This week in Finland
Finland's news this week highlighted domestic political issues, including the President's Office being uninformed about a security intelligence review due to "human error" and government budget cuts impacting disability services. Economically, home sales are stretching and prices are falling, while defense firm Summa Defence reported grim financial results. Additionally, Finnish police seized a significant quantity of drugs, and local experts criticized FIFA President Infantino's comments on racist chants.
About Finland
Finland, a Nordic nation renowned for its vast natural beauty, including thousands of lakes and extensive forests, consistently ranks among the world's happiest countries. It boasts a high-tech economy and a deep commitment to public service, reflected in its media landscape. The country frequently earns top honors for press freedom, supported by a strong public broadcaster and independent private media that foster a diverse and trusted news environment.
Visiting Finland
Media landscape
Finland's media environment is characterized by exceptional press freedom and high public trust, frequently ranking among the best globally. It features a robust public broadcasting company, Yle, alongside a vibrant array of independent private media outlets, contributing to a diverse and highly engaged readership.
To gain a comprehensive understanding, explore both major Finnish-language newspapers and the English-language offerings from outlets like Yle News or Helsinki Times.
Sources we track 1
Healthcare: Helsinki promises a major increase in doctors
Helsinki is promising to make two-week access to a doctor a reality at its health stations next year. At present, only one in three patients reaches a doctor within that time for non-urgent care. The …
USS Abraham Lincoln heads to Thailand after more than 250 days at sea, prompting sex-tourism concerns
The USS Abraham Lincoln is due to reach Thailand after spending more than 250 consecutive days at sea, giving nearly 5,000 sailors and Marines a chance to rest after a lengthy Middle East deployment. …
Katseye rose to pop’s summit, but even its fans are questioning the group’s authenticity
Katseye has reached pop stardom with unusual speed, but the six-member group is now facing a crisis. Two members are currently away, and fans have begun questioning whether the lineup is authentic. Th…
Book Review: Tommi Kinnunen Convincingly Enters the Mind of a Person With Dementia
Tommi Kinnunen has already been nominated for Finland’s Finlandia Prize four times, and a critic says his newly released novel could make him a contender once again. The review describes Kinnunen as a…
Grand Canyon flash flood kills two as more than 80 people are rescued
A flash flood in Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park killed at least two people and left one person missing, while rescuers brought 82 others to safety. The flooding hit the Bright Angel Canyon and P…
Finland restricts air traffic and shipping in eastern Gulf of Finland
Finland’s Defence Forces imposed temporary restrictions on aviation and shipping in the eastern Gulf of Finland shortly after 3:30 a.m. Tuesday. The military said the precautionary measures aim to pro…
Former Gang Leader Found Guilty of Tupac Shakur Murder
After nearly three decades, the murder of Tupac Shakur has produced a conviction. A Las Vegas jury unanimously found former gang leader Duane "Keffe D" Davis guilty of first-degree murder with a deadl…
WSJ: U.S. Army secretary resigns
U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll has submitted his resignation to President Donald Trump, The Wall Street Journal reported. He is expected to leave the Pentagon in the coming days. The resignation …
Italy’s Population Forecast to Shrink by Four Million by 2050
Italy is heading toward a prolonged population decline, with the national statistics agency Istat forecasting roughly four million fewer residents by 2050. The population stood at 58.9 million at the …
Helsinki Delays New Tram Funding Amid ‘Exceptionally Strong’ Procurement Allegations
Helsinki has delayed a decision on extra funding for Stadler’s trams after politicians were presented with what officials described as exceptionally strong allegations about the procurement process. T…
Veikkausliiga clash decided by final touch as disallowed offside goal sparks debate
FC Inter turned a match that appeared headed for a draw into a 1-0 victory with the final touch at Kupittaa Stadium. Muhammed Suso scored in stoppage time after goalkeeper Johannes Kreidl had struggle…
Dispute over grants: Rydman backs down on eligibility criterion, removes reference to “identity groups”
A reference to “identity groups” has been removed from Finland’s application notice for grants to social and health organizations, marking a new turn in a dispute that has occupied the government thro…
