An auction of personal items and memorabilia belonging to the late French actress Brigitte Bardot took place in Paris on Monday, raising nearly 954,000 euros including fees. This amount was almost twenty times higher than the pre-auction estimate of approximately 50,000 euros, with around 3,000 bidders competing for 285 items. Bernard d'Ormale, Bardot’s last husband, criticized the sale as disrespectful to her memory and claimed she would not have agreed to it, arguing the items should have remained part of her estate rather than being sold to raise funds. The proceeds from the auction will go to the Fondation Brigitte Bardot and her son, Nicolas-Jacques Charrier. Bardot died in December at the age of 91.
The Canadian province of British Columbia has filed a lawsuit in California against OpenAI regarding its role in a February shooting where the perpetrator used ChatGPT to plan the attack. BC Justice Minister Niki Sharma stated that OpenAI refused to release the disturbing chat logs despite an internal investigation, and criticized the company for taking no meaningful steps to prevent future incidents. The shooter, an 18-year-old trans woman, killed eight people in Tumbler Ridge before committing suicide. Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced renewed US-China dialogue on AI safety risks following talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. In contrast, President Donald Trump dismissed AI safety concerns as a hoax, pledging to support the industry's growth without stricter regulation while announcing plans for an "AI force" and an "AI tsar."
A Paris auction of personal belongings and memorabilia belonging to Brigitte Bardot raised nearly 954,000 euros on Monday, significantly exceeding the estimated value of approximately 50,000 euros. The sale included 285 items, such as a typewriter used for her autobiography, two guitars, and a self-portrait, with proceeds benefiting the Fondation Brigitte Bardot and her son, Nicolas-Jacques Charrier.
Ryan Gal expressed disbelief after winning gold in the time trial, while Italian Nicolas Milesi took silver. Milesi admitted he had not anticipated Gal's performance, stating simply that Gal was the fastest. Gal confirmed his future is secure, having already secured a contract before the race and joining Mathieu van der Poel's team.
Arnold Schwarzenegger will release a new self-help book titled Better Every Day in 2027, announced by publisher Penguin and the actor on Monday. Serving as a practical guide to help readers grow and find their life purpose, the book follows his 2023 title Be Useful. Schwarzenegger described the work as a handbook filled with personal stories linked to weekly actions, stating that while Be Useful was his philosophy book, Better Every Day is his workbook.
An arrest team raided a residence on Cellostraat in Etten-Leur on Monday evening following reports of an altercation. Police had cordoned off surrounding streets since 7 p.m., but when the team entered the house around 9:15 p.m., they found no one inside and subsequently lifted the restrictions.
A large fire broke out on Monday evening at a waste processing facility on Helmkamp in Dinxperlo, Netherlands, involving approximately 20 by 30 meters of pruning waste and wood. The safety region reported that the site belongs to Complexie, a closed operator previously shut down for illegal practices, and noted that gas cylinders may be present on the premises. Dutch firefighters are supported by German colleagues, while a water curtain protects an adjacent gas station from spreading flames. Due to low wind, no complaints regarding smoke or odor have been received yet, though residents are advised to close windows and turn off ventilation if affected.
The Petroleum Facilities Guard, an armed group responsible for securing Libyan oil infrastructure, has shut down Pipeline 7, which transports crude from the Sharara field to Zawiyah. This action, taken after the group’s demands to be placed under the National Oil Corporation (NOC) were not met, has reduced raw oil production. The NOC warned that continued closures would severely impact Libya's economy and force a halt to production. The unrest adds pressure to international oil markets already strained by conflicts involving the US, Israel, and Iran, as much of Libya's crude is exported to Europe.
The Canadian province of British Columbia has filed a lawsuit in California against OpenAI regarding its role in a fatal shooting in February where an 18-year-old shooter used ChatGPT to plan the attack. Justice Minister Niki Sharma stated that residents deserve trust that credible threats are taken seriously, criticizing OpenAI for failing to take meaningful safety steps despite warning signals. The incident resulted in eight deaths before the shooter died by suicide. This follows similar scrutiny in Florida after a 2025 university shooting where a perpetrator allegedly received advice from the chatbot.
Ben Saul, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism, stated that US attacks on boats suspected of carrying narcoterrorists in the Caribbean violate international law and may amount to crimes against humanity. Since September 2025, the US has conducted 69 strikes resulting in at least 231 deaths, which Saul describes as serial extrajudicial executions. He rejected the Trump administration’s self-defense justification, noting no armed attack occurred and insufficient evidence exists regarding drug smuggling. Additionally, CNN, Politico, and MS NOW are suing to regain White House press access after being banned by President Trump for critical reporting, arguing this violates the First Amendment.
