Emergency services responded to a report of a possible house fire in Velsen-Noord on Thursday afternoon, which proved to be a false alarm. While no fire was found, responders gave a comfort bear to a toddler who was present at the scene.
Following recent elections, the political parties Pro Haarlem, D66, and CDA are negotiating a new coalition agreement for the city of Haarlem. Residents are invited to submit questions about the negotiation process via an online form until May 3, 2026. The negotiators will select and answer several questions in a follow-up article to provide transparency into the formation of the new city plan.
Haarlem will mark Remembrance Day on May 4 with ceremonies at several local monuments, including a central service at St. Bavokerk and a silent march to the Dreef. On May 5, the city celebrates Liberation Day with the annual Bevrijdingspop festival, which features a commemorative concert and performances by various national artists. Local traffic measures and road closures will be in effect during these events to accommodate the commemorations and festivities.
On May 5th, Dorpskerk Bloemendaal will host a Freedom Day event featuring a lecture by author Jaap Scholten on his "Protect Ukraine" initiative. The celebration includes a performance by a 12-year-old Ukrainian pianist and a community Freedom Meal in the church garden.
Over 80 years after World War II, approximately 4,000 artworks looted by Nazis remain unreturned to their owners or heirs in the Netherlands. The new documentary 'Verweesd Eigendom,' created by Haarlem-based interviewer Frénk van der Linden and director Piet de Blaauw, explores the emotional struggle of families trying to reclaim these items.
A Dutch court has sentenced 32-year-old Timothy B. to 17 years in prison for the murder and mutilation of his mother in Landsmeer. Following a dispute over alleged childhood abuse, the defendant shot his mother and sawed off her lower legs, which have never been recovered. In addition to the prison term, he was ordered to undergo mandatory behavioral treatment after his release.