture where everyone can bring their full selves to work. *This is sponsored content

Thanks to a new rule from the Federal Trade Commission, companies like Ticketmaster must now show the full price of tickets upfront

After a deadly train station collapse and ongoing government inaction, students have taken their message across Europe on foot. Maria came on the Breakfast Show to tell us more about this. The students running from Serbia to Brussels, Belgium are nearing the end of an 18-day, 1,500-kilometer ultramarathon in a dramatic protest against systemic corruption and democratic decline in their country. Over the weekend, they were greeted by a crowd of 200–300 supporters in Luxembourg, including members of the Serbian diaspora and local officials. The student movement began last November after the roof of a newly renovated train station in Novi Sad collapsed, killing 16 people. The tragedy, widely seen as the result of corruption and mismanagement, followed two school shootings in 2023 that had already shaken public confidence in Serbia's institutions. “This was the tipping point,” said Maria, a protest supporter here in Luxembourg. “Young people are saying, ‘We don't want to live in a country like this.'” What makes the movement unique is its structure: there are no official leaders. Students make decisions through horizontal organisation and direct democracy. This is a new model for activism in Serbia. The protest has expanded rapidly to include university professors, high school students, and professionals across sectors. The ultramarathon to Brussels aims to raise international awareness and prompt pressure from the European Union. The students recently attended a session in Strasbourg, where MEPs affirmed core democratic values and voiced support for their cause. Their demands include an independent judiciary, freedom of the press, transparent elections and checks on executive power With a final stop in Brussels this week, students are calling for the EU to turn its words into action.

In just over a decade, Kenya has more than doubled access to electricity, jumping from 28% in 2013 to over 75% in 2023

Ever tried cramming for finals while inhaling the ghosts of... the past?

Over 500 people are expected to take part in the Darkness Into Light walk this Saturday, as Luxembourg joins a global movement to raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health. The event, which begins at 5 a.m. in Luxembourg City, invites participants to walk from darkness into sunrise as a symbolic gesture of hope and solidarity for those affected by suicide and mental health challenges. Louise and Claire joined the Breakfast Show to talk more about the event as it enters its 8th edition locally. Darkness Into Light originated in Ireland in 2009 and has since spread across five continents, drawing more than 150,000 participants worldwide each year. The Luxembourg edition continues to grow, with returning participants and new walkers of all ages, including families and young people volunteering as stewards. The walk is designed not only to show support for those impacted by suicide but also to reduce stigma and promote open conversations around mental health. This year's event is held in partnership with three local mental health charities: SOS Detresse, Kanner Jugend Telefon and Ligue Sante Mentale. Representatives from each organisation will be on site to offer information, support and a listening ear. Participants are encouraged to arrive by 4:45 a.m. at the Omnisports Hall in Luxembourg City. The route covers approximately five kilometers through the city, with accessibility options available for those who need them. After the walk, refreshments will be served and attendees will have the opportunity to connect with support services. Registration is open on www.darknessintolight.ie SOS Detresse https://454545.lu/ Kanner Jugend Telefon https://www.kjt.lu/de/ Ligue Sante Mentale http://www.llhm.lu/

The Maison du Motard, since 2021, is an ACL initiative dedicated to bikers in Luxembourg with the purpose of bringing the biking community together, encouraging exchange, share experiences and promote safer mobility on two wheels. From May to July, the ACL offers a range of workshops tailored to different skill levels at ACL's karting track in Mondercange. During the final training, on the open road, participants will learn how to break in an emergency, master their cornering and sharpen their awareness in traffic. All with the purpose of making sure bikers are fully prepared for the season ahead; strong, confident and in control. Check out the workshop dates on www.acl.lu.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has closed its final beagle lab, marking the end of decades of using these dogs in painful experiments

Missouri has taken a significant step forward in protecting minors by passing legislation that raises the minimum marriage age to 18