Belgium’s day brought a mix of culture, sport and public-health news, with TheaterFestival taking center stage alongside football developments and the discovery of West Nile-infected dead birds in Brussels. Authorities also recovered millions in a training-leave subsidy fraud case, while theme parks felt the impact of hot summer days.
The summer holidays are over, and the most appealing months of the year are beginning for theater lovers. The season kicks off with TheaterFestival, with Brussels as this year’s host city. The Belgian capital is thus at the center of a new period filled with performances and theater experiences for visitors looking forward to the event.
The German cup competition begins with Bayern Munich one of the main attractions. Vincent Kompany's 40-year-old side face VfL Osnabrück, a German second-tier club, in their first cup match. Bayern are favourites but must qualify for the next round.
For the first time, West Nile virus is circulating among birds in Brussels. Brussels Environment has recorded four confirmed cases of dead birds infected with the virus. The findings concern four dead birds that tested positive in the capital, where the virus is now established in the local bird population, according to the regional agency.
A U.S. federal judge blocked on Wednesday, local time, a Donald Trump executive order aimed at preventing what the president calls “birth tourism.” The measure sought to challenge the application of birthright citizenship in the United States. The ruling is the latest setback for the Trump administration in this legal offensive.
The 18-year-old Belgian forward Jesse Bisiwu had to leave the field on a stretcher tonight after taking a heavy blow to the ankle. Bisiwu joined FC Barcelona from Club Brugge this summer and was badly hit during the match. His body language as he was carried off offered little cause for optimism, immediately raising concern for the young Barça player.
The Flemish Social Inspectorate has reclaimed or withheld approximately €19 million in subsidies from two major temp agencies. The subsidies were for training leave, and fraud was uncovered. The measure is reported in Mediahuis newspapers. As a result, the companies must repay financial support or risk losing support in the future.
After a successful derby, Union Saint-Gilloise will look to build on it against Sint-Truiden on Wednesday evening. This league match at Stayenveld is a rearranged fixture for both teams. A win would lift Union to second place, adding significant stakes to this midweek trip.
Persistent heatwaves weighed on Belgian amusement parks’ summer season, according to a survey. When temperatures reach 36°C or higher, some visitors prefer to stay home, Bellewaerde Park explains. The hot weather thus cooled attendance and added pressure to a sector already facing a crisis.
Every story in 60 words, three languages, free on iOS and Android. No account needed.
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play