Culture

Youssef Asad Alkhatib Named Refugee of the Year 2026, Graduates as First Refugee from Theatre Academy

Youssef Asad Alkhatib, a 26-year-old actor from Syria, has been selected as Refugee of the Year 2026 by Finnish Refugee Aid. The award recognizes individuals who champion integration and make positive contributions to society in everyday life (Yle). Alkhatib, who arrived in Finland as a quota refugee in 2017, has since built a career in the arts while advocating for greater recognition of refugees as individuals beyond their status. Earlier this year, he became the first graduate with a refugee background to earn a Master of Arts degree from the Theatre Academy Helsinki (Yle).

European Parliament Faces Racism Allegations Against Finnish and Danish MEPs

The European Parliament is addressing accusations of racism against two of its members, Finnish MEP Sebastian Tynkkynen (Finns Party) and Danish MEP Kristoffer Storm, following their social media activity and behavior in the chamber. The allegations were raised by Valérie Hayer, Chair of the Renew Europe group, in a letter

Javelin Thrown by Child Strikes Jogger in Lahti, Causing Fracture

A woman jogging on a forest trail in Lahti sustained a fractured forearm after being struck by a training javelin thrown by an elementary-school-aged boy on Saturday, 13 June. The incident occurred near residential plots, where the boy had been practicing javelin throws in his backyard. The jogger,

Government Dispute Over STEA Grant Criteria Delays Decision

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (National Coalition Party) has stated that Minister of Social Affairs and Health Wille Rydman (Finns Party) cannot proceed with proposed changes to the criteria for STEA grants without government approval. Orpo announced on X that he will bring the matter to the agenda of a Council

Elderly Woman Found Dead in Kokkola Apartment, Police Investigate Possible Violence

Police in Kokkola are investigating the death of an approximately 80-year-old woman found deceased in her apartment on Sunday, 21 June. The cause of death remains unclear, and authorities are examining whether the woman was subjected to violence before her passing. A forensic examination is underway to determine

Read more

European Parliament Faces Racism Allegations Against Finnish and Danish MEPs

Javelin Thrown by Child Strikes Jogger in Lahti, Causing Fracture

Government Dispute Over STEA Grant Criteria Delays Decision

Elderly Woman Found Dead in Kokkola Apartment, Police Investigate Possible Violence