Analysis: Finland Sought Swedish Military Help for Reasons It Would Rather Leave Unspoken
Finland has asked Sweden for military assistance to monitor and secure its eastern border, but the public explanation has revealed little about what the cooperation will involve. Finland’s Defence For…
Legal expert: Chancellor of Justice must assess size and frequency of Orpo’s election funding
The central question in the review of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo is not whether the election donations were legal, but whether their size and repetition could affect his impartiality in government de…
Europe’s NATO members need a shared nuclear deterrent
Europe’s NATO members are preparing to spend far more on conventional defense, but that shift would not remove their reliance on the United States’ nuclear deterrent, the editorial argues. Instead, it…
Prosecutor seeks at least three years in prison for Jari-Matti Latvala
The first day of Jari-Matti Latvala’s tax trial produced a severe demand from prosecutors: at least three years in prison for aggravated tax fraud. The indictment alleges that Latvala avoided at least…
In an Experiment, Women Scared City Birds More Than Men Did
Across five European countries, city birds generally let men come about a meter closer than women before taking flight. An international research team tested the escape distances of 37 bird species du…
Lionel Messi ends Argentina international career
Lionel Messi has announced that he will end his international football career with Argentina. Messi shared the decision on his Instagram account on Monday. He represented Argentina at this summer’s Wo…
Tove Jansson Park opens in Helsinki after last-minute construction rush
Workers were still racing to finish Tove Jansson Park late on Sunday, but by 3 p.m. Monday the new park beside Helsinki’s Uspenski Cathedral was ready for its opening. The grass had been laid, the mul…
Liverpool Sign Bradley Barcola for a Fee That Could Reach £123 Million
Bradley Barcola says winning the Premier League is his first dream at Liverpool, after the English club completed his move from Paris Saint-Germain. Liverpool did not disclose the transfer fee or the …
Puuilo executive condemns YouTuber’s harassment of customers as police face criticism
Puuilo sales director Markus Kaatranen says a social-media personality’s treatment of customers has become a serious threat to the reputation of stores. He condemned the conduct of Dani Söderblom, who…
North Cyprus: 20 Still Missing After Sunday Shipwreck
Twenty people were still missing after a passenger vessel capsized off northern Cyprus on Sunday. At least eight people died in the accident, and the vessel carried about 270 passengers and crew. Poli…
TV series based on Max Seeck’s novels moves forward with CSI director Danny Cannon
A television adaptation of Finnish crime writer Max Seeck’s Jessica Niemi novels has taken a step forward with the appointment of Danny Cannon as director and executive producer. The English-language …
Orpo Tells Chancellor of Justice He Was Not Disqualified from Garden Helsinki Decision
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has told Finland’s chancellor of justice that he was not disqualified from decisions involving Garden Helsinki or Valmet Automotive. Chancellor of Justice Janne Salminen op…
Frustration with construction works boils over in Helsinki’s Töölö district
Residents in Helsinki’s Töölö district faced another transport disruption on Monday when trams stopped running on Runeberginkatu, without a replacement bus immediately available. Isabel Mäntyala, who …
Inderes CEO: A Nordic mega-exchange could solve several problems
A single Nordic stock exchange could help growth companies find financing, but Mikael Rautanen says the idea would be far from easy to execute. Rautanen, the CEO of analysis firm Inderes, said a large…
Swiss police arrest man over shooting at music event
Swiss police arrested a 43-year-old man in connection with a shooting that killed one person and injured five others at a music event in Aarau. The gunfire took place at a horse-racing track during Aa…
Book review: Marja Rankkala emerges from Olavi Paavolainen’s shadow in Heidi Köngäs’s novel
Heidi Köngäs’s new novel takes its title from a song once frequently heard on Finnish radio: “Every boy has wings on his heels.” The song’s lyricist, the review notes, was Marja Rankkala, a figure man…
Basketball player Miikka Muurinen fined for speeding without a valid licence
Finnish basketball prospect Miikka Muurinen has been fined €872 after police caught him driving at 76 kph in a 40-kph zone in Helsinki without the required licence. A May 28 penalty order imposed 28 d…
No Terrorism Charges for Iraqi Twins Accused of Shouting Isis Threats at Police
