rssAug 17, 2026, 05:00

What can Amsterdam learn from other cities with a rat infestation?

Amsterdam is dealing with a growing rat population and is exploring various global strategies to address the issue, including prevention education and new technological solutions. While cities like New York and Brussels test methods such as rat contraception and smart traps, experts remain cautious about the long-term effectiveness and ethical implications of these approaches.

Technology Lifestyle Health Amsterdam Netherlands

Read original ↗

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

Chatterbox Roderik connects people with each other

Roderik Schaepman has launched the Week of the Conversation, an initiative aimed at encouraging social interaction to combat loneliness and declining communication skills. By setting up designated spaces at locations like the Haarlem train station, he encourages people to overcome social hesitation through simple steps like greeting and complimenting strangers.

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.

Ruben runs half marathon for long COVID research: "I see for myself how devastating it is"

Ruben Treurniet is running the Amsterdam half marathon this Sunday to raise funds for long COVID research, inspired by his brother Lex's struggle with the debilitating condition. The campaign has already raised over two thousand euros to support scientific efforts to find treatments for patients who currently lack proper care.

Is running a (half) marathon really a good idea? 'Proper preparation takes months'

Thousands of runners are preparing for the 51st annual Amsterdam Marathon, an event that spans over 42 kilometers. While the training process takes months of dedication, experts and participants continue to weigh the health benefits against the extreme physical strain caused by such a long-distance race.

Now I dare to dream again about having a dog or maybe even children

A Brazilian immigrant describes overcoming a lifetime of childhood trauma, abuse, and subsequent mental health struggles after moving to the Netherlands. Following an intensive trauma treatment and the stabilization of her life in Amsterdam, she is finally looking forward to a positive future.