2026-04-24 • Friday • Featured: Nordic
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Nordic Countries Highlights

Here, Olov, 7, from Vansbro becomes this year’s comic artist: “Weird and cool”

Seven-year-old Olov Ersbjörs from Vansbro has won Läsrörelsen’s comic-drawing contest in the 6–9 age category with his comic about the Super Parrot that sprays rainbows and makes people become kind. The theme was superpowers, and Olov was happily surprised by the win. It’s good news that highlights children’s creativity and spreads a lovely, kind idea.

Creates giant versions of everyday objects

Steve Wainwright from Peterborough in the United Kingdom got an inspiring start to retirement by building giant versions of everyday things in his shed. Among other things, he made an enormous phone-charger clothespin that also functions as a cabinet, and he spent two weeks on the project. This is good news because it shows creativity, the joy of making, and that new, meaningful hobbies can flourish after retirement.

Celebrated summer with a riding show

The first day of summer was celebrated at the Agricultural University of Iceland with a great riding show and competition on the traditional “Skeifudagen,” organized by the students themselves with support from staff. The students showcased horses they had tamed over the winter, and the event—held since 1957—was a great success. That Iceland’s president Halla Tómasdóttir attended and praised the participants made the celebration especially inspiring.

European Championship bronze for Tindra Sjöberg in wrestling

Tindra Sjöberg from Sundsvall has won a gratifying European Championship bronze in senior-level wrestling in Tirana. After several medals as a junior, she now shows that she can also hold her own among the best senior wrestlers in Europe, which is a strong step forward for both her career and Swedish wrestling.

Lisa Miskovsky on the Lions’ success: “Wonderful”

The artist and Löven supporter Lisa Miskovsky was present in the arena in Karlskoga when Löven secured promotion to the SHL. She describes the atmosphere as incredible and calls the success “wonderful.” It is joyful news for both the team and the fans, who get to celebrate a major sporting triumph together.

Children's Culture Days for the first time in South Iceland

The Children’s Culture Days are being held for the first time in Suðurland as a four-day festival, opened in Árborg with music, dance, and several performances. Almost all the municipalities in the region are taking part, and children get to experience a broad arts program free of charge, with dance, music, and visual arts. This is good news because it brings all of Suðurland together around inclusive, accessible culture for children.

Vännäs Municipality enlists the help of EPA youths – to “cruise” around and carry out assignments

Vännäs Municipality will employ EPA youths who drive around the area while also helping with tasks such as delivering library books and inventorying buildings. The initiative gives the municipality extra hands where they’re needed and creates meaningful jobs and responsibility for young people – a smart win-win for the whole community.

“Completely crazy,” says archaeologist about new discovery of gold arm rings in North Jutland

Archaeologists in North Jutland have made a “completely wild” discovery of gold arm rings, providing new and valuable knowledge about the area's past. The find is good news because it can shed light on the wealth, trade, and craftsmanship of earlier times and strengthen the understanding of Denmark’s cultural heritage.

Pink cabinets will activate the people of Töcksfors: “A test”

The residents of Töcksfors can now borrow sports and leisure equipment for free around the clock via a digital lending locker at Töcksfors School, easily controlled with an app. The initiative increases accessibility and makes it easier for more people to be active and try new activities, which is good news for public health and community.

Einar Már received the Jón Sigurðsson Award

The author Einar Már Guðmundsson received yesterday the Jón Sigurðsson Prize during a solemn celebration at Jónshús on Sumardagurinn first. The prize is awarded by the Althing to individuals who carry forward Jón Sigurðsson’s ideals, and Einar Már was honored for strengthening the ties between Denmark and Iceland through his acclaimed authorship. This is good news for Nordic cultural cooperation and highlights Icelandic culture internationally.

From "brain rot" to baking: – Got the Sunday feeling back

P3 host Jonas Bergløv (30) used to spend about 8.5 hours a day on his phone, but found a healthier and more rewarding routine when he got a food processor and started baking. The change gave him more peace, less screen time, and brought back the “Sunday feeling.” This is good news because it shows that small steps can lead to better balance and an improved quality of life.

Theatre from 17 countries presents 140 performances over the weekend

Theatres from 17 countries gather this weekend and present a full 140 performances, giving audiences a unique chance to experience performing arts from all over the world. The broad international program promises great variety and inspiring cultural encounters that can delight both new and seasoned theatre-goers. This is good news for cultural life, which gets a significant boost with so many experiences in such a short time.

Of course – the pubs are allowed to broadcast the Football World Cup in the middle of the night

Jönköping Municipality is giving sports bars and pubs the opportunity to stay open later at night this summer so they can broadcast the Football World Cup. This means more people can follow the matches live even when they are played in the middle of the night, while the city’s nightlife and sense of community get a boost.

Danes raised 35.5 million kroner for the Danish Cancer Society

The Danes have raised an impressive 35.5 million kroner for the Danish Cancer Society, providing a strong boost to the fight against cancer. The money will support important research, prevention, and assistance for patients and their relatives. This is good news, because the strong support can help improve treatments and create more hope for many families.

