SketchNews

Why Starbucks and Zara are targets of boycott and whether it could have an effect

Pro-Palestinian activists are calling for a boycott of multinational companies like Starbucks and McDonald's due to their perceived support for Israel in the conflict with Hamas. The impact of these calls for boycotts on financial performance is unclear, but experts say the main goal is to exert pressure on governments through consumer actions. The effectiveness of consumer boycotts has been seen in the past with the end of apartheid in South Africa, but the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict makes it difficult for businesses to navigate.

Water in Rhine continues to rise for a while, Meuse water level drops

Rijn, Maas, IJsselmeer, and Markermeer are all battling high water levels that are expected to continue rising in the coming days. Several areas in the Netherlands are experiencing flooding, and efforts are being made to prevent further damage.

Khalid Kasem resigns work as presenter after bribery allegation

Kasem accused of corruption by allegedly bribing government official, Peter R. de Vries possibly involved according to leaked recordings. BNNVARA suspends Kasem's work pending investigation.

PSV coach Bosz has little to complain about, but knows: 'We don't have anything yet'

PSV is on top of the league with a record of sixteen wins out of sixteen games and a goal difference of +50, while also holding a spot in the Champions League's round of sixteen. With a satisfied coach Peter Bosz and a successful winter camp in sunny Estepona, the team aims to stick to their intense playing style for the second half of the season.

Energy label increasingly important: buyers may borrow more for green home

New mortgage rules encourage homeowners to make their homes more sustainable, as a good energy label can now secure a loan of up to 50,000 more. Falling mortgage rates and rising incomes are also expected to boost home prices this year.

Herman Koch has metastatic prostate cancer, incurable but stable

Dutch author Herman Koch opens up about his cancer diagnosis and how it has affected his life, with his doctor originally saying it could be treated but later revealing it had spread. He also discusses how the hormone therapy he is receiving has made him more emotional and has even influenced his writing.