paroolSep 10, 2026, 01:00

Amsterdam high school lottery is an unfair system, says UvA PhD candidate: ‘Lying about your preference can pay off’

A PhD researcher argues that Amsterdam's centralized secondary school lottery system is unfair because it encourages families to strategically misrepresent their preferences. The process rewards tactical behavior, which compromises the integrity and equity of school placements for eighth-grade students.

Culture

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Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Sylvester Stallone struggled with an eating disorder: 'Couldn't keep anything down'

Sylvester Stallone opened up about struggling with an eating disorder and doping to maintain extreme fitness levels during the filming of Rocky III. The actor also discussed the physical cost of his career and his traumatic childhood in his upcoming autobiography, The Steps.

Most Golden Calf nominations for Joe Speedboot (9) and Truly Naked (7)

Joe Speedboot and Truly Naked have emerged as the frontrunners for this year's Golden Calf awards at the Netherlands Film Festival with nine and seven nominations respectively. Meanwhile, the film Voor de meisjes will receive the Golden Calf for Best Public Film after recording the highest attendance numbers for a Dutch production.

Young (former) cancer patients carry their illness forever: they show their tattoos

A new special feature explores the personal stories of young cancer survivors through their tattoos. These individuals use permanent ink to symbolize their experiences with illness, highlighting themes of courage and loneliness.

Netherlands Film Festival opening coincides with news that queer community still faces hardship

The Netherlands Film Festival opened with the premiere of Downtown, the first Dutch film focused on the AIDS crisis. The event highlighted that the queer community continues to face significant hardships similar to those experienced during the early years of the epidemic.

Nephew shot dead at NDSM wharf, Marcel: "I know it's true, but I can't believe it"

Marcel Blijd, a dedicated prison worker, was fatally shot on a terrace at the NDSM wharf in Amsterdam-Noord following an argument reportedly sparked by a loose dog. Police have taken a suspect into custody as friends, family, and colleagues mourn the loss of a man widely remembered for his fairness and kindness.