A Finnish prosecutor has decided not to charge two Iraqi brothers with preparing a serious crime against life or health after alleged threats involving Isis. The brothers were found outside the Finnis…
Finnish Minister Says Electric Cars Are a Poor Choice for Low-Income Buyers
A proposed Finnish subsidy for low-income people buying or leasing electric cars has met resistance from the minister overseeing transport policy. Transport and Communications Minister Lulu Ranne says…
Helsinki Tram Services on Kruunusillat Bridges to Start in November
Trams will begin crossing Helsinki’s Kruunusillat bridges on November 7, expanding the city’s tram network eastward, the Helsinki Regional Transport Authority said. Two new services will operate on th…
Exhibition review: A perceptive show blends map-symbol design with pop art cool
Kaija Hinkula’s exhibition at Gallery Ama invites visitors to wander through themes of navigation, getting lost and travel. Its works include “The Highest Point of the Unknown,” “A Proposal for a Dire…
Police Monitored Activists’ Phones, Prompting Questions From Their Own Oversight Body
The police’s own legality oversight body has questioned why the Interior Finland Police Department monitored the phones of at least 10 Elokapina activists. The surveillance targeted the activists on g…
Finland Star Leo Walta Set for Surprise Move to Los Angeles FC
Leo Walta’s short spell at Swansea City could end with a move across the Atlantic. Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reported that the Finland international is heading to Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles…
HS in Tampere: We Examined What Makes a Neighborhood Support Mental Health
Tampere’s Tahmela neighborhood is presented as an example of an area that supports mental well-being. Its closeness to nature, sense of community and human scale are seen as benefits for residents. Ur…
Lumijoki police: Two men injured in worksite trailer explosion
Two men were injured when a shelter built on an old truck frame exploded in Lumijoki on Sunday evening, according to Oulu police. The men, born in 1981 and 2007, had reportedly tried to dispose of the…
Television: Shows We Are Looking Forward to This Week
Finnish metal takes center stage in this week’s television recommendations, with a new documentary series tracing the music’s rise from a niche sound to a defining part of the country’s cultural ident…
Ontario disappears from Canadian maps, replaced by “Lake America”
Lake Ontario briefly became “Lake America” on some Canadian websites, including a Go Transit map, after Google Maps adopted the name ordered by US President Donald Trump for American users. The change…
Food Evokes Feelings and Memories
For Pia Pakalén, food is tied not only to health but also to childhood memories. She says she remains grateful to her late mother for recognizing the importance of vegetables, berries and root vegetab…
Cuts to social and health organizations also undermine efforts to promote exercise
The sports sector may avoid the worst of the Finnish government’s budget cuts, but the organizations that help the least active people could still lose funding. Martta Sopanen, chair of the Finnish St…
Young people: Asking about substance use shows you care
Asking a young person about drugs can be the beginning of help, not an accusation, two Finnish substance-use professionals write. Drug deaths have increased over the long term in Finland, while experi…
How the job market is turning: Anni Rautamies found work, and more jobs may soon follow
Anni Rautamies graduated as a construction engineer in December without a job. By June, she had found work with YIT at a data center construction site in Kouvola. Her experience reflects a broader shi…
Is Helsinki’s athletics dream at risk? Budget chief disputes major funding
Helsinki’s bid for the 2030 European Athletics Championships has run into a dispute over the size of the state subsidy behind it. Harri Halme, project manager for the Finnish Athletics Federation, say…
HIFK’s top signing grew up among NHL stars, with a celebrity father in Canada
Jake Leschyshyn was about four years old when he first visited his father’s workplace. That workplace happened to be the Ottawa Senators’ NHL dressing room. In early-2000s Ottawa, the young Leschyshyn…
Forestry on drained peatlands is not sustainable
Forestry on drained peatlands cannot be considered close to sustainable without radical changes, according to Mika Nieminen, a leading researcher at Finland’s Natural Resources Institute. Nieminen dis…
The optimistic entrepreneur
Raimo Einari Rahunen’s working life began at age 12 as a messenger for Matkatoimisto Kaleva in Helsinki. Decades later, the entrepreneur and chief executive would help create a hockey stick that carri…
