A commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard has reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz is closed to traffic. He warned that any ships attempting to pass through the waterway will be set on fire, according to Iranian media reports.
Legal aid insurer DAS is calling on the Dutch government to take stricter action against rogue construction companies following an increase in scams targeting homeowners. Reports indicate that one in three homeowners has encountered fraudulent contractors who often appear prominently in online search results.
The municipality of Haarlem processed 53 permit applications last week concerning construction, demolition, tree removal, and hospitality activities. While 52 of the notifications involve projects within Haarlem, one application pertains to the nearby area of Spaarndam.
Seven neighborhood platforms in Haarlem are calling for a cultural shift to give residents more influence and decision-making power over local construction and environmental projects. They argue that citizens should be involved in every stage of municipal planning rather than just acting as advisors.
The Dutch cabinet will not introduce extra measures following violent riots at asylum seeker reception centers, according to Minister David van Weel. The decision comes after a protest at an emergency shelter in Loosdrecht escalated into arson and attacks on police officers.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lowered its growth expectations for the Dutch economy, citing a particularly uncertain outlook for the near future. The organization also criticized the government's proposed 'freedom contribution' intended to finance increased defense spending.