Climate
A small wildfire broke out at Tikkakoski Cemetery in Jyväskylä in early June, originating from a grave candle, according to the Jyväskylä Parish. The fire, which covered a few square meters, did not spread extensively and likely extinguished on its own. A parish employee later conducted post-extinguishing operations at
Crime
Finnish authorities are investigating what is believed to be the largest online investment fraud case in the country’s history, with an estimated criminal damage of approximately €25 million. The case is being handled as aggravated fraud, according to a police bulletin. Helsingin Sanomat (HS) reports that the victim was
Crime
Police in Western Uusimaa detained a man and a woman on Sunday following an alleged robbery and assault at a grocery store in Espoo. The incident occurred at approximately 12:30 PM, when authorities received an emergency call about the suspected theft. According to the Western Uusimaa Police Department, the
Crime
Police in Eastern Finland have launched a preliminary investigation into the death of an infant during a home birth in Central Finland in 2024. Chief Inspector Pasi Nieminen confirmed to STT that the case is expected to proceed to prosecutorial consideration by September at the latest, though he declined to
Politics
The Finnish government remains divided over the criteria for social and health sector grants, with Minister of Social Affairs and Health Wille Rydman (Finns Party) declaring the new rules "in force" despite Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s (National Coalition Party) insistence on a joint review. The dispute centers
Culture
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
Politics
The Speaker of Parliament, Jussi Halla-aho (Finns Party), has stated that there is no mechanism allowing MPs to return parliamentary allowances to the State Treasury, contrary to the Green Party’s announcement regarding party chair Sofia Virta. Virta has been absent from parliamentary duties for just over a week
Education
Arto Maaninen has resigned from his position as Rector of the University of Oulu, effective immediately, following a decision by the university board. The resignation comes after an ongoing review of confidence in Maaninen due to allegations of alcohol use, inappropriate behavior, and findings of sexual harassment and vulgar language
Politics
The Finnish government has introduced a legislative change allowing jobseekers aged 25 and over to pursue open university studies without losing their unemployment benefits. The amendment, announced by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, applies to studies that began on or after 1 July at universities, universities of applied
Politics
Finland will introduce a citizenship test at the beginning of 2027, marking the final stage of a broader reform of the Citizenship Act. The test, approved by the President of the Republic on 16 June, will assess applicants' knowledge of Finnish society, its fundamental principles, and key legislation (Finnish
Crime
A homemade explosive device was discovered near a hiking trail in the Harju area on Tuesday, prompting police to restrict access to the site. The device was reported to emergency services around midday by a passerby out for a walk (Iltalehti). The Western Uusimaa Police have cordoned off the area,
Climate
A storm on Monday caused significant damage to the Valasranta dance pavilion in Yläne, Southwest Finland, leading to the suspension of its dance season and the cancellation of all planned events. The Yläne Kirkonkylä Volunteer Fire Brigade (VPK) confirmed the incident in a press release, stating that no personal injuries