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The systematic failure to protect Groningen residents from earthquakes and witnesses in gangland trials from being murdered in broad daylight were laid bare in two damning reports this week. We unearth the village scandal behind a portrait painted by Vincent van Gogh shortly before he left his native Brabant. Inflation rises again as the official statistics agency discovers it overcooked the figures last year. An amateur football team threatens to create an almighty headache for the KNVB after causing a cup upset. And we have an outstanding story about two plants of eye-watering proportions that will swell visitor numbers at Leiden University’s botanical gardens.

Ophef of the week: Gender-neutral toilet installed to settle Binnenhof Bathroom Wars

News

Safety board report exposes failings in witness protection following three fatal shootings

Inquiry slams Dutch state and oil companies over Groningen earthquakes

Ministers and Shell admit failings over safety and compensation in Groningen

Groningen officials call for cultural shift in handling of earthquake compensation

Van Gogh painting of favourite model sells for more than double its top estimate

Inflation rises slightly to 8%, food is 15% more expensive than last year

Big three energy firms are not making excess profits on fuel bills, says regulator

Councils urge homeowners not to use intermediaries to contest WOZ valuations

Rare penis plants stand tall at Leiden’s botanical garden but make visitors gag

Sport

Amateur side FC Spakenburg dump FC Utrecht out of KNVB cup in quarter-finals

Never on a Sunday, say Dutch cup final hopefuls from Bible Belt village

Feyenoord stay ahead as top four win in Eredivisie, Twente fall out of race