Haarlem News in English
Latest Haarlem and Kennemerland region news translated from Dutch to English for the international community.
Sophie and Martine spoke with primary school students in Haarlem for a film: 'They wish their parents would spend less time on their phones at home'
Filmmaker Sophie Koster and choreographer Martine van Santen have released a new film featuring students from the Ter Cleeff primary school in Haarlem. The film explores the children's dreams for the ...
Haarlem votes for more of the same: GL-PvdA and D66 together larger than before
Voters in Haarlem have opted for political continuity in the recent elections, leaving the city's power dynamics largely unchanged. Despite various parties campaigning for change, the combined influen...
Haarlem residents Alain and Karin hesitated about their trip to Cuba but went anyway: ‘We are helping the Cubans, because every peso counts’
Alain and Karin Timmers from Haarlem decided to proceed with their trip to Cuba despite the country's worsening economic crisis and fuel shortages. They believe their visit supports the local populati...
After Esschilderstraat ‘bike sweep’, some bicycles are missing: ‘They can’t just have vanished?’
Residents of Esschilderstraat in Haarlem are unable to locate their bicycles following a cleanup operation by the municipality and Spaarnelanden. Several missing bikes, including expensive electric mo...
GroenLinks-PvdA alliance loses many voters, D66 fails to capitalize everywhere, FvD big winner: These are the results in the Haarlem region
The GroenLinks-PvdA alliance lost a significant number of voters across several municipalities in the Haarlem region during the recent municipal elections. While the VVD remained the largest party in ...
ChristenUnie seems to be out in Haarlem. Frank Visser: 'Very bitter'
The ChristenUnie party is projected to lose its only seat on the Haarlem city council after receiving 1.79% of the votes. List leader Frank Visser expressed disappointment, noting that the party had n...
Is the parking revolt still alive at the Haarlem polls? 'It remains a ridiculous cash cow'
Following a 2024 rejection of expanded paid parking, the Haarlem city council approved a scaled-back version of the plan in May 2025. The upcoming municipal elections are expected to act as a referend...
One part of Spaarndam votes for Haarlem, the other for Haarlemmermeer, causing confusion: ‘People are showing up at the wrong place’
The village of Spaarndam is split between the municipalities of Haarlem and Haarlemmermeer, leading to confusion for residents during elections. Some voters mistakenly attempt to cast their ballots at...
Drug deal in Rotterdam senior complex fatal for Carlos (59), but who shot him dead?
Carlos, a 59-year-old man from Rotterdam, was fatally shot while mediating a cocaine deal in a senior housing complex. Authorities are investigating whether the shooter was a rapper from Amsterdam or ...
Slight preference in Schalkwijk for Haarlem newcomer DENK: 'I voted for DENK because I know the lead candidate'
The political party DENK is making its debut in Haarlem, where voters in the Schalkwijk district have shown a slight preference for the party. Some residents indicated they voted for DENK based on per...
IJmuiden ‘local hero’ Marianne Stok hands over Food on the Shelf to Laura Tettelaar: ‘It is time for the younger generation’
Marianne Stok is stepping down after 15 years as the leader of the community initiative Voedsel op de Plank, handing over the role to Laura Tettelaar. Stok will remain involved for at least one more y...
LIVE North Holland Elections | 101-year-old Bert van der Elzen votes in specially adapted booth
During the municipal elections in North Holland, 101-year-old Bert van der Elzen demonstrated how to vote from a mobility scooter using a specially adapted booth in Hoofddorp. The demonstration was sh...
Weekend tips: things to do in Amsterdam (March 20 to 22)
This article highlights various activities and tips for spending the weekend of March 20 to 22 in Amsterdam. As spring weather arrives, the city sees a surge in outdoor activity, including locals enjo...
Drug use remains a risk for TBS patients despite positive steps toward sheltered housing
The North Holland District Court has extended the mandatory psychiatric treatment (TBS) of 38-year-old J.H. for an additional two years due to ongoing risks associated with drug use. Originally senten...
Will the future of Spaarne Gasthuis still play a role in the elections? ‘I haven’t followed the discussion and honestly didn’t know’
On election day, voters at the Spaarne Gasthuis in Haarlem-Zuid are reflecting on whether the potential relocation of the hospital's emergency department to Hoofddorp affects their voting choices. Whi...
