A fire broke out at Rong School in Øygarden, causing significant damage to the building. The fire, which started near the entrance, spread to the roof and two wings of the school. The fire department quickly responded and extinguished the blaze, but the school will remain closed for repairs. The police have launched an investigation to determine the cause, with reports of children seen fleeing the scene. The municipality is working to provide alternative arrangements for the 200 students affected by the closure.

Nikolai Astrup's painting 'Interiør', created in 1927, is being exhibited at the Sogn og Fjordane Art Museum for the first time since a memorial exhibition in 1928. The painting, which has been privately owned and largely unknown, was discovered after a 2019 NRK report on Astrup's works. The exhibition is significant due to the rarity of the painting, though art critic Mona Pahle Bjerke finds it not among Astrup's strongest works. The discovery highlights ongoing efforts to locate other unknown Astrup paintings.

The Skålabu tourist cabin on Skåla mountain, built in 2016, has been closed until Easter due to a bedbug infestation reported by several guests. The Bergen and Hordaland Turlag, which owns the cabin, plans to freeze out the bedbugs by locking the cabin and allowing winter temperatures to kill them. The iconic Skålatårnet remains open but without booking options or heating facilities. The goal is to resolve the issue by spring so that hikers can enjoy the cabin by Easter.

Årdal has established a crisis team due to a significant flood risk, with a 55% chance of occurrence. The warm weather, wind, and rain, combined with large snow quantities in the mountains, pose a threat. Authorities urge residents to secure their properties and prepare for potential evacuation. Voss and Ullensvang are also preparing for possible floods. The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) has conducted inspections, and a new flood analysis shows more optimistic figures. The situation remains critical, but the timing of snowmelt and upcoming warm weather without rain or wind is seen as favorable.

Several weather stations in Western Norway recorded record high December temperatures, with Mjølfjell, Sogndal, Førde, Sandane, and Kroken all surpassing previous records. Meteorologists attribute the high temperatures to the föhn wind effect. In Møre og Romsdal, temperatures were also high, with Tafjord reaching 17 degrees, the fourth highest December temperature in 70 years. The national December temperature record of 18.3 degrees, set in 1998, remains unbroken. The weather for the rest of December remains uncertain, with the possibility of snow in some areas.

Arnfinn and Mette Roland are committed to transforming the challenging landscape of Sørøya in Finnmark through regenerative agriculture. Despite the harsh arctic climate and difficult terrain, they aim to turn the overgrown and unused land into fertile soil without using plows, artificial fertilizers, or pesticides. Their long-term vision spans 100 years, focusing on sustainable farming practices that build up the soil layer by layer. The couple, along with their son Tor-Vegard, have already seen positive results, with the land becoming more fertile and earthworms returning. Their efforts are also appreciated by the local community, who rely on their produce, such as eggs, despite the challenging delivery conditions.

The article highlights severe speeding issues in a construction area on Hemsedalsfjellet, where speeds up to 199 km/h have been recorded despite a reduced speed limit of 50 km/h. Construction and traffic authorities express deep concern over the safety risks posed to workers and other road users. Efforts to enforce speed limits, including radar and speed signs, have been largely ineffective. The police have been informed and are urged to increase their presence and conduct speed checks to mitigate the problem.

Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, is celebrated across Norway with major events in Oslo, Bergen, and Florø. The largest celebration in Oslo, organized by Islamske Forbundet Rabita and Norges Unge Muslimer, features entertainment and activities for over 3500 participants. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre joins the festivities in Oslo, highlighting the inclusive nature of the celebrations. NRK continues the tradition with a live broadcast led by Cengiz Al and Bahare Viken.

The strike at Aker Solutions on Stord has ended, with 1900 workers returning to work after a week-long strike. The agreement between LO and NHO includes a total wage increase of 5.2% and an increased low-wage supplement. While some workers are satisfied, others are concerned about the potential for increased interest rates. Local wage negotiations are still pending, which could further impact workers' earnings. The outcome of these negotiations will be crucial for many workers seeking to increase their purchasing power. The article also highlights the potential for future strikes, particularly among teachers and nurses, who feel they have been left behind in wage growth compared to the private sector.

In Stryn, Norway, students at Tonning School celebrated as Johannes Thingnes Bø secured another Olympic gold medal. The local community, known for its skiing heritage, rejoiced with spontaneous parades and family gatherings. Despite missing two shots in the final round, Bø's performance was lauded, and his niece Mathea expressed immense pride in her uncles' achievements. The celebration culminated in a surprise parade to the home of Bø's parents, who were deeply moved by the community's support.