Stories from Netherlands

The municipality of Breda has implemented new smoke-free regulations in a local park. Signs stating the territory is smoke-free have been placed at all park entrances. The measure aims to establish a smoke-free environment within the grounds.

DSM-Ferminich reported a 4 percent increase in quarterly figures for its beauty and perfume products division. The company cited unfavorable exchange rates and higher freight and energy costs resulting from the war in the Middle East as factors affecting performance.

Pierre van Hooijdonk has stepped down from his position as technical advisor for NAC Breda with immediate effect. His resignation follows recent controversy regarding his role in the transfer of his son, Sidney van Hooijdonk, to the Portuguese club Estrela.

Royal Philips is experiencing challenges in sourcing helium.

Two cases of Hantavirus have been confirmed in the Netherlands, according to a report from BNR Nieuwsradio. European disease control centers are currently assessing which passengers to evacuate first, while others continue toward the Canary Islands. The strain of Hantavirus identified on the vessel has been confirmed as the Andes strain. The identified strain of Hantavirus has been named the Andy strain. The source confirmed that individuals are in the hospital. The German Federal Office of Health reported on the Andes virus, a type of hantavirus found in South America. The World Health Organization confirmed a Hantavirus infection on an oil tanker sailing in the Atlantic Ocean. A patient has been identified as having been infected with the Andes virus, described as one of the most dangerous strains. Three individuals have died, and several others are in serious condition.

Philips reported a profit of 146 million euros in the most recent quarter, doubling its previous year's performance. Xiaomi Group shares increased by 2.6 percent to 30.72. Huawei Semiconductor shares rose 11.1 percent to 130.1. Changfei Optical Fibre and Cable shares fell 8.6 percent to 217.2. CATL shares increased by 9 percent to 664. The company noted that this growth was driven by investments. The total investment amount is described as nearly 10 billion euro. The company noted that the increase was partly due to specific investments. Philips has reported a doubling of its profits, reaching 146 million Euros. Revenue reached nearly 4 billion euros despite ongoing wars and import tariffs. Sales of medical equipment and consumer products, such as electric toothbrushes, increased. The company attributed the profit growth to successful cost reduction measures.

A third explosion occurred overnight in a street in Spijkenisse. This follows a series of explosions that began last week in a similarly named street in Rotterdam. Residents of the affected house suspect the incidents may be a mistake.

A police vehicle collided with a car in the median of a road in Bergen op Zoom this morning.

Quanta is a leading developer of quantum chips based in Delft, Netherlands. The company is being compared to Nvidia in the context of deep tech development. The scale of its current operations is noted as for the Dutch deep tech sector. The source stated that Quanta is already considered a market leader in the field. A Delft-based developer specializing in Quantum Chips has successfully secured a funding round.

Donald Pols, director of MilieuDefensie, has been appointed as the director of sustainability and communication at Tata Steel in IJmuiden. Pols stated his intention to work on making Tata Steel more sustainable from within the organization.