It was just like old times for the Astros at Yankee Stadium.
Day: August 9, 2025
New Expansion Pack for Microsoft Flight Simulator: Jurassic World
The upcoming expansion pack, Jurassic World: Archipelago, for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, allows users to explore Isla Nublar and five islands from the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World franchises. Set to be released in late August or early September, this collaboration with Universal Products & Experiences is developed by Australian firm Orbx, known for its flight simulation add-ons, reports 24brussels.
This expansion will be compatible with all versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 for Xbox and PC, including the Standard Edition available through Xbox Game Pass. Orbx is also working on making compatible products for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and X-Plane 12.
Jurassic World: Archipelago enables players to traverse the six islands—Nublar, Sorna, Matanceros, Peña, Tacaño, and Muerta—before the events of the 2015 film, when the park is operational but chaos lurks beneath the surface. Gamers will gaze over an active Isla Nublar while the abandoned breeding grounds of Isla Sorna remain overtaken by nature.
The expansion introduces new challenges, including transporting VIPs and conducting guided tours. Players will fly over diverse terrains and encounter local wildlife, including brachiosaurus, stegosaurus, velociraptors, and pteranodons, enhancing the thrilling experience of this detailed simulation.
With its mix of adventure and nostalgia for the iconic film series, Jurassic World: Archipelago promises to deliver an exhilarating new chapter for flight simulation enthusiasts and film fans alike.
Leuven – The number of animal shelters in Flemish Brabant has dropped to 23, a decline from 28 in 2000, prompting urgent calls for action as pet abandonment rates continue to rise. MP Katrien Houtmeyers is advocating for immediate intervention to address this growing crisis, reports 24brussels.
According to AS VRT News, the decrease in shelters over the past two decades has left Flemish Brabant significantly behind neighboring provinces like East Flanders and Antwerp, each of which boast over 50 shelters. This deficiency hampers the ability to provide adequate care for abandoned animals.
MP Houtmeyers pointed out that many shelters are overwhelmed and underfunded, leading to the refusal of new animals. The crisis has been exacerbated by an upsurge in pet abandonment, particularly during holiday seasons, as impulsive adoptions often result in pets being abandoned shortly thereafter.
What is causing the drop in animal shelters in Brabant?
The issue was brought to light by MP Katrien Houtmeyers, who sought updated figures from Flemish Minister of Animal Welfare Ben Weyts, confirming the ongoing problems in animal care. Houtmeyers noted that the community has been aware of this growing issue for some time.
“Anyone wanting to foster an animal from Leuven often has to go to Mechelen,” Houtmeyers stated, emphasizing the geographical challenges residents face due to the scarcity of local shelters.
Houtmeyers further stressed the situation in Hageland, where support from the shelter in Sint-Truiden is often necessary. She has been working with 11 towns in East Brabant on a new initiative aimed at establishing a central facility dedicated to animal welfare.
This proposed center would not only serve as a shelter for stray and abandoned animals but also offer educational programs on animal care, fostering collaboration among local communities. However, as of now, progress on this plan has stalled.
Houtmeyers is urging for revitalization of the project, proposing that if a solid plan is developed, it could attract funding from Minister Ben Weyts. Nevertheless, the minister indicated that local backing is crucial for the plan’s success. Potential sites for a new animal shelter are being considered in the Hageland area or near Leuven, both identified as high-need locations.
Over the past few years, numerous animal shelters in Flemish Brabant have closed due to financial difficulties, volunteer shortages, and outdated facilities, further diminishing the region’s capacity to care for vulnerable animals.
Apple to Shift Cover Glass Production to the US Amid Tariff Pressure
Apple is responding to tariff threats from former President Trump by relocating its iPhone and Apple Watch cover glass production to the United States. This significant strategic move, announced on August 6, 2025, underscores Apple’s effort to align its manufacturing processes with domestic demands, reports 24brussels.
As part of a $100 billion commitment to U.S. manufacturing, Apple has partnered with Corning to produce all cover glass components in Kentucky. The initiative builds upon Apple’s previous investment of $500 billion, which aims to transition more of its supply chain to America. Additionally, Apple plans to innovate alongside Samsung at its Austin chip manufacturing facility, introducing an unprecedented fabrication technology.
The company announced the start of mass production at its server factory in Houston, set for 2026, and expansion of its data center in Maiden, North Carolina. Earlier initiatives also include the launch of a manufacturing academy in Michigan, intended to enhance training in advanced manufacturing practices.
Despite these advancements, it remains uncertain whether this will satisfy Trump, who insists that Apple can produce its iPhones domestically. The company has previously moved some operations from China to Vietnam and India to circumvent tariffs and operational setbacks. Trump has criticized Apple for not revitalizing U.S. manufacturing and has threatened to implement a 25 percent tariff if the company fails to bolster its domestic production.
During Trump’s initial term, Apple CEO Tim Cook sought to gain favor with the administration through various engagements, including lobbying for lighter tariffs. The company’s previous decision to produce its Mac Pro in Texas followed a tariff exemption granted by Trump, reflecting the ongoing pressure Apple faces amid shifting manufacturing landscapes.
