Starting January 19, 2026, the municipality of Haarlem will provide financial assistance for pet care to low-income residents holding a HaarlemPas. The pilot program offers up to €200 annually for general veterinary expenses and a limited number of vouchers for free cat sterilization and chipping. This initiative aims to support animal health and reduce the population of stray cats in the city.
The closure of the Wijkertunnel this summer is expected to cause significant traffic disruption for residents and commuters in the IJmond region, including Heemskerk, Beverwijk, and Velsen. Local municipalities and Rijkswaterstaat are collaborating to manage the impact, though officials acknowledge that significant traffic nuisance is unavoidable regardless of the measures taken.
Aalsmeer secured a 27-32 victory over Volendam in a physical first-leg quarterfinal of the Super Handball League at Sporthal Opperdam. The win provides Aalsmeer with a significant five-point advantage heading into the return match scheduled for May 2nd at De Bloemhof.
Olympia Haarlem defender Noureddine Harrouni scored a last-minute goal to secure a 3-2 victory against JVC. This win almost certainly guarantees the team's stay in the first class with three matches remaining in the season.
Hoofddorp secured their position in the fourth division with a hard-fought 2-1 home victory against the Ajax amateur team. The win ensures the club's safety from relegation, providing significant relief to the players and coaching staff as the season nears its end.
AFC secured a 0-3 victory over RKAV Volendam in the Dutch second division, with Delano Gouda scoring twice for the Amsterdam side. Despite the defeat, Volendam confirmed their safety in the league for next season due to results on other pitches. Meanwhile, Haarlem's Koninklijke HFC remains at risk of relegation following a 0-1 loss to De Treffers.