Day: September 7, 2025

Trump’s Threats Spark Backlash from Illinois Governor and Chicago Mayor

U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent social media post has drawn sharp criticism from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who interpreted the remarks as a threat of war against Chicago, reports 24brussels. “The President of the United States is threatening to go to war with an American city. This is not a joke. This is not normal. Donald Trump isn’t a strongman, he’s a scared man. Illinois won’t be intimidated by a wannabe dictator,” the governor declared on his X account.

Trump’s provocative post featured a parody image reminiscent of the film Apocalypse Now, coupled with the statement that he relishes “the smell of deportations in the morning” while warning that Chicago is “about to find out why it’s called the Department of War.”

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also condemned Trump’s remarks, stating they are “beneath the honor” of the United States, asserting that the President’s true intent is to occupy Chicago and undermine constitutional values.

The backlash comes amid Trump’s previous assertions regarding deploying the National Guard to Chicago, which he accused of being one of the most dangerous cities globally. Contradicting the President’s narrative, recent statistics reveal that 2025 has seen Chicago’s lowest homicide rate since 1965, with violent crime at a 40-year low.

“We must defend our democracy from this authoritarianism by protecting each other and protecting Chicago from Donald Trump,” Johnson emphasized amid the unfolding tensions.

Belgium’s Cultural Institutions Prepare for a Vibrant Season

As Belgium transitions from summer festivals to indoor cultural events, museums, theatres, and opera houses are gearing up for a dynamic season ahead.

This week, Belga English highlights significant cultural events, including the 37th edition of Open Monument Day, an exploration of Congolese history in Brussels, and an exhibition examining themes of humor and loss.

Open Monument Day, September 14

This Flanders-wide event invites visitors to uncover the architectural gems that lie hidden in the region. Antwerp serves as the guest city for this year’s edition, themed “In stijl!” (In Style!), which emphasizes architectural heritage and encourages viewers to appreciate the façades, buildings, parks, and sites they might usually overlook.

More than 170 activities are slated across Antwerp alone, featuring 40 buildings ranging from Gothic to Modernist designs, including the finalists for the Erfgoedjuweel (Heritage Jewel) prize. The event will also showcase religious heritage with highlights like the Baroque Carolus Borromeus Church and the solitary tower of Sint-Laurentius Church amidst shipping containers in Wilmarsdonk.

Additionally, the Art Deco centenary will be marked at various sites, including De Panne, Aarschot, Sint-Niklaas, and Antwerp’s Institute of Tropical Medicine. With a range of themed activities, the day aims to be family-friendly and free of charge.

Bruxelles, la Congolaise, until December 13, Migration Museum

This exhibition at the MigratieMuseumMigration underscores the vibrant Congolese presence in Brussels, revealing a unique migration history through photographs, artworks, music, and personal narratives. As a city representing over 180 nationalities, Brussels serves as a mosaic of migration, and the museum encourages visitors to share their experiences, adding to the city’s evolving narrative.

Rekindling, until December 7, Be-Part Kortrijk

Joëlle Dubois’s latest exhibition combines significant works from private collections with new paintings, sculptures, and her first video installation. This exhibition reflects a turning point, highlighting themes of identity, loss, and memory.

While Dubois has historically focused on vibrant and humorous portrayals of personal experiences within today’s individualistic context, her recent works depict a more introspective tone, shifting to muted colors and restrained forms. The exhibition captures the artist’s journey through personal grief and the challenges of preserving memories amidst the erosion of selfhood.

Dubois’s art conveys that intimacy can withstand absence, and while memories may fade, resilience and care endure in the face of loss.

(MOH)

_{#FlandersNewsService | Discovering heritage in Blankenberge}