In a press briefing, Cook asserted, “I’m proud to say that Apple is leading the creation of an end-to-end silicon supply chain right here in America, from design to equipment to wafer production to fabrication to packaging. We’re going to keep working with our suppliers to move even more of this incredibly advanced work to America.”
However, recent reports indicate that Trump’s tariffs could add up to $1.1 billion in expenses for Apple in the upcoming quarter, following an $800 million expenditure on existing tariffs. Trump has also initiated “reciprocal” tariffs affecting imports from several countries, including Vietnam, where a significant portion of Apple’s products are manufactured. Furthermore, Trump announced a forthcoming 25 percent tariff on India, where a majority of U.S.-bound iPhones are produced.
Apple continues to navigate the complex landscape of international trade and domestic policy, balancing its operational strategies with compliance to government demands and market expectations.
Sint-Niklaas Begins Construction on N41 Bike Path
Work on the N41 bike path in Belsele, Sint-Niklaas, will commence on August 18, 2025, as the local Roads and Traffic Agency (AWV) initiates long-awaited enhancements to ensure a safer route for cyclists, reports VRT News. This project comes after a decade of petitions from residents advocating for improvements, notably initiated by local councillor Hasan Bilici in 2013.
The planned reconstruction will expand the bike path from Arnhoutstraat to Kleiweg, increasing its width to 3 meters and allowing bi-directional cycling. According to officials, this path is crucial for daily commuters, including students and workers, and aims to enhance safety and visibility for cyclists.
Details on Changes and Traffic Adjustments
The construction work on the N41 is scheduled to last until August 29, 2025. During this period, adjustments will be made to local traffic; vehicles will be prohibited from traveling southbound on the N41 toward the N70. A detour is put in place, redirecting traffic through R42, Europark Noord, N70, Tereken, and Driegaaien, ensuring safety during the construction.
Cyclists must also navigate a different route while the work is being executed, using Tuinlaan, Bookmolenstraat, and the N70. Concerns about insufficient lighting along the path have been acknowledged, and plans to install new public lighting are set for later this year.
“New public lighting will be installed during the autumn holidays, so that the route remains safe even in darkness or rain,” officials stated.
In 2013, Bilici’s petition highlighted the dangers of the narrow path, which is frequently used by students from Broederschool voor Biotechnische en Sportopleidingen. Local authorities have recognized these safety concerns, prompting them to take action despite the N41 being a regional road managed by the Flemish government. In late 2023, the city of Sint-Niklaas revealed its plans for the improvements and filed for the necessary environmental permits, significantly accelerating the process to commence these essential upgrades.
The enhancements to the N41 bike path are set to provide a safer commuting option and bring relief to the local cycling community, who have long advocated for these critical changes., reports 24brussels.
Tel Aviv – Israeli defense forces announced on Wednesday the elimination of a Hezbollah operative in Lebanon’s Bekaa region. The military identified Hassam Qassem Gharab as a commander directing militant cells in Syria, specifically orchestrating rocket attacks aimed at the Golan Heights in northern Israel.
The Israeli military stated that Gharab was using his position to lead operations from Lebanese territory, preparing for impending strikes against Israeli targets. “Yesterday evening (Tuesday), the (Israeli air force)… struck the terrorist Hossam Qasem Ghorab, a Hezbollah terrorist who operated from Lebanese territory to direct terrorist cells in Syria,” the army declared.
According to military sources, the Syrian-based cells were actively planning a rocket assault on the Golan Heights, a region Israel annexed following the 1967 war with Syria.
Lebanese Army Develops Disarmament Plan
In related developments, the Lebanese cabinet has tasked the Lebanese army with formulating a strategy to disarm Hezbollah by the end of 2025, marking a significant shift in Lebanon’s post-civil war stance. This decision was reached during a nearly six-hour cabinet meeting on August 5, influenced by substantial U.S. pressure and ongoing efforts to enforce a ceasefire agreement from November 2024.
The government aims to establish central control over all weaponry, delegating usage authority solely to the military and legitimate state forces.
Ceasefire Violations and Targeted Actions
Despite a recent ceasefire brokered by the United States and France, which took effect at 4:00 a.m. local time on November 27, 2024, Israel continues to engage Hezbollah targets. The ceasefire was intended to halt over thirteen months of fighting but has not stopped Israel from carrying out operations against Hezbollah, citing ongoing violations of the ceasefire terms.
Israeli officials assert that Hezbollah failed to withdraw its fighters from areas north of the Litani River and maintains a threatening posture towards Israel. Such conditions provide justification for Israel’s military actions, aimed at neutralizing Hezbollah’s capabilities and safeguarding its northern civilian population.
, reports 24brussels.
I have a Windows 10 Enterprise Version 20H2 OS Build 19042.1288 System that is up to date as 02:48 am this morning 10/14/2021. No Sound will Play from the System. By the Clock on the Taskbar there is a Speaker ICON with a Red “x”. Right clicking reveals Speaker Setup (UNKNOWN) Off. Right Clicking and Running the Troubleshooter cannot find an issue. Going to Device Manager all devices are …