News

Astronomers have discovered a companion star, Betelgeuse B, orbiting the well-known red supergiant in the Orion constellation. Using the Very Large Telescope in Chile and a Dutch-developed imaging instrument, researchers captured direct images of the companion after a century of searching. The newly discovered star is two to three times heavier than the Sun and explains long-observed variations in Betelgeuse's brightness.

High fuel prices and lower overall running costs are driving more Dutch holidaymakers to travel abroad in electric vehicles this summer, with Fastned reporting a 50 percent surge in foreign charging sessions. EV owners benefit from reduced maintenance expenses, access to European zero-emission zones, and lower fuel costs, leading 55 percent of owners to vacation by car. This trend reflects broader adoption across the Netherlands, where fully electric cars captured a 37 percent market share in the first half of the year.

Johnson & Johnson proposed a $5.5 billion settlement to resolve around 76,000 lawsuits claiming its talc products caused ovarian cancer. The deal requires 95 percent approval from US plaintiffs to take effect and follows J&J's decision to phase out talc baby powder globally in favor of cornstarch-based alternatives. The proposed agreement comes after a judge blocked J&J's earlier attempt to settle the claims through subsidiary bankruptcy.

Eindhoven has launched a new digital portal allowing housing project developers to apply for priority access to the electricity grid. With national regulations now enabling earlier submissions, the municipality will establish a formal ranking list to determine which housing and education projects receive precedence when scarce grid capacity becomes available.

A judge has ordered the Dutch government to decide this year on Lelystad Airport’s long-delayed environmental permit. The ruling increases pressure on ministers as debate continues over nature protection, nitrogen emissions and the airport’s future.

NS is preparing for a busy August weekend with the Dutch Grand Prix, the Lowlands festival and extensive rail maintenance taking place at the same time. The rail operator is adding staff, longer trains and extra station facilities as it expects tens of thousands of passengers to travel to and from Zandvoort.

Farmers across the Netherlands are stepping up their opposition to new nitrogen reduction targets. Large demonstrations took place in Borculo and other towns, while organisers say larger actions are planned for August and Prinsjesdag.

Pathé is expanding its IMAX schedule for The Odyssey with extra night and morning screenings. Cinemas in Amsterdam and Rotterdam are adding early and late showings to meet strong demand. The film stars Matt Damon, Tom Holland and Anne Hathaway.