The suspects were part of a group of 47 French nationals transferred last year from Syria to Iraq, where numerous suspected IS members were already being held.
Police reported 85 break-ins at fire stations this year, a sharp increase from 18 in 2025 and 17 in 2024. Thieves are stealing specialized hydraulic equipment used for rescues, which is then sold to criminals across Europe for destroying shutters and ATMs. While storing gear securely would delay emergency responses, the fire service is considering improved security measures like cameras and mirrored glass to protect vital tools.
David Munyua secured his place in the 2027 World Darts Championship this past weekend, marking his return to Ally Pally following his notable performance in the previous year.
The Mazda CX-6e is an electric SUV based on the Changan Deepal S07 platform, featuring a 78 kWh battery with a WLTP range of 468 kilometers and a single rear-wheel-drive motor producing 258 hp. Launched in spring 2024 as the successor to the criticized Mazda 6e, it offers improved ride quality and standard equipment like heated seats and a heat pump. While the exterior design includes optional digital mirrors and retains prototype elements from the Arata concept, the vehicle faces criticism for its limited powertrain options, lacking all-wheel drive or higher performance variants. Interior space is adequate for four or five passengers, though cargo capacity is reduced to 468 liters due to the sloping roofline, partially offset by an 80-liter front trunk. The infotainment system features a large, continuous screen that eliminates physical buttons, a change some may find excessive.
Phil and Yvette, along with their children Izy and Yves, moved to South Africa to take over a safari lodge near Kruger Park without prior hospitality experience. The family faced immediate challenges, including missing household items, staff conflicts, and costly renovations that exceeded their budget. After eighteen months of difficulties, including threats against their daughter and growing doubts about the venture, the family returned to the Netherlands, with Phil describing their approach as naive.
Tensions are rising around the International Criminal Court (ICC) ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York, as President Trump threatens new sanctions that could cripple the institution. Dutch Prime Minister Jetten and Foreign Minister Berendsen are in New York facing pressure from D66 and Pro party members to implement a 'blocking statute' that would force companies to ignore US sanctions. While the cabinet prefers quiet diplomacy, critics argue this approach is ineffective given reports of impending additional penalties targeting the ICC's operations in The Hague.
3.2% of Spaniards have already rented or looked for a room, up from 2.8% a year ago. Fotocasa says higher prices and a lack of supply are pushing many tenants to share homes as an alternative to conventional renting.
3.2% of Spaniards have rented or looked for a room, up from 2.8% a year ago. Fotocasa says rising prices and scarce supply are pushing tenants to share homes as an alternative to traditional lets.
In the show Abducted, John van den Heuvel helps Thomas locate his three-year-old daughter Zosia, who lives with her mother Karolinka in Poland. After legal battles revealed their Warsaw address, a court ruling allowed Thomas greater access, leading to Zosia's eventual return to their home.
The article critiques a task on Arjen Lubach and Diederik Smit’s TV program 'Taskmaster' where participants were asked to avoid using articles ('de', 'het', 'een'). Linguists Peter-Arno Coppen and Ton den Boon argue that Smit incorrectly classified words used in self-reference, as standalone nouns, or as numerals as articles. They explain that while some grammarians view 'geen' as a negative article, it was not involved here. The authors note that avoiding these common words makes writing difficult but demonstrate it is possible by composing this text without any articles. The piece aims to clarify grammatical distinctions and invites readers with language questions to contact the experts via email.
Trouw editorial board supports the KNVB's public campaign against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, citing his corruption and ties to dictatorial regimes. The article criticizes the KNVB for previous silence and endorses their current frontal attack, warning that failure to remove Infantino would be a shame if the effort is delayed.
Huub van Baar and Michael Wyatt from KU Leuven argue that Republican efforts to undermine free election conditions make a normal electoral outcome uncertain. They highlight stricter voter registration rules, restrictions on mail-in voting, gerrymandering in states like Louisiana and Alabama, and the involvement of federal agencies such as ICE and the FBI in election processes. The authors warn that these measures threaten democratic legitimacy by creating conditions where election results can be easily contested, rather than simply preventing elections.
