Belgium faced mounting concern over a worsening drought, while calls for peace and diplomacy echoed internationally. At home, a fatal bedroom fire in Roeselare and warnings about the ageing prison population also drew attention.
The junior men and women compete today at the World Championships in Montreal. Belgium has already won two medals in the first two days. The Belgian juniors also have chances in the time trials, with top talent Vic De Smet among the riders to watch; their performances will be followed throughout the race day.
The annual General Debate of the UN General Assembly begins today as a major international diplomatic forum. UN Secretary-General António Guterres is delivering his final opening address in that role and calling for an end to the fighting. US President Donald Trump will also speak; the remaining speeches and developments are being followed live.
A suspected aircraft accident occurred Tuesday afternoon at Spangdahlem US Air Base in Germany’s Eifel region. Local residents saw a military aircraft rapidly lose altitude, followed by a large plume of black smoke. Firefighters and police have since deployed in large numbers around the base. The response began shortly after the aircraft and smoke were spotted.
Iran has communicated to the United States the conditions it is setting for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian authorities conveyed these demands during talks with Washington, as attention focuses on the strategic maritime passage. The resumption of navigation now depends on the outcome of diplomatic exchanges between the two countries.
A 60-year-old man died overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday in a fierce fire in his bedroom at a villa on Hoogleedsesteenweg in Roeselare. Firefighters rescued his wife, who had been overcome by smoke. The fire broke out in the home, but the man could not be saved.
The number of people aged 60 and over in Belgian prisons rose by a third between 2019 and 2026. The Central Council for Prison Supervision (CTRG) is therefore calling for an adapted, integrated policy for these older prisoners. The council says the prison system must be revised. The debate is therefore no longer about whether to reform it, but how.
Before the United Nations, Donald Trump said he was wavering between two options regarding Iran. The US president mentioned the possibility of 'destroying' the country or reaching a 'deal.' His remarks thus present confrontation and negotiation as the two paths being considered toward Tehran in this specific matter.
The Royal Meteorological Institute warns that Belgium is heading for its driest period since the 1970s, following one of the driest summers since records began. Little rain is expected in the coming weeks. As a result, Vivaqua, the drinking-water producer for Brussels, may for the second time since July draw less water from the Meuse and scale back production.
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