The first polling station in Gorinchem opened at 7:00 AM on Wednesday for a municipal council re-election. Over 31,000 eligible voters in the municipality are called to cast their ballots.
Jehovah's Witnesses have updated their policy to allow members to store and use their own blood for planned medical procedures, a shift from their previous total ban on blood transfusions. The change follows historical instances of members dying after refusing blood and raises questions about the practical benefits for the community in the Netherlands. While the new rule provides an alternative for scheduled surgeries, it may not address emergency situations where blood has not been pre-stored.
National Mill Day will take place on May 9 and 10, with hundreds of wind and water mills across the Netherlands opening their doors to the public. The Zaanstreek region will host special events, including music and various activities for children.
The Netherlands has one of the highest minimum wages in Europe, trailing only Luxembourg and Ireland. Recent data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) shows a slight decrease in the number of workers aged 15 and older earning the minimum wage in 2025 compared to the previous year.
A residence on Diamantstraat in Amsterdam-Zuid was targeted in a shooting early this morning while the occupants were inside. No injuries were reported, and police are currently searching for suspects and appealing for witnesses or surveillance footage.
Approximately 70,000 children and young people in the Netherlands drop out of school annually due to issues like bullying, anxiety, and large class sizes. Despite being a long-standing problem, a solution remains elusive as tens of thousands continue to stay home each year.