Alan Gratz’s 2017 novel about book bans has become a bitter reality as thousands of titles are prohibited in US schools, particularly those featuring LGBTQ+ themes or authors of color. Gratz, co-founder of Authors Against Book Bans, wrote the book as a warning that now highlights the suppression of diverse voices through conservative-led cultural wars.
Students from a special education school in Amsterdam-Oost wrote an open letter to the States General expressing disagreement with the Prinsjes Day plans. They highlighted issues such as poverty, unsafe streets, racism, and teacher shortages, urging politicians to address these societal problems.
Culinary writer Joke Boon, who has suffered from anosmia since age four, shares a recipe for a crispy vegetarian loaf made from kidney beans, oats, and peanuts. The dish is wrapped in puff pastry, baked until golden, and named "crispy minced meat fantasy" by her guests to avoid confusion with traditional meat products or snack bar items.
Entrepreneur Jard van Heerde argues that the Dutch government should prioritize structural labor market reforms over short-term purchasing power measures. He proposes abolishing the part-time bonus to incentivize full-time work, reducing employer-paid sick leave periods to align with other EU nations, and easing dismissal protections for top earners to boost business flexibility.
Art historian Joke de Wolf highlights the striking visual similarities between Bert and Ernie’s bedroom on Sesamstraat and Vincent van Gogh’s 1888 painting of his own bedroom in Arles. This comparison emerges as voice actors Wim T. Schippers and Paul Haenen step away from their iconic roles, prompting reflection on the cultural legacy of the characters. The article notes that while the set design has evolved, the perspective remains consistent with Van Gogh’s work, a connection acknowledged by the Van Gogh Museum during Sesamstraat’s 35th anniversary. De Wolf also discusses how Van Gogh intended the painting to convey rest and sleep, despite changes in color over time. Additionally, the text touches on speculation regarding the nature of Bert and Ernie’s friendship, contrasting writers’ views with the official stance of Sesame Workshop, amidst concerns about rising negative attitudes toward homosexuality among Dutch youth.
Experts advise parents to recognize that divorce significantly impacts young adults, who may face mental health issues and relationship difficulties despite living independently. The Expertisecentrum Kind en Scheiding recommends clear communication, respecting boundaries, and using their 'Choose Young Adults' plan to help children navigate the separation respectfully.
Rising oil prices have caused fuel shortages in Indonesia, prompting millions of residents to switch to cheaper, subsidized gasoline. This shift has resulted in long queues at gas stations across the country as consumers seek more affordable options.
Dutch readers respond to recent political commentary, with Hans Klein Wolterink comparing Minister Rob Jetten to Odysseus facing unavoidable difficult decisions. Other letters criticize the use of AI in Jetten's communications, condemn the handling of the childcare benefits scandal by Staatssecretaris Palmen, and question the lack of deadlines in the Netherlands' climate roadmap. Additional comments address unsafe conditions in emergency shelters for children and debate whether the Dutch government is now as right-leaning as Colombia's.
The resident-led organization Frisse Wind continues its campaign against pollution from Tata Steel, achieving notable results and ranking first in the health category of the Trouw Duurzame 100 list. Formed because residents had to become experts themselves due to government failure, the group maintains that ongoing legal proceedings ensure strict monitoring of Tata Steel. The organization persists in its efforts to address environmental concerns affecting local communities.
The Elisabeth-TweeSteden Ziekenhuis (ETZ) in Tilburg officially opened its new Pet Garden on Monday, allowing patients to meet and cuddle their own pets during hospitalization. Geriatrician Dr. Sarah Robben and nurse Lonneke van Vugt stated that the initiative addresses patient needs, as animals provide significant stress relief by acting like family. Visits must be planned through nursing staff, with a relative bringing the animal to the facility. While rats are prohibited and some birds face restrictions, healthy, vaccinated animals including horses are permitted.
Halle Berry expressed pride in Zendaya’s tribute during the Emmy Awards, where the younger actress wore an outfit inspired by Berry’s 2002 James Bond premiere look. Berry praised Zendaya for paving the way for her generation and stated she would love to collaborate with her someday.
Yonatan Touval argues that while Israel’s Arab citizens have long been asked to prove their readiness for partnership, the state and its Jewish political class have not reciprocated. Despite Arabs comprising over one-fifth of the population and holding key roles in healthcare, their political inclusion remains conditional. Although Ra’am joined a coalition in 2021 securing funding, much of the Jewish political class viewed this as improper. Upcoming elections on October 27th may force parties to reconsider, though most leaders promise to govern only with Zionist parties, except for left-wing Democrats who support Arab participation.
