News

Eighteen people, including five children, reported retinal damage after viewing the partial solar eclipse on 12 August. Most cases involve mild symptoms such as “seeing spots,” though one more serious case was noted. The NOG expects clearer insight into long‑term recovery within a year.

NS is urging travelers to take their waste with them as a nationwide cleaners’ strike reduces train cleaning capacity. About 30 percent of staff are participating in the two‑day action, organized by FNV over proposed sick‑pay cuts. Cleaners also held a protest at NS headquarters in Utrecht.

De Bilt’s record-breaking warm streak has paused at 64 days after temperatures dipped below 20°C. With 2026 already delivering unusually high numbers of summer and tropical days, meteorologists expect September to add even more warm days to an already exceptional year.

Moderna and Merck have announced positive clinical trial results for an experimental skin cancer vaccine aimed at preventing melanoma recurrence. The shot also reduces the spread of tumors to other parts of the body. Both companies plan to discuss approval with health regulators in hopes of launching the treatment by 2027.

OpenAI is set to launch advertisements on ChatGPT for users in the Netherlands and 30 other European countries. The move aims to generate revenue ahead of a planned stock market launch in New York. Only free users and lower-tier subscribers will encounter these ads, which the company claims will remain entirely distinct from chatbot responses.

A new report reveals that the Netherlands accounts for seven per cent of global AI equipment exports, making it Europe's second-largest supplier. Strong reliance on chip manufacturing giant ASML and major logistics operations drives this impressive global ranking. However, severe market concentration in Asia and the United States continues to expose European supply chains to growing geopolitical risks.

Security guards at Schiphol are preparing a series of short work stoppages and go-slow actions over concerns about workload and working conditions. While the airport says it is working on improvements, unions warn that longer strikes could follow if more action is not taken.

Hundreds of farmers have begun a convoy through Drenthe as part of a nitrogen protest, with three groups travelling towards Assen. Along the way, they plan to visit every municipal hall in the province and present a letter for signature.