JusticeSociety
Wheelchair-Bound Man, 70, Accused of Killing Fellow Resident
A wheelchair-bound man with one leg is accused of killing a 90-year-old fellow resident at a Belgian nursing home, raising complex questions.
—3 min read
Category
Society
69 articles
SocietyHealthcare
Yunnan Hospital Fined 2,000 Yuan for Expired Medications
A psychiatric hospital in Yunnan was fined only 2,000 yuan for using expired medications on patients, sparking outrage over weak healthcare enforcement.
—4 min read
JusticeSociety
One Year After Fabian's Death: Belgium Police Reform Review
One year after 11-year-old Fabian was killed by a police vehicle in a Brussels park, VRT NWS investigates what reforms have—and haven't—been implemented.
—4 min read
SocietyBelgium
300 Say Goodbye to Arthur, 12, in Buggenhout Bus Crash
Three hundred mourners said goodbye to Arthur, 12, killed in the Buggenhout bus crash. His parents' letter revealed a boy who understood no aggression.
—4 min read
EntertainmentSociety
Patrick Bruel Cancels Summer Festivals Amid Rape Allegations
French singer Patrick Bruel cancels all summer festival concerts following multiple rape and sexual assault allegations, affecting events across Europe.
—4 min read
ScienceSociety
Van Ranst Breaks Silence: Press Office Opposed Interview
Marc Van Ranst reveals his press office advised against a candid interview about the toxic leadership conflict at KU Leuven's Rega Institute.
—5 min read
SocietyPolitics
Au Pair Debate: Cultural Exchange or Cheap Childcare?
Flemish Minister Zuhal Demir calls au pair promotion 'scandalous,' sparking a debate on whether the system is cultural exchange or cheap labor.
—4 min read
SocietyEducation
China Unveils New Policies to Protect Children's Welfare
China announces strengthened policies on AI in education, free preschool, and child-friendly cities to safeguard children's welfare.
—4 min read
SocietyChina
Shanghai University Camera Suspect Detained
A hidden camera in a Shanghai university restroom led police to detain a graduate student within 24 hours, sparking campus privacy concerns.
—4 min read
Society
Chongqing Man's Death After Alleged Abuse Fuels DV Debate
A Chongqing man died after jumping from his apartment following alleged abuse. Police declined to charge his wife; his parents filed a rare private suit.
—5 min read
Society
Chinese Official Hides Lighter in Shoe to Test Mine Security
A county party secretary in Hunan hid a lighter in his boot before descending into a mine, testing whether security would catch the contraband item.
—4 min read
TechnologySociety
People's Daily: AI Must Not Embed Corporate Interests
After Alibaba's Qwen AI refused to discuss a He Ma controversy, People's Daily argued large language models are public infrastructure, not corporate tools.
—4 min read
SocietyHousing
Beijing Welcome Students Home: 30,000 Youth Apartments
Beijing launches '2026 Welcome Students Home' initiative with 30,000 youth apartments, a $4.1B talent fund, and the Line 10 Talent Vitality Ring.
—4 min read
SocietyTravel
New Shuttle Bus Spares West Lake Tourists a Mountain Climb
Hangzhou launches shuttle bus connecting West Lake to metro after viral videos showed tourists climbing Baoshi Mountain with luggage.
—4 min read
SocietyHealth
Hangzhou Raids Illegal IVF Lab in Residential Villa
Hangzhou authorities raid illegal IVF lab in residential villa, seize equipment and embryos. Undercover reporter assaulted during investigation.
—4 min read
SocietyEconomy
Pessimism Spreads Among Belgians as Economic Anxiety Deepens
Nearly 7 in 10 Belgians believe the economy has worsened, a major national survey reveals, with sharp regional divides over government austerity measures.
—4 min read
TechnologySociety
Youth Confiding in Chatbots Report Harmful Weight Loss Tips
Young people increasingly turn to AI chatbots for emotional support, but some receive harmful weight loss tips. Experts warn of risks to vulnerable youth.
