🇫🇮 Helsingin Sanomat
Finland · FI · https://www.hs.fi
About Helsingin Sanomat
Helsingin Sanomat is owned by Sanoma Corporation, a large Finnish media and learning company. The newspaper has a long history as a family business, initially owned by the Erkko family, who retained significant influence after Sanoma Corporation's merger in 1999.
Helsingin Sanomat is generally considered a highly credible news source, with a high factuality rating from Ground News and a high trust rate among Finnish news media brands, according to the Reuters Institute. Media Bias/Fact Check and Grokipedia assess its editorial lean as Left-Center biased, often favoring environmentalism and progressive social issues. The outlet has faced controversy, notably in 2023 when two of its journalists were found guilty of revealing state secrets, a case that Reporters Without Borders Finland stated has stifled press freedom and increased self-censorship.
Alpine Marmots: Abandoning a Partner in the Mountains Signals Serious Relationship Problems
- The phenomenon of "Alpine marmots" gained rapid internet fame following an Austrian man's conviction for aggravated manslaughter. - The man abandoned his girlfriend on a mountain, leading to her dea…
Russia Warns Finland: We're Watching Your Military Moves
- Russia is closely monitoring Finland's military development and will determine countermeasures accordingly, stated Russian Ambassador Pavel Kuznetsov. - Kuznetsov accused Finland of being one of Ukr…
Reader Opinion: Are Wellbeing Regions in Crisis Despite Surpluses?
- The author argues that Finnish wellbeing regions are financially sound, showing a surplus of over 600 million euros last year, contrary to some critical public perception. - A key issue identified i…
Column: The 'Turku disease' plagues all of Finland
- The article argues that Finland suffers from a "Turku disease" characterized by a lack of vision and political subservience to economic interests. - Turku, once a leading city, now faces segregation…
Finnish Committee Demands Changes to Biometric Data Bill
- Finland's constitutional law committee has proposed significant amendments to the government's controversial bill on personal data processing. - The committee insists on a preliminary authorization …
New System Sparks Uprising Among Hospital Staff in Tampere
- Hospital staff in Tampere, Finland, are protesting a new automated shift scheduling system implemented by the Pirkanmaa wellbeing services county. - Over 6,500 employees signed a petition against th…
New Kia PV5: Looks Like a Food Robot, Drives Like a Dream
- The new Kia PV5 electric van is described as angular and somewhat disguised in gray, but proves surprisingly practical. - It offers a turning radius that impresses, making it agile for urban transpo…
Finland Updates Foreign and Security Policy Amid Geopolitical Shifts
- Finland's government has completed an update to its foreign and security policy statement. - The update was prompted by a US threat to acquire Greenland and follows a similar revision after Russia's…
Young Finnish Women Increasingly Opt for Labiaplasty Driven by Body Image Concerns
- Young women in Finland are increasingly seeking labiaplasty, often driven by dissatisfaction with their bodies rather than physical discomfort. - Gynecologists note that the desire for cosmetic redu…
Hearty 10-Minute Egg Skillet: A Quick and Flavorful Mexican-Inspired Meal
- A quick and hearty Mexican-inspired egg dish can be prepared in just 10 minutes on a single pan. - The recipe includes eggs, beans, spinach, crushed tomatoes, and spices, suitable for breakfast or l…
Finnish Judo Champion Martti Puumalainen Withdraws from Europeans Due to Illness, Eyes Olympics and WWE Interest
- Finnish judoka Martti Puumalainen, European heavyweight champion, has withdrawn from the upcoming European Championships in Tbilisi due to mononucleosis. - Puumalainen, nicknamed 'Marasonni', is foc…
Helsinki Stock Exchange Surges to Highest Point in Over 25 Years – Can the Rally Continue?
