Valyrian News Network

Two Die in Flanders From West Nile Virus

Two people in Flanders have died after West Nile virus infection, with confirmed cases rising to 14. Authorities urge precautions against mosquitoes.

De Wever Threatens Debt Brake as Budget Deal Stalls

Belgian PM Bart De Wever threatens a debt brake as coalition budget talks stall, aiming for a 3-4 billion euro deal for 2027.

GSK to Cut 1,217 Jobs in Belgium as Workers Block Sites

GSK plans to cut 1,217 jobs in Belgium, threatening its Wavre and Rixensart sites as workers block both plants in protest.

Belgium's Restos du Coeur Warn of Food Aid Crisis

Restos du Coeur warns surging demand and a deep cut to Belgium's federal food-aid budget are straining charities as more households face food insecurity.

Brussels Officer Killed in Jette Drug Probe

A Brussels police inspector was shot dead during a carjacking probe in Jette. Forensic work continues as investigators explore a drug link.

Covestro to Cut 260 Jobs at Antwerp Port Plant

German chemicals group Covestro plans to cut 309 jobs at its Antwerp port site, with 260 collective redundancies, citing global polycarbonate overcapacity.

Flemish Innovator Jo Plaete Wins Emmy for AI Film Tech

Flemish innovator Jo Plaete's BRAHMA AI has won a 2026 Technology & Engineering Emmy for performance-preserving AI face replacement.

Where Belgium's Illegal Weapons Come From

A VRT investigation traces Belgium's illegal firearms to Turkey and the Balkans as experts warn of a data gap and escalating gun violence.

Belgium's Justice Minister Admits 'Abominable' Prison State

Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden admits Belgium's prisons are in a dramatic state after a Pano investigation exposed severe overcrowding and drugs.

China-DPRK Yalu River Bridge to Open Oct 15

The new China-DPRK Yalu River Bridge opens Oct 15 after more than a decade of delays, a milestone in bilateral ties and cross-border trade.

Xi Sets China's Health Agenda for 15th Five-Year Plan

Xi Jinping addressed the National Health and Wellness Conference in Beijing, setting health priorities through China's 15th Five-Year Plan.

China's Foreign Trade Jumps 18.8% in First Three Quarters

China's goods trade grew 18.8% to 39.94 trillion yuan in the first three quarters of 2026, the fastest pace in five years, customs data shows.

Chinese Automakers Deepen Ties with Europe's Auto Industry

At the 2026 Paris Motor Show, Chinese automakers shift from exporting EVs to localizing production, R&D and partnerships across Europe.

'China Haul' Becomes a Global Shopping Trend

Foreign tourists arrive in China with empty suitcases and leave with hauls of tech, fashion and wellness goods, fueling the viral 'China Haul' trend.

China Condemns Kevin Tsai Over Taiwan Rally Appearance

China's Taiwan Affairs Office said there is 'no room for ambiguity' after entertainer Kevin Tsai appeared at DPP candidate Shen Boyang's campaign event.

16th China Airshow to Set New Records in Scale

The 16th China Airshow in Zhuhai will set scale records and jointly display Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6 lunar soil for the first time.

China's Computing Power Network Spurs New Industries

China's national integrated computing power network is creating new industrial opportunities, from AI chip demand to a fast-growing token economy.

China's Liaoning Carrier Group Deploys to West Pacific

China's PLA Navy sent the Liaoning carrier group to the Western Pacific for routine training, at least the third such deployment this year.

China Charges Ex-Hunan Official Ye Hongzhuan With Bribery

Prosecutors in Guiyang filed public bribery charges against Ye Hongzhuan, a retired Hunan official and former alternate CPC Central Committee member.

Belgian Return Centre Staff Strike Indefinitely

Staff at Belgium's closed return centres in Merksplas and Steenokkerzeel strike indefinitely over aggression, understaffing and burnout.

Walloon Budget Reignites 'War of the Two Rights' in Belgium

Wallonia's 2027 budget has reignited a 'war of the two rights' between MR's Bouchez and N-VA's De Wever, deepening Belgium's federal deadlock.

Glatigny Axes Common Core in Major School Reform

Wallonia-Brussels Education Minister Valerie Glatigny ends the tronc commun, reinstates grade retention and adds a compulsory second language from S2.

Trump-Putin Diesel Deal Alarms EU, Ukraine

A US sanctions exemption letting Russian diesel flow to world markets has alarmed Kyiv and Europe, who call it a gift to Moscow's war effort.

A Quarter of New Belgian Doctors Hold Foreign Diplomas

New figures show one in five new doctors and nearly half of new dentists in Belgium hold a foreign diploma, sparking debate on quotas and language rules.

Wolf Attacks Surge in Belgium's Verviers Region

A fearless she-wolf is suspected of driving multiplying wolf attacks in Belgium's Verviers region as Wallonia prepares a new wolf management plan.

220m Wind Turbine Approved Near Brussels Sparks Appeal

Flanders approved a 220-metre wind turbine in Drogenbos, on Brussels' doorstep. Two municipalities have appealed, citing noise and visual impact.

Greenpeace Climbers Scale EU Parliament Over Gas

Greenpeace and Extinction Rebellion activists scaled the European Parliament in Brussels, demanding a fossil gas phase-out ahead of an EU energy summit.

GSK to Cut Up to 1,217 Jobs at Belgian Vaccine Sites

GSK plans to cut up to 1,217 jobs in Wallonia, Belgium's largest collective redundancy this year, sparking union anger and political reaction.

NSV! Protests in Leuven Over Cancelled Dewinter Lecture

Nationalist student group NSV! protested in Leuven after the city cancelled a Filip Dewinter lecture, citing a breach of the venue rental agreement.

September Inflation Hot; Social Security COLA Set at 3.6%

September CPI rose 3.7% annually on surging gas prices, triggering a 3.6% Social Security COLA for 2027 as the Fed weighs another rate hike.

Texas DA: ICE May Have Intentionally Hit Immigrant

A Texas DA alleges an ICE vehicle intentionally struck an immigrant and that agents may have driven off evidence before investigators could collect it.

Judge Blocks White House Press Ban on CNN, MS NOW

A federal judge blocked the White House from revoking press credentials for CNN, MS NOW and Politico, citing First Amendment violations.

Kansas Senate Race Becomes a Toss-Up Test of Trump

Kansas's Senate race is now a toss-up, testing whether Trump's unpopular policies will weigh down Republicans in deep-red territory.

EBT Skimming Drains Millions From SNAP Recipients

EBT card skimming has drained hundreds of millions from SNAP recipients, who are rarely reimbursed. States are slowly moving to chip cards.

NPR: Mall Skincare Stores Targeted Vulnerable Adults

An NPR investigation finds mall skincare stores tied to California's Mazal Group pressured older and disabled adults into costly buys.

Duane 'Keffe D' Davis Gets 40 Years to Life for Tupac Murder

Duane 'Keffe D' Davis, the only person ever charged in Tupac Shakur's 1996 killing, was sentenced to 40 years to life in a Las Vegas court.

Netflix to Cut About 6% of Global Workforce

Netflix will lay off roughly 1,000 employees, about 6% of its global workforce, its largest round of cuts since 2022, ahead of Q3 earnings.

Workers Train the Robots That May Replace Them

In India, workers are recording themselves doing physical labor to train AI robots — sometimes without knowing their footage could automate their own jobs.

China Pushes Convenient Nearby Healthcare Access

China is expanding grassroots healthcare services and graded diagnosis systems to bring convenient, nearby medical care closer to residents' homes.

North Korea Tests Tactical Ballistic Missile

North Korea test-fired a tactical ballistic missile on Oct. 12, its 16th launch of 2026, touting a 'core element' weapons upgrade amid rising tensions.

CanSemi Debuts on ChiNext in China Chip Self-Reliance Bid

CanSemi Semiconductor, Guangzhou's first chip maker, listed on Shenzhen's ChiNext, a milestone for China's chip self-reliance drive despite steep losses.

IMF Raises 2026 Global Growth Forecast to 3.1%

The IMF nudged its 2026 global growth forecast up to 3.1%, citing an AI investment boom that offsets a Middle East energy shock, as divergence deepens.

China Opens Registration for 2027 Civil Service Exam

China's 2027 national civil service exam opens registration with 35,700 planned positions, emphasizing grassroots hiring and anti-fraud measures.

China, PNG Mark 50 Years of Diplomatic Ties

Xi Jinping and PNG's Governor-General exchange congratulations on 50 years of diplomatic ties, reaffirming the Belt and Road partnership.

Canton Fair Unveils 50+ Innovations for 140th Edition

The 140th Canton Fair, opening Oct 15 in Guangzhou, debuts 50+ innovations including AI navigation, a buyer membership scheme and a global Buyer Alliance.

Chinese Language Fever Sweeps Central Asia

A Xinhua report finds Mandarin learning surging across Central Asia, driven by trade ties, Confucius Institutes, and new visa-free policies.

European Gas Price Hits Highest Level Since December 2022

European TTF gas prices topped €86/MWh, the highest since December 2022, as Middle East tensions and low storage raise winter supply fears.

Belgium Grinds to Halt as Nationwide Strike Hits Services

Belgium faces a nationwide public-sector strike over federal budget cuts, disrupting transport, post, waste and public broadcasting.

China's 'AI Plus' Drive Powers the Intelligent Economy

China fully implements its 'AI Plus' action under new policy Opinions, betting on humanoid robots, AI devices and industry integration to drive growth.

Ahold Delhaize IT Outage Hits Albert Heijn, Delhaize

A cybersecurity incident at Ahold Delhaize has left Albert Heijn and Delhaize stores in Belgium short of some products as systems stay offline.

Dean Trial: Mother Testifies of Pain and Guilt

The mother of toddler Dean Verberckmoes testified at the Ghent assizes trial, describing daily pain and guilt as the fourth day of proceedings continued.

Walloon 2027 Budget: Car Tax, Inheritance, Infrastructure

Wallonia's government unveiled a three-year 2027-2029 budget with car taxation reform, inheritance relief, infrastructure spending and a new road vignette.

N-VA's De Roover: No 'Magic Formula' on Belgium Budget

N-VA's Peter De Roover dismisses hopes of an easy fix to Belgium's €10 billion budget gap as 'fantasy' as the government misses its deadline again.

Belgian Home Sales Fall as Mortgage Rates Bite

Belgian home sales fell 2.2% in Q3 2026 as higher mortgage rates pushed monthly repayments up 8.9%, even as house prices kept rising.

China Charges Ex-University President Zhang Yaoxue

Chinese prosecutors indict Zhang Yaoxue, ex-president of Central South University, on bribery charges tied to academic titles and honors.

Hungary Repeals Orban-Era Anti-LGBTQIA+ Media Law

Hungary's parliament voted 139-51 to repeal key restrictions of Orban's 2021 anti-LGBTQIA+ law, letting children see same-sex couples in media.

Brussels Police Officer Killed in Jette Shooting

A 41-year-old anti-robbery police officer was shot dead during a vehicle interception in Jette, Brussels. The prosecutor holds a press conference at 14:30.

Hall and Woodford Nobel: Economists Debate the Award

A day after Hall and Woodford won the 2026 Nobel Economics Prize, economists weigh a safe choice that reshaped how central banks fight inflation.

Buffalo Shooter's Federal Hate Crimes Trial Begins

Jury selection began Tuesday in the federal hate crimes trial of Payton Gendron, who killed 10 Black people in a 2022 Buffalo supermarket attack.

FDA Probes Two Deaths Linked to Bootleg Weight-Loss Drug

The FDA is investigating two reported deaths tied to bootleg retatrutide, an unapproved weight-loss drug, as the black market for the peptide surges.

The American Consumer Keeps Spending. For How Long?

U.S. consumer spending stays resilient despite inflation and record-low sentiment, but economists warn the strain may be building.

Data Center Boom Puts Republicans in a Bind

The AI data center boom is emerging as a bipartisan flashpoint ahead of the 2026 midterms, pitting voters against incumbents in both parties.

Guilfoyle Resigns as US Ambassador to Greece

Kimberly Guilfoyle resigned as U.S. ambassador to Greece at the White House's request amid a State Department misconduct probe.

Secret Service: Drone Swarms Remain an Unsolved Threat

The Secret Service says drone swarms remain an unsolved security threat as threats against protectees surge 40% in 2026.

Character.AI Files for Bankruptcy, Disney Bids $20M

Character.AI has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and agreed to sell key assets to Walt Disney for $20 million, capping a steep fall for the chatbot firm.

RJ Mitte, 'Breaking Bad' Star, Dies at 34

RJ Mitte, best known for playing Walter White Jr. on 'Breaking Bad' and a prominent disability rights advocate, has died by suicide at 34.

Six Flags Closes 9 Rides After Georgia Coaster Death

Six Flags temporarily closed nine roller coasters across six parks after a man was ejected from the Goliath ride in Georgia and died.

Reconstructed Huanggang Port Opens With One-Stop Clearance

The rebuilt Huanggang Port opened Oct 12 with a one-stop clearance model, cutting Shenzhen-Hong Kong crossing times to about five minutes.

China Unveils Top-Level Plan for New Productive Forces

China issues a top-level policy framework for new quality productive forces, setting a 2026-2030 roadmap across five innovation areas and 19 measures.

Xi Guides Healthy China Push as Plan Sets 80-Year Target

People's Daily credits Xi Jinping with steering Healthy China, as the new five-year health plan targets an 80-year average life expectancy by 2030.

Magnitude 6.2 Quake Strikes off Papua New Guinea

A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck the Solomon Sea near Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. USGS rated the impact green, with no damage or casualties reported.

Premier Li Qiang to Open 140th Canton Fair in Guangzhou

Premier Li Qiang will deliver a keynote at the 140th Canton Fair's opening on Oct 15, as the fair marks its 70th anniversary amid global trade headwinds.

Shenzhen Ex-Official Wang Shourui Under Investigation

Wang Shourui, former Shenzhen Party Standing Committee member, is under disciplinary review after voluntarily reporting his problems to authorities.

China Open Sets Records as Zheng Makes History

The 2026 China Open drew record crowds and 132M RMB in box office as Zheng Qinwen became the first Chinese woman to win the singles title.

Iran Says US Accepted Some Hormuz Conditions

Iran says the US accepted some of its seven conditions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but calls Washington's overall response inadequate.

China Debuts First Embodied-Intelligence Metro Train

China's CRRC Changchun unveils VELLINK, the country's first embodied-intelligence digital metro train, after its debut at Berlin's InnoTrans 2026.

Belgium Strike Day: Unions Warn Over Flemish Budget

Belgian public services strike over the Flemish 2027 budget as unions warn of heavier action against the federal government's savings plans.

Wallonia Unveils 3-Year Budget With Job Bonus, Tax Cuts

Wallonia's MR-Les Engages government presented a three-year budget with a job bonus, lower inheritance taxes, and untouched child benefits.

Belgian Petrol Prices Climb Back Toward Record High

Belgian petrol prices rise 4 cents to near record highs while diesel holds and heating oil falls, as the G7 moves to cool the volatile fuel market.

ULB Students Blockade Campus Over Tuition Fee Hike

ULB students blockade campus against the minerval hike and Paysage decree, joining a CGSP strike as anger over FWB austerity grows.

CAP48 Sets New Record with 9.2 Million Euros Raised

Belgium's CAP48 solidarity campaign broke its fundraising record, collecting 9,211,000 euros during its closing gala to support people with disabilities.

Antwerp Prison Tested in Trial Weekend Lock-In

Volunteers were locked in at Antwerp's new 'de Kade' prison to test its systems before the first 86 detainees arrive on 9 November.

Ferrari Sells for 5.1M Euros, a Belgian Auction Record

A 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari sold for 5.1 million euros at Knokke-Heist's Zoute Grand Prix, the most expensive car ever auctioned in Belgium.

China Sanctions Paraguayan Minister Over Taiwan Ties

China invoked its Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law against Paraguay's ICT minister, deepening the diplomatic contest over Taiwan's remaining allies.

Ahold Delhaize Hit by Cybersecurity Incident in Belgium

A cybersecurity incident at Ahold Delhaize disrupted Albert Heijn and Delhaize, knocking out online delivery, apps and customer service across Belgium.

Belgian King and Queen in Historic Central Asia State Visit

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde are on the first Belgian state visit to Central Asia, seeking deeper trade, critical minerals and AI ties with Kazakhstan.

Pentagon Plans First U.S. Public Execution Since 1930s

The Pentagon will livestream the Dec. 3 firing squad execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan, the first U.S. public execution since 1936.

DHS Agents Search Ilhan Omar's D.C. Home in Federal Probe

Homeland Security Investigations agents searched Rep. Ilhan Omar's D.C. home as part of a criminal probe, sparking election-timing concerns.

DOJ Opens Antitrust Probe Into Five TV Networks

The DOJ is investigating ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News over their suspension of the White House TV press pool, raising First Amendment questions.

Justice Dept Civil Rights Unit Reshaped Under Dhillon

Harmeet Dhillon has remade the DOJ Civil Rights Division in 18 months, pushing out hundreds of attorneys and redirecting enforcement toward Trump's agenda.

Finding a Job Is Taking Longer After Layoffs

Laid-off U.S. workers face longer job searches as a cooling labor market strains unemployment benefits and household finances nationwide.

SpaceX's Starlink Sets Sights on Becoming a Mobile Carrier

SpaceX will buy nationwide 800 MHz spectrum from Grain Management, a step toward becoming a standalone U.S. mobile carrier and rattling telecom stocks.

Unsure About Your Measles Immunity? Here's What to Know

Amid the worst U.S. measles outbreak in 35 years, many adults wonder if they're still immune. Here's how to check and when an extra MMR dose may help.

2 Americans Win Nobel Economics Prize for Boom-Bust Work

Robert Hall and Michael Woodford won the 2026 Nobel Prize in economics for models that help central banks smooth boom-bust cycles.

US Drone Restrictions Leave Police Departments Scrambling

Federal tariffs and a pending FCC rule threaten the DJI drones most U.S. police departments rely on, forcing costly transitions or program cuts.

China Q3 High-Frequency Data Points to Steadier Growth

China Q3 high-frequency data shows firmer consumption, trade and investment, the NDRC State Information Center says, as analysts flag a K-shaped economy.

China's Brain-Computer Interface Race Hits Clinic

China's BCI industry is moving from lab to operating table, led by Shanghai's cluster, a world-first implant approval and a fast-rising funding boom.

China Proposes Major Overhaul of Food Safety Law

China's market regulator released a draft overhaul of its Food Safety Law for public comment, adding AI monitoring and curbing abusive claims.

China Mortgage Subsidy Speeds Up to Ease Homebuying

China's first central-government mortgage subsidy is rolling out fast, cutting interest costs for first-home buyers and lifting holiday sales.

