Sketch News

Vacation not fun time for every child: summer schools hope for more support

Elementary school principals are concerned about the lag in cognitive and social skills that children from poorer backgrounds and with low-educated parents fall behind during summer vacation, which is why more and more schools in the Netherlands are organizing summer schools. The popularity of these summer schools increased due to the corona pandemic due to extra budgets from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW), but from 2026 the budget will be cut, causing concerns about the long-term approach to this problem.

July 18, 2025, 7:57 p.m.

Street harassment persistent problem, big cities prioritize approach

The Hague gives special attention to the position of women and queer persons in the city, taking measures such as deploying stewards, education and developing an app to report street harassment. Other cities, such as Rotterdam and Eindhoven, have also taken actions to address street harassment, such as training enforcement officers and deploying street stewards.

July 18, 2025, 7:57 p.m.

'Syrian army revisits Sweida after renewed fighting'

Syrian government prepares to return to Sweida amidst renewed clashes between Druze and Bedouin groups in the south of the country, following an agreement to restore stability and protect state institutions. Israel has agreed to allow limited access for Syrian security forces in Sweida, after previous tensions and attacks on the Syrian army.

July 18, 2025, 7:57 p.m.

Attacked Utrecht mayor: 'Aggression and intimidation have no place in democracy'

Utrecht mayor does not allow aggression and intimidation to take over council chamber during pro-Palestine demonstrations, but understands emotions and calls for respect and dialogue.

July 18, 2025, 7:57 p.m.

Pogacar deals sledgehammer blow to Vingegaard and recaptures yellow jersey in first Pyrenees stage

Pogacar dominates first Pyrenees stage of Tour de France, finishing in a solo victory and claiming the yellow jersey from Ben Healy. Jonas Vingegaard struggles and falls to a 3.5 minute deficit in the overall standings.

July 17, 2025, 7:57 p.m.

Solar farm near Schiphol must remove 78,000 panels after pilot complaints

Schiphol and KLM have won in summary proceedings against the owner of a solar park along the airport's approach routes. The court ruled that part of the solar panels must be removed because of glare that could cause danger when landing.