Nordland County Municipality is scrapping this year's summer route for the Nordland Express between Bodø, Steigen, and Hamarøy. The County Councilor for Transport, Richard Dagsvik from the Frp, fears a shortage of crew and does not want to risk the same route chaos as last year. Dagsvik believes the county must accept that tourists will be left behind on the quays. SV's group leader Christian Torset reacts and accuses the county councilor of shirking responsibility, emphasizing that the cut hits permanent residents hard when the boats fill up.
An extra forest fire helicopter is being deployed in Nordland from April 17 to 20. The Directorate for Social Security and Preparedness (DSB) confirms the deployment of the extra forest fire helicopter. The extra helicopter is in addition to the permanent helicopter preparedness already operational. The reason for the extra helicopter deployment is that there is a reported high risk of grass and heather fires in the coming days.
The Accident Investigation Board Norway has issued its report after the serious maritime accident where an 80-year-old fisherman was found dead on board his fishing vessel in Steigen. The accident occurred on November 14, 2025. According to the report, the man likely got his arm caught during net hauling and was then dragged around the machinery. The autopsy report concluded that the cause of death was suffocation due to persistent, strong pressure against the upper body. The report also points to safety failures on board. The emergency stop function of the net winch, which could have prevented the situation, did not work when the accident happened because the rod for the emergency stop function was blocked by a wooden wedge. No clear answer has been found as to why the wedge was placed there.
Nordland is receiving 10.7 million kroner to expand the offer for people with severe dental anxiety and for those who have been exposed to torture and abuse. The money goes to the scheme for facilitated dental treatment, which was significantly strengthened in the 2026 budget. In the county, there are now five interdisciplinary teams with psychologists and dental health personnel, including at dental clinics in Vestvågøy, Sortland, Narvik, Bodø, and Rana. The goal is to give patients with strong anxiety a safer and more tailored treatment offer. Åshild Pettersen of the Socialist Left Party says in a press release from Nordland County Municipality that they cannot accept that women in Nordland receive a poorer health offer because Helse Nord is considering reallocating a grant for gynecology. Åshild Pettersen is very concerned about the consequences if Helse Nord proceeds with the plans and fears longer waiting times.