—4 min read
SocietyFamily
Parents and Adult Children Growing Apart: A Quiet Epidemic
Parents and adult children are drifting apart more in Belgium, but rarely over big arguments. A look at the quiet trend reshaping family ties.
—4 min read
SocietyEconomy
Six Major Changes Take Effect for Belgians on June 1, 2026
From insurance and health to eco-cheques and rail jobs, six key policy changes come into force for Belgians on June 1, 2026.
—4 min read
Society
Young Francophones Reject Masculinism, Survey Finds
Survey: 75% of young French-speaking Belgians have heard of masculinism, but two-thirds reject the ideology. Findings highlight youth attitudes on gender.
—5 min read
EconomySociety
Food Insecurity in America Surpasses Pandemic-Era Levels
New York Fed data shows 10% of U.S. families now skip meals due to lack of food, surpassing pandemic highs amid rising costs and SNAP cuts.
—5 min read
SocietyExtremism
Misogyny: A New Core Pillar of Far-Right Extremist Ideology
NPR report reveals how far-right extremists increasingly target women, with misogyny now as central to white supremacist ideology as racism.
—6 min read
SocietyLifestyle
Haidilao Ends Pet Dining Pilot After Dog-on-Table Outcry
Chinese hotpot chain Haidilao ends its pet dining pilot after a viral video of a dog eating cake on a table sparked public outrage over hygiene.
—4 min read
EducationSociety
Mistreatment Claims Shake Kindergarten in Walloon Brabant
Serious allegations of physical and psychological mistreatment of kindergarten children at a school in Walloon Brabant prompt judicial investigation.
—4 min read
SocietyPolitics
Misogyny: Overlooked Driver of Far-Right Extremist Violence
An NPR investigation reveals misogyny is a core component of far-right extremism, often overlooked by law enforcement, as the San Diego attack shows.
—5 min read
SocietyConsumer Safety
China's 'Natasha' Toy Craze Raises Child Safety Concerns
The viral 'Natasha' stress-relief toy, popular among Chinese schoolchildren, faces backlash over violent play, safety risks, and lack of certification.
—5 min read
SocietyTechnology
China Cracks Down on Fake Kidnapping Live-Stream Stunt
Chinese authorities penalize a live-streamer who staged a fake kidnapping to attract followers in a broader crackdown on online rumors.
—4 min read
SocietyTechnology
Green Screen Fraud Exposed in China's Live-Stream E-Commerce
Investigation reveals sellers using green screen tech to fake factory and farm origins, deceiving consumers in China's 5-trillion-yuan live-stream market.
—4 min read
SocietyDisaster Relief
China Allocates 160M Yuan for Flood and Earthquake Relief
China allocates another 160M yuan for disaster relief as severe flooding and a 5.2-magnitude earthquake devastate southern provinces.
—4 min read
SocietyCrime
Chengdu Hidden Camera Found in Restroom; Police Probe
Police in Chengdu investigate a hidden camera discovered in a women's restroom at a popular tourist spot. Multiple influencers were victimized.
—4 min read
SocietyPolicy
China's New Fatigue Driving Rules: What Drivers Need to Know
China's new fatigue driving rules take effect June 1, using a three-dimensional system covering driving behavior, physiology, and life trajectory.
—4 min read
SocietyConsumer
China Cracks Down on Recruitment-to-Training Job Scams
China launches nationwide crackdown on 'recruitment-to-training' scams and illegal agencies exploiting job seekers with fake offers and costly loans.
—4 min read
TechnologySociety
One in Four Belgian Teens Share Personal Info with AI Bots
A new iVOX study reveals 1 in 4 Belgian teens share personal info with AI chatbots that they wouldn't share with parents, raising privacy concerns.
—5 min read
HealthcareSociety
No Nurse Shortage in Belgium, but Support Staff Needed
Belgium's largest nursing association says there is no absolute shortage of nurses, but a critical need for support staff. The group marks 90 years.
—4 min read
SocietyAccessibility
Bambois Lake Listed on New Accessibility Platform
Bambois Lake in Fosses-la-Ville joins the redesigned Access-i.be platform, cataloging 359 accessible locations for people with disabilities in Wallonia.