Glódís in the Champions League: “You’ve never been this close to the big goal”

National team captain Glódís Perla Viggósdóttir leads Bayern Munich into the UEFA Champions League semi-final against Barcelona on Saturday, for the first time for both her and the team since 2021. The match will be broadcast live on RÚV at 16:15, and Glódís says this is a huge step that brings Bayern closer to the big goal than ever before.

Fish farming subsidy used to heat the Fjarðabyggð Hall

The Fjarðabyggð Hall will be heated using solar energy and wood-fired heating, which will save energy and make operations cheaper. More than half a billion kroner from the Fish Farming Fund has been distributed to municipalities for important infrastructure projects, such as school upgrades, new housing, roads, sewage systems, and a new fire station. This is good news because the funds provide greener solutions and better local communities.

Global Good News

2 Litters of Kittens Discovered Living Atop a Shelf at Lowe’s – Soon Ready to Be Adopted

Employees at a Lowe’s in Downingtown, Pennsylvania discovered seven kittens from two litters living atop a high shelf after hearing their frightened mews. The store quickly called Lucky Dawg Rescue, ensuring the kittens were safely cared for and will soon be ready for adoption. Thanks to fast teamwork, these kittens now have a bright path to loving homes.

Book Fairies Giving Away 25,000 Books to New York’s Children Thanks to Big Donation

Book Fairies is distributing more than 25,000 donated books to underserved children and families across New York City and Long Island, bringing more reading opportunities to communities that need them most. The nonprofit, which has already given 6 million books to Title I schools and partners since 2012, is expanding its impact thanks to a major donation—great news for literacy and learning.

What went right this week: a healthy kickstart for school dinners, plus more

This week brought uplifting progress as school dinners received a healthy kickstart, helping improve children’s nutrition and wellbeing. There was also encouraging news for golden eagles, supporting wildlife conservation and stronger ecosystems. Plus, a new issue of Positive News launched, highlighting more stories of change and optimism.

‘King of the birds’ set to return to England’s skies

Golden eagles may soon return to England’s skies through a planned reintroduction, and there’s even hope some could naturally arrive on their own first. Their comeback would be a major boost for biodiversity and a powerful sign of improving habitats, bringing back one of Britain’s most iconic “king of the birds.”

Girl Spots Endangered Axolotl Under a Bridge in Wales and Family Mounts Extraordinary Rescue

A 10-year-old girl spotted a critically endangered axolotl under a bridge in Wales, prompting her family to cut their South Wales camper-van trip short to rescue the rare salamander. Their quick action and follow-up research helped protect a vulnerable species and could aid conservation efforts—an inspiring reminder that anyone can make a difference for wildlife.

250 Millionth Tree Planted! Eco-Loving Search Engine Ecosia Hits Milestone For Earth Day

Ecosia, the nonprofit search engine, has planted its 250 millionth tree worldwide just ahead of Earth Day, making it the world’s largest planter of native trees. Founded in 2009, it has built a vast reforestation network with over 200,000 planters and 125 partner organizations. This milestone is great news for restoring ecosystems and supporting climate action through everyday internet use.

Teacher’s Opera Karaoke Goes Viral and Lands Him Audition on Britain’s Got Talent (WATCH His Nessun Dorma)

Teacher Benjamin Gillham, 37, amazed a Liverpool pub with a karaoke performance of the opera classic “Nessun Dorma,” and the video quickly went viral. His powerful rendition caught the attention of Britain’s Got Talent producers, earning him an audition. It’s uplifting news showing how a spontaneous night out can spotlight real talent and open exciting new opportunities.

The sustainable London markets championing local makers

London’s markets are reopening this spring with a renewed focus on sustainability, strengthening local communities, and championing independent makers. By prioritizing eco-friendly practices and supporting small businesses, these markets are helping Londoners shop more responsibly while boosting local creativity and livelihoods.

Meet Mr. Trash Wheel and His Trash-Catching Friends

Communities like Cedar Key, Florida, are tackling pollution with innovative “trash wheel” devices and dedicated crews that capture litter from storm drains and waterways before it spreads. By quickly removing items like cigarette butts, plastics, and foam, these efforts help keep coastal ecosystems cleaner and protect wildlife. It’s encouraging news that practical technology and local action are making a visible difference in fighting ocean-bound trash.

Turkey Saves its Bald Ibis ‘the Herald of Spring’ from Extinction Thanks to Semi-Wild Breeding

Turkey has brought its iconic bald ibis, long known as the “Herald of Spring,” back from the brink of extinction through a successful semi-wild breeding program. A dedicated coalition of local wildlife enthusiasts and international conservation partners stepped in when modern threats disrupted the birds’ historic migration and nesting along the Euphrates River. The result is a hopeful conservation win that helps restore a cherished species to its natural home.

The Verdant Refuge of India’s Sacred Groves

India’s sacred groves offer lush, cooler refuges amid dry grasslands, with denser vegetation, greener grass, and life-sustaining water pools that support animals like goats and buffalo. These protected forest patches preserve biodiversity and create vital natural oases for wildlife and nearby communities. The article highlights how traditional stewardship helps keep these landscapes thriving, making them a hopeful model for conservation.