Heat Death Toll: Europe’s summer of heatwaves and drought has driven at least 30,000 excess deaths, with provisional figures putting the total above 32,000 and an AFP count of 33,000 linked to heat across eight countries including Belgium. Wildfire Hazard in Belgium: In the High Fens, firefighters have faced a grim added risk as WWI/WWII bombs and mines are unearthed and sometimes detonate as peat fires burn underground. Academic Freedom Row: A US Trump-appointed official Bill White urged Ghent University to rescind the suspension of Nathan Cofnas, tied to the Jason Arday plagiarism scandal after Arday’s death, escalating diplomatic pressure. Royal DNA Twist: Clément Vandenkerckhove, a 26-year-old former car salesman, has been legally recognized as Prince Laurent’s son, making him a Belgian prince without succession rights. Brussels Security: Masked gunmen fired on a police station in Anderlecht, damaging the building but leaving no injuries; prosecutors are investigating. Sport—Belgium in the mix: Belgian cycling sprinter Jasper Philipsen won a Renewi Tour stage in a tyre-width photo finish, while Belgium’s presence also surfaced in European football line-ups and hockey coverage.