—4 min read
SocietyChild Welfare
Child Focus Warns of Surge in Repeat Runaways Among Teens
Child Focus reports 2,147 runaway cases in 2025, a 19% rise, with 349 children running away multiple times. The organization calls for better support.
—5 min read
Society
Beijing's 22 Measures Boost Talent Services, Worker Rights
Beijing rolls out 22 new measures to optimize talent services and protect workers' rights, including a 15-minute employment service circle.
—4 min read
Odd NewsSociety
Snake Scare on Chinese High-Speed Train Was Actually an Eel
Passengers panicked when what looked like a snake fell from a luggage rack on a Chinese high-speed train. Officials confirmed it was an eel.
—4 min read
HealthSociety
4 in 10 Belgians Suffer Social Burnout, Psychologist Warns
A new report reveals 40% of Belgians experience social burnout. Clinical psychologist Yeter Yesilgöz explains warning signs and how to set boundaries.
—4 min read
Society
Tibet Marks 75th Anniversary of Peaceful Liberation
Tibet marks 75 years since peaceful liberation with major infrastructure, economic and social achievements transforming the plateau region.
—5 min read
Society
China Population Declines as Aging Accelerates, Survey Shows
China's 2025 population survey shows total population at 1.405 billion, accelerating aging with 22.86% aged 60+, and urbanization reaching 67.74%.
—4 min read
PoliticsSociety
China Ends Hukou Link to Public Services in Landmark Reform
China's State Council severs the decades-old link between hukou and access to education, healthcare, and social security in a landmark reform.
—5 min read
EconomySociety
China's 'Savvy Silvers' Emerge as Key Consumer Force
China's 55-65 'Savvy Silvers' are emerging as a major consumer force, spending on leisure, travel and self-improvement, reshaping the economy.
—5 min read
SocietyEconomy
China Silver Economy Nears 10 Trillion Yuan Elderly Top 323M
China's 60+ population exceeds 323 million as the silver economy nears 10 trillion yuan. Elderly care shifts from supplementary to universal coverage.
—4 min read
SocietyInternational
Four Chinese Citizens Missing in Thailand Found Safe
Four Chinese citizens missing in Thailand for 19 days have been found safe. The Chinese Embassy coordinated with Thai authorities in the successful rescue.
—4 min read
CrimeSociety
From Street Beggar to Coke Diplomat: Ex-Drug Lord's Memoir
Ali Koleilat, former drug and arms trafficker who supplied Liberian dictator Charles Taylor, publishes memoir 'De Coke-Diplomaat' after US prison.
—4 min read
EconomySociety
China's Silver Economy Nears 10 Trillion Yuan in Aging Boom
China's silver economy approaches 10 trillion yuan as the 60+ population exceeds 323 million, marking a major shift to universal elderly care.
—4 min read
SocietyEconomy
Belgium Food Aid Crisis: 560,000 Rely on Parcels, Budget Cut
Food aid in Belgium hits historic highs with 560,000 beneficiaries, up 251% in 30 years. Budget cuts and unemployment reform deepen the crisis.
—4 min read
CrimeSociety
Sextortion Surge: 9 in 10 Young Victims in Belgium Are Boys
Child Focus reports 433 sextortion cases in 2025, a 143% rise. 93% of victims are boys aged 15. AI chatbots and deepfakes fuel the crisis.
—4 min read
SocietySafety
Two Crashes With Minors Reignite Belgian Driving Age Debate
Two serious car crashes involving unlicensed minor drivers in one week have reignited Belgium's debate about the minimum driving age of 18.
—4 min read
EntertainmentSociety
Bruel Concerts in Belgium at Risk Amid Assault Allegations
French singer Patrick Bruel faces growing calls to cancel Belgian concerts after Flavie Flament alleges rape. Forest National deliberates.
—4 min read
SocietyDemographics
China's Population Decline Confirmed as Aging Crisis Deepens
China's 2025 population survey reveals 1.405 billion people, continued decline, rapid aging with 22.86% over 60, and urbanization reaching 67.74%.
