A detailed reconstruction reveals how the High Fens fire, the largest ever in the region, escalated from a small field fire, with shocking photos showcasing the destruction of an iconic boardwalk. Despite a calm night with some flare-ups, the long-term environmental consequences are highlighted. The event has also spurred political debate on climate policy and an opinion piece questioning the gap between scientific warnings and policy implementation. Information on tourism accessibility in the…

De Standaard: Reconstruction: How the biggest fire ever in the High Fens originated

A reconstruction of the massive fire in the High Fens, detailing how what initially seemed like a small field fire escalated into a major event, with significant environmental consequences, and interviews with witnesses from the initial hours.

HLN: Iconic Boardwalk in Scorched Wasteland: Shocking Photos of Destruction at…

Shocking photos show the destruction at Signal de Botrange in the Hoge Venen, Belgium, with an iconic boardwalk now traversing a scorched landscape, highlighting the impact of extreme weather.

RTBF: Hautes Fagnes fire: a calm night despite several flare-ups

Despite multiple instances of the fire reigniting, the night in the Hautes Fagnes region was reported as calm, indicating containment efforts are ongoing.

RTBF: The Fagnes, the history of a territory not so natural

This story delves into the history of the Fagnes region, suggesting that its natural landscape is a result of historical human intervention rather than purely natural processes.

RTBF: Hautes Fagnes fire: where can you still go for tourism this weekend? (maps)

This guide provides information on which areas in the Hautes Fagnes remain accessible for tourism following the fire, including maps to help visitors plan their weekend.

De Standaard: Opinion: Would the High Fens have been spared if the gap between science and…

An opinion piece questioning whether the High Fens fire could have been prevented if scientific warnings about wildfire risks had received more political attention, highlighting a recurring gap between knowledge and decision-making.

De Standaard: Interview: Politicians debate the extreme climate summer

An interview with politicians Andy Pieters (N-VA) and Bruno Tobback (Vooruit) discussing the extreme climate summer and drawing lessons from it, touching upon their differing views on climate policy and the 'Blue Deal'.

The US mission in Belgium, represented by Ambassador Bill White, has strongly condemned Ghent University (UGent) for what it describes as a 'retaliatory act.' This marks a significant international reaction to the ongoing controversy surrounding UGent.

RTBF: "The US mission in Belgium strongly condemns the UGent's retaliatory act,"…

Bill White, representing the US mission in Belgium, has issued a strong condemnation of a retaliatory act by Ghent University (UGent).

Mechelen Mayor Bart Somers is facing accusations of personally intervening with the police zone in early 2024 to secure a higher salary for his secretary, according to leaked emails.

HLN: Mechelen Mayor Bart Somers Allegedly Intervened with Police to Give Secretary…

Mechelen Mayor Bart Somers is accused of personally intervening with the police zone in early 2024 to secure a higher salary for his secretary, as revealed by leaked emails. The employee, officially on the police payroll, faced a potential income loss upon returning to the city hall from the…

De Morgen: Mechelen Mayor Bart Somers personally intervened with police to give his…

The mayor of Mechelen, Bart Somers, is reported to have personally intervened with the police to secure a higher salary for his secretary.

A critical issue in healthcare or social services has been highlighted, with reports that children who are not ill are remaining in hospitals, separated from their parents, due to a lack of available alternative facilities.

RTBF: Removed from their parents and not sick, these children live in the hospital…

Due to a lack of available facilities, children who are not ill are reportedly remaining in the hospital, separated from their parents, highlighting a critical issue in healthcare or social services.

A long-standing institution in Brussels is closing its doors after 129 years of operation, with those involved feeling 'torpedoed'.

La Libre: After 129 years, a Brussels institution closes its doors: "We are torpedoed"

A long-standing institution in Brussels is closing down after 129 years of operation, with a quote indicating they feel they have been 'torpedoed'.

Dave Sinardet, a political scientist, has shared his personal experience of a precarious period after his divorce when he relied on social welfare. Separately, a couple is voicing frustration over paying over 2,000 euros in taxes for their second home in Bredene, feeling exploited by coastal municipalities.

De Morgen: Dave Sinardet: 'At the divorce, we fell back on a living allowance via the…

An interview with Dave Sinardet, who discusses a difficult period after his divorce where he relied on social welfare, describing it as a precarious situation.

HLN: Peter (66) and Christa (64) Pay Over 2,000 Euros Tax for Second Home in…

A couple from Belgium is voicing their frustration over paying over 2,000 euros in taxes for their second home in Bredene, feeling exploited by coastal municipalities.

There is a notable increase in students opting for independent work over traditional salaried employment, with many finding it a better fit for their preferences.

RTBF: "It suits me better than a salaried job": the number of independent students…

This article highlights a significant increase in students choosing to work independently rather than in traditional salaried employment, suggesting a shift in career preferences.