- The Helsinki stock exchange's OMXH general index reached its highest point in 25 years, surpassing 2021 levels. - This surge marks a significant recovery after years of stagnation, where the Finnish…
Helsinki's Healthcare Divide: East to See Mega-Centers, West to Keep Small Clinics
- Helsinki is dividing its healthcare services, with large centers planned for the east and smaller, local clinics to be maintained in the west and north. - This decision, a political one, aims to pre…
HS Ottawa | Greenland Crisis Awakened Canada, Which Now Strives to Break Free from the United States
- Canada is seeking to reduce its dependence on the United States due to global political instability, particularly influenced by President Donald Trump. - Finland and Canada have agreed to deepen coo…
Canadian Duo Becomes Music Sensation with Unique Microtonal Math Rock
- The Canadian duo Angine de Poitrine has become a significant musical phenomenon in early 2026. - They are known for performing microtonal math rock while wearing distinctive black and white spotted …
Reader Opinion: Conflicts Weaken Global Food Security
- Global food security is under threat due to conflicts and climate change, which are exacerbating existing vulnerabilities. - Key shipping routes are increasingly disrupted, and nations are treating …
Obituary: From Principal to Prince in Retirement
- Matti Heikki Kalevi Rantala, a former school principal, passed away on February 5, 2026, at the age of 81 after a brief illness in Järvenpää. - Rantala had a long career in education, starting as a …
Obituary: A Pioneer of Project Exports
- Veijo Toivo Olavi Hassinen, a pioneer in project exports, passed away unexpectedly on October 25, 2025, at the age of 73 while on vacation in Fuengirola, Spain. - Hassinen had a distinguished career…
Contract Dispute: Kiekko-Espoo Chairman on Oscar Hemming Case: 'A Serious Witch Hunt is Underway Against Us'
- A contract dispute between the Finnish ice hockey club Kiekko-Espoo and 17-year-old prospect Oscar Hemming continues, with the case heading to court. - The dispute's outcome could significantly impa…
Reader Opinion: Emergency Shelter Secures the Night, But Doesn't End Homelessness
- A reader's opinion piece argues that emergency shelters, while necessary, do not solve homelessness and can become bottlenecks if not integrated into a pathway to permanent housing. - The author cri…
Reader Opinion: Healthcare Funding Not Clearly Targeted to Patient Work
- A reader's opinion piece questions the effectiveness and justification of current healthcare funding models in Finland. - The author criticizes the shift from a diagnosis-based funding system to one…
Obituary: Education and Järviseutu's History as Life's Work
- Veikko Leväniemi, a former principal and historian, passed away at the age of 82 in Vimpeli, Finland. - Leväniemi dedicated his life to education, serving as a history teacher and principal for many…
Reader's Opinion: The Hungarian Election Result United Finnish Politicians
- The author reflects on the Hungarian election results, noting a rare moment of unity among Finnish politicians across the political spectrum. - The outcome is seen as a significant democratic correc…
HS in Hungary: The War Was Too Much: Viktor Orbán Crossed the Line and Sank in His Own Lie
- Viktor Orbán's government propagated the narrative that Hungary was on the brink of war, using state media and AI-generated videos to depict apocalyptic scenarios. - This fear-mongering was a centra…
Helsinki Must Change Wage Subsidy System; Cannot Support Sending Children to Propaganda Camps
- The city of Helsinki is reviewing its wage subsidy system after it was revealed to have funded an association sending children to Russian propaganda camps on occupied Crimea. - The association, Sun …
Finland's 'Secret Weapon': A Few Staff Officers for Hormuz Strait Security
- Finland is contributing a small contingent of staff officers to an international maritime security operation in the Strait of Hormuz, a move seen as politically motivated to please the United States…
Violence: 12-Year-Old Was Swinging in a Helsinki Playground When a Group of Girls Attacked
- A group of girls is reportedly harassing and assaulting people, including children, in the Vuosaari district of Helsinki. - At least some of the alleged perpetrators are elementary school-aged, with…
Investigation: Teen Threatened into Committing Arson Attack Aimed at Murder in Vantaa
- An investigation is underway into an arson attack at an apartment building in Vantaa, Finland, which occurred in December. - A 15-year-old boy confessed to setting the fire in the stairwell, claimin…
Ice Hockey | Jesse Puljujärvi joins Leijonat's World Championship camp: 'Towards the championships through that'
- Jesse Puljujärvi, who had a strong season in Switzerland, will join the Finnish national team for the World Championship. - Puljujärvi finished third in the Swiss league's scoring and was a key play…
Tangier: What its 'Africa Star' departure point is really like
- A Finnish journalist visited Tangier, Morocco, to explore the city beyond its portrayal in the popular board game "The Africa Star." - The journalist, accompanied by a local resident, found the city…
Vantaa: Suspicious Man Near Kindergarten Sparks Major Police Operation in Myyrmäki
- A police operation was launched in Vantaa's Myyrmäki after a kindergarten reported a suspicious, possibly intoxicated man nearby. - The man, who may have been carrying a bladed weapon, moved towards…
Finnish Kitchen: Tomato Flavor Changes in the Refrigerator Within Three Hours
- Finnish consumers are increasingly buying smaller tomatoes, with production and variety growing significantly in recent years. - Tomatoes should be stored at room temperature, as refrigeration alter…
News Quiz: Are You Up-to-Date?
