In this week’s podcast we bring you the latest news on the campaign to prosecute tobacco firms for damaging public health, the row over whether Parliament should deny the people a referendum on its plan to scrap referendums, and the Dutch gold rush at the Winter Olympics. We also find out why a Bible belt town took a dim view of its new bat-friendly street lighting and asked if new Dutch fathers will have the energy to cheer plans to extend paternity leave. In our discussion we look at the vast range of candidates, and how you can vote for them, in next month’s municipal elections.

Top story

Prosecution service decides not to bring case against Big Tobacco firms

Report: The cost of smoking (NvTG, Dutch)

News

Coalition blocks referendum on scrapping referendum law

Dutch Parliament votes to recognise Armenian genocide

Paternity leave to be extended slightly

Locals see red over bat-friendly street lights

Sport

Kjeld Nuis snatches second Olympic speed skating gold medal

Suzanna Schulting becomes first Dutch short track champion

Dutch skater in the doghouse over press conference comments

Discussion: Local elections

How you can vote in the local elections