Latest society & culture news and updates from Norway in English.
Norwegian health authorities spent nearly 1 billion kroner on consultants in ten months, with Health Trust West leading at 330 million. The spending represents less than 0.5% of the total health budget but raises questions about resource allocation in public healthcare.
Firefighters extinguished a major townhouse fire in Oslo's Bestum neighborhood after intense flames engulfed the basement. All residents evacuated safely, though the blaze threatened nearby homes in the densely built area.
Fifteen residents evacuated safely from a townhouse fire in Oslo's Bestum neighborhood. The blaze began in a basement sauna and spread through the building. Firefighters contained the situation within an hour with no injuries reported.
The University of Bergen unveils Norway's brightest classroom with specialized daylight-simulating lighting. Students report improved concentration and mood during dark winter months. Researchers study how artificial daylight affects learning and circadian rhythms.
Firefighters contained a row house blaze in Oslo's Ullern district after visible flames threatened to spread through the connected structure. All residents evacuated safely with no injuries reported. The fire service brought the situation under control by late evening.
Police stopped a car driving the wrong way on Norway's E18 highway near Lillesand. No injuries were reported despite the dangerous situation. Authorities confiscated the driver's license and are investigating the incident.
Oslo implements immediate e-scooter safety measures including speed reductions and stricter user training. The changes come after accident rates more than doubled following the city's decision to increase available scooters from 8,000 to 16,000 earlier this year.
Norwegian health communication directors earn salaries rivaling or exceeding top politicians, with some making nearly 2 million kroner. The Center Party demands cuts to both numbers and pay levels, calling the situation alarming. Health officials acknowledge public concern while defending competitive but moderate public sector wages.
A garbage truck collision damaged a building in central Kristiansand Thursday morning. No injuries were reported as police redirected traffic and municipal crews assessed structural damage. The incident raises questions about vehicle size compatibility with historic city infrastructure.
Health officials confirm a Norwegian nursing home violated care standards after its director self-reported potential violations. The case highlights transparency in elder care oversight and regulatory compliance challenges.
Oslo is reducing e-scooter speeds and implementing stricter safety measures after accident numbers more than doubled. The changes follow the city's decision to double the number of rental scooters available. Over 1,000 people have been treated for e-scooter injuries this year.
Oslo slashes e-scooter speeds immediately after accident numbers more than doubled following a controversial decision to double available scooters. New slow zones and stricter user bans aim to address safety concerns, but critics say reducing scooter numbers remains essential.
Oslo's major e-scooter providers are reducing speeds and banning sidewalk riding after city demands. The safety measures come as e-scooter injuries more than doubled this year. Companies expect to suspend thousands of customers for rule violations.
Bergen experienced a surge in criminal activity and emergency responses including multiple break-ins, fires, and assaults across the city. Police and rescue services were stretched thin responding to incidents ranging from stolen equipment to mountain rescues. The busy weekend revealed persistent public safety challenges in Norway's second-largest city.
An intoxicated man entered a Norwegian high school and assaulted a student while threatening him with a knife. Police arrested the 18-year-old suspect and recovered a weapon from the scene. No serious injuries were reported despite the violent confrontation.
An intoxicated man entered St. Hallvard High School in Lier, Norway, threatened a student with a knife, and forced him to empty his pockets. Police arrested the suspect, who has previous convictions for serious bodily harm. The 16-year-old victim received medical attention but showed no visible injuries.
Norway's Kripos gains expanded authority to review all unsolved murders nationwide. The Cold Case unit can now intervene without waiting for local police requests. This centralized approach aims to bring new methods and resources to Norway's 41 unresolved homicide cases.
All 15 firefighters in Lavik and Vadheim, Norway have resigned collectively. They protest stalled equipment upgrades and plans to close local ambulance services. The resignations affect emergency coverage along the critical E39 coastal highway.
Norway deports Swedish citizen with gang connections and imposes two-year entry ban. Police cite criminal history and weapon associations as key factors in decision. Case highlights Nordic approach to cross-border criminal activity.
Firefighters contained a dangerous chimney fire in Kvam, Norway. All residents evacuated safely before crews arrived. The brick chimney posed higher spreading risk than modern steel alternatives.
Norwegian pharmacies are requesting people return unused antibiotics to prevent environmental contamination. Health officials worry antibiotics in nature could create drug-resistant bacteria. The return program operates year-round at all pharmacy locations.
A head-on collision on County Road 76 in Velfjord sent three people to hospitals, with one requiring air ambulance transport. The accident caused significant traffic delays during Monday morning commute before the road fully reopened. Police have opened an investigation into the crash that occurred during slippery road conditions.
Three people hospitalized after vehicles collided on slippery Norwegian coastal highway. Emergency crews implemented manual traffic control amid dangerous driving conditions on County Road 76 near Velfjord.
A battery explosion at a workplace in Molde, Norway injured one person. Emergency services confirmed no fire resulted from the incident. The injured worker received medical attention at the scene.