Helsinki is changing, and Katajanokka residents fear losing their views
Helsinki plans to remake the Katajanokka district in the 2030s, but some residents fear the changes will destroy their maritime views. The proposed redevelopment would replace the parking areas at Kat…
More than 20 feared missing after flash flood in Grand Canyon
More than 20 people were feared missing after a flash flood hit part of Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. Authorities had evacuated at least 62 people by Sunday morning. The National Park Service…
Iran War: US Carries Out First Strike on Iran in More Than a Month
The United States has carried out its first known strikes on Iranian territory in more than a month, hitting Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz and destroying two rocket launchers. US officials said…
Lauri Markkanen injured his leg against Estonia: ‘It feels a little strange’
Lauri Markkanen produced his best performance of the national-team summer at an important moment, leading Finland to a 96-67 away win over Estonia in World Cup qualifying. The night also ended with co…
Frisbee golf: Eveliina Salonen wins her second world title
Eveliina Salonen won her second frisbee golf world championship on Sunday in Milford, United States. The Finnish player moved into the lead during the second round and kept it comfortably afterward. S…
Hammer thrower Silja Kosonen wants surgery for ankle fragments
Finnish hammer thrower Silja Kosonen, the reigning European champion, expressed her desire for surgery to address loose bone fragments in her ankle. "I have loose bone fragments in my ankle. Next week…
Finnish runner Alisa Vainio asks for the hype to stop: 'I can't stand it'
Finnish star runner Alisa Vainio secured a commanding victory in the 10,000-meter race at the Sweden-Finland international athletics match, clocking a new personal best of 32:30.71. Competing in spike…
Athletics: Daniel Ståhl's historic win in Helsinki, departs Finland immediately
Swedish discus thrower Daniel Ståhl achieved a historic 13th consecutive victory in the annual Sweden-Finland athletics match held in Helsinki's Olympic Stadium. Ståhl secured the win with a throw of …
King Harald's death unites Norwegians, even younger generations
Oslo was somber and gray on Friday, a stark contrast to the beautiful weather of the previous day, as the nation mourned the passing of King Harald. Tributes, including bouquets of flowers, half-mast …
Finnish Band Vimma Combines Music and Activism for Environmental Causes
The seven-member Finnish band Vimma is making waves not only with their unique "indierock with violins" sound but also with their strong commitment to environmental activism. Their music, which draws …
Finnish athletes win gold medals at orienteering world championships
Finnish athletes delivered stellar performances at the Orienteering World Championships in Mora, Sweden, clinching multiple medals, including two coveted gold titles. Ruska Saarela claimed the women's…
Protest tour against data centers begins in Kouvola
A protest tour targeting data centers and a planned high-voltage power line, dubbed the Harjulinen, commenced at the Kouvola city hall. The initiative is led by Pekka Väisänen, who expressed disappoin…
Pharmacists could diagnose illnesses, doctor argues
A Finnish doctor is advocating for pharmacists to gain limited diagnostic powers, drawing a parallel to the expanded roles of nurses in healthcare. In an opinion piece published in Helsingin Sanomat, …
3 Books: How hard must Stubbin's bodyguard run, and other questions about autumn's non-fiction
A trio of new non-fiction books are set to provide readers with intimate glimpses into the lives of individuals whose stories often unfold away from the spotlight. These works delve into diverse exper…
US Navy Carrier Group Departs Middle East Amid Heightened Tensions with Iran
The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is sailing towards San Diego, marking the end of its deployment in the Middle East. Its transponders are off, and it carries fighter jets and thousands of sold…
Young actors flee into the woods in 'Ghost of the Lapua Opera'
The University Theatre's production of 'Ghost of the Lapua Opera' has concluded its summer season, drawing full houses for its final performances. The play, which celebrated the theatre's centenary, e…
Finnish lawmakers' proposal to charge estates for elder care sparks debate
A proposal by Finnish Green Party lawmakers to charge deceased estates for the costs of round-the-clock elder care has ignited a debate about fairness and financial burdens on families. The suggestion…
Himalayan Floods Devastate Border Crossing; Satellite Images Show Total Destruction
The Gyirong border crossing, a vital link between Tibet, China, and Nepal, has been devastated by a powerful flood and mudslide. Dramatic footage captured by a surveillance camera shows a massive wave…
