Ray van den Berg Kappers & Haarwerken is celebrating its 60th anniversary on May 5. The family-owned salon, which Ray first helped reopen as a child in 1976, is now managed by him and his wife Laura.
The Dutch Association of Journalists (NVJ) reports that despite the high ranking of the Netherlands on the international Press Freedom Index, the national Press Freedom Monitor 2025 reveals a concerning reality. The organization warns that the country's top position masks underlying issues facing journalists.
The Netherlands has risen to second place on the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Press Freedom Index, trailing only Norway. Despite this improvement for the Netherlands, RSF reports that global press freedom has reached a record low, with over half of the 180 countries surveyed falling into the bottom categories.
Dutch employees will see significant variations in their holiday pay this year, with some receiving less while others, particularly part-time workers, see increases of up to 200 euros. The changes are influenced by individual income levels and updated tax regulations affecting the net payout.
Boer Tom addresses a concern from a reader in Bennebroek whose grape plant has been failing for five years despite various interventions. He notes that the plant's age, currently fifteen years, could be a primary reason for its poor health.
The number of households in Haarlem with at least one person aged 85 or older is projected to nearly double from 2,500 to 4,700 by the year 2040. While this aging trend is less severe than in similar municipalities, it raises concerns about the future availability of sufficient accessible housing for the elderly.