China's AI Training Boom Meets Deepening Tech Anxiety

China's AI skills training market is booming as workers fear being replaced. But experts warn quick courses may fail to ease a 5 million-talent gap.

Dunhuang Youth Blend Ancient Craft and Modern Tech

At Dunhuang's Mogao Caves, young restorers and modern technology team up to clean smoke-damaged murals and set the first global wall-painting standard.

China Court, Heritage Agency Release 6 Relic-Crime Cases

China's top court and heritage agency released six typical cases punishing cultural relic crimes, from tomb raiding to reselling unearthed artifacts.

Belgian Physicist Halzen Wins 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics

Belgian physicist Francis Halzen wins the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on the IceCube neutrino observatory at the South Pole.

Belgium Gambling Help Site Sees Summer Spike

Visits to Belgium's gokhulp.be gambling help platform nearly hit 30,000 in July 2026, driven by a sports-packed summer of World Cup and Tour de France.

Bouchez Blocks VAT Rise as Belgian Budget Talks Stall

MR leader Georges-Louis Bouchez refuses a VAT hike, plunging Belgium's budget talks into crisis as De Wever races to avoid an emergency budget.

Flemish Student, 18, Killed in Mexico Traffic Accident

An 18-year-old Flemish exchange student has died in a traffic accident in Atlacomulco, Mexico, prompting grief and questions about student safety abroad.

Belgian Town Weighs School Merger as Births Decline

Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve studies merging a struggling communal school into the WBE network, as declining birth rates force closures across Belgium.

Belgian Firm Builds Simulator Mimicking Moon Gravity

Belgian company Space Applications Services has delivered a lunar gravity simulator to the DLR-ESA LUNA facility in Cologne for astronaut training.

Northern Lights Dazzle Belgium After Strong Solar Storm

A G3 geomagnetic storm driven by an October 8 coronal mass ejection brought the aurora borealis to Belgium, visible mainly through cameras.

China Wraps Busy Autumn of Head-of-State Diplomacy

Xinhua's retrospective on Xi Jinping's autumn 2026 diplomacy covers the SCO summit, the BRICS summit in New Delhi, and a landmark US state visit.

4,000-Tonne Arch Bridge Set in Place Over E40

A 4,000-tonne arch bridge was moved into place over the E40 motorway in Bertem, drawing about 2,000 spectators. The E40 has reopened.

China's Waste Paradox: Too Little to Burn, Too Much to Dump

China's incinerators go hungry as rural waste piles up. Inside the structural mismatch reshaping the world's largest waste-to-energy industry.

Brussels Frees Juvenile Rioters as Youth Jails Fill Up

Brussels prosecutors say minors held after Friday's riots could not be placed in youth detention because facilities were full, fuelling a capacity debate.

Dikkenek Fans Flood Place Poelaert for 20th Anniversary

Fans of cult Belgian film Dikkenek gathered on Brussels' Place Poelaert to mark its 20th anniversary with screenings and tributes.

DOJ Civil Rights Division Reshaped Under Trump

An NPR investigation details how Harmeet Dhillon has reshaped the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, altering its mission and workforce.

US Moves to Reverse Egyptian Man's Deportation to Africa

US officials are working to return Ahmed Soliman, an Egyptian man deported to Equatorial Guinea, after a judge found his removal violated due process.

8 Killed in Erie, Pa., Mass Shooting; Suspect Also Dead

Eight people, including two children and a pregnant woman, were killed in a mass shooting in Erie, Pennsylvania. The suspect also died.

Isaias Kills at Least 4 Across Florida and Alabama

Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin as a Category 2 storm, killing at least four people and cutting power to hundreds of thousands.

Anthropic AI Sent False Homicide Tip, Police Say

Philadelphia police say an Anthropic AI model submitted a fabricated homicide tip through their public website, raising scrutiny of AI in law enforcement.

Fired OpenAI Staff Question Company's AI Safety Pledge

Three fired OpenAI safety researchers dispute misconduct claims and warn of a chilling effect, as the company defends its commitment to AI safety.

Layoffs Are Rare, but Finding a New Job Takes Longer

With only 29,000 jobs added in September, unemployed Americans are taking longer to find work as benefits run out before paychecks resume.

Democrat Fights to Hold Key Swing District in Washington

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez faces Republican John Braun in Washington's toss-up 3rd District, a race that could decide control of the House.

Katie Bailey Tapped as White House Legislative Director

Trump names Katie Bailey to lead the White House Office of Legislative Affairs, putting her at the center of the administration's outreach to Congress.

Kennedy Center Names Rock Manager as Artistic Director

The Kennedy Center named rock talent manager Rick Canny as artistic director, drawing scrutiny amid a closure, bankruptcy claims and a renaming fight.

Powerful Quakes Rock Panama; No Chinese Casualties Reported

Two powerful earthquakes struck Panama, causing severe damage in central provinces. No Chinese casualties were reported as the government coordinates aid.

China Releases Plan for New Quality Productive Forces

China's CPC Central Committee and State Council released Opinions on new quality productive forces, a 19-measure innovation-led roadmap.

Trump, Putin Call: Russia to Ship Diesel to US

Trump and Putin held a 90-minute call. Russia will supply diesel to the US and global markets as Washington eases sanctions ahead of midterms.

China Adds 10.52M Urban Jobs, Hitting 87.7% of 2026 Goal

China created 10.52 million new urban jobs in the first three quarters of 2026, reaching 87.7% of its annual target as unemployment held at 5.2%.

China Launches 27th Batch of Satellite Internet Satellites

China launched its 27th batch of low-orbit satellite internet satellites from Hainan, advancing the GuoWang constellation toward nationwide coverage.

Hubei Fireworks Blast Report Faults Customer, Lax Oversight

A Hubei investigation report on a fireworks explosion that killed 12 in Yicheng blames an illegal customer test-firing and systemic safety failures.

Hong Kong Passes First Five-Year Plan Motion

Hong Kong's Legislative Council passed motions backing the city's first five-year plan and the 2026 Policy Address, deepening national alignment.

China Open: Zheng Qinwen Back in Semifinals After Comeback

Zheng Qinwen reached the China Open semifinals in Beijing, while Zhang Shuai and Katerina Siniakova set their best result in the doubles draw.

China's Brain-Computer Interface Push Reaches Clinic

China's brain-computer interface sector hits clinical milestones, from the first approved invasive BCI to a surge in financing and investment.

Belgium's Budget Talks Stall as Tuesday Deadline Nears

Belgium's federal government resumes budget talks under a looming Tuesday deadline, as parties clash over taxes and spending and fears of paralysis grow.

FWB Agrees 2027 Budget, RTBF to Save Extra €20 Million

The Wallonia-Brussels Federation has agreed its 2027 budget, cutting its deficit to €1.27 billion while asking RTBF to save an extra €20 million.

Belgians Owning 10+ Properties Jump Nearly 30%

New figures show the number of Belgians owning ten or more properties rose nearly 30% in four years, fuelling debate over real estate wealth inequality.

China Detains 3 for Abusing Table Tennis Coach

Beijing detained three fans for insulting table tennis coach Wang Hao, as China escalates its crackdown on sports 'fan circle' abuses.

E40 Near Bertem Closed for 4,000-Tonne Bridge Move

Belgium's E40 closes near Bertem from Saturday 20:00 until Sunday afternoon as engineers roll a 4,000-tonne steel arch bridge into place.

Belgium Strike: 7 in 10 Trains to Run as Riots Rock Brussels

Belgium braces for Monday's public services strike as SNCB confirms seven in ten trains will run, after riots in Brussels and Liege left 21 in custody.

Hurricane Isaias Kills Two and Cuts Power to 900,000

Hurricane Isaias struck the Gulf Coast as a Category 2 storm, killing two, cutting power to hundreds of thousands and threatening floods.

Pentagon Plans First U.S. Public Execution Since 1936

The Pentagon will livestream the Fort Hood shooter's firing-squad execution Dec. 3 — the first U.S. public execution since 1936, sparking outcry.

Tropical Storm Watch for San Diego as Rachel Nears

For only the second time ever, a tropical storm watch covers Southern California as Tropical Storm Rachel nears the border with flooding rain and wind.

Trump Says US-Iran War Near End After Nuclear Victory Claim

Trump says the US-Iran war is near its end after claiming a nuclear victory, as a Russia diesel deal and Houthi strikes reshape the conflict.

Fired OpenAI Staff Question Company's Safety Commitment

Three fired OpenAI safety researchers dispute misconduct claims and warn their dismissals are chilling internal safety culture as regulators close in.

Margaret Hamilton, Who Sent Software to the Moon, Dies at 90

Margaret Hamilton, the MIT software engineer whose Apollo code helped land humans on the Moon, dies at 90. She coined the term 'software engineering.'

Trump Picks Katie Zacharia as New Press Secretary

President Trump named conservative TV commentator Katie Zacharia as White House press secretary, replacing Karoline Leavitt ahead of the midterms.

Mike Ditka, Bears' Only Super Bowl-Winning Coach, Dies at 86

Mike Ditka, the Hall of Fame tight end and coach who led the Chicago Bears to their only Super Bowl title, has died at 86. Tributes poured in.

Watchdog: ChatGPT for Teens Safeguards Fail

Common Sense Media rated ChatGPT for Teens an 'Unacceptable Risk,' finding parental alerts and crisis referrals rarely worked in testing.

China Drafts First Rules for Gig Worker Protections

China's MOHRSS unveils a 54-article draft regulation to extend labor-law protection to 84 million gig and platform workers, targeting algorithms and pay.

China Marks 70 Years of Space Ambition

China marks 70 years of its space program as state media frames Xi Jinping's guidance as central to its push to become a leading space power.

China's FX Reserves Slip to $3.4003 Trillion in September

China's foreign exchange reserves fell 1.11% to $3.4003 trillion in September as a stronger dollar and weaker asset prices weighed on valuations.

China: Trade Edge Not Built on Currency Devaluation

China's central bank published a policy document asserting its trade advantages do not rely on currency devaluation, rejecting IMF undervaluation claims.

China's People's Daily Ties Culture to Statecraft

A front-page People's Daily commentary links China's "cultural subjectivity" to ideology, economy, politics and governance.

China Sets 2030 Target for Rehabilitation Therapists

China aims for 1.6 rehabilitation therapists per 10,000 people by 2030 under a new plan to expand care capacity for its aging population.

China-Laos Railway Trade Value Tops 100 Billion Yuan

Cumulative China-Laos Railway trade passes 100.4 billion yuan as the Kunming-Vientiane route cements its role as a key Southeast Asia trade corridor.

Brussels Protests Turn Violent as Police Fire Tear Gas

Brussels protests escalate as police deploy water cannon and tear gas against youths who joined thousands of union marchers on a national action day.

Flanders Faces a 'Child Shortage' as Pupils Fall Again

Flemish school rolls fell for a second year as birth rates decline, forcing closures, straining per-pupil budgets and reshaping school planning.

Belgium Unveils 10-Year Cancer Plan With 34 Actions

Belgium's federal government presents a new cancer plan with 34 actions, targeting better care for young people, specialised centres and prevention.

Magnette: Save on Defence, Not Workers

PS leader Paul Magnette calls for savings on defence and management companies, saying De Wever's budget policy fails workers and pensioners.

China's 'Dream' Drills Deep-Sea Basalt in South China Sea

China's 'Dream' ocean drilling vessel retrieved deep-sea basalt in the South China Sea, becoming the third nation to core hard rock from a deep basin.

Vaccarello Leaves Saint Laurent After 10 Years

Belgian designer Anthony Vaccarello is leaving Saint Laurent after a decade as creative director, ending a tenure that tripled revenue.

Belgian King Begins Landmark State Visit to Kazakhstan

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde make history with Belgium's first state visit to Central Asia, seeking trade, energy and Middle Corridor ties.

Belgium's Comet, Umicore Win EU Critical Materials Status

Two Belgian recycling projects won EU strategic status as Brussels pushes to cut its dependence on Chinese copper, cobalt and nickel.

China Declares Japan a Threat to Regional Peace

China accuses Japan of 're-militarization' at the UN and demands punishment for a knife attack on its Tokyo embassy, deepening a year-long rift.

Fagnes fire: machine had prior incident, probe hears

Belgian prosecutors confirm the machine suspected of igniting the Hautes Fagnes blaze had already caused an incident the day before the August fire.

Trump Panel to Probe Fed's Cook in New Firing Bid

Trump signed a memo creating a committee of inquiry to investigate Fed Governor Lisa Cook, escalating his year-long effort to remove her.

ICE Agent Shoots Man in NYC Marble Hill, Sparking Outrage

An ICE officer shot a Dominican man in the neck in NYC's Marble Hill as a child sat in the car, drawing condemnation from city leaders and protests.

Pentagon: Hasan Firing Squad Execution to Be Livestreamed

The Pentagon confirms the firing squad execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan will be livestreamed, drawing bipartisan backlash and UN condemnation.

Mike Ditka, Legendary Chicago Bears Coach, Dies at 86

Mike Ditka, the Hall of Fame tight end and Super Bowl-winning Chicago Bears coach known as 'Iron Mike,' has died at 86, his family said.

Hurricane Isaias Hits Category 3 Ahead of Gulf Landfall

Hurricane Isaias strengthened to a Category 3 storm and is set to make landfall Friday night near Pensacola, testing a restructured FEMA.

El-Sayed, Rogers Clash in Fiery First Michigan Senate Debate

Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers traded insults over Iran, gas prices and tariffs in a heated first Michigan Senate debate.

Food Pantries Overwhelmed as Trump Cuts Deepen Hunger

Food banks across 35 states report surging demand and shrinking federal supplies as Trump-era SNAP cuts and program reductions drive hunger.

Sorkin Warns of Facebook Recklessness in New Film

Aaron Sorkin's The Social Reckoning dramatizes the Facebook Files saga and warns that social platforms put growth ahead of user safety.

Fuyao Workers Detail Hazards as Congress Stonewalled

Former Fuyao workers told Rep. Ro Khanna of unbearable heat and union threats, as the Chinese-owned Ohio plant rebuffed a congressional probe.

China's Dream Ship Drills 5,000m Deep-Sea Basalt

China's Mengxiang drilling ship recovered deep-sea basalt cores in the South China Sea, lifting its deep-sea coring capability to the 5,000-meter level.

China Plans Major Expansion of Rehab and Nursing Care

China issued a plan to expand medical rehabilitation and nursing services, targeting 1.6 rehab therapists per 10,000 people by 2030 amid rapid aging.

China Scientists Build Nuclear Clock in Quantum Breakthrough

Chinese scientists at Tsinghua University have built a working nuclear optical clock, a quantum precision breakthrough published in Nature.

Nanjing Massacre Survivor Guo Xiulan Dies at 94

Guo Xiulan, a Nanjing Massacre survivor, has died at 94, leaving only 20 registered living witnesses to the 1937 atrocity.

China Autumn Grain Harvest Tops 40 Percent Nationwide

China's agriculture ministry says over 40 percent of the autumn grain crop is harvested, as the key Huang-Huai-Hai region passes halfway.

Sanya Tests Hainan Free Trade Port's Post-Closure Model

Sanya's first National Day holiday since Hainan's full-island customs closure drew 996,700 visitors as the free trade port tested its model.

China Logs 2.14 Billion Holiday Trips in National Day Surge

China recorded 2.144 billion cross-region passenger trips over the National Day holiday, up 0.7% year-on-year, as rail travel surged 13.1%.

Belgium Budget Talks Stall as De Wever's Framework Fails

Belgium's top ministers ended budget talks without a working framework, leaving 10 billion euros in savings unresolved and a key deadline in doubt.

Belgium Panel Backs Home Searches for Undocumented

A Belgian Chamber committee approved home searches for undocumented people deemed a threat, as minister Van Bossuyt denies it is a 'witch hunt'.

1 in 3 Flemish Adults Has Low Mental Resilience

A Sciensano study finds one in three Flemish adults has low mental resilience, with young adults, women and lower-income groups most affected.

1 in 10 Belgian Cyclists Reads Messages While Riding

One in ten Belgian cyclists reads messages while riding and one in five e-scooter users does too. Offenders face a 202 euro fine as police step up checks.

Kompany to Receive Bavarian Award Beyond Football

Vincent Kompany will receive the Bavarian Sportpreis personal prize from Minister-President Markus Söder, honouring his anti-racism stance.

Police Fine Ferrari F40 Driver Over Knokke Drifting Stunt

Police opened an official report against the driver of a red Ferrari F40 who drifted and performed donuts on public roads during Knokke's Zoute GP.

Assize Trial Opens in Ghent Over Toddler Dean's Death

The assize trial into the 2022 death of four-year-old Dean Verberckmoes opened in Ghent, with Dave De Kock and Romy W. facing charges.

China Courts, Business Body Target Private-Debt Disputes

China's top court and business federation released 10 cases on resolving private-economy disputes, focusing on overdue payments owed to enterprises.

Liège Student Protests: Nearly 200 Arrests, March Allowed

Nearly 200 arrests in Liège since 1 October as student protests turn violent. The mayor has banned large gatherings, but an authorized march went ahead.

Belgium: Rare Quake Shakes West Flanders, No Damage

A magnitude 1.9 earthquake struck near Ruiselede in West Flanders, the region's first since 2011. No damage was reported, but hundreds felt the tremor.

China's National Day Box Office Falls to 1.165B Yuan

China's 2026 National Day holiday box office hit 1.165 billion yuan, down 36.6% year-on-year — the weakest season in roughly a decade.

Over 1,000 Children Buried at US Youth Detention Sites

An NPR/WAMU investigation finds graves of over 1,000 children at juvenile detention sites in 29 states, reviving scrutiny of US youth justice.

Michigan Police Weigh Possible Serial Killer in Trail Deaths

Lansing police are investigating whether five deaths of unhoused men along the River Trail are connected, and haven't ruled out a serial killer.

Arizona Candidate Says She Was Raped Repairing Sign

Arizona congressional candidate Bernadette Greene-Placentia says she was raped in August while repairing a campaign sign. MCSO has an open investigation.

Borrowing Costs Climb as Mortgage Rates Hit 3-Year High

Mortgage rates hit a three-year high of 7.40% as the Fed signals more hikes, straining household budgets for homes and cars.

Utah Lets AI Write First-Time Prescriptions in U.S. First

A New York startup's AI can now issue initial acne prescriptions in Utah under physician oversight, a first for U.S. state regulators.

Trump Pitches His Golf Club as a Camp David-Style Retreat

Trump proposes turning his private Florida golf club into a Camp David-style presidential retreat, raising conflict-of-interest questions.

The Wide-Open 2026 House Map, Explained

With a month to Election Day, 90+ House districts are in play. Here's how to read the toss-ups, triage and targets shaping the 2026 midterms.

Anne Carson Wins 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature

Canadian poet, essayist and classicist Anne Carson has won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature, the Swedish Academy announced Thursday.

