Crime
Police in Länsi-Uusimaa are appealing for witnesses after a cyclist was struck by a car in Espoo’s Westend on Sunday evening, with the driver leaving the scene without providing assistance. The incident occurred at approximately 19:30 on Hietaniementie, near its intersection with Westendintie. According to police, the
Culture
A previously unknown butterfly species has been identified in Finland, marking an exceptionally rare discovery in the country. The Cuprina fuscella, a species with no close relatives in Finland, was found in the village of Bromarv in Raasepori by 12-year-old Sara Mutanen.
Politics
The Finnish Defence Forces will launch counter-drone training this autumn as part of efforts to address the growing threat posed by unmanned aerial systems. The initiative aims to equip personnel with cost-effective and user-friendly solutions to counter evolving drone technology. Initial trials will involve Defence Forces personnel,
Climate
Mosquito activity has been unusually low this summer in southern, central, and eastern Finland, but recent heavy rains may soon change that. According to experts, the dry spring and low-snow winter contributed to the scarcity, though other factors—such as predators, diseases, and environmental conditions—also play a role.
Society
The Finnish Wildlife Agency has approved exceptional permits for the hunting of 182 bears this autumn, targeting the eastern and central population management areas. The decision follows a Supreme Administrative Court ruling that allows proactive measures to address regional harm caused by the growing bear population (MTV Uutiset). Of the
Traffic
The Finnish Defence Forces imposed temporary restrictions on air and maritime traffic off the coast of Kotka early Friday morning due to a potential drone threat. The restricted area was activated at approximately 4:00 AM and lifted at 5:25 AM, according to Iltalehti. The Defence Forces stated on
Health
From the beginning of July, Kela has discontinued the reimbursement of certain high-cost medications, including cancer treatments, when administered in public healthcare. The change shifts an estimated €100 million in medication costs to wellbeing services counties, which are already facing financial strain. Ilta-Sanomat reports that the policy may
Crime
Former Chief Detective Sergeant Markku Tuominen, a prominent figure in Finland’s criminal investigations, has died at the age of 74. Tuominen passed away on 13 May in Nurmijärvi, as confirmed by his obituary published in Helsingin Sanomat on 4 July (Ilta-Sanomat, Iltalehti). Born in Luopioinen on 30 April
Politics
Finland has launched a legislative project to implement the European Union’s new Return Regulation, introducing stricter measures for detention and entry bans as part of efforts to strengthen the removal of individuals without legal residence in the EU. The reforms, prepared by the Ministry of the Interior, will extend
Health
The balconies of the New Children’s Hospital in Meilahti have been found to have structural defects, leading to their closure last year and ongoing repairs expected to conclude in September. According to Helsingin Uutiset, the issues stem from misaligned glass panels that were intended to slide but instead created
Crime
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has temporarily halted its search for an 18-year-old Indian engineering student who went missing in Lahti in May after a body was discovered in the sea near Kruunuvuorenranta in Helsinki. The unidentified remains were found by a Border Guard diver on Thursday
Climate
A warm air current from the south is bringing rising temperatures across Finland this weekend, with meteorologists warning of potential heatwave conditions and strong thunderstorms in parts of the country. Friday began with fog in southern and southeastern regions, but skies cleared as the day progressed, bringing summery temperatures nationwide.