The European Commission has faced multiple criticism. Eurosceptics and observers have called it undemocratic and questioned its legitimacy. Is the European Commission undemocratic? Tune in to today's episode of PowerPoints where we unravel this question.
What's right: breakthrough in creating cartilage
Researchers have developed a new material that can create new cartilage in damaged joints. Until now, this was not possible and as cartilage does not grow in adults, people with trauma or weak cartilage had to accept pain and/or sub-optimal solutions such as a joint reconstruction.
Local Matters: New tools to cast beggars out of the city
The Ministry of Home Affairs submitted a new draft law reinforcing the current 'Platzverweis' policy. It would give police officers the authority to ban people from the city centre for up to 48 hours.
On Local Matters, Franziska discusses why this law is so controversial.
What's right: diabetes drug linked to giving up smoking
The popular weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy may help people to stop smoking. The drugs that were originally created to treat diabetes have also been linked to a lower risk of an alcohol use disorder.
What's right: support for Ukrainian survivors of sexual war crimes
Alumni was established a year ago with the aim of offering men peer-to-peer mental health support, including regular face-to-face meetups, workshops, referrals and - soon - online services. Alumni is vital for men with the trauma of Russian-inflicted sexual violation to look forward and try to rebuild themselves and their future.
What's Right: Better working conditions at US Big Tech firms
In the U.S., workers and union negotiators have reached a historic agreement with Apple. An Apple store in Maryland will be the first unionised store in the country. Get all the details on today's "What's Right with the World".
What's Right: Germany facilitates changing legal gender
Germany has adopted a new Self-Determination Law that allows individuals to change their gender and name through a simplified process. Get all the details on today's "What's Right with the World".
Local Matters: Happy Earth Overshoot Day
On 1 August, we reached earth overshoot day. According to Greenpeace Luxembourg, the Grand Duchy could make a major impact to improve the situation worldwide. To get all the details, listen to this week's Local Matters.
What's Right: School hours adapting to students' rhythm
In Denmark, 20 schools have introduced later start times to improve student well-being and learning outcomes, following scientific recommendations. Get all the details on today's "What's Right with the world".
Via Inspiration: Elevating Voices and Culture in Luxembourg
Meet Dmitrii, originally from Saint Petersburg, who moved to Luxembourg as a child. Together with his mother and a group of dedicated individuals, they founded Via Inspiration, which is dedicated to vocal ateliers. Over the time it has evolved into an interactive musical theatre, promoting culture and the arts in Luxembourg, offering vocal classes, theatre, and diction training to enhance communication skills and build self-confidence. We also teach scenic art and public engagement techniques.
What's Right: 80% less plastic bags on UK beaches
The number of plastic bags found on beaches in the United Kingdom has dropped by 80% over the past decade due to the introduction of fees for single-use plastic bags. Get all the details on today's "What's Right with the world".
What's Right: Sign language in Austria's school curriculum
Starting next school year, Austria introduces sign language as a curriculum in schools. As an alternative to the conventional second foreign language classes, usually Greek or Latin, high school students can now choose to learn sign language. Get all the details on today's "What's Right with the World".
Europe's most powerful woman
Last week, the European Parliament re-elected Ursula Von der Leyen as president of the European Commission. For a second 5-year-term, the German conservative politician will hold the one post that is considered the most powerful in Europe. On Powerpoints today, we will see why the commission president is said to have that much power and what Ursula von der Leyen stands for.
No room for discriminatory petitions
Luxembourg’s LGBTIQ+ rights groups gathered yesterday to protest for the rights of queer people as the petition that demands LGBTIQA+ related topics to be scrapped from school education surpassed 6.000 signatures – one of the fastest growing petitions in recent history. Franziska comments on protest and the petition.
What's right: Drug cartel leader El Mayo arrested
The leader of arguably the world's largest drug cartel, based in Mexico, Sinaloa has been arrested in Texas. Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada was tricked into boarding a flight that he believed was going to inspect clandestine airfields in Mexico, but turned out to fly to Texas where he was apprehended by police.
What's right: Colombia has banned bullfighting
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has signed a bill this week that bans bullfights. The ban was only approved after months of heated debates in the parliament. The legislation will allow for a transition period of three years after which the ban will fully take effect and bullrings will be turned into cultural and sporting venues.
Empowering Education: UP_FOUNDATION’s holistic Approach to Education for All Ages
UP Foundation is committed to expanding educational methods in Luxembourg's society, including a more holistic approach. They work with cities, municipalities, associations, maisons relais, and foyers to provide the best for children. In Luxembourg, there is still a need for better communication. Their projects aim to bring children together, help them learn together, and succeed in life. Listen to our interview where Valerie and Melanie present their ideas.
Residents oppose the Bascharage bypas construction
For years, residents of Bascharage have been opposing the plans of the commune to build a bypass road. The municipality argues that the bypass would keep drive-through traffic out of the city centre. Residents however fear that the road will destroy local forests. Now, they took their fight to court. On Local Matters, Patrizia Arendt, president of the citizens' initiative Bigs, explains why they oppose the infrastructure works.
What's right: Germany to reinforce constitutional court
Germany's government has come up with a plan to reinforce the constitutional court against extremism. The plan should prevent the country's highest court from potential future constitutional changes by extremist politicians.
What's right: between 100 and 200 uncontacted tribes in the world.
Rare photos have been shared of uncontacted Amazon tribes. The photos show tribes people pointing sticks and arrows at the airplane.