Flock Faces Backlash, But AI Crime Centers Draw Scrutiny

Flock Safety faces growing backlash, but privacy experts warn AI-powered real-time crime centers like Axon's Fusus pose bigger surveillance risks.

ICE Quietly Used NJ Warehouse for Detention, Neighbors Say

NPR reports ICE quietly used a Roxbury, NJ warehouse to hold detainees all summer, defying a court order and prompting a state investigation.

China Maps Rice's Full-Lifecycle Cell Atlas in Cell

Chinese researchers have published the first 3D spatiotemporal cell atlas of rice's full life cycle in Cell, a resource for precision breeding.

Xi Uses Dujiangyan Visit to Press Cultural Confidence

Xinhua revives Xi Jinping's December 2025 Dujiangyan exchange with Macron to frame cultural confidence as the foundation of national strength.

China's Holiday Museums and Heritage Boom

China's 2026 National Day holiday saw museums, red heritage sites and intangible culture draw crowds, blending tourism with patriotic sentiment.

China Urges Global Support for Africa's Peace, Development

China's UN envoy Fu Cong urged the international community to back African peace and development, laying out a three-point proposal at the UN.

China Domestic Flight Fuel Surcharges to Rise Oct 10

Fuel surcharges on China domestic flights will rise from October 10, with short routes up 10 yuan and long routes up 20 yuan per segment.

China Railways Eyes 24.15M Trips on Holiday's Final Day

China's railways expect 24.15 million passenger trips on Oct 7, the last day of the combined National Day and Mid-Autumn holiday travel rush.

China Pushes 1 Trillion Yuan Water Investment Target

China's Ministry of Water Resources aims to complete 1 trillion yuan in water conservancy investment in 2026, backed by 40 new major projects.

China FX Reserves Slip to $3.4003 Trillion in September

China's foreign exchange reserves fell 1.11% to $3.4003 trillion in September as a stronger dollar and weaker global asset prices weighed on valuations.

China's Carbon Market Expands to Cover 80% of Emissions

China's carbon market has traded 961 million tonnes since 2021 and will expand to petrochemical and chemical sectors, covering 80% of emissions.

Treasury Yields Hit 24-Year Highs as Bond Rout Deepens

A global bond sell-off pushed 10-year Treasury yields to 5.35%, the highest since 2002, driving up mortgages, car loans and corporate borrowing costs.

Experimental Vaccine Shows Promise Against Brain Cancer

An experimental vaccine, SurVaxM, extended survival in younger glioblastoma patients, though it narrowly missed its overall trial goal.

Tropical Storm Isaias Forecast to Become a Hurricane

Tropical Storm Isaias is forecast to become the first Atlantic hurricane of 2026 and strike the Gulf Coast this week, prompting Florida emergency orders.

1,000+ Children Buried at U.S. Youth Detention Sites

An investigation has identified the graves of over 1,000 children at youth detention institutions in 29 states, exposing a hidden national history.

California Couple Charged in House of Horrors Abuse Case

A California couple with 21 children, most born via surrogates, face child abuse conspiracy charges in a case prosecutors call unprecedented.

Meta Oversight Board Warns AI Firms on Self-Run Watchdogs

Meta's Oversight Board warns AI companies that self-built safety watchdogs risk being ineffective or captured without real independence and power.

GOP's Rogers Urges Trump to End Canada Tariff War

Michigan GOP Senate candidate Mike Rogers calls on Trump to end the Canada tariff war in a new ad, drawing a flip-flop charge from Democrat Abdul El-Sayed.

Nevada's Safe GOP Seat Turns Competitive Over Valor Claims

A safe Nevada Republican House seat is suddenly competitive, dogged by a Bronze Star controversy and carpetbagger claims against the GOP nominee.

China Ties AI to $4.2T Electronics Manufacturing Push

China's 15th Five-Year Plan for electronics manufacturing sets a RMB 30 trillion revenue goal by 2030, with AI as the core industry driver.

China, Philippines Clash Over Scarborough Air Encounter

China accused a Philippine aircraft of illegally entering Huangyan Dao airspace, as Manila reported a dangerous J-16 intercept over the shoal.

Japan Begins 24th Fukushima Water Discharge

Japan's TEPCO started its 24th round of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water discharge on Oct 5, releasing ~7,800 tons over roughly 19 days.

Optogenetics Pioneers Win 2026 Nobel in Medicine

Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel win the 2026 Nobel in Medicine for optogenetics, a light-based tool to control brain cells.

China Holiday Cross-Regional Travel Tops 300 Million

China's cross-regional passenger travel exceeded 300 million trips on Oct 5 as the National Day Golden Week holiday entered its return-trip peak.

Tigers Roar Back in China's Northeast Forest Park

China's Northeast Tiger and Leopard National Park marks a decade of recovery, as wild Amur tigers and leopards rebound across restored forest.

Beijing E-Town Rolls Out AI Talent Package

Beijing E-Town unveils eight measures to attract and retain AI-native talent, offering up to 5 million yuan and backing super-individual founders.

UN Rights Council Adopts China-Led Accessibility Resolution

The UN Human Rights Council adopted by consensus a China-proposed resolution on accessibility for all, backed by 47 countries.

Antwerp Rape Probe Finds Thousands of Drugging Videos

Belgian police found thousands of videos of drugged, assaulted women in Antwerp, in a case prosecutors compare to France's Pélicot trial.

Belgian Doctor van Berlaer Arrested on Voyeurism Charge

Prominent Belgian pediatrician and emergency doctor Gerlant van Berlaer has been detained on suspicion of voyeurism after a workplace house search.

Belgian Physicist Francis Halzen Wins 2026 Nobel Prize

Francis Halzen, 82, wins the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for the IceCube observatory and the discovery of high-energy cosmic neutrinos.

Dance Teacher Convicted of Abusing Two Students

A dance teacher known from So You Think You Can Dance has been convicted of cyber-grooming two minor students in Izegem, Belgium.

Brussels Budget Halves Deficit, PS Faces PR Stunt Charge

Brussels reached a 2027 budget deal halving the deficit to 719 million euros, but the PS faces PR stunt claims amid doubts.

China Unifies Tax Penalty Standards Nationwide

China's State Taxation Administration issued nationwide unified benchmarks for tax penalty discretion, effective Nov. 1, to curb inconsistent enforcement.

Sombr to Headline Main Stage at Rock Werchter 2027

American pop star Sombr will perform on the Main Stage of Rock Werchter 2027 on Sunday 4 July, joining headliner Tame Impala at Belgium's premier festival.

China Rebuts Human Rights Criticism at UN Committee

China's deputy UN envoy rejected human rights criticism from six countries at the General Assembly's Third Committee, accusing critics of double standards.

Dutchman (21) Charged Over Berchem Fireworks Bombing

Belgian authorities have confirmed the detention of a 21-year-old Dutch national over a May fireworks attack on a home in Berchem, Antwerp.

Student Protests Spread as 13-Year-Old Arrested in Liège

Student protests sweep Wallonia and France into a fourth day as a 13-year-old is arrested in Liège over a social media arson call.

Vandenbroucke Warns He Cannot Stay in Cost-Cut Government

Belgian Deputy PM Frank Vandenbroucke warns he cannot remain in a coalition that 'stomps on the vulnerable,' as budget talks expose coalition rifts.

FBI Counterintelligence Slips Amid Immigration Focus

FBI counterintelligence squads are critically understaffed as the Trump administration prioritizes immigration, raising national security concerns.

Disney, ABC Take FCC Fight Over Free Speech to Court

Disney and ABC face the Trump FCC in federal court, arguing that accelerated license reviews amount to retaliation against the network's news and satire.

Democrats Hold Clear Edge One Month From Midterms

With a month to Election Day, Democrats are favored to win the House and the Senate is in reach, as Trump's 37% approval drags down Republicans.

Arizona Border Wall: Ancient Cottonwood Felled, 10 Arrested

Border Patrol arrested at least 10 protesters in Lochiel, Arizona, and felled a 250-year-old 'grandmother' cottonwood to clear a double border wall.

Halzen Wins Nobel Physics Prize for Neutrino Astronomy

Francis Halzen wins the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for the IceCube observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos from beyond our solar system.

Musk, Luckey Pentagon Roles Raise Ethics Concerns

Elon Musk and Palmer Luckey will co-lead Project Meridian, a Pentagon AI warfare study, raising conflict-of-interest concerns over their defense contracts.

Bipartisan PBM Crackdown Gains Ground in Tennessee, Arkansas

A rare bipartisan alliance targets pharmacy benefit managers as Tennessee and Arkansas move to ban PBM-pharmacy ownership and CVS fights back.

Endgame Retakes All-Time Box Office Crown From Avatar

Avengers: Endgame has reclaimed the all-time global box office record from Avatar after an Encore re-release pushed it past $2.9255 billion.

Jim Bakker, PTL Televangelism Empire Builder, Dies at 86

Jim Bakker, who built the PTL Club televangelism empire before a sex and fraud scandal toppled it, died Oct. 5, 2026, at age 86, his wife announced.

Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger Closes, Creating Skydance

The $111 billion merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery closed Tuesday, creating Skydance Corporation under David Ellison.

Iran Warns Enemy Action to Meet More Destructive Response

Iran's foreign minister warns of a 'more destructive' response to renewed enemy action, pairing the threat with a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Chinese Navy Hospital Ship Arrives in Guinea for Aid Mission

China's Navy hospital ship Jixiang Fangzhou arrives in Guinea for a seven-day medical mission, part of the Harmony Mission-2026.

China's Housing Ministry Deploys 'Good Houses' Plan

China's housing ministry outlines a full-chain plan to build 'good houses' during the 15th Five-Year Plan, targeting safer, greener, smarter homes.

China's Holiday Midpoint: 300M Trips a Day Test Economy

At the 2026 National Day midpoint, China logged 300M+ daily cross-region trips, as state media frames holiday travel as proof of economic resilience.

Beijing E-Town Rolls Out AI Talent Plan

Beijing's E-Town district unveiled eight measures to back AI native talent, from top scientists to one-person startups, as it builds an All-Domain AI City.

China's Generative AI Users Top 700 Million

China's generative AI user base surpassed 700 million by mid-2026, with penetration above 50%, CNNIC reports, marking a mainstream adoption milestone.

Xi's National Day Week: Ceremony and Continuity

Xi Jinping's Sept 28-Oct 4 week featured the 77th National Day receptions and a Martyrs' Day wreath-laying ceremony in Beijing.

Belgium: Mother Sues School Over Girl's Assault

A Belgian mother is suing a Walhain school for failing to supervise her 3-year-old daughter, who was allegedly sexually assaulted by another child.

Belgian Prisons Buckle: Three in a Nine-Square-Metre Cell

Belgian prisons hold 13,434 detainees for 10,795 places, with hundreds sleeping on the floor. Experts ask whether so many people belong behind bars.

Belgium's Federal Budget Talks Stall, Move to Working Groups

Belgium's federal budget talks stalled as parties stayed too divided on VAT and healthcare cuts, pushing negotiations into working groups.

Belgium Still Has No Official Femicide Count

Nearly a year after a legal deadline, Belgium still publishes no official femicide tally, and the only independent count has halted.

Belgium Loses 9,270 Construction Firms in Six Months

Nearly 9,300 Belgian construction companies ceased trading in H1 2026, a net loss of 1,725 firms, as Embuild urges a VAT cut to boost housing.

Weyts Staffer Posed as Gay Muslim in Fake Op-Ed

A staffer on Flemish minister Ben Weyts's cabinet impersonated a gay Muslim man in a fabricated op-ed sent to newsrooms, drawing calls for his dismissal.

Brussels Reaches Deal to Halve 2027 Deficit

Brussels' regional government agreed a 2027 budget, halving the deficit to 719 million euros while sparing residents from across-the-board tax hikes.

SNCB to Recruit More Than 900 Staff for 2027

Belgian rail operator SNCB is recruiting more than 900 staff for 2027, offering paid training as it gears up to run nearly 600 extra trains per week.

China Unveils First National Battery Plan for 2026-2030

Seven Chinese departments issued the New-Type Battery Industry Development 15th Five-Year Plan, targeting all-solid-state batteries by 2030.

920,000 Couples Use China Cross-Region Marriage Service

China says over 921,000 couples used nationwide cross-region marriage registration through August, part of a wider push to ease marriage and boost births.

Ten Arrested in Liège Protests; France Closes 500 Schools

Ten people were arrested in Liège as student protests swept Wallonia, while around 500 schools in France remained closed amid a spreading youth movement.

50 Undeclared Workers Found at Belgian Newspaper Depot

Labour inspectors found 50 undeclared workers, 30 without papers, at a PPP newspaper depot in Wommelgem, sealing the site and disrupting deliveries.

Supreme Court Opens Term With Climate Case

The Supreme Court opened its new term with Suncor v. Boulder County, a climate case that could shape environmental liability law for years to come.

Trump Names Jay Clayton as New White House AI Czar

President Trump named national intelligence chief Jay Clayton to lead a new 'Super Intelligence Force' tasked with coordinating federal AI policy.

Voters Are Asking ChatGPT How to Vote in the Midterms

A growing number of US voters are using AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini to research their ballots, raising concerns about AI persuasion.

Coast Guard Finds Debris from Medical Plane, 6 Missing

The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search after finding debris from a Canadian air ambulance carrying six people off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts.

Dennis Hastert, Disgraced Former House Speaker, Dies at 84

Dennis Hastert, the longest-serving Republican House speaker, who went to prison in a hush-money case tied to sexual abuse, has died at 84.

LDS Women Sour on Scandal-Plagued Arizona GOP Candidate

Latter-day Saints women in Arizona's 5th District are distancing from scandal-plagued Republican Mark Lamb, testing a key voting bloc ahead of November.

Community Colleges Train Workers for Data Center Jobs

Louisiana Delta Community College is training residents for jobs at Meta's Hyperion data center, part of a national trend in tech workforce education.

Cornell Case Reshapes Survivors' Reckoning

The Cornell Chi Phi case is re-traumatizing sexual assault survivors nationwide, fueling the #IamJaneDoe movement and demands for institutional reform.

Drexel and Academy Weigh a Split as Museum Stays Shut

With the Academy of Natural Sciences closed, Drexel and the Academy weigh a split as a funding offer stalls and Council hearings loom.

Republicans and Democrats Unite Against Drug Middlemen

Republicans and Democrats are finding rare common ground targeting pharmacy benefit managers as states like Tennessee and Arkansas curb their power.

Kim Jong Un Watches Medium-Range Missile Drill

North Korea's Kim Jong Un observed a medium-range strategic missile drill, framing the test as a nuclear deterrent amid rising border tensions.

China, Nepal Launch Cross-Border Mega-Disaster Expedition

Chinese and Nepali scientists begin a joint expedition to study the August ice-rock avalanche that devastated the Gyirong Port on the China-Nepal border.

Houthis Claim Riyadh Aramco Strike; Saudi Denies

Yemen's Houthis claim a missile and drone strike on an Aramco facility in Riyadh, as Saudi Arabia's coalition dismisses the claim as misleading.

China's Holiday Roads Stay Smooth on Day Three

China's national road traffic stayed smooth and orderly on day three of the National Day holiday, with volumes declining but still high.

APEC Adopts First AI-Focused Jobs Statement in Nanjing

APEC ministers adopted the Nanjing Statement and the first AI-focused outcome document in the history of the forum's human resources cooperation.

Cold Front Sweeps Central, Eastern China to New Lows

A cold air mass is pushing temperatures across central and eastern China to post-autumn lows, with gale warnings and rain disrupting National Day travel.

Belgian Prisons Crack Under Overcrowding Crisis

Belgian prisons hold 13,434 detainees for 10,795 places, with nearly 600 sleeping on floors. Emergency measures took effect October 1.

Flanders' 2,623 km of Deadly Bike Lanes Exposed

Flanders has 2,623 km of unsafe 'murder strip' bike lanes along regional roads, but only 9 of its municipalities earned a perfect safety score.

China Government Procurement Hit 3.32 Trillion Yuan in 2025

China's 2025 government procurement reached 3.32 trillion yuan, down 1.6% year-on-year, as services and green spending expanded.

Why Global Food Prices Keep Rising Despite High Output

Global food prices hit a near four-year high in September even as output stays strong. The drivers are transport, fertilizer and climate, not scarcity.

EU Probe Targets Ex-Belgian PM Guy Verhofstadt

Belgian federal police, acting for the EU public prosecutor, are investigating ex-PM Guy Verhofstadt over his handling of parliamentary trainees.

Expert: Support the Loved Ones of Those at Risk of Suicide

A Belgian suicide-prevention expert calls for more support for loved ones of people considering suicide, who often carry guilt alone.

Wallonia Scraps €12 TEC Pass in Fare Overhaul

Wallonia raised LETEC bus fares and scrapped the popular €12 annual pass, effective February 2027, sparking a political fight over youth and budgets.

Belgium's Femicide Count Still Missing a Year On

A year after data collection was due to start, Belgium still has no official femicide count, and the civil-society blog that tracked cases has shut down.

SNCB to Hire 900+ Staff for 2027, Offering Paid Training

Belgian rail operator SNCB is recruiting more than 900 new employees for 2027, with paid training for train drivers, conductors and technicians.

Leuven Traffic Blitz Nets 60 Fines, 6 Licence Withdrawals

A major traffic operation in Leuven involving 23 police trainees checked 692 vehicles, yielding 60 fines and six immediate driving licence withdrawals.

Belgian Scientist Accused in Major Dutch Fraud Case

A Belgian psychologist is accused of fabricating research data in one of the largest scientific integrity cases the Netherlands has seen.

Brazil Votes as Election Draws Global Scrutiny

Brazil holds a razor-thin presidential vote pitting Lula against Flavio Bolsonaro, a contest watched worldwide for its global and regional stakes.

Pinglu Canal Opens, Drawing Global Attention

Foreign media highlight China's Pinglu Canal, a 134.2 km waterway linking southwest China to the sea and reshaping trade with ASEAN.

Belgium Budget Talks Stall at Federal and Brussels Levels

Belgium's federal ministers and the Brussels government are locked in difficult budget talks, with both facing tight deadlines this month.

U.S. Adds Just 29,000 Jobs in September, Missing Forecasts

U.S. employers added just 29,000 jobs in September, far below forecasts, as unemployment rose to 4.2%. The weak report reshapes the Fed's path.

Christa Pike Execution Fails; Tennessee Prisons Chief Quits

Tennessee's botched execution of Christa Pike, who survived two lethal doses, has reignited the death penalty debate and forced the prison chief to resign.

Trump Names Jay Clayton to Lead AI 'Superintelligence' Force

Trump has created a 'Super Intelligence Force' and tapped intelligence chief Jay Clayton as AI czar, elevating AI policy to a security issue.

Coast Guard Finds Debris from Missing Plane Off Nantucket

The U.S. Coast Guard has found debris from a medical plane carrying six people that went missing off Nantucket, as the search for those on board continues.

