Freedom Day is almost here, and what finer way to celebrate than by reviving the biggest superspreading events of the last two years: Carnaval in Brabant and reopening nightclubs? Confusion abounded at political party Volt as one of its MPs was suspended over allegations of inappropriate behaviour shortly after being the target of online abuse. Ireen Wüst brings down the curtain on her illustrious skating career as the Dutch team scoop up medals in Beijing. Storm Eunice brings chaos to the roads and rails, but at least traffic is flowing freely on a controversial bridge for squirrels in The Hague. And another EU-related storm – Brexit – has blown thousands of jobs across the North Sea, but not in the direction the Brexiteers were hoping for.

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Ophef of the week: Glennis Grace arrested with teenage son after supermarket bust-up (RTL Boulevard)

Coronavirus news

Dutch government to scrap all but two coronavirus restrictions by February 25

Self-testing to play greater role in monitoring coronavirus as test are wound down

New travel rules expected to open up long-haul destinations again

Safety board says ‘silent disaster’ hit Dutch nursing homes at start of pandemic

Other news

Nilüfer Gundoğan ‘regrets’ suspension from Volt but takes legal advice

Job vacancies outstripped unemployment in last quarter of 2021

Brexit bonus helps foreign investment in Netherlands recover

Storm Eunice set to batter coastline with winds of up to 130 kph

Long tailbacks as squirrels finally get their claws into €150m bridge

Sport

Jutta Leerdam takes silver at 1000m as Olympics enter final days

Schulting wins fourth medal with bronze at 1000m short track

Dutch women’s team victorious in short track relay in Beijing