No known structural problems with damp and mold, says housing association Pré Wonen after council questions about resident complaints

Onder de Pannen: rent out a room and help a Haarlem resident

The 'Onder de Pannen' initiative in Haarlem encourages residents to rent out spare rooms to individuals facing economic homelessness due to issues like job loss or divorce. Participants receive monthly rent plus a one-time €1,000 bonus from the municipality for a minimum nine-month rental commitment. This program aims to provide temporary housing solutions for people with steady incomes who are struggling in the tight housing market.

Shop closed after assault and illegal vapes

Mayor Jos Wienen closed a shop on Generaal Cronjéstraat in Haarlem for three months following an inspection in late May. Authorities discovered over 500 illegal vapes, hard liquor, and an undocumented worker, while a supervisor and a police officer were assaulted during the control.

Poverty in Germany hits record: 13.3 million people below the poverty line

Poverty in Germany reached a record high in 2025, with over 16 percent of the population living below the poverty line. According to the Paritätische Wohlfahrtsverband, this affects approximately 13.3 million people, representing a significant social milestone.

Russian secret service discovers spyware on top officials' phones

The Russian secret service (FSB) claims to have uncovered a large-scale foreign intelligence operation involving spyware installed on the phones of high-ranking officials. This software reportedly allowed foreign agencies to secretly collect sensitive information from the compromised devices.

Tram derails after collision in Amsterdam-West, van driver taken to hospital