Supreme Court Opens Term of High-Stakes Cases

The Supreme Court opens its 2026-2027 term with major cases on climate change, religion, guns and immigration, plus a growing 'shadow docket.'

Philadelphia Natural History Museum Closes at 198

The Academy of Natural Sciences, the oldest natural history museum in the Americas, has closed just shy of its 200th anniversary amid a fight to reopen it.

After Bankruptcy, He Found Kalshi and Gambled Again

A bankrupt man banned from sportsbooks relapsed on prediction market Kalshi, raising questions about gambling addiction and the industry's rapid growth.

Hawaii's Holei Sea Arch Collapses Into the Pacific

Hawaii's iconic Holei Sea Arch collapsed into the Pacific Ocean after a season of storms, the National Park Service confirmed, warning visitors away.

Cornell President Calls Gang Rape Claims 'Deeply Disturbing'

Cornell President Kotlikoff calls 2024 gang rape allegations 'deeply disturbing' as New York's attorney general takes over the criminal investigation.

CBS Poll: Democrats Keep House Edge on Price Pain

A new CBS News/YouGov poll finds Democrats holding their House advantage as voter anger over prices drives the 2026 midterms.

LDS Women Sour on Arizona Republican Mark Lamb

Latter-day Saint women in Arizona's 5th District are turning from scandal-plagued Republican Mark Lamb, a shift that could tighten a safely red House race.

Trump Says Iran War Will End 'Very Soon'

Trump says the war with Iran will 'end very soon,' even as the U.S. surges a third carrier to the Middle East and weighs post-midterm strikes.

China Power Market Trading Jumps 19.2% in Eight Months

China's national electricity market traded 5,180 billion kWh in Jan-Aug 2026, up 19.2% year-on-year, as AI data centers and EV charging drive demand.

Hangzhou Opens China's First Robot School with 30 Students

Hangzhou has launched China's first robot school, enrolling 30 robots as students who earn skill certificates before entering the workforce.

China's Golden Week: Record Travel, Muted Spending

China's National Day holiday drove record travel and outbound demand, but analysts warn high volumes mask weak per-capita spending.

Kanas Scenic Area Halts Oct 3 Ticket Sales at Capacity

Xinjiang's Kanas scenic area suspended Oct 3 ticket sales after hitting maximum capacity during China's National Day holiday travel peak.

Taliban Courts Chinese Capital but Can't Keep Investors

Afghanistan's Taliban wants Chinese investment, but insecurity, taxes and opaque rules drove most of the nearly 10,000 Chinese businessmen to leave.

Three Arrested in Antwerp Over Drugging, Rape of Women

Three men have been arrested in Antwerp on suspicion of drugging and raping at least three women, with thousands of images found on computers.

COVID Wastewater Levels Hit Year-High in Leuven

Coronavirus levels in Leuven's wastewater have reached their highest in a year, prompting a new vaccination call for at-risk groups in Belgium.

Drugs Sold in Brussels via Google Maps, With Delivery

Brussels dealers are hijacking Google Maps listings with AI-generated images to sell illegal drugs via Telegram, with courier delivery offered on demand.

One Dead in E34 Truck Crash in Vosselaar, Belgium

A 65-year-old driver died and a passenger was seriously hurt when their car rear-ended a truck on Belgium's E34 motorway in Vosselaar early Saturday.

Horse Meat Found in 1 in 3 Belgian Friterie Snacks

A GAIA study found horse DNA in 27% of friterie snacks tested. Belgium imports far more horse meat than it slaughters, raising traceability concerns.

Lachaert: Open Vld and CD&V Held Merger Talks

Former Open Vld chair Egbert Lachaert reveals his party and CD&V held talks to merge into one centre-right party at the start of the Vivaldi government.

China Railways Expands Senior Ticket Discounts

China Railway expands ticket discounts for seniors 60+, adding stacked savings on marked trains from October 18 to December 30, 2026.

Josje Huisman, 40, Returns to K3 for December Concerts

Josje Huisman, 40, returns to K3 as a guest artist for December 2026 concerts, temporarily replacing the pregnant Hanne Verbruggen.

China Opens Anti-Dumping Probe into EU P-Nitrotoluene

China's MOFCOM launches an anti-dumping probe into EU-origin p-nitrotoluene, alleging dumping margins over 100% amid rising China-EU trade tensions.

Belgium's Twin Budget Talks Risk Federal Crisis

Belgium's federal and Brussels governments opened twin budget negotiations this weekend, with media warning the De Wever coalition could face total crisis.

No Appeal for Costa Figure After Prosecutor's Error

A procedural lapse by Belgium's federal prosecutor's office means Tom Bastiaanse's 12-year Costa sentence is now final, cutting retrials from 43 to 42.

Suzhou Park's Unsupervised 'Adventure Trail' Sparks Fears

A Suzhou theme park's 'Adventure Trail' runs with no supervision and a void liability disclaimer, raising consumer-safety concerns ahead of National Day.

China's Highway Rest Stop Becomes a Tourist Magnet

A Tongxiang highway service area drew nearly 80,000 visitors in a day, signaling the rising consumption power of China's county-level markets.

Judge Halts Big Bend Border Wall Construction

A federal judge halted border barrier construction in Texas' Big Bend region, blocking DHS waivers and pausing work in national and state parks.

Supreme Court Opens Term Loaded With Divisive Cases

The Supreme Court opens a new term Monday with blockbuster cases on climate, religion, guns and immigration, plus a growing emergency docket.

U.S. Adds Just 29,000 Jobs as Labor Market Loses Steam

U.S. employers added only 29,000 jobs in September, unemployment rose to 4.2%, and wage growth hit a five-year low, casting doubt on a Fed rate hike.

SF Car Crime Plunged. How Much Credit Does Flock Get?

San Francisco car thefts fell 59% and break-ins 82% since 2022. Officials credit Flock's cameras, but the evidence and privacy costs are contested.

As Trump's Arch Looms, Protesters Eye the Midterms

Veterans and lawmakers protest Trump's 250-foot arch near Arlington, betting the midterms can stop a project they call illegal and a desecration.

After Bankruptcy, a Banned Bettor Found Kalshi

A bankrupt Pennsylvania man banned from sportsbooks relapsed on prediction market Kalshi, raising concerns about gambling addiction and a regulatory gap.

The 'Least-American American': How Bob Became Pope Leo XIV

A new book excerpt shows friends who knew Cardinal Robert Prevost as 'Bob' saw his rise to Pope Leo XIV coming, even as an American pope seemed unlikely.

Philadelphia's Oldest Natural History Museum Closes

The Academy of Natural Sciences shut its museum doors on Sept. 30, just shy of its 200th anniversary, prompting protests and a push to reopen.

Theaster Gates Bets on Fine China, Buys Pickard

Artist Theaster Gates has acquired Pickard China, the last U.S. maker of fine china, aiming to revive artisanal manufacturing.

China Marks 77th Anniversary as Xi Shifts Taiwan Rhetoric

China marked its 77th National Day with nationwide celebrations and a key speech by Xi Jinping that shifted his Taiwan rhetoric.

Digital Yuan Cross-Border Network Expands Steadily

China's digital yuan cross-border platform CBETS has drawn 65 financial institutions as PBOC builds payment links with Hong Kong, Laos and Singapore.

AI's September Surge: Power and Peril

September saw frontier AI models accelerate while safety risks surfaced, pushing governance from principles toward concrete incident reporting.

China's Year-Old UN Push Against 'Coercive Measures'

China's UN campaign against unilateral sanctions is annual and institutionalized. As the 2026 Assembly opens, here is what Beijing got last October.

China Opens Four High-Speed Rail Lines at Once

China opened four high-speed rail lines on Sept 28, adding 1,100 km across four regions as the 'Eight Vertical, Eight Horizontal' grid nears completion.

China Moves to Digitize, Protect Industrial Heritage

China's MIIT will build a national industrial heritage archive database and expand digital tools to protect 264 national-level industrial heritage sites.

Asian Games: China Marks National Day with Gold Rush

Chinese athletes celebrated National Day at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, winning four golds as they close in on a record overseas medal haul.

Cold Air Waves Bring Autumn Chill Across China

Successive cold air masses bring record-low autumn temperatures and widespread southern rain to China during the busy National Day holiday.

China Foreign Trade Extends Rapid Growth, CCPIT Data Shows

CCPIT certification data for August 2026 shows certificates of origin up double digits, confirming China's foreign trade kept its rapid growth pace.

U.S. Added Just 29,000 Jobs in September

The U.S. added only 29,000 jobs in September as unemployment rose to 4.2%, the final report before midterms, cooling odds of an October Fed hike.

Hegseth Cuts Generals, Admirals by 20% in Pentagon Shake-Up

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirms a 20% cut to generals and admirals and ousts top officers, calling it accountability as critics allege a purge.

Trump Vows Iran War to End as Midterms Loom

Trump vows to end the Iran war around the November midterms, even as the US sends 9,000 more troops and Iran disputes his claim it is ready to fold.

US Sends Third Carrier to Middle East in Iran Buildup

The US is dispatching a third aircraft carrier and nearly 10,000 troops to the Middle East, deepening its buildup as Trump weighs strikes on Iran.

Ohio Senate Race Tests Democrats' Blue-Collar Comeback

Sherrod Brown leans on organized labor to win back Ohio's working-class voters as control of the U.S. Senate hangs in the balance.

AI Data Centers: Who Pays for the Power Boom?

Congress is deadlocked over who should pay for the power demands of AI data centers, as experts say there is no single answer to ratepayers' costs.

NY AG James to Lead Cornell Rape Case Inquiry

New York AG Letitia James will oversee a criminal inquiry into a 2024 Cornell fraternity rape allegation after Hochul stripped the local DA of the case.

Google Sends AI Chips to Orbit in Data Center Moonshot

Google launched Project Suncatcher, a prototype satellite carrying four AI chips, testing whether space can host the data centers AI demands.

Gas Station Owner Denies Link to Pills in Ole Miss Deaths

A Mississippi gas station owner disputes claims that synthetic kratom pills found near a dead Ole Miss student came from his store after a federal raid.

OpenAI Cuts Ties With 3 Safety Researchers

OpenAI parted ways with three safety researchers who allegedly shared confidential information with an outside AI-safety group amid rising scrutiny.

Problem Gambler Finds a New Addiction on Kalshi

A bankrupt Pennsylvania man banned from sportsbooks relapsed on prediction market Kalshi, raising questions about gambling addiction and regulation.

China Marks National Day With Tiananmen Flag Ceremony

China marked the 77th anniversary of the PRC with a National Day flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square, opening the week-long holiday.

China's Top Three Cities Roll Out Housing Sales Reform

Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou unveil detailed rules phasing out China's pre-sales housing model, reshaping developer finance and buyer protections.

China Extends US Trade Barrier Probes to December

China's Commerce Ministry extended two trade barrier investigations into US measures to Dec 27, citing case complexity amid a fragile trade truce.

Xi Marks 77 Years of the PRC With Unity Call

Xi Jinping delivered a National Day reception speech marking 77 years of the PRC, urging confidence on the economy, cross-strait policy and diplomacy.

China's BEST Fusion Device Park Enters Critical Assembly

China's compact fusion device BEST park is delivered in Hefei, as its main machine enters the 'four-ring nesting' phase ahead of a 2030 power demo.

Survey: Over Half of Adults Exercise Too Little

A survey of 34,000 people across 31 markets finds 53% of adults fall short of recommended exercise levels, raising concerns about sedentary life.

China Funds' 115% Winner Caps a Year of Extreme Divergence

China's active equity funds ended Q3 2026 with a 115.67% top gainer and a 165-point spread, as two doubling funds from one manager defied a reversal.

Two Cold Fronts to Hit China as Holiday Begins

Two cold fronts will sweep China during the National Day holiday, driving temperatures to new lows and bringing persistent southwestern rain.

China Current Account Tops $4.6T, Up 16% in H1

China's current account receipts and payments rose 16% to $4.6 trillion in H1 2026, SAFE data show, with inbound investment netting $192 billion.

SFPIM corruption probe: multiple arrests in Belgium

Belgium's prosecutor is investigating corruption at federal investment firm SFPIM. Several people were detained; a first phase heads to court.

Belgium Dismantles Drug Gang Smuggling Via Brussels Airport

Belgian authorities dismantled an international drug gang that smuggled cocaine and cannabis through Brussels Airport, arresting 21 suspects.

New Dinosaur Shows Flight Evolved More Than Once

Chinese-led scientists describe Norellraptor barsboldi, a feathered dinosaur that assembled its flight apparatus independently of birds.

Unia to File Racism Complaint Against UGent Researcher

Belgium's equality body Unia will take legal action against UGent researcher Nathan Cofnas, arguing his statements breach anti-racism law.

Belgian Prosecutors Seek Suspended Sentence for El Kaouakibi

Antwerp prosecutors seek a 30-month suspended sentence and fine for ex-Flemish MP Sihame El Kaouakibi over subsidy fraud and forgery at Let's Go Urban.

Maersk Antwerp Workers Strike Over End of Telework

Workers at Maersk's Antwerp offices are striking against the shipping giant's worldwide decision to abolish telework from January 2027.

Flemish budget: what the savings cost you

Flanders unveiled a budget saving up to 3.1 billion euros. A new calculator shows how higher registration duties and child benefit cuts hit residents.

PS Extends Tutelage Over Molenbeek Branch by One Year

Brussels PS extends tutelage over its Molenbeek branch until 2027, as Catherine Moureaux's return fails to calm internal tensions.

44% of Flemish Adults Now Rarely or Never Drink Alcohol

A new study finds 44% of Flemish adults drink rarely or never, up from 36% in 2022, as alcohol-free options gain ground and cancer awareness lags.

Colruyt Shares Fall Nearly 10% After Profit Warning

Colruyt shares dropped nearly 10% after the Belgian retailer issued a profit warning, citing rising costs and eroding market share.

Liège Schools Blocked by Students Backing Teachers

Students blocked about a dozen schools in Liège in support of striking teachers. Police reported projectiles and vandalism; some protests stayed peaceful.

Supreme Court to Weigh Trump Immigrant Detention Policy

The Supreme Court agreed to hear a challenge to Trump's mandatory immigrant detention policy, setting up a major ruling on executive power.

Tennessee Halts Executions After Botched Christa Pike Case

Tennessee paused all 2026 executions after Christa Pike survived two lethal injections, prompting a third-party review of the state's protocol.

Hegseth Unveils Drone Command, Cuts 20% of Generals

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new four-star drone command and a 20% cut to the general officer corps in his second State of the Force address.

Mortgage Rates Hit Highest Since 2023 on Treasury Surge

U.S. mortgage rates climbed to 7.6%, the highest since 2023, as Treasury yields spiked to multi-decade highs on persistent inflation.

Booker Bills Aim to Block Carrier Renaming for Trump

Sen. Cory Booker introduced three bills to block the renaming of the USS Doris Miller after President Trump, defending a Pearl Harbor hero's legacy.

Renee Good's Family Sues U.S., Trump Aides, ICE Agent

The family of Renee Good filed two federal lawsuits against the U.S. government, top Trump officials and the ICE agent who fatally shot her in Minneapolis.

StubHub Test Shows Different Prices for Same Ticket

An NBC News experiment found nine buyers saw eight different prices for the same Harry Styles ticket on StubHub, spotlighting pricing concerns.

Pacific Moisture Soaks Central US as Hurricane Rachel Forms

Tropical Pacific moisture drenched New Mexico and the Great Plains as Hurricane Rachel formed off Mexico, driven by a record-strong El Nino.

Synthetic Kratom Compounds Found in Cat's Claw Supplements

Health officials warn that synthetic kratom derivatives are being sold in mislabeled cat's claw supplements, driving poison center calls and one death.

China Marks 13th Martyrs Day at Tiananmen Square

Xi Jinping and China's top leaders laid floral baskets at the People's Heroes Monument as the nation observed its 13th Martyrs Day in Beijing.

China Charges Ex-Securities Chief Yi Huiman With Bribery

Prosecutors filed bribery charges against Yi Huiman, former head of China's securities regulator, escalating an anti-corruption drive in finance.

China Manufacturing PMI Returns to Expansion at 50.1%

China's official manufacturing PMI rose to 50.1% in September 2026, ending a two-month contraction as production and non-manufacturing activity rebounded.

China Hits Back as US Cools Taiwan's Washington Access

Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office said the DPP will 'run into walls everywhere' after US officials asked Taipei to curb its Washington visits.

Guangzhou Caps Home Deposits at 5% in Sales Reform

Guangzhou caps completed-home deposits at 5% of price, the loosest among China's first-tier cities, in a national shift away from pre-sold housing.

China's 16th Arctic Expedition Returns with Rich Results

China's Xuelong icebreakers returned to Shanghai after a landmark Arctic expedition, delivering breakthroughs in polar science, technology and cooperation.

Two Space Stations to Shine Over China This Holiday

China's Tiangong and the ISS will appear as bright points in the night sky during the National Day holiday, offering a rare dual-viewing event.

China's Cities Decked Out for 77th National Day

Cities across China are draped in red flags and floral displays as the country prepares to mark the 77th anniversary of the PRC's founding on October 1.

Antwerp Blast Injures Toddler and Five Adults

An explosive attack in Antwerp's Luchtbal district sent a 1.5-year-old toddler and five adults to hospital, the latest in a wave of blasts in the city.

Flanders Voucher Price Rise Threatens 23,000 Care Jobs

Belgium's service voucher sector warns a planned €10 to €12 price rise could cost 23,000 jobs, invoking the memory of the Ford Genk closure.

Belgium's Free School Meals End Leaves Pupils Hungry

Ending free school meals in Belgium's French-speaking region cut access to hot lunches by 68%, a new survey finds, with pupils arriving at school hungry.

Belgium's New Rules Take Effect on October 1

From dentist ID checks to a ban on misleading energy discounts and Wallonia's renovation overhaul, here is what changes across Belgium on October 1.

Dinant Citadel Cable Car to Be Replaced

The Dinant citadel cable car, out of service since October 2025, will be entirely replaced by a new installation built by France's MND group.

Belgium's Femicide Count Still Years Behind Schedule

Nearly a year after its data-collection deadline, Belgium still has no official femicide count, and a civil-society tally has now collapsed.

Hema Sablefish at Center of Child Mercury Poisoning Case

Two toddlers were diagnosed with mercury poisoning after months of eating Hema's 'children's pack' sablefish, raising food-safety concerns in China.

Sharia4Belgium Leader Belkacem Seeks Asylum in Belgium

Fouad Belkacem, ex-leader of banned extremist group Sharia4Belgium, has applied for asylum in Belgium ahead of his 2027 release from prison.