Tram Seriously Injures Pedestrian in Helsinki
A serious accident occurred in Helsinki's Oulunkylä district on Saturday afternoon when a tram struck a pedestrian near the station. The incident, which happened shortly after 2 p.m., resulted in the …
Patrik Laine's NHL future uncertain as free agency period nears its end
The NHL career of Finnish forward Patrik Laine hangs in the balance as the free agency period draws to a close, with reports suggesting the 28-year-old may have to settle for a professional tryout (PT…
Lando Norris signs historic long-term McLaren deal through 2030
Lando Norris has committed his future to McLaren, signing a contract extension that will see him race for the team until at least the end of the 2030 season. The deal, announced by McLaren on Saturday…
Construction Site Reroutes Confuse Cyclists in Helsinki
While Helsinki is generally recognized as a good city for cycling, the temporary arrangements around construction sites can create a jarringly different experience. Cyclists often find themselves navi…
Finnish Opposition Criticizes Government's Israel Protocol on Defense Materials
Finland's opposition parties have strongly condemned the government's recent signing of a ten-year memorandum of understanding with Israel concerning cooperation in the defense materials sector. The a…
Hundreds queue for hours as Swedish candy store Bubs opens in Helsinki
Hundreds of candy enthusiasts braved long waits, with some queuing overnight, for the grand opening of Swedish confectionery brand Bubs' first Finnish pop-up store in Helsinki's city center. The highl…
Finnish PM Orpo Reflects on Regrets in Lunch Interview
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo engaged in a candid lunch discussion, offering reflections on his time in office. The meeting, held at the Manala restaurant, saw Orpo accompanied by security perso…
Young Finnish man struggles to find work despite qualifications, questions job market viability
A young Finnish man, possessing a master's degree, reserve officer status, and high academic achievements, voices profound disillusionment with the Finnish job market. Despite being married and active…
Helsingin Sanomat Revamps Digital Front Page for Clarity
Helsingin Sanomat is set to unveil a revamped digital front page this autumn, with the most significant change being the introduction of topic-based grouping to enhance clarity and user experience. Th…
Finnish Defense Chief: Swedish Troops in Finland Signal a 'New Normal'
The presence of Swedish military forces in Finland marks a significant shift, signaling a "new normal" in the region's security landscape, according to Finland's Chief of Defence, Janne Jaakkola. Spea…
KuPS football club resolves financial dispute over player transfer fees
Kuopion Palloseura (KuPS), a prominent Finnish football club, has resolved a significant financial dispute between its professional team operations and its youth development branch. KuPS Oy, which ove…
Controversial British commentator Milo Yiannopoulos arrested in US for immigration violations
British commentator Milo Yiannopoulos, a vocal critic of immigration and liberal values, was arrested by US immigration authorities in Louisiana. The Department of Homeland Security stated that Yianno…
Finland's summer cottage owners fight back against clear-cutting near homes
For 25 years, summer cottage owners on Saimaa's Ruokovesi lake have watched their beloved local forests transform from thinned stands into impassable clear-cuts. The destruction of these woods has led…
Bake Your Autumn: Classic French Apple Tarte Tatin and Rustic Apple Turnovers
With Finland experiencing a bountiful apple harvest this year, autumn presents a perfect opportunity to indulge in homemade baked goods. The season's abundance, particularly in home gardens, inspires …
Finnish Woman Pays €70,000 in Debt, Original €95,000 Loan Remains Largely Unpaid
Tiina, a resident of the Helsinki metropolitan area, finds herself trapped in a relentless debt cycle, having paid approximately €70,000 towards her obligations. Astonishingly, the original loan amoun…
Fashion: Hourglass-shaped workout pants are replacing leggings
For much of the 21st century, form-fitting, ankle-length workout leggings have been the near-universal choice for athletic apparel among the style-conscious public. They became a staple, almost a unif…
Forensic Medicine: Doctors question everything they knew about medicine during autopsies
In the sterile, chlorine-scented environment of the autopsy suite at Kuopio University Hospital, a unique form of medical investigation takes place. Specialized doctors, like resident physician Katari…
Sweden Sends Troops to Finland Amidst Escalating Air Threats