As summer holidays end and thousands of Dutch runners prepare for races, many are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence instead of physical trainers. Chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Copilot are being used to create custom training schedules and act as digital coaches leading up to competitions.
There have been 85 break-ins at fire stations this year, a significant increase from the 17 incidents in 2024 and 18 in 2025. Criminals are targeting specialized hydraulic rescue tools intended for saving lives, which are now being used across Europe to destroy shutters and ATMs. The police appealed for information on the show Opsporing Verzocht regarding recent thefts, including one at the Maarn-Maarsbergen station and another in Huizen between September 14 and 15. Authorities note that storing this essential equipment securely causes delays during emergencies, yet a specific gang appears focused on stealing these items.
The Dutch government plans to install an AI supercomputer at the University of Groningen campus by late 2027, with operations expected to begin in 2028. This initiative aims to boost the national knowledge economy and reduce reliance on US and Chinese AI firms by enabling local organizations to develop and test artificial intelligence applications. While the European Commission proposed seven large "AI gigafactories," the Schoof cabinet opted for smaller facilities like this one, citing greater benefit for the Netherlands. Bart Scheerder from the University Medical Center Groningen highlighted that the facility will support privacy-sensitive medical research, such as monitoring newborns, which is currently too costly to outsource.
Despite the steady growth of online shopping, physical stores remain crucial for the retail chain Rituals, accounting for three-quarters of its 2.4 billion euro revenue. Ahead of the holiday season, all shops will undergo a makeover, and the company is also launching a new, innovative perfume line.
Paulien Cornelisse, jury member on the Dutch show 'De Slimste Mens', revealed she lost her hair due to chemotherapy following a cancer diagnosis in 2024. Instead of wearing a wig, she chose to wear various hats or caps during the new season, noting that her hair is growing back but not convincingly. Host Herman van der Zandt acknowledged her changed appearance and had a custom hat made for her to support her. Cornelisse stated that while her health varies daily due to heavy medication, she is happy to return to the studio. She and Van der Zandt have worked together for three seasons and will continue in the fourth season searching for Frank van Leeuwen’s successor.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed discussions with confederations and national associations regarding reforms to the global football body. In a letter to 211 member federations, he suggested an external investigation into how major decisions are made, acknowledging that his withdrawn commercialization plans caused concern. The plans faced global criticism, resulting in lost trust from UEFA and Concacaf. The KNVB, which also seeks Infantino's departure, previously proposed an international football summit in Amsterdam to address these reforms.
Wrexham AFC owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have purchased The Turf, a historic pub adjacent to the club's stadium in Wales. The acquisition aims to preserve the venue's legacy, as it played a key role in the club's history by serving as a dressing room until the 1940s. Pub owner Wayne Jones will continue managing the establishment, which has hosted celebrities like Prince William. The move ensures the protection of the pub's traditions and its status as a gathering point for fans.
A 78-year-old man and a 75-year-old woman from Capelle aan den IJssel successfully avoided being scammed by a fraudster using a chat trick, leading to the arrest of a 28-year-old man from Spijkenisse. The couple reported suspicious activity when the scammer, posing as a bank employee, requested their PIN codes and attempted to collect an envelope containing their bank card. This incident marks the second time the couple has thwarted such a scheme by contacting the police promptly.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed openness to discussions with national federations and other stakeholders regarding reforms within the organization, as stated in a letter to all 211 FIFA members. Infantino acknowledged that his previously withdrawn commercialization plans for the World Cup caused concern and proposed an independent external investigation into the FIFA Council’s decision-making processes to enhance transparency. The council, comprising 37 members including Infantino, oversees major strategic decisions. This initiative follows significant backlash against Infantino's July proposal to create a $20 billion company managing World Cup rights, which he later retracted but left trust severely damaged, prompting calls for his resignation from countries like the Netherlands.
Actress Melissa McCarthy stated that her role as Sookie in 'Gilmore Girls' was challenging due to the dense scripts written by Amy Sherman-Palladino. She described the experience as rigorous training, noting that scripts often reached 93 pages with strict adherence required. McCarthy expressed surprise at the show's enduring popularity among younger viewers, admitting her own children have not watched it despite frequent references from others.
