rssJun 23, 2026, 19:06

Significant nuisance from homeless in Gijsbrecht van Aemstelpark: feces, drugs and masturbation

The municipality of Amsterdam has received 69 reports of structural nuisance in Gijsbrecht van Aemstelpark, where homeless individuals are living in tents and engaging in public drug use and sexual acts. Mayor Femke Halsema explained that removing these shelters is legally complex because they are administratively classified as dwellings, requiring a multi-week identification process. Consequently, the city is focusing on regular monitoring and care interventions rather than issuing fines for sleeping outdoors.

Politics Lifestyle Health Amsterdam Netherlands

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Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Municipality to open its own healthy restaurant to combat excess of fast food outlets

The Amsterdam municipal government plans to open and then deny a permit for its own unhealthy restaurant to test legal limits regarding health-based zoning. By taking the matter to court, officials aim to establish a precedent that would allow the city to restrict new fast-food establishments in the future.

End to intake freeze at Levvel, youths with severe issues can once again be admitted in Amsterdam

Care organization Levvel has ended its intake freeze for Amsterdam youth following successful negotiations to secure more beds for those in need of severe residential care. While access has been restored, the municipality is demanding better coordination among providers and has initiated an independent financial audit of Levvel to ensure future stability.

VVD wants smoke- and vape-free zones around schools

The Amsterdam VVD has proposed a ban on smoking and vaping within 50 meters of schools to combat rising youth nicotine addiction. The plan also includes stricter enforcement against illegal flavored vapes and the creation of improved cessation support services for students.

UMC: increasingly unhealthy food supply in cities, Amsterdam also scores poorly: 'Hurry up with Food Law'

A study by the UMC across ten Dutch cities shows that urban food environments have become increasingly unhealthy over the last decade. Local officials are now calling for a new national Food Act to grant municipalities the legal power to regulate unhealthy food vendors, especially near schools.

Aid worker Tim has been volunteering at Amsterdam Marathon for nearly nine years

Tim Zandbergen has volunteered as a first aid responder for the Amsterdam Marathon for nearly nine years, using his bicycle to provide rapid medical assistance. He carries essential equipment like an AED to help participants and spectators during emergencies, including life-threatening situations.