—4 min read
SocietyHealth
Belgium's Social Crisis: Sextortion, Burnout, Safety Fears
Sextortion targeting youth surges 143% in Belgium, 40% face social burnout, and women report widespread safety fears on public transport.
—5 min read
EducationSociety
Belgium's Education Under Strain: Three Crises Examined
A 12-year-old physics prodigy can't find a school, teachers strike over reforms, and new background checks highlight Belgium's education challenges.
—5 min read
InternationalSociety
Paty's Sister Warns: Other Teachers Will Fall to Intolerance
Mickaëlle Paty, sister of murdered French teacher Samuel Paty, warns other educators will fall to intolerance as the film L'Abandon hits cinemas.
—5 min read
JusticeSociety
Liège Man Inherited €1M and Two Houses While on Welfare
A Verviers man inherited two houses and over €1 million while fraudulently receiving CPAS benefits. The Liège court sentenced him to community service.
—3 min read
SocietyAccidents
Harbin Double-Decker Bus Roof Torn Off in Overpass Collision
A double-decker bus in Harbin, China had its roof torn off after hitting an overpass, injuring 8 passengers. Police attribute the crash to driver error.
—4 min read
SocietyRegulation
China Sets 'Red Lines' for Online Food Sales Safety
China's new online food sales regulations take effect, defining clear responsibilities for third-party platforms and sellers to boost food safety.
—5 min read
SportsSociety
China Cracks Down on Toxic 'Fan Circle' Culture in Sports
China's sports authority intensifies crackdown on toxic fan culture, targeting harassment, privacy violations, and disruptive fan rivalries.
—4 min read
SocietyFood Safety
Fujian Bayberry Chemical Scandal: 5 Detained, 12 Cases Filed
China cracks down on Fujian bayberry scandal: 5 detained, 12 cases filed over illegal chemical use in fruit processing.
—4 min read
HealthSociety
576,000 Belgians on Long-Term Sick Leave: A Nation in Crisis
Over 576,000 Belgians are now on long-term sick leave. A new demographic analysis reveals who they are, what ails them, and why the crisis is deepening.
—5 min read
SocietyPolitics
Social Fraud Reports Hit Record High in Belgium
Belgium records 7,873 social fraud reports in 2025, a historic high. Critics warn the surge promotes distrust, while the government defends it.
—4 min read
HealthSociety
Dirk De Wachter: Youth Are Doing Well, Emotional Dips Normal
Belgian psychiatrist Dirk De Wachter reassures that emotional dips in young adulthood are normal and not a cause for panic, citing new survey data.
—4 min read
CrimeSociety
Woman Fights Off Attempted Rapist in Merksem to Warn Others
Sophie, 32, survived a violent attempted rape in Merksem, Antwerp. She shares her harrowing story to warn other women and help police find the suspect.
—4 min read
Society
Rats Infest Brussels Palace of Justice as Crisis Worsens
A severe rat infestation has spread from the restaurant into offices at Brussels' iconic Palace of Justice, as decades of neglect plague the building.
—5 min read
TechnologySociety
AI-Generated Books Flood Belgian Shops Without Labels
Thousands of AI-generated books are sold on Belgian webshops without warning labels. Experts call for mandatory AI labeling as EU rules loom.
—5 min read
SocietyAviation
Belgian PM's Son Flies in Iconic Air Force Training Jet
Simon De Wever, son of Belgian PM Bart De Wever, flew in a Fouga Magister training jet at the revived Stampe Forever Fly In in Deurne.
—4 min read
Society
Belgian Couple, Married 71 Years, Die Hand in Hand
Martha (90) and Emile (93), married for nearly 71 years, received euthanasia hand in hand in Belgium. Their daughter shares their final days.
—4 min read
SocietyBelgium
LGBTQIA+ Youth Homelessness Soars as Brussels Pride Nears
As Brussels Pride marks 30 years, Le Refuge warns family rejection and violence are pushing young LGBTQIA+ people into homelessness.
—4 min read