Scientists were stunned this week when a stingray at Harderwijk’s Dolfinarium gave birth seven years after its last sexual encounter, but it will take an even bigger miracle to form a new Dutch government by Christmas. With the coalition talks deadlocked, Mark Rutte and Sigrid Kaag have bowed to the inevitable and called in ‘Mister Stikstof’ Johan Remkes to fix the crisis. Elsewhere there is concern about the decision to abandon the 1.5 metre rule on university campuses, a mudfight over the Tweede Kamer’s new decor and a row about MPs sitting in the caretaker government. And after a 36-year absence, the Dutch Grand Prix rolls into the Zandvoort dunes and kicks up a sandstorm of ophef

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Ophef of the week: Filthy lucre: ‘mud artwork’ at temporary parliament cost €200,000

News

Coronavirus cases creeping upwards, concern about autumn wave

University lecturer quits over ‘irresponsible’ campus pandemic rules

Netherlands turns red on latest ECDC infection risk chart

Minority cabinet looks inevitable after parties close doors on each other

Three MPs agree to step down after taking posts in caretaker cabinet

Kaag confirms Netherlands embassy in Kabul will relocate to Qatar

Aquatic centre stunned after celibate stingray gives birth

Sport

Court ruling clears way for first Dutch Grand Prix since 1985

Van Gaal tempers expectations in wake of Oranje’s 1-1 draw in Oslo

Jetze Plat wins unprecedented triple gold at Tokyo Paralympics