Yesterday in Belgium, the debate over supermarket hours intensified as they were granted permission to open every day, leaving small businesses feeling sidelined. Meanwhile, the nation grappled with tragic news from abroad and ongoing health concerns as the Ebola outbreak in Congo escalated.
Starting today, supermarkets and retail stores can open seven days a week until 9 PM. The federal government aims to meet consumer demand for flexibility, but independent supermarket operators are worried about increased costs without guaranteed sales growth.
VRT NWS →A body was discovered in the Spanish Pyrenees during the search for a missing paraglider. While Spanish media report it is a Belgian, Foreign Affairs confirms the victim is a Frenchman.
HLN →A 68-year-old man died in Beveren while working on his car. He became trapped under the vehicle when a jack slipped. Emergency services arrived quickly but could not save him.
HLN →Photographing the sun with a smartphone camera can cause damage, but the risk is low. Other types of cameras face a higher risk, though tips are available to minimize it.
VRT NWS →Tonight's solar eclipse is the largest since 1999, with the moon covering about 90% of the sun. The next visible eclipse in Belgium will be in 2081. Follow the event on HLN, VTM NIEUWS, and VTM GO.
HLN →A major police operation, including a helicopter, was deployed in Waterloo after a chase that began in another police zone. Details of the incident remain unclear, raising concerns among residents.
La Libre →Romelu Lukaku (33) signed with Fenerbahçe after an agreement with Napoli. He arrives in Istanbul tonight on a one-year contract with an option for an additional year.
HLN →The Ebola outbreak in Congo is spreading faster than previous outbreaks, according to the WHO. Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned it is already the second-largest Ebola outbreak.
HLN →