Stories from Amsterdam · Netherlands

The price difference between organic and non-organic food has increased to 66 percent, according to a consumer survey. Two years ago, the price gap was nearly 50 percent. price disparities were noted in categories including vegetables, fruit, chips, sauces, and tea.

Smoke plumes are visible on satellite imagery and from the northern horizon, extending nearly to the south of Amsterdam. Reports of smoke have been received from the A15 and Lelystad areas. Emergency services have escalated the response to Grip 2, indicating additional fire department resources have been deployed to the scene. The weather is currently clear, making the smoke highly visible across much of the country. An exceptionally large wildfire is burning in the Netherlands, creating a smoke plume visible from 100 kilometers away. The fire covers a strip approximately 2 kilometers wide. Authorities have evacuated several campsites in the region, particularly near Amsterdam, due to smoke and fire risks. Firefighters estimate they will work through the night to control the blaze and will continue operations for several days to prevent flare-ups.

A 10-year study following 2 million people found that renovating social housing significantly improves children's health. The research showed that 4 percent of children required fewer medical visits immediately after renovation, a figure that rose to 7 percent after five years.

A survey indicates that 50 percent of Dutch respondents expressed concern regarding a looming war. Additionally, 25 percent of those surveyed reported concerns about artificial intelligence and the influence of major technology companies, an increase from 20 percent last year.

An Australian data center has filed a lawsuit against the Dutch grid operator Tennet. The claimant alleges Tennet promised a power grid connection near Schiphol but later withdrew the commitment.

A report by Dutch state broadcaster NOS claims calves as young as two weeks are being transported overseas for up to 24 hours without water or milk. European welfare rules specify that animals should not go more than 12 hours without water.

Participants in the October Amsterdam marathon will not run through the city center. The organization had previously attempted to restore the route through the inner city, which had been the case until 2003. The Parool reported the change this morning.

Niche perfume brand Snickers Z has grown from a small Amsterdam shop into an empire with dozens of stores. Co-founder Philippe Hillige stated the company's turnover is approaching 80 million. The business model is described as a niche growth story.

The Dutch government supported the United States by allowing military transports and weapons to use Dutch airports for deliveries to Israel. This cooperation led to widespread belief in the Arab world that the Netherlands was supporting Israel.

Dutch authorities discovered 352 explicit photos and 75 videos involving underage girls aged 12 to 15. The material was part of an extortion scheme where perpetrators demanded more explicit content under threat of online distribution.