Ajax Vrouwen secured their place in the Europa Cup by defeating WFC Aktobe 8-0 in the second qualifying round, with Ella Touon scoring a hat-trick. Trainer Anouk Bruil’s team had previously lost to Real Madrid in the Champions League qualifiers. Feyenoord defeated Valerenga 4-1 thanks to goals from Victoria DellaPeruta, Kirsten van de Westeringh, and Fleur Stoit. PSV won 1-0 against Fortuna Hjørring with a goal from Liz Rijsbergen. The return matches for all three clubs are scheduled for next Wednesday.
The Zeeland province has issued a warning regarding fuel oil found on multiple beaches, particularly heavy fuel oil mixed with seaweed. Initial reports originated from Westkapelle, but inspections revealed the contamination extends along the Walcher coast to Vrouwenpolder, as well as to Banjaard Badstrand and Verdronken Zwarte Polder. Authorities advise visitors to avoid contact with the oil and refrain from swimming in affected areas. Rijkswaterstaat is collaborating with local municipalities and the Strandexploitatie Veere Foundation to clean up the spill as quickly as possible.
Jürgen Klopp anticipates his debut as German national team coach against Oranje at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, joking that he knows more Dutch players than new opponent coach Xavi Hernández. Goalkeeper Marc ter Stegen expressed happiness at becoming Germany's first choice following Manuel Neuer's retirement, while both coaches prepare for Thursday's match preceded by a minute of silence for Bartina Koeman.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the United Nations, asserting that Iran has been a victim of US terrorism and acted only in self-defense against attacks on schools, hospitals, and scientists. He criticized the US and Israel for violating international law and highlighted the double standard regarding nuclear weapons, noting Israel possesses them without sanction. Pezeshkian maintained that Iran’s nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and rejected claims of aggression, stating no civilians were targeted in retaliatory strikes against countries hosting US bases.
Experts criticize the Dutch cabinet for avoiding a discussion on reducing reliance on the United States in its recent Defense Note. Former defense expert Rob de Wijk and analysts Bart van den Burg and Niels van Willigen argue that omitting this critical geopolitical shift undermines democratic debate and public discourse. While the note outlines goals like strengthening the military and supporting Ukraine, it lacks concrete plans for European self-reliance or reducing dependence on Washington. Consequently, several political parties removed the topic from the parliamentary agenda, preventing any formal debate on how to navigate a more independent NATO role without American support.
The Public Prosecution Service has requested a reduced prison sentence of 28 months, with 10 suspended, for Harry W. in the appeal regarding the assault on actor Bas Muijs, down from the initial four-year demand. W. was previously convicted of kidnapping and assault after detaining Muijs in March 2023 to extort money and force a confession regarding an alleged rape by Muijs of W.'s partner, Madelon L. The prosecution now also includes charges of extortion and deprivation of liberty, while noting L.'s mental health struggles. The appellate court in Arnhem will deliver its verdict on October 14.
Max Verstappen expressed skepticism regarding the upcoming Formula 1 sprint race in Monaco, predicting limited overtaking opportunities similar to the main Grand Prix. While Verstappen remains focused on the traditional race and views sprints as merely additional action, Sergio Pérez learned of the expansion to ten sprint races through a driver group chat that reacted strongly to the news. Although Pérez initially suggested more qualifying sessions instead of an extra race, he acknowledged the drivers' mixed feelings. Oscar Piastri worried about losing the weekend's tension buildup, while George Russell welcomed the increased activity, noting that sprint qualifications are more exciting than free practice sessions.
Historian Harald Sandner and Der Spiegel have discovered previously unknown death declarations in Munich archives that challenge the established account of Geli Raubal's suicide. The documents indicate her body was found on September 18, 1931, at 10:15 AM, contradicting the belief that Adolf Hitler was in Nuremberg at the time. This discrepancy suggests Hitler may have been present with Raubel when she died, undermining his alibi. Sandner proposes that Nazi party members within the Munich police might have tampered with records, noting the absence of an autopsy despite gunshot wounds. While historian Ian Kershaw maintains that Hitler was deeply affected by Raubal's death, these findings raise questions about potential cover-ups regarding the events surrounding her death.
Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41, remains committed to his international career with Portugal and accepts the role defined by coach Jorge Jesus ahead of their Nations League match against Wales. He stated that he is available regardless of whether he starts, comes off the bench, or does not play at all. While uncertainty lingered after the World Cup, Ronaldo has reaffirmed his fitness and desire to prove himself despite media criticism. Unlike Lionel Messi, who plans to retire from international football soon, Ronaldo has not decided when to stop playing. His primary objectives are winning the Nations League and surpassing one thousand career goals, a milestone he aims to achieve without obsession.
A court in Utrecht ruled that the animal rights organization Wakker Dier may display its posters at NS stations, overturning NS Stations' refusal. The organization plans to promote "Meat-Free Day" with images of livestock and a question about reducing consumption by 650,000 animals. NS Stations must remove its ban within 24 hours and display the ads during the week of September 28 to October 4, facing a daily fine of 25,000 euros for non-compliance. The court's detailed reasoning will be published by October 7. Wakker Dier criticized NS for avoiding public debate on meat consumption due to fear of criticism, while NS stated it aims to ensure all passengers feel welcome.