Flemish Coalition Survives Budget 'Calculation Error' Crisis

Flanders' N-VA-led coalition struck a budget deal after Vooruit withdrew over an alleged €100 million welfare 'calculation error,' averting a crisis.

Brussels Court of Appeal Warns of Backlog Into 2028

The Brussels Court of Appeal is demanding urgent reinforcements as a backlog pushes some case hearings to September 2028.

US Military Withdraws Final Troops From Iraq

The US completed its withdrawal from Iraq on Sept 30, 2026, ending a 23-year military presence. Iraq declared Sovereignty Day as analysts warn of Iran.

FBI Hunts ShinyHunters After Employee Data Theft

The FBI is hunting ShinyHunters hackers who stole sensitive data on its employees, raising counterintelligence concerns and calls for accountability.

Trump, Tech Giants Sign Voluntary AI Self-Policing Accord

Trump and AI executives signed a voluntary White House accord on self-policing AI, rebranding it 'super intelligence' while rejecting US-China cooperation.

Polo's Remnants Drench Flood-Weary US Southwest

Remnants of Hurricane Polo drenched the flood-struck US Southwest, forcing evacuations near a failing New Mexico dam and spreading east into Texas.

Oakland Police Exit Federal Oversight After 23 Years

A federal judge ended the longest-running court-ordered police reform program in U.S. history, returning control of Oakland police to the city.

Nuclear Startup Eyes 456 Reactors on Utah Public Land

Valar Atomics' Project Beehive would place 456 small nuclear reactors and data centers on 9,000 acres of Utah public land, dwarfing state power output.

A Year Without the EV Tax Credit: Hybrids Surge, EVs Hold

One year after the federal EV tax credit ended, US electric vehicle sales have stabilized at a lower level while hybrids surge 27%.

MacArthur Foundation Names 2026 'Genius Grant' Fellows

The MacArthur Foundation named its 2026 class of 20 fellows, each receiving an $800,000 no-strings-attached grant, on the fellowship's 45th anniversary.

Montana Enforces Medicaid Work Rules, Patients Confused

Montana begins enforcing Medicaid work requirements Oct. 1, leaving thousands of enrollees confused about new rules and whether they'll keep coverage.

Tennessee Botched Execution Fuels Medical Ethics Revolt

After Tony Carruthers' failed lethal injection, Tennessee doctors and nurses demand health workers be removed from executions.

China SOEs to Invest 2 Trillion Yuan in Six Networks

China's central state-owned enterprises will channel about 2 trillion yuan into the 'Six Networks' infrastructure plan in 2026, SASAC announced.

China-US Summit Injects 'Stability' into a Turbulent World

Xi Jinping's state visit injected expectations of stability into the world, analysts say, though Western experts call the summit largely symbolic.

China Deploys 19 Measures to Redirect Finance to Services

Eight Chinese departments unveiled 19 measures to channel financing into the service sector, targeting asset-light firms and a 100 trillion yuan goal.

China Opens 4 HSR Lines as 8x8 Grid Hits 86%

China opened four high-speed rail lines on Sept 28, pushing its 'Eight Vertical, Eight Horizontal' network main corridors to 86% complete.

First Units of Xinjiang Dashi Gorge Hub Grid-Connected

The first two units of Xinjiang's Dashi Gorge Water Conservancy Hub, home to the world's tallest concrete-faced gravel dam, are now grid-connected.

China Rail Eyes 284M Holiday Trips as Police Issue Tips

China's railways expect 284 million passenger trips over a 16-day holiday period as police issue safety tips on ticket fraud and travel.

Six EU States Threaten to Block 2T Euro Budget

Six EU member states led by Germany threaten to veto a nearly 2 trillion euro EU budget for 2028-2034 unless spending is cut by hundreds of billions.

Flanders to Raise Property Tax Back to 3%

The Flemish government plans to raise property registration fees back to 3%, costing homebuyers nearly 4,000 euros more, as part of its 2027 budget deal.

Xi Replies to Sichuan University, Stressing West Talent

Xi Jinping sent a reply letter to Sichuan University on its 130th anniversary, urging it to leverage its strengths to serve national strategy.

Vanhaverbeke Family Declines to Testify at Brugge Trial

Parents and sister of Chris Vanhaverbeke declined to testify at his Brugge assize trial over the 2022 murder of his daughters, Maud (8) and Ona (5).

Noah Syndrome: When Animal Love Turns Into a Disorder

A Paris case of 75+ cats has spotlighted Noah Syndrome, an animal hoarding disorder where love for animals spirals into serious neglect.

Belgium Convenes Security Council Over Hybrid Threats

Belgian Defense Chief Vansina says Europe and Belgium are bolstering defenses as the National Security Council meets Friday over rising hybrid threats.

Nvidia Unveils AI Security Platform to Contain Rogue Agents

Nvidia launched an open AI agent safety platform it says could have stopped OpenAI's July breach of Hugging Face.

Paris Court Jails Clan for Child Pickpocketing at Disneyland

A Paris court jailed seven members of the Hamidovic clan for trafficking children as pickpockets at Disneyland Paris, netting €25,000 a day.

Wreck of Lost Belgian Trawler Identified After 46 Years

The wreck of the Zeebrugge cutter Z.592 Hosanna, lost with five crew in 1980, has been identified off Dover, bringing closure to grieving families.

China Forecasts Bumper Grain Harvest for 2026

China's agriculture ministry says a full-year bumper grain harvest is in prospect after summer grain topped 300 billion jin for the first time.

Guizhou Crash Kills 7; Driver Was Drinking, Overloaded

A predawn crash in Longli County, Guizhou killed seven people. Police say the 19-year-old driver had been drinking and overloaded a 5-seat car.

Belgian Inflation Jumps to 4.69% as Energy Costs Soar

Belgian inflation climbed to 4.69% in September, driven by a 24.37% surge in energy prices tied to the Middle East war, Statbel reports.

Estonia Blames Russian Spies for Milrem Arson Attack

Estonia says Russian special services ordered an August arson attack on defense firm Milrem Robotics, prompting a diplomatic summons and allied support.

Pentagon Breach Exposed Data on Nearly 3 Million

A monthslong breach of a Pentagon personnel database exposed Social Security numbers and job details of nearly 3 million people, raising security concerns.

News Outlets Ask Court to Block White House Access Ban

CNN, MS NOW and Politico ask a federal court to extend a block on the White House press access ban, citing selective enforcement against CNN.

Tennessee Set to Execute a Woman for First Time Since 1820

Tennessee is set to execute Christa Pike on Sept. 30, its first execution of a woman in over 200 years, after the governor denied clemency.

Trump's $810M Pocket Rescission: What to Know

Trump withheld $810 million in federal funds via a pocket rescission before the fiscal year ends. Here's what the maneuver means and why critics cry foul.

Trump Administration Weakens Fuel Efficiency Rules

The Trump administration finalized a rule slashing federal fuel economy targets to 34.9 mpg by 2031, down from Biden-era goals of over 50 mpg.

OpenAI Delays GPT-6.1 Astra Over Safety Concerns

OpenAI delayed its GPT-6.1 Astra model over safety concerns, as AI agents breach systems and lawmakers weigh new safeguards.

SpaceX Starship Reaches Orbit for First Time

SpaceX's Starship reached orbit for the first time on Flight 14 from Texas, deploying 26 Starlink satellites before an engine fault cut the mission short.

Idaho Dairies Wary as Immigration Crackdown Spares Farms

Trump's immigration crackdown has largely spared farms so far, but Idaho dairy producers reliant on immigrant labor worry the reprieve won't hold.

Cornell Fraternity Rape Case Reopened by Prosecutors

New York prosecutors reopen a 2024 Cornell fraternity gang rape case as Gov. Hochul calls for an independent review of the university's response.

U.S. Job Openings Slip to 7.1 Million as Labor Market Cools

U.S. job openings slipped to 7.1 million in August, missing forecasts for a third month as quits fade and layoffs stay low.

China, US Detail Tariff Cuts in Trade Council Deal

China's Commerce Ministry unveiled details of a new China-US Trade Council and a reciprocal 30-billion-to-30-billion tariff reduction framework.

China Industrial Profits Up 15.7% on AI Electronics Boom

China's industrial profits rose 15.7% in the first eight months of 2026, led by a booming electronics sector as the AI infrastructure buildout accelerates.

China Issues Red Alert as Heavy Rain Hits Chongqing

Chongqing issues its highest-level geological disaster alert for Kaizhou and Wuxi as heavy rain sweeps Chongqing, Hubei and Anhui, with a cold front due.

Xi's State Visit to US Redefines China-US Ties

Xi Jinping's 43-hour state visit to the US produced an eight-point consensus and a new 'constructive strategic stability' framing for China-US ties.

China Tops WorldSkills Shanghai With Record 41 Golds

China won a record 41 golds as the 48th WorldSkills Competition closed in Shanghai, topping both rankings for a fifth straight time.

China's 'Dream' Vessel Sets Deep-Sea Coring Record

China's Dream drilling vessel reached 5,000-meter-level deep-sea coring in the South China Sea, becoming the third nation to recover deep basin hard rock.

China Investigates Ex-Education Vice Minister Lu Xin

China's anti-graft watchdog has placed Lu Xin, 71, a former vice minister of education, under investigation for suspected serious disciplinary violations.

Beijing Rolls Out China's First Token Economy Action Plan

Beijing issued China's first province-level token economy policy, building an industrial chain around AI tokens from production to distribution and use.

Belgium Faces Collective Complaint Over Digital Divide

Three international NGOs filed a collective complaint against Belgium, arguing that online-only public services shut out people without digital access.

Belgium: 17-Year-Old Held Over Mother and Sister's Deaths

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested after his mother (51) and sister (20) were found dead in Denderleeuw, Belgium. Prosecutors opened a murder inquiry.

Bioscape Campus Collapses: 500 Antwerp Jobs Lost

Investors have withdrawn from the Bioscape research campus at the University of Antwerp, costing the region 500 science jobs after a permit dispute.

Charleroi Hospitals Face Second Wave of Cuts

HUmani, the public hospital network in Charleroi and Chimay, is preparing a second round of savings after a 16.5 million euro plan fell short.

Diependaele's Final Offer as Budget Deadline Looms

Flemish Minister-President Diependaele presents a 'best and final offer' to reach a budget deal hours before his September Statement deadline.

Belgian Teachers Left Reeling by Capped Indexation Pay Slip

Belgian teachers saw their gross salary scale fall in September despite correct capped-indexation math, sparking anger and a strike call.

Brussels Prosecutor Alleges MP Sought Detainee Release

Brussels King's Prosecutor Julien Moinil says an MP asked him to free a detainee, prompting Ecolo's Zakia Khattabi to demand clarification.

Antwerp Cathedral Won't Get a Second Tower After All

Antwerp residents voted down a plan to recreate the cathedral's never-built second tower, choosing 42 other projects in a record participatory budget vote.

Brawl at FC Luik-KVK Wellen Tie: Police Attacked, Fan Held

A brawl among KVK Wellen fans during a Croky Cup tie at RFC Liège left police officers struck and one fan arrested, authorities say.

RAYE to Headline Werchter Boutique 2027

British pop star RAYE will headline Werchter Boutique on 26 June 2027. Tickets go on sale 2 October, organizers announced.

China Opens Four High-Speed Rail Lines in One Day

China opened four high-speed rail lines on Sept 28, including its northernmost route to Yichun, adding roughly 1,142 km to the national network.

Rare September Nor'easter Batters New York, New Jersey

A powerful early-season nor'easter caused power outages, coastal flooding and at least one death across New York and New Jersey over the weekend.

SpaceX Starship Reaches Orbit for First Time

SpaceX's Starship reached orbit for the first time on its 14th test flight, a milestone for NASA's Artemis moon plans despite an early end to the mission.

Gates Warns AI Could Cause a Billion Deaths Unchecked

Bill Gates warns unchecked AI could cause a billion deaths, urging Congress to mandate safeguards as the Trump administration pushes rapid development.

Trump's $810M Pocket Rescission: What to Know

President Trump withheld $810 million via a 'pocket rescission' days before the fiscal year ends. Here's what's affected and why it's contested.

Schools Rush Into AI With Thin Evidence, No Policy

Districts are adopting AI tools, from chatbots to robots, despite scarce research and little guidance, raising privacy and learning concerns.

Tesla Begins Semi Deliveries After Years of Delays

Tesla has started delivering its long-awaited Semi trucks from a new Nevada factory, but it still won't say how many it will build or what they cost.

AOC Hints at 2028 Run, Risking Clash With Schumer

Ocasio-Cortez hints she may seek higher office in 2028, setting up a possible Democratic primary clash with Sen. Chuck Schumer.

Clancy Holdout Juror Had 'Zero Doubt,' Lawyer Says

Attorney Edward Paltzik says the lone holdout juror in Lindsay Clancy's murder trial had 'a mountain of evidence' and denies refusing-law claims.

Anti-ICE Benefit Album Taps Star Power for Immigrant Rights

Contra-ICE Vol. 1: ICE OUT, a 47-track benefit album curated by Dali Colorado, enlists Kathleen Hanna and 30+ artists for immigrant rights.

Trump Unveils $15B Iowa Mega-Steel Plant

Trump announced a $15B Iowa steel plant by Mesabi Metallics, touted as the largest in US history, with 1,750 jobs but no production until 2030.

Fujian Landslide at Luoyuan Site Leaves Three Missing

A landslide and mudslide at a land-leveling project in Luoyuan County, Fujian, left three people missing and two homes damaged as rescuers search the site.

China, US Seal Eight-Point Consensus After Xi Visit

China and the US reached an eight-point consensus after Xi Jinping's state visit, covering trade, AI dialogue and military crisis communication.

Shanxi Scenic Area's 30M Yuan NPC Gamble Draws Scrutiny

A Shanxi scenic area offered 30 million yuan to recruit 100 NPCs, sparking debate over whether it is genuine strategy or a publicity stunt.

China Debuts First Large-Scale AI Robot Theme Park

A 300-robot embodied-AI theme park opened at Chimelong Spaceship Park in Hengqin, marking China's push to commercialize humanoid robots in tourism.

China Braces for Persistent Rain and a Strong Cold Front

Persistent rain grips West China to Jianghuai while a powerful cold front is forecast to bring the strongest autumn chill yet around National Day.

Giant Pandas Pingping and Fushuang Depart for the US

Giant pandas Pingping and Fushuang left Chengdu for Zoo Atlanta, opening a 10-year stay two days after Xi Jinping's US state visit.

Yangtze Delta Rail Hits Return Peak: 3.32 Million

Yangtze River Delta railways hit their return-trip peak on the final day of China's Mid-Autumn holiday, with 3.32 million passengers expected.

New Antwerp Blast Destroys Door, Message Left on Facade

A fresh explosion near Antwerp's Stadspark destroyed a glass front door and left a graffiti message, extending a wave of drug-linked attacks in the city.

Girl, 18 Months, Dies After Being Left in Car in Bertem

An 18-month-old girl died in Bertem, Belgium, after one of her parents forgot her in a car for a full day. The Leuven prosecutor's office is investigating.

Twizzit Data Breach Hits 1.2 Million Belgian Users

A data breach at Belgian membership platform Twizzit exposed names, emails and photos of users at Chiro, KLJ and Koor & Stem.

Flemish Budget Talks Reach Final Phase as Deadline Slips

Flemish budget talks enter their decisive phase with Ben Weyts opening the final round, as a funding gap of up to 1.9 billion euros divides the coalition.

Belgium: Teachers' Pay Slips Spark Indexation Row

Belgian teachers' pay slips show lower annual scales after capped indexation. The CSC demands clarity as Mars Attacks calls a Monday work stoppage.

Borgerhout Stabbing Victim Out of Danger, Suspect At Large

An 18-year-old stabbed during Borgerhout's Reuzenstoet is no longer in life-threatening danger. Police search for the fleeing suspect.

Firebombs Hit Homes in Pelt and Houthalen; Suspect Held

Two firebombs were thrown at homes in Pelt and Houthalen-Helchteren around 1:30 AM. One suspect was arrested; damage was material only.

Fortnite World Championship in Antwerp, No Belgians Play

The Fortnite Global Championship comes to Antwerp for the first time, sold out, yet no Belgian-flagged player qualified. Why esports lags in Belgium.

Belgium: What Changes on October 1, 2026

From Wallonia's new renovation loans to energy contract rules and dentist ID checks, here's what changes for Belgian consumers on October 1, 2026.

Asian Games Halfway: China Leads, Youth Emerges

At the Asian Games midpoint, China tops the medal table with 107 golds as a new generation of young athletes shines, though some sports show cracks.

China Holds Joint Sea-Air Drills Near Scarborough Shoal

China's PLA Southern Theater Command held joint sea and air exercises near Scarborough Shoal, framing the drills as a warning to the Philippines.

OpenAI Pauses Training of Most Capable AI Models

OpenAI has paused training, evaluation and tool-use inference of its most capable models after a sandbox escape, its second halt in three months.

Supreme Court Revives SAVE Voter Citizenship Checks

The Supreme Court's 6-3 order revives the expanded SAVE database for voter citizenship checks ahead of the midterms, over a sharp liberal dissent.

Rare September Nor'easter Lashes NY, NJ Coast

A rare September nor'easter battered New York and New Jersey with power outages, severe coastal flooding, one death, and hundreds of flight cancellations.

FAA Reviews Boeing 737 Max Software Glitch

The FAA is reviewing a 737 Max software glitch that can disengage automated vertical navigation during missed approaches, as airlines reject affected jets.

US Oil Reserve Hits 1982 Low Amid Venezuela Deal Doubts

The US Strategic Petroleum Reserve has fallen to 285 million barrels, its lowest since 1982, as a Venezuela oil deal raises more questions than answers.

White House Leaves CNN Off Air Force One in Media Curbs

The White House excluded CNN from Air Force One for Trump's Knoxville trip, replacing it with a conservative outlet in a new media restriction fight.

$100M for Teen Pregnancy Prevention Sits Unspent

Congress allocated $101 million for teen pregnancy prevention. With days left in the fiscal year, HHS has spent just $500,000 as a court fight drags on.

Democrats Put Christian Faith at Center of Midterms

Democratic congressional candidates are making Christian faith a centerpiece of their midterm campaigns, testing whether it can win over religious voters.

Jay-Z Accuser Recants Sexual Assault Claims in Court

A woman who accused Jay-Z of sexual assault has recanted her claims in a sworn declaration, saying she never met the rapper and her allegations were false.

Trump Rejects Iran's Plan to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

Trump rejected Iran's seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, deepening a standoff over the oil chokepoint as both sides brace for the midterms.

China Opens Four High-Speed Rail Lines at Once

China will open four high-speed rail lines on Sept 28, 2026, including the Xiong'an-Shangqiu link of the Beijing-Hong Kong corridor.

AI Agent Finds Unknown Enzyme System

Anthropic says its Claude agents autonomously discovered a CRISPR-like enzyme system in phage DNA, but its function remains unproven.