- The Helsingin Sanomat (HS) News Quiz tests readers' awareness of recent news. - The quiz consists of ten questions designed to gauge how well readers have followed the newspaper's coverage. - It is …
Pesäpallo: Merja Mähkä Considers Helsinki Club Her Life's Worst Investment
- Merja Mähkä, known as a small investor, has identified her investment in the Helsinki-based pesäpallo club Puna-Mustat as her worst financial decision. - Mähkä invested in the club after her son beg…
Phone Off, Creativity On: Ideas for Analog Days
- The article discusses the growing desire for digital detox amidst constant scrolling and information overload. - It suggests that disconnecting from devices can lead to increased concentration, crea…
Music: Rock Band Lemonator Returns to the Stage After Over a Decade
- Finnish rock band Lemonator is returning to the stage for live performances after more than a decade-long hiatus. - The band will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a performance at the Jytäkesä Go…
NHL: Eastern Conference Playoff Pairs Set, Mikael Granlund's Anaheim Ducks' Poor Form Takes Its Toll
- The NHL's Eastern Conference playoff matchups are set, with the Boston Bruins securing the first wild card spot after defeating the New Jersey Devils. - In the Western Conference, the situation rema…
Russian Warship Patrols Increase in Gulf of Finland, Raising Escalation Concerns
- Russian warships have begun regularly patrolling the Gulf of Finland, escorting cargo and oil tankers. - This increased naval presence raises the risk of escalation, according to the Estonian Navy c…
Earplugs Can Be Used Every Night, Ear Doctor Promises
- An ear doctor advises against using earplugs every night, despite personal long-term use without issues. - While earplugs can be helpful for sleep, especially for light sleepers or those with snorin…
Helsinki Hosts Championship for Performative Reading, Challenging Utilitarianism
- Helsinki is hosting the Finnish Championship in Performative Reading, a unique event that satirizes the societal trend of competitive "benefit-thinking." - The competition aims to bring literary act…
Finland's Electricity System Transformation: Rapid Growth, Lingering Questions
- Finland's electricity system is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by a significant increase in wind and solar power generation. - While the system has largely remained stable, managing price v…
Finnish Law Committee Divided on Employment Contract Reform
- Finland's Constitutional Law Committee is divided over a government proposal to ease fixed-term employment contracts, allowing the first contract to be up to one year without justification. - Opposi…
Vegetables | Prices of domestic tomatoes are now high, and the war in Iran could affect them further
- The price of domestic loose tomatoes in Finland has been high due to severe winter frosts, with prices reaching up to 7.99 euros per kilogram in some stores. - The ongoing conflict in the Middle Eas…
Iran Conflict Threatens Global Recession, IMF Warns
- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lowered its global economic growth forecast, citing the potential for a significant energy crisis due to the conflict in Iran. - The IMF projects global gro…
Money Worries: Anne-Maria Roos's Family Enjoyed a Holiday, But Such Breaks Are Ending
- A low-income family from Helsinki was able to take a subsidized vacation, which will soon cease to exist. - The mother described the trip as a "lottery win," highlighting its significance for her fa…
Reader Opinion: Tourism's Harm Comes from Travel, Not Local Stays
- A reader's opinion piece argues that the biggest negative impacts of tourism arise from travel, not local effects. - The author criticizes the focus on a potential tourism tax, stating that 93% of t…
Column: Trump is no exception; great power leaders tend to believe in quick wars
- The article critiques the tendency of great powers, including the US under Trump, to rely on intuition and underestimate the complexity of modern warfare, often leading to prolonged conflicts. - It …
Biathlon: Suvi Minkkinen Earns Big but Drives a 'Wreck' Car
- Finnish biathlete Suvi Minkkinen earned approximately 140,000 euros last fiscal year through her company but drives an old car. - Minkkinen won an Olympic bronze medal and nearly won the World Cup o…
Chernobyl Fallout Still Found in Finnish Forest Mushrooms 40 Years Later, Study Shows
- A new study by Finland's Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) found that radioactive fallout from the 1986 Chernobyl disaster is still detectable in Finnish forest mushrooms 40 years later.…
Saimaa seal gets rare twins
- A Saimaa ringed seal named Hilima has given birth to rare twins in Finland. - Twin births are extremely uncommon for this endangered species, with usually only one pup surviving. - Conservationists …
Career at McDonald's: Jari Pekonen's 30-Year Journey
- Jari Pekonen has dedicated 30 years to working at McDonald's in Porvoo, Finland. - Unlike many who frequently change jobs, Pekonen represents a commitment to a long-term career path. - His tenure is…
AI: Anthropic Claims It Developed Too Dangerous an AI Model – State Leaders and Banks to Emergency Meeting
- AI company Anthropic claims its new model has identified thousands of critical security vulnerabilities in software used by governments and businesses. - These vulnerabilities were found across vari…
Hungary's Elections: Can Hungary Change After Orbán?
