Society
The Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela) has identified a significant error in the municipal billing of unemployment benefits for immigrants, resulting in municipalities being incorrectly charged for expenses that should have been covered by the state. MTV Uutiset reports that the error stems from a misinterpretation of residence permit
Culture
A crested lark (Galerida cristata) has nested in Finland for the first time, marking a significant event for birdwatchers and conservationists. The discovery was made in Muhos, where an American nature tourist photographed the species over the weekend. The images were later identified as a crested lark, a bird recorded
Politics
NATO’s defense ministers are gathering in Brussels this week for a high-stakes meeting that will shape the alliance’s priorities ahead of next month’s summit in Ankara. The discussions, which begin in earnest on Thursday, will focus on defense spending targets, military preparedness, long-term support for
Crime
The Helsinki Court of Appeal has sentenced two men to two years and four months in prison for the aggravated rape of a 15-year-old girl in May 2018. The ruling increases the men’s previous sentences, handed down by the Helsinki District Court in April 2024. The convicted
Politics
Kotka City Manager Esa Sirviö has resigned from his position after losing the confidence of the City Board. The resignation was acknowledged during an extraordinary City Board meeting on Wednesday, 17 June (Helsingin Sanomat, MTV Uutiset).
Traffic
The Kruunuvuorensilta Bridge, connecting Korkeasaari and Kruunuvuorenranta, will undergo multiple closures this summer for maintenance work and repairs to hazardous expansion joints. The City of Helsinki has announced scheduled closures, with some work planned as early as July. The bridge will be closed on four separate occasions: * 2–3 July,
Climate
A Saimaa ringed seal pup has drowned in a legal fish trap in Lake Saimaa, marking the seventh fishing gear-related death of the species this year. The incident, reported to Metsähallitus on Monday, involved a small female born this spring, which managed to enter the trap despite it being
Society
A Finnish man died on Tuesday evening aboard Tallink Silja Line’s MyStar ferry following a medical emergency. The incident occurred after the vessel arrived in Helsinki at 9:30 PM, with the passenger found unconscious in his car on the ship’s car deck. Tallink Silja Line’s Communications
Traffic
Fintraffic’s Road Traffic Centre confirms that outbound traffic for Midsummer reached its busiest levels on Wednesday, with congestion already building since the eve of the holiday (Ilta-Sanomat, Yle). Many travelers set off for Midsummer celebrations as early as Wednesday, contributing to the early surge (MTV Uutiset). Yle reports
Politics
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) remains Finland’s most popular political party, though its support has slightly declined, according to the latest Helsingin Sanomat opinion poll. The survey, conducted by research company Verian, shows the SDP with 24.1 percent support, a decrease of 0.2 percentage points since May
Society
A fire broke out in a detached house on Ylänkökatu in Kotka on Tuesday evening, leaving the building severely damaged and uninhabitable. The Kymenlaakso Rescue Department received an emergency call at 8:42 PM, prompting the dispatch of eight units to the scene. According to the rescue department, five people
Politics
The Finnish Parliament has held a vote of confidence in the government today following an interpellation debate on youth unemployment and young people’s declining confidence in the future. The interpellation, submitted by the opposition Centre Party and Movement Now two weeks ago on June 3 (Daily Finland), demanded that