paroolFeb 19, 2026, 02:00

Online friendships are real friendships, youth play In Real Life aims to show parents

The theater production "In Real Life" (IRL) by De Toneelmakerij aims to bridge the generational gap by showing parents that online friendships formed through gaming are genuine and significant. The play features a hybrid format of live acting and real-time rendered game environments, allowing the audience to interact and build virtual connections via a smartphone app. It premieres on February 20 at De Krakeling in Amsterdam before beginning a national tour.

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Half a million households unable to pay monthly energy bills

Research from TNO and CBS indicates that approximately 500,000 households in the Netherlands struggle to pay their monthly energy bills. Many of these households face a monthly shortfall of over 50 euros as the number of low-income families with high energy costs continues to rise.

Half a million households in energy poverty spending increasingly more on gas and electricity

Approximately half a million households in the Netherlands are facing energy poverty, spending 12 percent of their income on gas and electricity. These households now face an average annual shortfall of 624 euros to escape this financial burden.

Investments in robots and robotaxis pressure Tesla's profits

Tesla reported a decline in second-quarter revenue to over $28 billion as the company significantly increases investment in AI-driven autonomous taxis and humanoid robots. These heavy expenditures are currently putting pressure on Tesla's overall profitability.

Drug users (and cockroaches) have occupied apartment where shooting took place for years

An apartment in the Amsterdam Zuidoost district has been ordered closed for three months following a shooting incident last Friday that left one man injured. Local authorities took action due to long-standing reports of drug-related nuisance, severe hygiene issues, and ongoing safety concerns for residents.

Ali B withdraws as guest speaker at event following backlash

Rapper Ali B has canceled his appearance as a guest speaker at an event in Vinkeveen following public controversy. The organization Missing Pieces has announced that the event, which would have marked his first public appearance in years, has been postponed.