Province still denies documents to Tata activist and estate owner Jan de Jong: 'The only thing that matters is they no longer exist'
Activist Jan de Jong appeared in court against the province of North Holland for the third time to demand access to secret documents concerning him. The province claims the files no longer exist, a si...
'Sometimes you think you are breaking your parents' cycle, only to find the same patterns repeating.' Paul Kroes (69) wrote a book on how generations pass on trauma
Haarlem-based author Paul Kroes has released his latest book, "Vader, zoon, engel," which explores the complexities of family ties and intergenerational trauma. The work blends autobiography and ficti...
Extra camera surveillance for Telstar-PSV championship match
The municipality of Velsen is installing extra security cameras at the BUKO stadium for the upcoming football match between Telstar and PSV this Sunday. This measure is intended to enhance safety and ...
Cause of cracks in Nieuw-Vennep’s Cpunt building still unknown: 'Best-case scenario to reopen after weekend'
The Cpunt building in Nieuw-Vennep has been closed until at least March 29 after structural cracks were discovered in the floor. The municipality of Haarlemmermeer is currently conducting investigatio...
Compelling election story: how a homeless man once ended up in the Amsterdam city council
In 1921, a homeless man from Rembrandtplein was unexpectedly elected to the Amsterdam city council. The article highlights this historical event as a unique example of the city's unconventional politi...
Does the arrival of an asylum center at De Elta sports park influence the voting behavior of Santpoort residents? 'We have a responsibility and we must share it'
Residents of Santpoort-Zuid are considering whether the planned establishment of an asylum seeker center at Sportpark De Elta influences their choices in the current elections. Voters at 't Brederode ...
Third-division DIOS wingback also flies for Sint Maarten: 'With my club I never go abroad for matches'
Tyrel Gumbs, a 25-year-old wingback for the Dutch club DIOS, has been called up to represent the Sint Maarten national football team. He will travel to the Dominican Republic to compete in matches aga...
Wienen calls not voting a ‘luxury problem’: ‘Incomprehensible. Then you can’t complain about what goes wrong in the city’
Haarlem Mayor Jos Wienen cast his vote on Wednesday at the Hart cultural center, where he was welcomed by hornist Misha Smock. Wienen criticized those who choose not to vote, calling it a luxury probl...
Sophie Poldermans delivers Layman's Sermon at Haarlem Remonstrants
Author Sophie Poldermans will deliver a "Layman's Sermon" at the Remonstrant community in Haarlem on April 12. Poldermans, an expert in international criminal law and human rights, is recognized for h...
How does Mayor Dales plan to get young people to the polls? ‘Sometimes I suggest ideas to my daughters, but they call me a boomer’
Mayor Frank Dales of Velsen cast his vote on Wednesday morning at the local town hall, an event documented by local media. He discussed the difficulties of engaging young people in the electoral proce...
69 demolition and tree felling notifications in Haarlem last week
The municipality of Haarlem processed 69 permit applications last week related to demolition and tree felling. Of these requests, 68 were for projects within Haarlem and one was for Spaarndam, informi...
Waiting patiently to vote at Haarlem station: 'I consider it a privilege'
Residents in Haarlem gathered early Wednesday morning at the local train station to cast their votes as polls opened for the municipal elections. Mayor Jos Wienen also cast his ballot at the Hart Haar...
Attempted burglary at fire station in Spaarndam
An attempted burglary occurred today at the fire station on Ringweg in Spaarndam. The intruders fled empty-handed after the building's alarm was triggered, according to a spokesperson for the safety r...
Expats in the region are also heading to the polls. What determines their vote? ‘I pay close attention to tax policy and living comfort’
Expats in the Netherlands are preparing to vote in upcoming municipal elections, focusing on issues like tax policy and housing comfort. Many participants emphasize that voting is a civic responsibili...
Police stop investigation into Italiëlaan bullet, mayor called to account
Haarlem police have decided not to pursue a case regarding a bullet found during a shooting on Frankrijklaan last spring. Meanwhile, Mayor Jos Wienen has been called to provide a written explanation t...