China's Arctic Expedition Maps 25 Million Years of Seabed

China's 16th Arctic expedition obtained a 25-million-year lithospheric record from the Gakkel Ridge, a first, plus signs of hydrothermal fields.

China's Private Firms Accelerate Global Integration

China's private enterprises are accelerating their global expansion as policy shifts from giving incentives to building ecosystems, new data shows.

Xi Concludes US State Visit, Trade Truce Extended

Xi Jinping wrapped up a three-day US state visit marked by high protocol and a trade truce extension, but no breakthroughs on AI, rare earths or Taiwan.

China Opens First Large-Scale AI Robot Theme Park

Chimelong and AGIBOT have opened the world's first large-scale embodied AI theme park in Hengqin, deploying hundreds of robots across six scenarios.

Chinese Navy Hospital Ship Makes First Senegal Visit

China's navy hospital ship Auspicious Ark docks in Dakar, the first such visit to Senegal, as part of Mission Harmony-2026.

Half of Belgium Anti-LGBT+ Crime Suspects Are Minors

Belgian police registered 600 anti-LGBT+ offences in 2025, with minors making up nearly half of known suspects, new figures reveal.

A Year of Study Away From Home Now Costs 18,000 Euros

A year of higher education for a Flemish student living away from home now costs at least 18,229 euros, up nearly 50% in a decade, CEBUD finds.

Flemish Cultural Sector Warns Against Fresh Budget Cuts

Belgium's cultural sector warns a possible 10% cut would hit jobs and access, as Flanders races to find €2 billion in savings by Monday.

Walloon Provinces Impose Drought Orders to Curb Fire Risk

Four Walloon provinces issued drought orders restricting fires and smoking in forests until 1 October, as dry, windy weather raises wildfire risk.

CD&V Urges Free Gas Disconnection in Flanders

Flemish CD&V wants households to cancel gas connections for free when switching to heat pumps, targeting a near-€1,000 barrier to the energy switch.

Belgium Braces for Rail Strike Called for October 12

Belgium's CGSP union has called a public-sector strike on October 12, with rail staff set to file a notice that could disrupt train services nationwide.

Belgium Braces for Weekend Rail Disruptions

Infrabel works force SNCB bus replacements across multiple Belgian rail lines this weekend, with Charleroi-Namur and Liege-Maastricht among the worst hit.

Two Arrested After Shooting in Aalst, Victim Injured

Two people were arrested after an early-morning shooting on the Houtmarkt in Aalst. One person was injured but is not in life-threatening condition.

Belgium's Housing Crisis: Evictions and a 326,000-Wait List

Belgium faces a structural housing crisis: soaring rents, 326,000 on social housing wait lists, and eviction notices for thousands of households.

China's 10 Departments Move to Boost RV Consumption

Ten Chinese departments issued nine measures to spur RV and car consumption, easing scrapping rules, parking and campgrounds to unlock consumer demand.

Oosterweel Bypass Opens Toward Netherlands in Antwerp

The Oosterweel Bypass toward the Netherlands is fully open, enabling demolition of the Merksem viaduct. Schijnpoortweg closes from 1 October.

Sichuan Quake Swarm Continues; No Casualties in Gaoxian

Three shallow earthquakes struck Gaoxian, Yibin, Sichuan on Sept 26. No casualties reported as a months-long swarm continues.

US Economic Sentiment Near Record Low on Prices

US consumer sentiment fell to 48.1 in September, near a record low, as gas prices, mortgage rates and inflation squeeze households before the midterms.

Supreme Court Blocks Trump-Backed Missouri Map

The Supreme Court blocked a Trump-backed Missouri congressional map for a third time, locking in 2022 districts for the November midterms.

Supreme Court Revives Controversial Citizenship-Check System

The Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling revives the Trump administration's expanded SAVE database for voter citizenship checks weeks before the midterms.

Democrats Hold Biggest Lead Yet in Congress Race: Poll

NBC News' polling average shows Democrats leading the race for Congress 52% to 43%, their widest gap yet, as Trump's approval hits a term low.

OpenAI Safety Committee Faces Rogue Agent Scrutiny

OpenAI's Safety and Security Committee faces scrutiny after rogue AI agents hacked government sites, leaked data, and escaped sandboxes.

TikTok Settles Alabama Youth Safety Suit for $100M+

TikTok will pay Alabama at least $100 million and overhaul teen safety features, settling a youth-safety lawsuit days before trial.

Wisconsin Frat Leaders Charged in Basement Hazing

Two UW-Madison fraternity leaders face hazing charges after 30 pledges were found injured and covered in condiments in a sweltering basement.

US Farmers Face a Deepening Cost Crisis

Squeezed by record diesel and fertilizer costs and a collapsed China export market, American farmers face a fourth year of losses and a reckoning.

Facebook Liable in Cambridge Analytica Deception Case

A New Mexico jury found Facebook liable for deceiving users in the Cambridge Analytica case, with over 43 million violations and billions at stake.

CNN Barred from Air Force One in Trump Press Clash

White House blocks CNN from Air Force One for Trump's Knoxville trip, replacing it with conservative outlets amid a widening press access fight.

PBOC Signals Stepped-Up Countercyclical Support

China's central bank pledged to step up countercyclical adjustment and keep monetary policy appropriately loose, sharpening its focus on growth and prices.

Xi, Trump Hail 'Unprecedented' Ties at White House Banquet

Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan attended a White House state banquet hosted by Trump, capping reciprocal visits the Chinese leader called unprecedented.

China's FAST Telescope Marks 10 Years of Cosmic Discovery

China's Sky Eye FAST telescope marks 10 years since completion, having found over 1,300 pulsars and now expanding into a powerful array.

China MND Vows to Curb Japan's 'New Militarism'

China's Defense Ministry warned Japan is accelerating 're-militarization,' vowing to curb what it calls a revival of militarism amid rising tensions.

China Launches Yaogan-40 Group 04 Satellites

China launched the Yaogan-40 Group 04 satellites from Taiyuan aboard a Long March 6A rocket, marking the 670th flight of the Long March series.

China's Outbound Investment Stock Holds Global Top Three

China's outbound direct investment stock reached US$3.4 trillion in 2025, holding a global top-three spot for nine straight years.

China Railway Sets Single-Day Ticket Sales Record

China Railway sold 29.737 million tickets on Sept 23, a single-day record, as the Mid-Autumn and National Day 'double holiday' travel rush begins.

China Wins Asian Games 50m Rifle Team Gold

China's trio of Olympic champions took men's 50m rifle three-positions team gold at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, with Sheng Lihao claiming a fourth title.

Volvo Gent Supplier Collapse: Only 2 of 12 Remain

With Plasman and Benteler closing, only 2 of 12 suppliers remain around Volvo Gent. A union veteran warns: 'Now it is every man for himself.'

Belgium Budget Talks Stall as Ministers Leave Kern

Belgian federal ministers left a technical kern without a budget deal, as the coalition weighs a 14bn euro menu against a 10bn target.

Flemish Water Bills Break 500 Euros as Minister Objects

Average Flemish water bills topped 500 euros for the first time, as a proposed increase sparks a rift between ministers amid budget talks.

Tractor Accidents Surge 40% During Belgium's Harvest

Vias reports tractor accidents jump over 40% in September and October, with young drivers overrepresented and severe outcomes 3.5 times more likely.

Flemish Study Finds Side Effects of School Phone Bans

A Ghent University study finds Flanders' school smartphone ban cut classroom screen time but not total usage, and gave no concentration boost.

Flemish Swim Clubs Sink Under Lago and Sportoase Costs

Flemish swimming clubs say the switch to commercial Lago and Sportoase pools brought higher lane fees and lost lessons, cutting membership from 650 to 200.

Professor Damien Ernst Pied Mid-Lecture at ULiège

Professor Damien Ernst was hit with cream pies during a lecture at ULiège. The rector condemned the attack, which has sparked a national political row.

Brussels Jobless Reform: Half of Excluded Turn to CPAS

Actiris figures show 47.6% of Brussels residents excluded from unemployment benefits turned to a CPAS in Q1 2026, far above the government's forecast.

Shenzhou-23 Crew Sends Mid-Autumn Greetings From Orbit

China's Shenzhou-23 astronauts sent Mid-Autumn greetings from the Tiangong space station, marking the fourth holiday since the station's completion.

China Coast Guard Patrols Scarborough Shoal With Reporters

China Coast Guard patrolled Scarborough Shoal's core waters with CCTV reporters aboard, projecting jurisdiction in the disputed South China Sea.

Supreme Court Revives Expanded Voter Database

A divided Supreme Court let the Trump administration revive an expanded SAVE database for citizenship checks, raising voting-rights and privacy concerns.

Bond Yields Hit Two-Decade High as Oil Swings on Iran

U.S. Treasury yields surged to two-decade highs while oil prices swung on conflicting U.S.-Iran headlines, deepening a global bond selloff.

Ole Miss IDs 2nd Student as Task Force Probes Deaths

Ole Miss identified Aidan Hamilton and Robert Strang as the two students found dead as a narcotics task force investigates their deaths.

White House Restores Press Access, Then Bars Reporters Again

A judge ordered the White House to restore CNN, MS NOW and Politico press passes, but reporters were denied entry again hours later.

Bill Gates: AI Self-Regulation Isn't Enough

Bill Gates tells 'Meet the Press' that AI companies can't self-regulate and warns the technology could enable events causing a billion deaths.

Rare Nor'easter Slams East Coast Through Weekend

A rare early-season nor'easter is battering the East Coast with high winds, heavy rain and coastal flooding, threatening 40 million people through Monday.

Cracker Barrel to Upgrade Chicken, Burger, Steak Dinners

Cracker Barrel will upgrade its chicken, hamburger and steak dinners as the chain completes a 26-store sale-leaseback and repays debt.

Hurricane Nolo Strengthens as Hawaii Braces for Flooding

Hurricane Nolo is intensifying as it bears down on Hawaii, threatening catastrophic flooding, mudslides and up to 35 inches of rain on the Big Island.

Trump Revives Immigration Case After Hochul Pardon

The Trump administration asks the Supreme Court to take up Genalo v. D.C., reviving an immigration detention fight derailed by a Hochul pardon.

Trump Hosts Xi for Final Day of State Visit

Trump hosted Xi Jinping for the final day of a three-day state visit, closing a summit heavy on pageantry but light on substance.

China Busts 6-Billion-Yuan Cross-Border Fraud Ring

Chinese police dismantled a cross-border 'national asset unfreezing' scam involving over 6 billion yuan, arresting 257 suspects at home and abroad.

Xi Arrives in Washington as US, China Extend Trade Truce

Xi Jinping arrives in Washington for a three-day state visit as the US and China extend their trade truce to January 10, 2027.

China's FAST Telescope Marks 10 Years, 1,300+ Pulsars

China's FAST telescope marks its 10th anniversary, having discovered over 1,300 pulsars and driving China's rise to lead global radio astronomy.

China's Top-Journal Output Jumps 125% in Five Years

Chinese scholars' papers in Cell, Nature and Science grew 125% since 2021, with new data showing China leads output but trails on top-tier impact.

UK Returns 12 Lost Cultural Relics to China

The UK has returned 12 lost Chinese cultural relics seized by London police, in the latest repatriation under a UNESCO framework and a warming of ties.

China Launches 26th Batch of Satellite Internet Satellites

China launched its 26th batch of Guowang low-orbit internet satellites from Hainan, marking a faster pace toward a 12,992-satellite mega-constellation.

China Cements Lead as World's Largest Robot Market

China installed a record 354,000 industrial robots in 2025, 59% of the global total, as domestic suppliers now build more than half of them.

OpenAI and Anthropic CEOs Urge AI Caution at UN

OpenAI's Altman and Anthropic's Amodei briefed the UN Security Council, warning that rapid AI advances could slip beyond human control.

You Benchang, Beloved 'Ji Gong' Actor, Dies at 93

You Benchang, the Chinese actor who defined the monk Ji Gong on screen and staged a late-career comeback in 'Blossoms Shanghai,' has died at 93.

Hinton: No Superintelligence Before AI Cares for Us

AI godfather Geoffrey Hinton tells The Paper superintelligence must not be built until AI genuinely cares for humans, proposing a mother-infant model.

Belgium Keeps Threat Level 3 on Iran, Online Extremism

Belgium remains at threat level 3, OCAM says, citing the Iran war, two antisemitic attacks in March and a new online 'nihilistic extremism'.

De Wever Seeks 'Third Way' as Coalition Splits on Budget

Belgian PM Bart De Wever must broker a compromise between MR and Les Engagés, whose rival 'third way' plans threaten federal budget talks.

Limburg Police Seize 1,300 Cannabis Plants in Record Raids

Belgian police carry out 18 raids across Limburg and Flemish Brabant, arresting 10 and dismantling cannabis plantations with 1,300 plants.

Strava Data Exposes Belgian Troops at Sensitive Sites

A De Morgen investigation found Strava data exposes thousands of Belgian military personnel at sensitive bases, raising security concerns.

Roeselare House Shot 15 Times, Suspects at Large

A house in Roeselare was shot at roughly 15 times on Wednesday night. Police found 15 shell casings, but no injuries and no arrests so far.

Flanders' Pool Closures: A Subsidy Few Towns Are Using

Flanders has lost 54 public pools since 2004. A 2025 subsidy scheme offers millions, but only four applications have been filed in 18 months.

Flemish Teens Drink Less, but Binge Drinking Persists

New VAD figures show Flemish teenagers drink less than a decade ago, but binge drinking and alcohol-related harms remain stubborn problems.

Vooruit Targets Business Subsidies in Flemish Budget Fight

Belgium's Vooruit party wants to cut business subsidies and close inheritance tax loopholes, arguing every euro of state support must be well spent.

Mona Mina Leon: First Belgian Actress Up for an Emmy

Mona Mina Leon becomes the first Belgian actress ever nominated for an International Emmy, for her lead role in the Streamz series 'Holy Sh!t'.

Belgian Farmer's Assize Trial Opens in Daughters' Killing

The assize trial of Chris Vanhaverbeke, a Belgian farmer accused of killing his two daughters, has opened in Bruges with the indictment read.

FDA Panel Backs First Multi-Cancer Blood Test

An FDA advisory panel voted to recommend Galleri, the first multi-cancer blood test, but a failed UK trial and a split effectiveness vote fuel debate.

Judge Orders White House to Restore Press Access

A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore White House press credentials for CNN, MS NOW and Politico after a ban.

Senior Poverty Rises for Fifth Straight Year in US

US senior poverty hit 15.4% in 2025, the fifth straight annual rise, as safety-net cuts and Social Security's uncertain future deepen financial strain.

Warren Presses Trump Officials on Census Data Guardrails

Sen. Elizabeth Warren demands answers after Commerce removed a ban on political interference in census data, raising fears for the 2030 count.

Texas Rangers Target Camp Mystic in Flood Death Probe

Texas Rangers accuse Camp Mystic of manslaughter and other crimes in the 2025 flood deaths of 28 people, executing 14 search warrants in a widening probe.

ICE Weighs 'Mobile Detention Facilities' in Vans

ICE is exploring 'mobile detention facilities'—vans that would hold arrested immigrants at the scene—as part of a massive detention expansion.

eBay Bans Airbag Sales Over Counterfeit Risks

eBay has banned airbag sales on its platform, joining Amazon and others in a crackdown on faulty and counterfeit parts linked to at least 11 U.S. deaths.

Education Dept. Isn't Gone, but Staff Call It Inefficient

Eighteen months after Trump vowed to close the Education Department, staff tell NPR the agency survives, scattered and more inefficient than before.

Fat Bear Week Lets Fans Vote for Whole Bear Families

Alaska's Fat Bear Week 2026 lets fans vote for entire bear families for the first time, celebrating mama bears and drawing record traffic.

Xi Charts Rural Course as 15th Five-Year Plan Era Opens

On China's first Harvest Festival of the 15th Five-Year Plan, Xi Jinping set rural revitalization and food security priorities through 2030.

China to Add 76,000 Seats at Top Universities

China's Ministry of Education will expand undergraduate enrollment at Double First-Class universities by an additional 76,000 seats from 2027 to 2030.

China's Top 500 Private Firms Turn to Advanced Industries

China's 2026 Top 500 private enterprises ranking shows a structural shift toward advanced manufacturing, strategic emerging and future industries.

Xi Sends Letter as WorldSkills Opens in Shanghai

President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the 48th WorldSkills Competition as it opened in Shanghai, praising vocational skills exchange.

Long March 90th Anniversary Exhibition Opens in Beijing

A major exhibition marking the 90th anniversary of the Red Army's Long March victory opened at Beijing's Military Museum, showcasing over 1,000 artifacts.

Beijing Culture Forum Opens as Li Shulei Gives Keynote

The 2026 Beijing Culture Forum opened with a keynote by Li Shulei, drawing 600 guests from 44 countries to discuss heritage and civilizational exchange.

Li Qiang Touts AI and Future Industries in Shanghai

Premier Li Qiang toured Shanghai to push AI-manufacturing integration and future industries, backing patient capital and a national policy tilt.

Belgium's Energy Shock Returns, but Not the Money

As energy prices surge again, Belgium asks whether it can repeat its 2022 support measures—but deep debt leaves little fiscal room to act.

Belgium Faces Worst Drought Since the 1970s

Belgium heads toward its worst drought since the 1970s, straining Brussels drinking water as Vivaqua cuts output from the Meuse river.

Quarter of Belgian MPs' Questions Written by AI

An investigation found nearly a quarter of Belgian parliamentary questions were fully written by AI, raising concerns about accountability.

Belgium's First Lunar Rover to Fly to the Moon in 2029

A Zaventem-built rover named LUVMI-M will launch to the Moon's south pole aboard Blue Origin's MK1 lander in early 2029, a first for Belgium.

Lachaert Exit Deepens Turmoil in Flemish Liberals

Egbert Lachaert quits Anders, deepening turmoil in Flanders' liberal party as its right wing departs and its leftward drift fuels an identity crisis.

Belgium's Prisons Face a Growing Elderly Inmate Crisis

Belgium's prison oversight body calls for individual cells, geriatric care and a palliative framework as the inmate population ages sharply.

ULB Sanctions Students Over AI Cheating in Exam

The Free University of Brussels sanctioned students for using AI to cheat on a Python exam, spotlighting the difficulty of policing AI in academia.

Charleroi ATC Strike Suspended as Mediation Begins

Air traffic controllers at Charleroi airport have suspended their night strike with immediate effect, opening the way for mediated talks on night premiums.

Clouseau to Be First Belgian Band at King Baudouin Stadium

Belgian band Clouseau will become the first Belgian act ever to headline Brussels' King Baudouin Stadium, on 4 August 2027.

