News about school, flights, research, football (Wednesday, September 9)

The PISA research shows that Dutch fifteen-year-olds are reading worse again. Almost 40 percent do not reach the minimum level. Experts cite less reading, apps, games, social media, and differences between students and schools.

A technical malfunction at the British air traffic control caused many problems. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, more than a thousand flights were canceled. Since Tuesday afternoon, 58 flights to and from the United Kingdom have been canceled at Schiphol.

Researchers from Amsterdam UMC (Academic Medical Center) compared changes in the female brain for the first time. They examined MRI scans during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Nature reports that gray matter decreases, but later remains fairly stable.

NAC Breda has appointed Rick Kruys as the new coach. The 41-year-old from Utrecht succeeds Carl Hoefkens, who had to leave on Monday. Kruys signed for two seasons and will be on the bench on Friday against Jong FC Utrecht.

Aston Villa started the Champions League with an away win against Club Brugge. The English club won 3-2 on Tuesday at the Jan Breydel Stadium. Feyenoord plays against FC Barcelona on Wednesday and opts for a cautious approach.