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Why is Australia participating in the Eurovision Song Contest and why is Israel allowed to participate again?

From 2026-05-12 to 2026-05-16 the Eurovision Song Contest takes place. The article explains why Australia is allowed to participate and why Israel is again permitted, and answers frequently asked questions to prepare readers. It notes that the Netherlands will not participate this year. The piece describes who is involved (Australia, Israel, the Netherlands, Eurovision organizers), what is happening (the song contest and questions about eligibility), where and when (Eurovision, 2026-05-12–2026-05-16), and why/how eligibility debates have arisen, summarizing official explanations and remaining uncertainties.

MusicEntertainmentInternationalEducation

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ADin 16 days

Why is Israel participating in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026? And why is Australia a participant?

From 2026-05-12 to 2026-05-16 the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will take place. The Netherlands will not participate this year. The article answers frequently asked questions to help readers prepare for the "liedjesfestijn", notably explaining why Israel is taking part and why Australia is a participant despite not being in Europe. It outlines who is involved (competing countries including Israel and Australia), what the contest is, when it occurs, and how readers can prepare by reading the provided explanations; it notes no additional location was specified.

MusicEntertainmentInternational

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AD6 minutes ago

Large fire along A1 under control, fire brigade extinguishes multiple new forest fires

The forest fire in Kootwijk, along the A1, was brought under control by the fire brigade on Friday afternoon (2026-05-01). At least an area of 100 by 100 square metres burned. Multiple new wildfires also broke out on 2026-05-01 afternoon near the Gelderland towns of Kootwijk and Harderwijk, and firefighters are extinguishing several separate woodland fires. Authorities are monitoring developments in a live blog. The cause of the fires is not yet known and reports indicate continued uncertainty about further outbreaks.

DomesticBreakingGeneralNature

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NRC8 minutes ago

Extinguishing-water Tears

An older man writes, “I have been a so‑called pension nomad for a while, that is, an older man without a fixed home or place to stay.” In this first‑person piece he reports having no fixed residence and states his preference to continue: “As far as I'm concerned, that will remain so.” The article situates the situation as ongoing (“for a while”) and explains how—by not having a fixed living place—while expressing the author's personal choice rather than detailing causes or disputes.

GeneralLifestyle

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AD17 minutes ago

Trump faces difficult choice in Iran crisis: new attacks, economic chokehold or 'pack up and leave'

On 2026-05-01, while a fragile ceasefire holds the Middle East in a stranglehold, the Trump administration must decide how to compel a regime that for decades has chanted "death to America" into a lasting peace agreement. U.S. Central Command (Centcom) is consulting with President Trump on next steps. Options include new military strikes, an intensified economic chokehold, or withdrawal. A senior official said, "Pack up and leave; it's a possibility." The article notes unresolved disputes about the effectiveness and risks of each option.

PoliticsInternationalGeneralMiddle EastDefence

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FD26 minutes ago

Japan already spends $35bn on a fight against the wind

The Japanese Ministry of Finance intervened in foreign exchange markets on Thursday in a direct market intervention, allocating about $35 billion to counter downward pressure on the yen. The intervention caused the yen to strengthen by more than 3% against the US dollar. The move aimed to curb rapid yen weakness after prior depreciation. Officials spent the funds by buying yen and selling dollars; authorities said the purpose was to stabilise the currency. It remains uncertain how long that gain will persist.

FinanceMinistryInternationalGeneral

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FD31 minutes ago

Netherlands' largest car company posts slightly higher profit, continues acquiring companies

Van Mossel Automotive Group, the Netherlands' largest car company, reported slightly higher profit and plans further cross-border expansion. The company said it will announce two new foreign acquisitions within two weeks (by 2026-05-15). The moves are aimed at growing its international operations through continued company takeovers. Where: expanding abroad from the Netherlands. When: announcements expected within the two-week window. How: by acquiring businesses. Why: to continue growth and consolidation in the automotive sector. Details and target companies have not yet been disclosed.

AutomobileInternationalGeneralEconomy

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AD33 minutes ago

Mulch, mow higher and water smart: how to prevent garden damage from the drought

Garden expert Laurence Machiels advises how to protect lawns and plants after a notably dry April 2026. She lists do’s and don’ts for grass, the vegetable garden and all garden plants, recommending measures such as mulching, mowing higher and watering smartly to prevent drought damage. Machiels warns against evening watering now: "Geef nu ’s avonds nog geen water," she says. The guidance explains what to do and avoid, where and when to water, and how mulching and higher mowing conserve moisture to reduce heat and stress on plants.

GeneralLifestyleNature

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AD37 minutes ago

Arrested suspect has 'enormous regret' over vandalism in Loosdrecht: 'I could hit myself on the head'

Brian A. (34), suspected of vandalizing the town hall in Loosdrecht, told a fast-track hearing at the Utrecht court on 2026-05-01 that his actions were “stupid, stupider, stupidest” and expressed remorse: “I can hit myself over the head.” He is charged as a suspect in damage to municipal property; the article reports no detailed motive. The expedited hearing occurred on Friday; his statements were presented to the judge. The case remains at the suspect stage and any guilt has yet to be legally determined.

DomesticJusticeGeneral

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NU.nl44 minutes ago

VodafoneZiggo gains more mobile subscribers, fewer internet customers leave

VodafoneZiggo gained customers in the first quarter, selling more mobile subscriptions and, for the fourth consecutive quarter, experiencing fewer internet customers leaving. The telecom company, which lost many customers in recent years, reported this improvement in Q1 and hopes to reverse the earlier decline during the current year. Who: VodafoneZiggo. What: increased mobile subscribers and reduced internet churn. Where: not specified in the report. When: in the first quarter. Why: company aims to stop past losses. How: through higher mobile sales and reduced internet departures.

PositiveGeneralEconomy

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FDabout 1 hour ago

Apple's AI strategy: rather lazy than poor

On 2026-05-01, the article reports that Apple is choosing a conservative approach to artificial intelligence: while other tech companies are pouring money 'into a black AI hole', Apple is buying back its own shares instead. The piece contrasts Apple’s capital-return strategy with competitors’ heavy AI investment, noting the company's preference to protect shareholder value. It says the outcome is uncertain: 'which strategy will win remains to be seen.' The report raises the question of whether buybacks or aggressive AI spending will prove the superior approach.

GeneralEconomyTechnology

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DutchNewsabout 1 hour ago

Missing Apeldoorn boy, 14, may be heading for Poland

Maxim, 14, from Apeldoorn, disappeared on 2026-04-18 after cycling east and appears to have left voluntarily; police say he may be heading for Poland or beyond. An international search by Dutch, Polish and German police has been launched; there are no signs he is a crime victim. A family spokesman said they are in shock, cited no home issues and declined to explain why Russia was suggested. He left with a red rucksack on a grey Stella bicycle; police say he may have changed transport and circulated doctored buzz‑cut image.

YouthBreakingInternationalGeneralVerification

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