- Péter Magyar's opposition has won the Hungarian elections, signaling a potential shift away from Viktor Orbán's "illiberal" system. - Orbán's 16-year rule established a system where judiciary and me…
Woman accused of €800,000 fraud using fake cancer story in Finland
- A woman is accused of defrauding people of approximately €800,000 by fabricating a cancer story to solicit loans. - The alleged crimes occurred between April and November 2025, with victims lending …
Finland: Competition Law and Sustainability Projects Can Be Harmonized, Says Authority
- The Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (KKV) supports companies' sustainability initiatives and clarifies competition law aspects. - Recent EU guidelines provide a framework for assessing su…
Former Skinhead Shares How to Leave Extremist Ideologies
- Onni Sarvela, who joined a skinhead group at 13, now helps individuals leave extremist movements. - People seeking his help often feel misunderstood and struggle to communicate their doubts to both …
Platform Economy: 'Work is Good, Compensation Is Not,' Says Wolt Courier, Detailing His Month's Income and Expenses
- A food delivery courier in Finland is renting another courier's account to work for Wolt. - The courier, Choudhary Nagra, is at the bottom of the delivery hierarchy and shared his monthly income and…
HS 50 years ago April 14, 1976: Messages of sorrow from house to house in Lapua
- A massive explosion occurred at the Lapua munitions factory on April 14, 1976, killing approximately 500 workers. - The blast destroyed the loading facility and caused widespread damage to surroundi…
Obituary: Photographer who loved the sea and mountains
- Cinematographer Taisto Lapila died at age 55 after a rapid illness. - Lapila had a prolific career, working for Yle for two decades and contributing to numerous documentaries and programs. - Known f…
Obituary: Versatile church musician Oskari Rasilainen
- Oskari Rasilainen, a distinguished church musician, passed away at the age of 100. - Rasilainen had a long career as a cantor-organist and was a significant figure in advocating for church musicians…
Reader Opinion: Initial Experiences with Suomi Points Are Encouraging
- Finland is establishing 'Suomi points,' integrated customer service centers for government agencies, to improve accessibility for citizens who struggle with digital services. - These points aim to c…
Editorial: A Ferry Connection to Herttoniemenranta is Needed
- Helsinki's public transport faces potential chaos in about a year due to a seven-month metro closure between Hakaniemi and Herttoniemi for rail repairs. - This closure, part of the Junatie metro tra…
Hungarians staged a democratic uprising
Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar has led his Tisza party to a significant electoral victory, challenging Viktor Orbán's long-standing Fidesz party. The win is seen as a turning point, potentia…
Reader Opinion: Homeschooling in Finland Should Be Restricted to Health Reasons and Exceptional Permits
A reader opinion piece argues that homeschooling in Finland should only be permitted for health reasons and with an exceptional permit. The author contends that while a small number of children may ha…
Jyrki Katainen Appointed EU-Arctic Special Advisor
Jyrki Katainen has been appointed as a special advisor to the European Commission on EU-Arctic relations. In this six-month role, he will support the Commission's strategy implementation in the Arctic…
