Actor and mime artist Hakim Traïdia, widely known for his role in Sesamstraat, has joined the newspaper as a bi-weekly columnist. Born in Algeria and a resident of Haarlem since 1979, Traïdia will be temporarily filling in for columnist Lisanne van Sadelhoff.
National protests took place in several cities on Saturday to demonstrate against asylum reception policies and healthcare budget cuts. While the organizers planned events across nine cities, counter-protesters also gathered in some locations to express opposing views.
Swiss watchmaker Swatch temporarily closed its stores in several countries, including the Netherlands, on Saturday due to overwhelming crowds for a new watch launch. Similar closures occurred in the United Kingdom, France, Dubai, and Singapore as the company managed the high demand and chaotic scenes.
René Meijer and occupational therapist Roosmarijn Smit, representing the Helioheroes handbike team from the Heliomare rehabilitation center, will climb the Kaunertaler glacier in Austria on June 25. The 21-kilometer ascent aims to show that life remains active and fulfilling after undergoing an amputation.
Police were attacked by dozens of young people at a fair in Purmerend on Friday night after intervening in a large fight. The group targeted officers with fireworks and stones as they attempted to restore order.