Norway’s state-run public broadcaster
Norway has celebrated its World Cup run with a royal reception in Oslo after a 2-1 extra-time defeat to England. More than 100,000 fans line Karl Johans gate to welcome the team home, as players take part in an open-top bus parade despite minor delays from overhead cables.
The Crown Princess of Norway has been placed on the lung transplant list as her chronic pulmonary fibrosis deteriorates. Crown Prince Haakon has cut short a visit to Japan to be with his wife, and their daughter Ingrid Alexandra is returning home from Australia/W Australia to support the family. Reports confirm the condition has worsened and a transplant is considered imminent.
Finland has heightened its defense posture along the Russia border, mobilizing reserves and expanding fortifications as NATO states prepare for potential conflict. The movement follows Russia’s border build-up and Western debates over NATO commitments after recent elections.
A major wildfire started in Drammen, 30 miles west of Oslo, on Friday afternoon and has forced hundreds to evacuate. Firefighters are fighting the blaze as it spreads toward nearby forests; weather conditions hinder containment efforts. No casualties or missing residents have been reported yet.