Belgium’s day brought a mix of urgent domestic incidents, community news and sporting pressure, alongside continued diplomatic efforts and support for Ukraine.
Standard begin their Belgian Cup campaign on Saturday evening against Dender at Sclessin. After several difficult weeks, the Liège side face the match under pressure and must quickly regain stability. Qualification would allow the club to revive its season, while Dender will look to cause an upset on the road.
Maaseik’s youth care centre has moved to a new building in the Leemhoek residential neighbourhood. The former buildings were badly outdated, and the residential groups are now smaller. This allows staff to provide young people with more individual support, says Nathalie Niessen of the centre. In the same neighbourhood, Wonen in Limburg is also planning new apartments in Leemhoek.
A 79-year-old man was badly burned in Attenhoven after being attacked with corrosive acid. The investigating judge in Leuven ordered two suspects detained. The victim’s wife was also arrested on suspicion of involvement. All three suspects deny everything; the investigation into the attack is ongoing.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday that Kyiv was maintaining “constant contact” with the United States regarding ongoing talks. A meeting between Ukrainian and US officials could take place “in the coming days,” he said. Discussions between the two governments continue regularly.
The 99-year-old Helga Duffy from Wiltshire is the world's oldest wingwalker. Yesterday, she flew on the wing of a biplane to raise money for an air ambulance service. Duffy said afterwards that she was not afraid. Former record-holder Betty Brumagne, 97, immediately challenged her to break the record again.
A six-year-old boy fell about five metres from a window in Maasmechelen, Limburg, on Friday. Emergency services took him to hospital, and his condition was stable during transport. He was admitted after the fall.
Europeans are examining ways to raise €70 billion to support Ukraine. The search for funding comes amid the war in Ukraine, which is being followed live. Discussions focus on European financial aid, while the practical means of mobilising the funds remain at the centre of talks.
A 61-year-old woman from Hasselt was critically injured in a park in Bilzen on Friday evening after a tree fell on her. A second person sustained minor injuries. An investigation found that the tree was rotten inside, causing it to fall. The woman was taken to hospital for further treatment.
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