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Queen Mette-Marit misses Parliament opening due to illness

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Queen Mette-Marit will miss the opening of the Norwegian Parliament due to a respiratory infection. This marks a notable occasion as King Haakon VIII will open the Storting for the first time as monarch, having ascended the throne in August 2026.

Separately, a large fire has erupted in a warehouse area in Porsgrunn, leading to warnings for residents and concerns about potential explosions. Meanwhile, the nation is reportedly shocked by an undisclosed event involving football star Erling Haaland.

In legal news, a partner is suing businessman Tom Hagen, demanding a payout from his company. The family of a victim has also raised concerns about a mosque's handling of tax funds. On a positive note, a new medical tool is showing high success rates in helping individuals return to work, significantly reducing sick leave.

Top stories

Royal Family and Parliament Opening

Queen Mette-Marit will not attend the opening of the Norwegian Parliament due to a respiratory infection, making it the first time King Haakon VIII, who ascended the throne in August 2026, will open the Storting as monarch.

Major Fire in Porsgrunn

A significant fire has erupted in a warehouse district in Porsgrunn, leading to warnings for residents and the evacuation of nearby areas due to an explosion risk.

Aftenposten Major Fire in Porsgrunn Warehouse Area: Residents Warned ↗
VG Porsgrunn Fire: Explosion Risk ↗

Shocking Event Involving Erling Haaland

Norway has been reportedly shocked by a major event or situation involving the prominent football player Erling Haaland.

Nettavisen Norway Shocked: What Happened with Haaland ↗

Mosque Funds Controversy

The family of a victim has expressed concerns that a mosque may have improperly received approximately 80,000 tax kroner against their wishes. This involves Mahmoud Farahmand, a Member of Parliament for the Conservative Party.

VG Family of Victim Impacted by Mosque's Handling of Funds ↗

Lawsuit Against Tom Hagen

Businessman Tom Hagen is facing a lawsuit from a partner, Marius Nerbye, who is demanding to be bought out of the company Elkraft. The case, involving significant assets, is scheduled to begin in February.

E24 Lawsuit Against Tom Hagen: Partner Demands Payout ↗

Crime and Accidents

A friend has been sentenced to prison following the death of Preben (25) in a boating accident. Separately, a male teenager died in a motorcycle crash in Rana. In a different case, an 18-year-old has been acquitted of stabbing charges, with the court ruling it was self-defense to protect his mother.

Public Security Alert

Norway's Police Security Service (PST) has issued an alert advising people living along the coast to be vigilant.

NRK PST Alerts Public Along Coast to Be Aware ↗

Public Health Concerns

A doctor has raised concerns about a reported increase in strokes among young men. Additionally, a report highlighted the emotional impact of stillbirths, noting that 20-30 women in Norway experience spontaneous abortions daily.

Oslo Housing Market Downturn

The housing market for single-family homes in Oslo has experienced a significant decline, with prices estimated to have fallen by 15-20 percent.

Aftenposten Oslo Housing Market: Prices Have Fallen Significantly ↗