haarlemsdagbladMar 4, 2026, 16:51

Man sentenced for throwing stones at cars on A9; judge calls life-threatening act a near-tragedy

A 20-year-old man from Uitgeest has been sentenced to 100 hours of community service for throwing stones and branches at cars on the A9 motorway in June 2024. Multiple vehicles were damaged, including one where a stone shattered the windshield of a car carrying a young child. The judge condemned the actions as life-threatening, emphasizing the potential for a much more tragic outcome.

Netherlands

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Sixteen Asian hornet queens already caught in Heemstede: 'I heard a loud buzzing in my kitchen'

Sixteen Asian hornet queens have been captured in Heemstede, including one discovered by a resident in her kitchen. Local efforts are focused on trapping these queens to prevent the invasive species from producing numerous offspring.

Spiritual father Bert Kisjes (86) steps down as chairman of ‘People’s Church’: ‘I saw my time disappear in meetings’

Bert Kisjes, the 86-year-old founder and chairman of the 'Mensenkerk' in Beverwijk, is stepping down from his role due to the burden of prolonged administrative meetings. The theologian and philosopher has been central to the venue's transformation into a cultural center during negotiations for its transfer to a local foundation.

D-Day for DigiD: Will the ID system remain in Dutch hands?

The Dutch government has extended its contract with Solvinity, the administrator of the DigiD identification system, despite a potential takeover of the firm by an American company. This move has sparked concerns regarding the security and domestic control of the Netherlands' essential digital infrastructure under foreign ownership. The situation raises questions about the stability and sovereignty of the national ID system.

Tax system sometimes increases economic inequality between households

New research from the CPB indicates that the Dutch tax system is exacerbating economic inequality between households rather than reducing it. The findings show that wealthy households are increasingly benefiting from the current system, leading to a wider wealth gap.

Police clear anti-asylum center protesters from Apeldoorn roundabout

Police in Apeldoorn cleared a roundabout on Tuesday evening after protesters demonstrating against an emergency asylum seeker shelter threw fireworks at officers. No violence was reported during the police intervention to disperse the group.