The European Union and Canada announced a joint initiative at the UN General Assembly in New York to secure global ocean monitoring networks following significant science budget cuts by the United States under President Donald Trump. The EU is contributing 100 million euros, Canada 82 million dollars, and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten pledged 27 million euros for new measurement systems, with thirty countries already joining the effort. EU President Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized that over-reliance on a few funders makes the network vulnerable to financial and geopolitical disruptions. Dutch researchers from the NIOZ welcomed the support but warned of immediate funding gaps, noting that equipment has been reused for six years and critical data on the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) remains at risk after 2028.
American film producer Harvey Weinstein received a 15-year prison sentence on Wednesday for the sexual abuse of former production assistant Miriam Haley. The conviction follows a 2024 appeal that overturned his previous 23-year sentence, with a jury finding him guilty again in 2025 for forcing Haley into oral sex in 2006. Weinstein faces additional legal proceedings, including an expected sentencing in California for the 2013 rape and abuse of an actress, while charges against actress Jessica Mann were dropped after three failed prosecution attempts.
Michael van Gerwen was eliminated early from the Players Championship tournament in Den Bosch after losing 6-2 to Scott Williams in the quarter-finals. Although he avenged a previous defeat by beating Benjamin Pratnemer 6-5, his run ended prematurely. Karel Sedlácek won the title by defeating Williams 8-7 in the final. Meanwhile, Raymond van Barneveld reached the quarter-finals, securing a spot in the world top forty for the upcoming World Championship.
In Rotterdam, a mobile liver scanning initiative has attracted long queues as it offers free scans to detect fatty liver disease, which affects approximately one-third of Dutch adults often without symptoms. Early results from the 'liver bus' identified several individuals with excess fat or scar tissue, prompting urgent advice to consult general practitioners to prevent progression to cirrhosis or liver cancer. Internist Manuel Castro Cabezas explains that lifestyle factors like obesity and diabetes are now primary drivers of these issues, which can be reversed through weight loss if caught early. Although the project highlights rising health concerns among minors with poor diets, organizers clarify that this is not a population screening program but rather an awareness tour by the European Liver Patients Association.
YouTuber Gio Latooy and his girlfriend Lynn Hermanussen are expecting their second child, having welcomed their son Mexx Jack Latooy in December 2024. The couple announced the news on Instagram with photos of themselves and an ultrasound image, stating they will soon be a family of four.
Pierre Gasly expressed shock and concern over the threats directed at his family following an incident during the Spanish Grand Prix where he slowed down behind teammate Franco Colapinto. The Alpine driver described the volume of hate messages as inappropriate and disturbing, emphasizing that such behavior crosses a line regardless of online anonymity. Colapinto supported Gasly, stating they share the same goal of improving Alpine and agreed that harassment is not acceptable in Formula 1 or any sport. Both drivers emphasized learning from the situation and moving forward together as a team.
British singer Michael Kiwanuka announced he suffered a serious brain hemorrhage a few months ago, which forced him to cancel summer performances across the US and Europe. While the injury requires extensive rehabilitation and temporarily prevents him from creating new music, Kiwanuka revealed his fifth studio album, FUDGE. He described the health crisis as one of his most difficult challenges but expressed hope for future performances.
Mediahuis reported that 250,000 people registered for profiles on the revived social network Hyves within one day of its return after a thirteen-year hiatus. Due to high demand, new users are being admitted gradually via a waiting list to prevent technical issues. The platform, which peaked at ten million users before declining due to Facebook's rise, has been rebuilt with a European technical architecture and without algorithms. Owner Mediahuis emphasized that the renewed service focuses on social interaction rather than algorithmic curation, marking a significant nostalgic comeback for the former Dutch internet staple.
US President Donald Trump is hosting Chinese President Xi Jinping for a two-day state visit, marking a significant breakthrough in relations between the world's two largest economies. Despite previous trade tensions and insults, Trump expressed admiration for Xi, welcoming him at Andrews Air Force Base with rare personal gestures. The visit aims to maintain stability, potentially extending a year-long trade truce agreed upon in Busan last October. Observers suggest Xi seeks to preserve the current favorable situation, where China has resisted US tariffs without escalation. Discussions may cover extending the trade ceasefire, increased exports of rare minerals from China in exchange for lower US import duties, and potential cooperation on artificial intelligence. Issues such as Taiwan arms sales and Iran are also expected to be addressed, with China urging the US to delay weapon sales to Taiwan again.
Archaeologists have uncovered a 20-meter-long stone and wooden fortress wall from the Roman era during excavations at the Hôtel-Dieu hospital on Île de la Cité in central Paris. The discovery, described by France’s Ministry of Culture as historic, may represent the Gallic stronghold of Lutetia, which was attacked by Julius Caesar in 52 BC. Artifacts found alongside the structure, including coins, spearheads, and pottery, date between 200 and 10 BC, while burn marks on the wall align with historical accounts of the settlement being set ablaze before the Battle of Lutetia. Although confirmation is pending, Julien Avinain of the Paris archaeological service states that evidence increasingly points to this site being the location of ancient Paris.