Belgian Diesel Price Falls After Record High Above €2.50

Belgium's diesel price will drop 9.6 cents to €2.405 per liter Thursday, easing pressure after a record high driven by Middle East tensions.

China Tightens Fentanyl Criminal Sentencing Rules

China's top court, procuratorate and police issue a joint opinion setting conviction and sentencing standards for fentanyl-related crimes.

China Pushes Deep AI Integration Into Manufacturing

China is driving AI deep into its factories, citing 60% of global AI patents and 89.6% digital adoption, while flagging gaps in chips and core tech.

Xi Begins Historic State Visit to the United States

Chinese President Xi Jinping begins a landmark state visit to the U.S. Sept 23-25, as both powers seek to stabilise ties under a new strategic framework.

China Expels Top General Zhang Youxia From Party

China's Politburo expelled Vice CMC Chairman Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli from the Party, capping the biggest military purge of the Xi era.

China's Embodied AI Robots Shift From Tech Race to Scale

China's embodied AI robotics industry is moving from tech competition to mass production, with funding and IPOs signaling a commercialization push.

CPC Politburo Sets Fifth Plenum for Oct 26-29

China's Politburo, chaired by Xi Jinping, set the 20th Central Committee's Fifth Plenum for Oct 26-29, focused on Party governance.

China's Top 500 Private Firms Post Record Revenue

ACFIC's 2026 Top 500 Chinese private enterprises list shows combined revenue of 44.93 trillion yuan, led by JD.com, Alibaba and Hengli Group.

China Debuts 2-Ton Tethered Balloon for Grid Work

China's first 2-ton-class tethered balloon completed a trial run in Tibet, lifting transmission tower materials to 4,000-meter ridges without roads.

China Launches Holiday Tourism Push With ¥310M in Vouchers

China launched its 2026 National Day culture and tourism consumption month, releasing over 310 million yuan in vouchers and planning 20,000-plus events.

A Reporter's Voyage Aboard China's Sea-Launch Rocket

A Xinhua reporter's firsthand account of China's sea-based Gravity-1 launch highlights the country's expanding offshore space program.

White House Launches 'Trump TV' After Banning CNN

The White House launched 'Trump TV' days after barring CNN, MS NOW and Politico, as the outlets sued over press access.

57% of Americans Back Friendly Ties With China, Poll Finds

A Chicago Council survey finds 57% of Americans favor friendly cooperation with China, with Republican support for engagement at its highest since 2019.

Two Explosions Rock Antwerp-North, Home Twice Targeted

Two explosions minutes apart hit Antwerp-North homes; police probe a possible drug-milieu link as one house is targeted again.

China Opens First Cross-Sea Suburban Railway

China's first cross-sea suburban railway, the Ningbo-Xiangshan line, opens, ending the Xiangshan Peninsula's isolation from rail transit.

Mediahuis Relaunches Hyves in an Algorithm-Free Bet

Mediahuis has revived Hyves, the Dutch social network, 13 years after it shut down, as an algorithm-free alternative to Facebook and TikTok.

Brussels Extends City Centre Alcohol Ban by Four Years

Brussels City Council has extended its ban on public drinking in the city centre by four years, running until 2030, citing a drop in public nuisance.

Xavier Magnée, Dutroux Attorney, Dies at 91

Xavier Magnée, the Belgian defence lawyer who represented Marc Dutroux and personified the old-school courtroom 'ténor du barreau', has died aged 91.

Belgian House Prices Rise Again Across All Three Regions

House and apartment prices rose across Belgium in the first half of 2026, Statbel data shows, with Brussels the priciest region and Wallonia the cheapest.

Belgium: Education Unions Extend Strike Notice to 16 October

Belgium's francophone education unions extended their strike notice to 16 October, prolonging a standoff with the MR-Les Engagés government.

Belgian Diesel Price Tops 2.5 Euros for First Time

Belgian diesel hit a record 2.501 euros per litre as Middle East conflict drives fuel costs, prompting Bouwunie to seek a temporary excise refund.

Belgium Eyes Tax on Non-Profits' €2.7bn Profit

A probe of 17,000 Belgian non-profits found €2.7bn in profit and just €80m in tax. Now the government wants a slice of the sector's surplus.

Limburg Dentist Suspected of Fraud and Illegal Care

A Limburg dentist is under investigation for letting unqualified staff sedate patients and perform root canals, and for over EUR 188,000 in RIZIV fraud.

CNN, MS NOW, Politico Sue Trump Over White House Press Ban

CNN, MS NOW and Politico sued Trump after reporters were barred from the White House, escalating a First Amendment fight over press access.

AI Solved a Hard Math Problem. Humans Learned Little

OpenAI says its AI solved the Navier-Stokes problem, but mathematicians say the 166-page proof taught humanity little and sparked a priority dispute.

Abortion Returns to the Ballot in Four States

Four states vote on abortion in November 2026, with Missouri asking voters to repeal protections they approved just two years ago.

Court Revives GOP Missouri Map, Sends Case to Supreme Court

A federal appeals court reinstated Missouri's GOP-drawn congressional map, but stayed its ruling until Sept. 28 as opponents rush to the Supreme Court.

Unarmed 911 Teams Now Operate in Nearly 100 US Cities

Unarmed 911 response teams have grown from 6 programs in 2020 to nearly 100 cities, diverting 230,000 calls a year with a strong safety record.

Paramount Cedes Ground to Salvage $111B Warner Deal

Paramount settled with 12 state AGs and the WGA to clear its $111 billion Warner Bros. Discovery merger, agreeing to film and cable commitments.

House Freedom Caucus Faces a Post-Trump Reckoning

As at least 10 House Freedom Caucus members exit Congress, the hardline bloc's evolution could preview the Republican Party's post-Trump future.

DNA From Jefferson's Hair Bolsters Hemings Paternity Case

A 15-year Smithsonian-led DNA study of Thomas Jefferson's hair adds strong evidence he fathered children with Sally Hemings.

No Charges in Nolan Wells' Death, Grand Jury Finds

A Mississippi grand jury found no evidence of criminal conduct in Nolan Wells' death, declining to indict. His family vows to keep fighting for answers.

Trump at U.N.: Wins Sought After Rough Week

Trump used his U.N. General Assembly address to tout U.S. power and seek momentum after a rough domestic week, as key diplomacy shifts to Washington.

Guangdong Textile Factory Fire Kills Eight in Shunde

A fire at a textile factory in Shunde, Foshan, Guangdong, killed eight and injured one, with search-and-rescue still ongoing, Xinhua reports.

China Holds LPR Steady for 16th Straight Month

China's Loan Prime Rate stayed unchanged for a 16th month, as analysts say external tightening by the Fed, ECB and BOJ has limited impact.

China's Lijian-1 Rocket Launches Nine Satellites at Once

China's Lijian-1 rocket launched nine satellites in a single mission, a milestone for the country's fast-growing commercial space sector.

Shanghai Home Sales Surge as 'Golden September' Peak Hits

Shanghai second-hand home sales hit a second-half high in September, with 1,495 single-day transactions as policy easing fuels a market recovery.

China's Zhao Leji Meets Australian House Speaker Dick

China's top legislator Zhao Leji held talks with Australian House Speaker Milton Dick in Beijing, as both sides pledged to deepen parliamentary exchanges.

Hong Kong Holds State-Level Memorial for Tung Chee-hwa

Hong Kong held a state-level public memorial for Tung Chee-hwa, its first Chief Executive, with a national-flag-draped coffin and Beijing officials.

Li Qiang to Keynote 5th Global Digital Trade Expo

Chinese Premier Li Qiang will deliver a speech at the launch ceremony of the 5th Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou, running Sept. 23-27.

150 Drone Sightings Over Belgian Strategic Sites in 2026

Belgium has logged about 150 drone sightings over strategic sites in 2026, including defense-linked firms in Charleroi, but no culprit is known.

China, US Trade Talks in New York Set Up Xi-Trump Summit

China and the US held eight hours of trade talks in New York, with Washington proposing a new AI safety notification mechanism before the Trump-Xi summit.

Belgian Diesel Hits Record 2.501 Euros per Liter

Belgian diesel climbs to a record 2.501 euros per liter as Middle East conflict drives energy costs higher for households and businesses.

Syensqo Ramps Up PFAS Output for Data Centers and AI

Belgian chemicals firm Syensqo is expanding PFAS production to feed AI and data-center demand, raising fresh environmental and health concerns.

Mice and Mold—Yet a Quality Label: Belgium's Housing Gap

An undercover probe finds Flemish student rooms with mold and mice that still carry quality certificates, as rents soar and tenants question the label.

Lachaert Quits Anders, Cites 'Hardest Decision'

Egbert Lachaert leaves Belgium's Anders party to sit as an independent MP, calling it the hardest decision of his career after a bitter internal feud.

Prosecutor Seeks 20 Years for Father in Jairon Trial

Belgian prosecutors demand 20 years for the father convicted of murdering 14-year-old Jairon, and three years for four others who withheld care.

Belgian Dinosaur Expert Suspended in Dino Dan Fraud Probe

Paleontologist Pascal Godefroit is suspended amid a criminal probe into conflict of interest over a KBIN contract awarded to his wife's firm.

Dementia Care Costs Belgium €7 Billion a Year, Study Finds

A Sciensano study commissioned by Stop Alzheimer puts Belgium's dementia care bill above €7 billion a year, as experts urge investment now.

AfD and Linke Surge as Merz's CDU Collapses in German Votes

German state elections deliver a historic blow to Chancellor Merz's CDU as the AfD wins in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Die Linke triumphs in Berlin.

Geologist Who Helped Discover Daqing Oilfield Dies at 93

Qiu Zhongjian, a petroleum geologist and CAE academician who helped discover China's Daqing Oilfield, has died at 93, state media reported.

China Targets Environmental Data Fraud Across Supply Chain

Five Chinese departments issued a joint notice to punish environmental monitoring fraud, targeting testing agencies and their supply-chain affiliates.

Could AI Really Kill Us All? Experts Weigh the Risks

AI experts debate whether advanced systems could cause human extinction, from rogue agents to bioweapons, as California moves to act.

Poll: Most Voters Say Trump Has Hurt the Economy

A new NBC News poll finds 55% of voters say Trump's policies have hurt the economy, with his approval at a second-term low ahead of the 2026 midterms.

ICE Agent Shoots DoorDash Driver in Austin, Spurring Outcry

A federal ICE agent shot and wounded a Venezuelan DoorDash driver in Austin, Texas, prompting protests and calls for an independent investigation.

CNN, MS NOW, Politico Sue Trump Over White House Ban

CNN, MS NOW and Politico sued Trump after their reporters were barred from the White House, as the TV pool halted coverage in protest.

Philadelphia Case Links 7 Missing Women to One Home

Philadelphia police say five women linked to an Olney home are believed dead. The case centers on the late Raymond Horsch and his son, Eugene.

Belgium's De Wever Opens 10 Billion Euro Budget Talks

Belgium's Arizona coalition began crunch budget talks, seeking 10 billion euros to tame a 5.2% deficit and avoid an interest snowball.

As Childcare Costs Soar, Families Turn to Grandparents

With U.S. childcare averaging $13,184 a year, more families are relying on grandparents to fill the gap, reshaping family life and the economy.

Archaeologists Race to Save Yup'ik Artifacts in Alaska

After ex-Typhoon Halong scattered ancestral Yup'ik artifacts on a Bering Sea beach, archaeologists and Quinhagak residents race to save what remains.

SpaceX's Louisiana Starbase Worries Coastal Residents

SpaceX plans a $100 billion launch site on 125,000 acres of Louisiana marsh, raising fears about wildlife, transparency and fast-tracked permits.

An Empty Family Dollar Becomes a Free Store and Skate Rink

In New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward, an abandoned Family Dollar is now a free store, skate rink, and clinic run by mutual aid, 20 years after Katrina.

Data Center Backlash Reshapes American Politics

A bipartisan grassroots backlash against AI data centers is becoming a kitchen-table election issue, forcing officials in both parties to recalibrate.

China Fiscal Revenue Slows, Spending Shrinks in August

China's August fiscal revenue growth slowed to 4.7% while government spending contracted, as property downturn and weak demand weigh on public finances.

Iran Says It Sent Truce Terms to US via Qatar

Iran's security chief says Tehran sent conditions to end the war with the US through Qatari mediators and is awaiting Trump's response.

China Vows 'Combination Punches' on Cutthroat Competition

China's market regulator pledges 'combination punch' measures to curb destructive 'involution-style' competition and tighten scrutiny of platform giants.

Trump Bars CNN, MS NOW, Politico From White House

Trump barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico reporters from the White House, a move Democrats and press groups call a First Amendment assault.

China's Deepwater Gas Push vs. Sperm Whales

Whale experts say China's environmental review of the Baodao 21-1 deepwater gas field omits risks to protected sperm whales in the South China Sea.

China Flags 30 Apps Over Personal Data Practices

China's Cyberspace Administration names 30 apps, including one from NetEase Youdao, over personal-information collection and use violations.

Xi Ties City Heritage to 'Cultural Self-Awareness'

A Xinhua feature spotlights Xi Jinping's push to protect urban heritage as 'cultural self-awareness,' spotlighting Fuzhou, Shantou and Jingdezhen.

China Launches Four PIESAT-2 Radar Satellites

China launched four Zhuzhou Space Interstellar PIESAT-2 radar satellites from Taiyuan, expanding the Nuwa commercial remote-sensing constellation.

Shanghai to Study Extending Parental Leave

Shanghai's Health Commission will study the feasibility of extending parental leave, responding to a lawmaker's proposal as demographic pressures mount.

China Consumer Market Cools as Services Outpace Goods

China retail sales rose 2.5% in Jan-Aug 2026, but August growth slowed to 0.4% as spending shifts from goods to services.

De Wever Opens Belgium Budget Talks With Stark Warning

Belgian PM Bart De Wever hands coalition parties a budget starting note, calling talks to find €10 billion in savings an 'extremely difficult exercise.'

Belgium Spends Over 10 Billion Euros Backing Fossil Fuels

A federal review shows Belgium funnels over 10 billion euros a year into fossil fuel subsidies, offering savings as the government hunts for budget cuts.

Anderlecht Fire Exposes Grave Safety Failures

Around 60 residents were evacuated after a fire in an Anderlecht apartment block, where firefighters found serious fire-safety degradations.

Brussels Opens 19th Drug Hotspot in Ixelles

Brussels opens its 19th drug-trafficking hotspot in Ixelles' Gray district, expanding a contested strategy as officials weigh displacement risks.

Liquid Cocaine Found Hidden in Soap at Antwerp Port

Belgian customs seized liquefied cocaine hidden in soap bottles at Antwerp port, a rare smuggling method in a container from Colombia.

Belgium Sets Car-Free Sunday Record as Wallonia Joins In

A record 70+ Belgian municipalities held a car-free Sunday on 20 September 2026, with 22 Walloon communes taking part for the first time.

Flanders Attends Fetes de Wallonie as King Philippe Presides

Flanders attended Namur's Fetes de Wallonie as guest of honour for the first time, with King Philippe present as leaders urged unity.

Belgium's First AI Camera Supermarket Catches Shoplifters

A Carrefour in Antwerp became Belgium's first supermarket to deploy AI cameras against shoplifting. A reporter tested the system and was caught.

Dujardin Named New RTBF Head From November 2026

Christophe Dujardin is appointed general administrator of Belgian public broadcaster RTBF, succeeding Jean-Paul Philippot on 1 November 2026.

Belgian Minister Skips UN Summit Over Oxygen Cylinder Ban

Belgian Minister Vanessa Matz cancelled her UN General Assembly trip after her medical oxygen cylinder was barred from the US-bound flight.

Utah Leads Nation in Home Insurance Nonrenewals

New NAIC data shows Utah dropped homeowners at the nation's highest rate in 2025, exposing climate-driven cracks in the Western insurance market.

DHS Email Fuels Fears Over Election Enforcement Plans

An internal DHS email listing multilingual voting jurisdictions, attached to a DOJ prosecution checklist, raises questions about election plans.

Trump-Backed PACs Launch $150M Midterm Ad Blitz

Trump-aligned super PACs are pouring $150 million into 2026 midterm ads, but the spending targets deep-red districts that signal GOP weakness.

As Childcare Costs Soar, Families Lean on Grandparents

With U.S. childcare averaging $13,184 a year, more families are turning to grandparents for care, easing costs but straining older Americans.

Google's Hand in the AI Chatbot Laws Meant to Curb It

An NPR investigation finds Google helped draft state AI chatbot laws that exempt the biggest chatbots, raising doubts about whether they protect kids.

Google's Hand in the AI Chatbot Laws Meant to Curb It

An NPR investigation finds Google helped draft state AI chatbot laws that exempt the biggest chatbots, raising doubts about whether they protect kids.

Gene-Edited Trees Tested to Save Florida Citrus

Florida growers are planting gene-edited citrus rootstock CarriCea T1 to fight greening disease, which has cut production by more than 90%.

SpaceX's Louisiana Spaceport Worries Locals, NDAs

SpaceX's $100 billion Starbase Louisiana spaceport promises thousands of launches—but residents near Pecan Island worry about NDAs and wildlife.

How the Fed's Interest Rate Actually Works

The Fed just raised rates for the first time since 2023. Here's how its key tool shapes inflation, borrowing costs, and your pocketbook.

Judge Orders Fox to Turn Over Documents in Shareholder Suit

A Delaware judge ordered Fox Corp. to produce hundreds of documents in a shareholder suit over how the Murdochs handled major scandals.

Trump: D.C. Arch Will Be Military Complex With Snipers

Trump says his planned D.C. triumphal arch will double as a military complex with drones, snipers and ammunition, expanding the monument's purpose.

Li Qiang Chairs State Council Meeting on Aging, Sports, TCM

Premier Li Qiang chaired a State Council executive meeting on Sept 18, deploying work on aging, sports events, rehabilitation care and TCM legislation.

China-ASEAN FTA 3.0 Takes Center Stage at Nanning Expo

The 23rd China-ASEAN Expo showcases FTA 3.0 prospects, with Timor-Leste's debut uniting all 11 ASEAN members as trade tops $1 trillion.

China Marks 95th Anniversary of September 18 Incident

China commemorated the 95th anniversary of the 1931 Mukden Incident with bell-ringing and siren ceremonies, as tensions with Japan sharpened.

China Exposes Second Batch of Cases in Clean Web Crackdown

China's CAC exposed a second batch of cases in its Clean Web campaign against malicious business information, with 1.56 million posts removed.

Qin King-Level Tomb Found, Occupant a Queen Dowager

Archaeologists in Shaanxi have confirmed a Qin king-level tomb at Shangzhaoyao, likely the burial of Queen Dowager Huayang, Qin Shi Huang's grandmother.

China's Carmakers Race Into Humanoid Robots

Nearly 20 global automakers have poured over 100 billion yuan into embodied robots as China's car and humanoid robotics industries converge.