Sweden is deploying military forces to Finland, including Gripen fighter jets and naval vessels, at Finland's request. This move comes amid heightened air threats along Finland's border with Russia, s…
Himalayan floods: Over 2,000 missing as new flood threat hampers rescue
Thousands of people remain missing in the Himalayas following devastating floods and landslides that struck the Nepal-China border region on Wednesday. As of Saturday morning, the death toll has surpa…
Giants of Western Philosophy Saw the Collapse of Values and Truth
German philosopher Martin Heidegger's engagement with the works of Friedrich Nietzsche serves as a profound examination of the entire trajectory of Western philosophy. Heidegger's interpretations delv…
Trump Claims US to Take Control of Fifth of Venezuela's Oil Reserves
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced what he describes as a "historic" oil agreement with Venezuela, which he claims will more than double American oil reserves. According to Trump's statement on…
Berlin Mayor Refuses Ransom in Major Cyberattack
Berlin authorities will not pay a ransom demanded by hackers who breached the city's computer systems and stole data in August. Mayor Kai Wegner announced Thursday that the city will not yield to the …
Iceland Votes on Resuming EU Membership Talks Amidst Agricultural Concerns
Icelanders are heading to the polls to decide whether to resume membership negotiations with the European Union, a process halted in 2013. The outcome of this advisory referendum remains highly uncert…
Finland and Ukraine to Produce Ukrainian Drones in Finland
Finland and Ukraine are significantly strengthening their military cooperation with an upcoming "drone deal" agreement. This pact will enable the production of Ukrainian weapon systems within Finland …
Finns Oppose Mining in Nature Reserves
The future of Viiankiaapa, a doubly protected mire in Sodankylä and one of Europe's most representative, is uncertain. Mining company AA Sakatti Mining Oy seeks permission to deviate from Natura conse…
Seppo Korhonen, Versatile Musician and Educator, Dies at 74
Musician Seppo Korhonen passed away in Luxembourg on June 4, 2026, at the age of 74. Born in Lahti on July 2, 1951, Korhonen's life's work was built around music, education, and collaboration. His mus…
Heikki Papunen, Internationally Renowned Geologist, Dies at 89
Emeritus Professor of Geology and Mineralogy Heikki Papunen died in Turku on July 31, 2026, at the age of 89. Born in Ikaalinen on December 28, 1936, into a farming family, Papunen's early aptitude fo…
Social Media Influencer Sini Laitinen Re-evaluates Heteronormativity After Shifting Attraction
Social media influencer Sini Laitinen found herself questioning deeply ingrained societal norms after her romantic interests shifted from men to women. This personal realization brought into sharp foc…
UK Faces Severe Water Shortages as Historic Drought Continues
England is grappling with a severe drought, marking the driest period since detailed records began in the early 1700s. With rainfall scarce since May, except for parts of northern Scotland and the sou…
Fortum Faces Scrutiny Over Billion-Euro Losses from Uniper Deal
The article delves into the substantial billion-euro losses Fortum incurred in Russia, a consequence of its ambitious strategy to become an intermediary in gas trade between Germany and Russia through…
Cale Makar signs NHL's most lucrative contract ever
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar has inked a historic contract, becoming the highest-paid player in NHL history. The eight-year extension is worth a staggering $163.2 million, with an annual a…
Track star Femke Bol reveals slow training pace despite record-breaking run
Dutch track and field star Femke Bol shattered her personal best and the national record in the 800 meters at the Diamond League event in Zurich, clocking in at 1:54.71. This impressive performance pl…
Biathlete Suvi Minkkinen Signs 12,000 Euro Cooperation Deal with Joutsa Municipality Amidst Council Disagreement
Biathlete Suvi Minkkinen will promote her home municipality of Joutsa under a new cooperation agreement for the 2026-27 season. The deal, valued at 12,000 euros, was approved by the Joutsa municipal c…
African swine fever zone expands significantly after infected wild boar found in Pyhtää
The infection zone for African swine fever in Finland has expanded considerably following the discovery of the disease in a dead wild boar in Pyhtää's Hirvikoski. This finding is approximately 40 kilo…
Helsinki proposes cutting municipal supplement for home-care support
Helsinki is considering a significant cut to its municipal home-care support, proposing to eliminate the "Helsinki supplement." This additional payment, currently providing 264 euros monthly to famili…