Presenter Herman van der Zandt addressed jury member Paulien Cornelisse's blue beanie at the start of the new season of De slimste mens, noting her changed appearance. Cornelisse revealed she is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer diagnosed in August 2024, which caused hair loss and led to her declining a wig. She expressed joy at returning to the show as Maarten van Rossem's successor, despite fluctuating health due to heavy medication. A KRO-NCRV spokesperson confirmed that while she remains under treatment, she is doing well. The third series features contestants Kefah Allush, Nienke van Dijk, and Wina Ricardo competing against each other.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has officially withdrawn his controversial commercialization plan to sell shares in future World Cups, following threats of a UEFA boycott and internal criticism. In a letter to the 211 member associations, Infantino confirmed the proposal is cancelled but indicated he remains committed to the organization and will not step down ahead of the March 2027 election. He proposed hiring an independent external party to review FIFA's organizational structure, with the board discussing this reform measure during a meeting on October 15. Although operational director Kevin Lamour resigned over the plan, Infantino stated he retains full confidence in his ability to improve transparency and reliability within the federation.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino sent a letter to all 211 member federations proposing an external investigation into the organization's decision-making framework after withdrawing his controversial plan to sell World Cup commercial rights. The withdrawal followed global criticism, leading the KNVB, UEFA, and CONCACAF to withdraw their confidence in him. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin and CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani also proposed distributing at least $10 million annually to each national federation from 2027 to 2030, questioning the necessity of Infantino’s investment plan given FIFA’s record reserves. Meanwhile, Hennes Watzke criticized Infantino for the FIFA Peace Prize awarded to Donald Trump and the reversal of Folarin Balogun’s suspension, calling the actions absurd. Despite opposition, Infantino is expected to retain his position as rivals consider strategies to limit his power.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed consultations with continental confederations and national federations concerning reforms of the global football body. He outlined this suggestion in a letter sent on Monday to the 211 affiliated member associations, which was also reviewed by the ANP news agency.
Jury member Paulien Cornelisse provided an update on her health during the first episode of the new season of De slimste mens, following a cancer diagnosis in 2024. She stated that she absolutely did not want to wear a wig.
A fire broke out on Monday evening at the Complexie waste processing facility in Dinxperlo, which was ordered to close last November due to illegal practices. The blaze started around 21:45 and involves large piles of mixed plastics and agricultural film left on site. Firefighters are using cranes to dismantle the burning waste for better extinguishing efforts. Residents have been advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke, while a nearby gas station has shut down its fuel supply as a precaution. German fire brigades are assisting with the operation.
Two men from Engelen in North Brabant were sentenced on Monday to 36 days in prison and 240 hours of community service. The conviction follows an incident on June 14, when the men trapped a female villager in her car and beat her. The assault occurred after she had destroyed their protest signs opposing the establishment of an asylum seekers' center in the village. The court handed down the sentence for serious bodily harm committed against the resident who had advocated for the asylum shelter.
More than 75 cats were discovered in a small Paris apartment when the tenant was evicted from their social housing unit, according to Le Parisien. The animals were found living in deplorable conditions within the 50-square-meter space, with some seriously ill and requiring clinical care. Animal welfare organization YouCare reported finding dead kittens in the freezer during the inspection. The eviction was carried out by a bailiff earlier this month, after which YouCare was called to rescue the animals. Due to limited capacity, the organization could not take all the cats, leaving approximately thirty behind in the heavily soiled apartment. Volunteers are now caring for the remaining animals. YouCare suspects the tenant suffers from Noach's syndrome, a French term for compulsive animal hoarding.
A portable toilet (dixi) caught fire along the railway tracks on Beersebaan in Cuijk on Monday evening. Firefighters extinguished the blaze, but the cause remains unknown. During operations, they inspected the tracks following reports of stones placed on them, likely intended to derail trains, but found no such objects. Authorities continue to investigate the incident.
Reality star Monique Hansler decided to adopt Balou, an injured cat with a history of accidents and surgeries, despite other options being available. Although Balou requires further surgery and a home visit before moving in, Hansler expressed deep empathy for the animal's suffering and commitment to providing him a good home.
The author reflects on their short tenure with KLM president-director Camiel Eurlings, noting that the incident of his power bank exploding on a flight instantly turned past experiences into present reality.
More than 75 cats were discovered in a Paris apartment by staff from the animal welfare organization YouCare on September 17, along with dead kittens found in the freezer. The organization filed a complaint for animal abuse after neighbors had repeatedly complained about the odor. Although the agency initially expected around thirty cats in the 50-square-meter unit, they rescued 42 due to limited capacity, while nearly thirty remain in the apartment pending legal proceedings. The owner denies mistreatment and claims he wants the animals back.
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