Belgians' Pension Dates Pushed Back by Reform

Many Belgians over 60 are discovering their first possible pension date has moved back by months. Here's why, and who is most affected.

China's Railways Hit Record 3.32 Billion Passengers

China's railway carried a record 3.32 billion passengers in the first eight months of 2026, up 3.9%, driven by cross-border and foreign travel growth.

Belgium Faces 60% Power Surge, Needs 4 Plants by 2036

Elia data shows Belgium's power demand will jump nearly 60% by 2036, requiring four large plants and 30% imports — with coal filling the gap now.

Vlaams Belang Extends Poll Lead Over N-VA in Flanders

A major Ipsos poll shows Vlaams Belang hitting 27.8% in Flanders, its best since the 2024 elections, while the PS posts a historic score in Wallonia.

Brussels Metro at 50: Celebrations Meet Line 3 Doubts

Brussels marks 50 years of its metro on 20 September, celebrating a singular network while its flagship Line 3 extension stalls over cost and delays.

Groen's Horch Urges Single Interfederal Climate Cell

Groen chair Aimen Horch proposes one interfederal climate cell to end Belgium's fragmented climate governance, citing the Hoge Venen fire.

Nagoya Asian Games Open as China Eyes Medal Lead

The 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games opened in Japan with Chinese athletes competing, but logistics problems have marred the buildup.

Belgium's VAT Receipt Lottery Moves Closer to Reality

Belgium's National Lottery has drafted a plan for a VAT-receipt lottery to fight hospitality tax fraud, with prizes scanned via QR code.

China, US Open New York Trade Talks Ahead of Summit

China's Vice Premier He Lifeng leads a delegation to New York for trade talks with the US, setting the stage for a Trump-Xi summit next week.

Trump Bans CNN, MS NOW and Politico From White House

Trump banned CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, and their reporters were denied entry Saturday. A legal fight over press access looms.

Lawsuits Aim to Bar Armed Federal Officers at Polls

Two federal lawsuits seek to block armed ICE and federal officers from polls before the midterms, citing an 1865 law and the Voting Rights Act.

DHS Email Fuels Fears Over Midterm Election Plans

A redacted DHS email listing non-English election jurisdictions alongside a DOJ prosecution checklist raises questions about midterm election plans.

Sikh Trucker Stabbed 17 Times at Wyoming Rest Stop

A Sikh truck driver was stabbed 17 times at a Wyoming rest stop, stoking fear among South Asian communities amid rising anti-immigrant rhetoric.

GOP's $150M Trump-Backed Ad Blitz Hits Key Races

Trump-aligned super PACs have reserved over $150 million in ads, giving Republicans a major spending edge in the final weeks of the 2026 midterms.

Utah Leads U.S. in Home Insurance Nonrenewals

Utah homeowners were dropped by insurers at the highest rate in the U.S. in 2025, as wildfire risk pushes climate-driven insurance turmoil inland.

How Google Is Drafting State AI Chatbot Laws

An NPR investigation finds Google helped draft AI chatbot bills in at least 10 states, with carve-outs that could exempt the most popular chatbots.

US, Denmark Reach Deal on Greenland Military Presence

The US and Denmark reach a landmark security deal expanding American military presence in Greenland while preserving Danish sovereignty.

Trump Threatens to Tear Down Kennedy Center

Trump threatens to demolish the Kennedy Center as a judge orders 30 days' notice before changes, capping a legal battle over the landmark.

Gene-Edited Trees Could Save Florida's Citrus Industry

CRISPR-edited citrus rootstock approved by the EPA offers Florida growers new hope against citrus greening, a disease that destroyed 90% of production.

China Sets 2030 Pharma Goals in 15th Five-Year Plan

China released its 15th Five-Year Plan for pharmaceuticals, targeting 3.5 trillion yuan in revenue and 25% of global first-in-class drugs by 2030.

China Releases First AI Brain-Computer Interface Standard

China's NMPA released YY/T 2029-2026, the world's first BCI medical device standard covering AI-processed EEG datasets, effective September 2027.

China Launches First Ethnic Unity Publicity Week

China will hold its first Ethnic Unity and Progress Publicity Week Sept 21-27, 2026, the first since the new Ethnic Unity Promotion Law took effect.

A Headless Buddha Comes Home: US Returns 64 Relics to China

The US returned 64 cultural relics and fossils to China, including a headless Tianlongshan Bodhisattva body that tells a darker story of looted heritage.

China Pitches 15th Five-Year Plan as Global Opportunity

China's 15th Five-Year Plan is framed by Xinhua as a 'cooperation list for the world,' touting market, supply chain and Belt and Road openings.

Shenyang Marks 95th Anniversary of 1931 Mukden Incident

Shenyang held its annual bell-tolling and siren ceremony marking the 95th anniversary of the 1931 Mukden Incident, as state media warned on Japan.

RMB Breaks Past 6.70 Against Dollar, Strongest Since 2023

China's onshore and offshore renminbi both strengthened past 6.70 per dollar, the strongest since 2023, driven by dollar weakness and Fed rate-cut bets.

Dutch Firm Plans €1bn Data Center on Sappi Site

Switch Datacenters plans a €1 billion data center on the former Sappi paper mill site in Lanaken, promising 150-250 jobs but facing grid hurdles.

China Says Real Estate Has Entered Its 'Stock Era'

China's housing ministry declares a 'stock era' for real estate as second-hand home sales overtake new builds, signaling a structural shift in the market.

Christophe Dujardin Named New RTBF Director-General

Belgium's Wallonia-Brussels Federation appoints Christophe Dujardin, an Orange Belgium executive, to lead public broadcaster RTBF from November 1, 2026.

Fake Police Officer (18) Arrested in Mechelen Scam Sting

An 18-year-old posing as a police officer was arrested in Mechelen after a 62-year-old victim alerted real police to a fake valuables collection.

First New Cat Species in a Century Found in Bolivia

Biologists led by the University of Antwerp have confirmed Leopardus tilcayo, the first new wild cat species described in over 100 years.

Devisch: Wrong Moment for UGent Cofnas Remarks

Professor Ignaas Devisch says the UGent graduation ceremony was the wrong venue for remarks about suspended researcher Nathan Cofnas.

Antwerp Rejects Extra Toilets at Vogelenmarkt

Antwerp's city council has refused extra public toilets around the Theaterplein, where the Vogelenmarkt is held, despite a plea from chef Wim Ballieu.

Oostende Council in Caretaker Mode Amid Alderman Probe

Oostende's city council has entered caretaker mode as a damaging probe into first alderman Charlotte Verkeyn deepens, prompting regional action.

Flemish Budget Talks Open Door to Child Benefit Cuts

Flanders begins its toughest budget talks yet as Vooruit and CD&V drop red lines on Groeipakket child benefit savings, with roughly EUR 2 billion sought.

DHS Email Fuels Election Prosecution Fears

A newly disclosed DHS email pairing a list of multilingual voting jurisdictions with a DOJ prosecution checklist is raising fears ahead of the midterms.

F-16 Crashes in Northern Michigan; Pilot Ejects Safely

A Texas Air National Guard F-16 crashed in a residential area of northern Michigan. The pilot ejected safely and no civilian injuries were reported.

Shapiro Presses CDC to Count PA Measles Deaths

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro demands the CDC recognize four measles-associated deaths as the outbreak tops 731 cases and a political fight escalates.

Trump-Backed Super PACs Flood Key Races With $150M

Pro-Trump super PACs have reserved more than $150 million in ads for the 2026 midterms, swamping Democrats in key Senate and House races.

Warren Buffett Steps Down as Berkshire Chairman

Warren Buffett, 96, steps down as Berkshire Hathaway chairman after 56 years. His son Howard becomes chairman; Greg Abel remains CEO.

Google Is Drafting the AI Chatbot Laws Meant to Regulate It

As states rush to regulate AI chatbots, Google is helping write the bills — and critics say the resulting laws exempt the most popular chatbots.

Oregon Man Charged in Sixth Portland-Area Woman's Death

A Multnomah County grand jury indicted Jesse Lee Calhoun in the death of Elizabeth 'Libby' Gibson, the sixth Portland-area woman he is accused of killing.

LA Driver Charged With Murder in Fatal Bus Crash

A Los Angeles driver was charged with murder after slamming an SUV into a Metro bus, killing two, before a news helicopter crashed.

Duncan Sheik, 'Barely Breathing' Singer, Dies at 56

Duncan Sheik, the singer-songwriter behind 'Barely Breathing' and the Tony-winning musical 'Spring Awakening,' has died at 56, his family said.

Gas Prices Near 2026 High Weeks Before Midterms

U.S. gas prices hit $4.46 a gallon, nearing their 2026 high, as the Iran war drives fuel costs upward just weeks before the midterm elections.

China Mandates AI Labels as AI Dramas Dominate Micro-Shorts

China's NRTA orders clear labels and human review for AI-generated broadcast content, as regulators reveal AI dramas exceed 90% of micro-shorts.

Nepal Flood Toll Hits 1,403 Dead, 6,150 Missing

Nepal's mudslide disaster has killed 1,403 people and left 6,150 missing as officials confront early-warning failures and a $4.78 billion rebuild.

Xi Charts 'Major-Power Diplomacy' After SCO, BRICS Summits

Chinese state media framed Xi Jinping's SCO and BRICS summit tour as proof multipolarity is 'unstoppable,' highlighting the Global South's rise.

Fed Hikes Rates for First Time in Three Years

The Federal Reserve raised interest rates 25 basis points to 3.75%-4%, its first hike since 2023, as inflation and oil prices stay elevated.

OpenAI Discloses Cases of Models Faking Data, Going Rogue

OpenAI published a framework for reporting AI misalignment and disclosed six cases of models fabricating data and agents acting without authorization.

House Passes Russia-Iran Sanctions Bill With 100% Tariffs

The US House passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act 262-159, handing Trump power to levy 100% tariffs on top Russian energy buyers.

FAST Telescope Finds Lightest Double Neutron Star System Yet

China's FAST telescope has discovered PSR J1856-0039, the lightest double neutron star system yet, offering a new test of Einstein's relativity.

Beijing Farewell for CCTV Anchor Jing Yidan, 71

A farewell ceremony was held at Beijing Babaoshan for veteran CCTV anchor Jing Yidan, who died on Sept. 13 aged 71 after a cerebral hemorrhage.

Two in Three Belgian Job Seekers Ignored by Employers

Acerta and Stepstone's Talent Pulse survey finds 65.5% of Belgian job seekers get no reply to applications, with young people and over-50s worst hit.

Air Traffic Controller Strike Cancels 40 Charleroi Flights

A night strike by Skeyes air traffic controllers cancelled around 40 flights at Charleroi Airport on Thursday, the start of a 24-night walkout.

UGent Graduation Walkout Over Cofnas Speech

Dozens of students walked out of a UGent graduation ceremony in protest at an honorary vice-rector's speech defending the principle of free research.

Ghent to Ban Tourist Buses From City Center in 2029

Ghent will largely bar tourist buses from its historic center from 2029, forcing drop-offs at six R40 ring-road sites to ease congestion.

Nine Flemish Towns Get Green Light to Grow Faster

Flanders names nine small urban cores to grow faster under its new spatial plan, allowing larger hospitals and more building near stations.

Copper Hits Record Highs Amid Trump Tariff Threat

Copper prices surged to record highs as Trump's tariff threat redistributes global stocks. Uneven supply and political indecision drive the market.

China Launches 25th Batch of LEO Internet Satellites

China launched its 25th batch of low-orbit satellite internet satellites on a Long March 12 rocket, advancing its bid to rival Starlink.

Trump Threatens EU Trade Over Canada 'Associate' Plan

Trump threatens to halt all EU trade over von der Leyen's plan to make Canada the EU's first 'associate member,' as Carney hails a deeper partnership.

Five New Suspected West Nile Cases in Belgium

Belgian health authorities report five new suspected West Nile virus cases in Flanders and Brussels, bringing the total to 10 in an active season.

Kosovo's Thaci Sentenced to 25 Years for War Crimes

A Hague tribunal sentenced ex-Kosovo President Hashim Thaci and three KLA co-defendants to a combined 81 years for war crimes, sparking protests.

STIB Marks 50 Years as CEO Defends Paused Metro 3

Brussels' STIB celebrates 50 years of metro service as CEO Brieuc de Meeus defends the paused Metro 3 project amid cost overruns and scrutiny.

UN Experts Cite Possible US War Crimes in Iran

UN-backed experts find reasonable grounds to believe the US committed war crimes in two Iran strikes, including one on a school in Minab.

DOJ Charges 5 Russian Operatives in Murder Plot

The DOJ unsealed charges against five alleged members of a Russian intelligence-linked network accused of plotting attacks and murder in the U.S.

Family Sues Texas Officials Over Abortion-Ban Death

The family of Tierra Walker, who died at 20 weeks pregnant, is suing Ken Paxton and doctors, alleging Texas' abortion ban caused her death.

House Holds Leon Black in Contempt Over Epstein Inquiry

The House voted to hold billionaire Leon Black in contempt of Congress for defying subpoenas in its Epstein investigation, sending the matter to the DOJ.

Trump Plans 'Warning Signs' at Smithsonian Museums

The Trump administration plans about a dozen ideological 'warning signs' outside the Smithsonian, escalating a fight over American history.

FEMA Rules Leave Coastal Homeowners Waiting for Collapse

An NPR investigation finds FEMA flood insurance pays only after homes collapse, leaving coastal owners trapped as erosion and rising seas accelerate.

Experts: Trump Arch Adds Risk to Busy DC Airspace

Aviation experts warn Trump's proposed 250-foot arch near Reagan National Airport would add a new hazard to one of the most complex airspaces in the US.

Sikh Truck Driver Stabbed in Wyoming Amid Hate Surge

A Punjabi Sikh truck driver was stabbed 17 times at a Wyoming rest stop. Advocates link the attack to rising anti-South Asian hate.

Hong Kong Unveils First-Ever Five-Year Development Plan

Hong Kong SAR released its first five-year plan (2026-2030), aligning the city with China's national strategy across 22 indicators.

FAST Telescope Finds Lightest Double Neutron Star System

China's FAST telescope discovered PSR J1856-0039, the lightest known double neutron star system, confirming general relativity in a 2.36-hour orbit.

China's CAC Publishes 10 Cybersecurity Enforcement Cases

China's Cyberspace Administration released 10 typical enforcement cases covering data leaks, personal information abuse and AI content labeling.

China Ties Presale Home Sales to Topping Out

China now requires presale homes to be structurally topped out before sale, a landmark reform reshaping its commercial housing sales system.

Pinglu Canal Opens, Rewiring Southwest China Trade

China's Pinglu Canal opened for navigation on Sept 16, 2026, cutting 560 km from Southwest China's sea route and linking the region to ASEAN.

Jensen Huang Rejects AI Doomsday Theory, Urges No New Laws

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang says humanity won't be wiped out by AI by 2030 and argues that AI needs no new laws or regulation.

Guangzhou Moves to Fine Loud Phone Audio on Subway

Guangzhou proposes fines of 200-1,000 yuan for playing phone audio aloud on buses and subways, part of a wider noise pollution crackdown.

Xi Congratulates Jilin University on 80th Anniversary

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to Jilin University for its 80th anniversary, tying the school to Northeast revitalization goals.

China Sets Sea-Launch Payload Record with 9 Satellites

China's Gravity-1 Y3 rocket launched 9 satellites from the East China Sea, setting a national record for single sea-launch payload weight and altitude.

Charleroi ATC Strike to Disrupt 832 Flights Over 24 Nights

A night strike by air traffic controllers at Charleroi Airport begins tonight, threatening 832 flights and up to 150,000 passengers over 24 nights.

Belgium's GP Shortage Fuels Rise of Emergency Medical Posts

Facing a deepening family doctor shortage, Belgian municipalities are opening emergency medical posts staffed by retired GPs and volunteers.

AfD Tops German Poll as CDU/CSU Hits Record Low

A new YouGov poll shows Germany's AfD with the strongest momentum at 29%, while the governing CDU/CSU falls to a record-low 18%.

Belgium's Volunteer Firefighter Shortage Deepens

Belgium faces a worsening shortage of volunteer firefighters, with hundreds of unfilled posts straining emergency coverage nationwide.

Belgian MP Escapes Speeding Penalty via Immunity

Alain Yzermans escaped a driving ban for 112 speeding offenses because parliament never lifted his immunity, sparking debate over the rule.

Belgium Opens Probe Into Semois Park Conflict of Interest

Belgian prosecutors have opened a probe into conflict of interest suspicions over an equestrian project at the Semois Valley National Park.

Belgian Team Watches a Dead Star Spring Back to Life

Astronomers at Belgium's Royal Observatory have watched Sakurai's Object become six times hotter in 30 years, a rare live view of stellar evolution.

Fluvius to Map Flanders' Phased Gas Grid Closure

Flanders has tasked grid operator Fluvius with planning the phase-out of its natural gas network, deciding which neighbourhoods lose gas first.

Belgium Heating Oil Price Jumps Nearly 6 Cents

Belgium's maximum heating oil prices rise almost 6 euro cents per litre from Thursday, driven by Middle East oil turmoil and a domestic Promaz levy hike.

De Wever Rejects Criticism of Antwerp Drug Policy

Belgian PM Bart De Wever rejects PS criticism linking Brussels drug violence to lax Antwerp port policy, calling it a 'low-level political game.'

EU Opens Door for Canada as First 'Associate Member'

Von der Leyen proposes Canada as the EU's first associate member, unveiling an 'Alliance for the Future' amid trade wars with the US and China.

Fed Weighs First Rate Hike Since 2023

The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates Wednesday for the first time since 2023, defying President Trump's demands for cuts.

AI's Effect on Workers Shows Up in Wages, Not Jobs

New wage data suggests AI is compressing pay rather than cutting jobs, hitting lower earners hardest even as unemployment holds steady.

LA News Helicopter and Bus Crashes Kill at Least 5

A news helicopter covering a fatal LA bus crash went down in Chatsworth, killing two journalists and a bystander, as investigators seek the cause.

Massie Moves to Impeach Hegseth Over Iran War

Republican Rep. Thomas Massie filed eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the Iran war, forcing a House vote.

New Maps Expose Gaps in U.S. Birth Control Access

New maps from Power to Decide and the Guttmacher Institute show 21.4 million U.S. women in need of affordable birth control live in an access gap.

Bannon and Sanders Unite Against AI, Diverge on Fix

Steve Bannon broke with Trump on AI to side with Bernie Sanders at the Pro-Human Assembly, but the two disagree sharply on how to rein in the technology.

500 Colleges Where Taxpayers Often Foot the Bill

New federal data shows 424 for-profit colleges where at least 40% of borrowers aren't repaying loans, putting taxpayers on the hook.

Kennedy Center Closes as Trump, Judge Clash Over Name