rssFeb 18, 2026, 07:18

Vote at the Stopera: heated debate over safety at Stek Oost

The Amsterdam City Council is holding a final debate before the upcoming election recess to address safety concerns at the Stek Oost housing complex following several violent and sexual incidents. Council members are questioning city aldermen on whether enough was done to protect residents at the mixed-use facility, which houses both status holders and young starters. Other key agenda items for the session include a proposed ban on sea cruises by 2035 and potential fatbike restrictions in busy public areas like the Vondelpark.

Politics Lifestyle Amsterdam Netherlands

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From broken frame to trust: how an e-bike saga ended well

Ron Poppen experienced a spontaneous frame break on his e-bike, later discovering a recall campaign he had not been notified about. He shared his story with the 'Klasse' column to describe how the situation was eventually resolved and his trust was restored.

After birth doulas, end-of-life and grief doulas emerge: Westerners are not raised with the principle that death is part of life

Following the popularity of birth doulas, a new wave of end-of-life and grief doulas is emerging to provide support during the dying process and bereavement. Three doulas explain their specialized roles in helping individuals and families navigate the final stages of life, addressing a cultural discomfort with death.

Ingeborg supports people in the final stages of life: 'Some reveal their deepest secrets. People who won’t get better have a lot to tell'

Ingeborg Robijn, a 49-year-old end-of-life doula based in Hilversum, provides support to individuals during their final phase of life. She transitioned from a career as a civil servant to help people navigate the dying process, which she views as a deeply authentic human experience.

Tinka parks in Hoofddorp, pays, and is shocked by the costs

A woman named Tinka received financial compensation after filing a formal complaint regarding unexpectedly high parking fees in Hoofddorp. Her experience highlights how a well-structured complaint can lead to a positive financial resolution for consumers.

After her father's death, Kim became a death doula: ‘In this controllable society, we avoid the subject of dying’

Kim Oostveen, an Amsterdam-based end-of-life doula, supports individuals across North Holland as they navigate the end of their lives. Inspired by her father's passing, she transitioned from healthcare management to helping clients address unresolved emotions and final messages.