Nordic Countries Highlights
Bayern and United secure in the Champions League
Manchester United made an impressive return to the Champions League with a 4–0 victory over Sabah Baku, while Bayern Munich thrashed Bodø/Glimt 5–0. Como and Lens also won convincingly, while PSV–Shakhtar and Roma–Fenerbahçe ended in draws after an eventful evening.
Olga Tokarczuk accepted the Halldór Laxness International Literary Prize.
The Polish author Olga Tokarczuk received the Halldór Laxness International Literary Prize, which was awarded for the fifth time at the Nordic House. The jury highlights her as one of the world’s foremost living authors, known for combining seriousness and humor, history and irony. Two of her novels have already been published in Icelandic.
Elin, 25, moved to Kiruna for the jobs: “I don’t know anyone who’s unemployed”
Kiruna and Gällivare offer the country’s best job market for young people, with the highest incomes and lowest unemployment. Elin Möller, 25, moved from Bollnäs to Kiruna and believes more people should dare to move to where the jobs are.
Search operation in Sykkylven: Missing woman found by dog team
The missing woman in her 80s was found safe and sound by a dog team at Fjellsætra in Sykkylven during the night before Friday. The extensive search operation thus had a happy ending.
Wants to save the 1960s house from being replaced by a new building
Siri and Brigt want to preserve the 1968 dream house instead of demolishing it and building anew, after discovering it this spring. A researcher believes more people may now take an interest in such renovation projects, which could breathe new life into older homes.
Thousands of knitting needles to break the pattern
Thousands of people have knitted the popular Skjól sweater, and many have picked up knitting needles for the very first time. The pattern is sold to raise funds for the Women’s Crisis Center, so that creativity and community can provide vital support for women affected by violence.
Twice as many people receive funding to buy hearing aids.
Almost twice as many Icelanders received support for hearing aids last year as in 2014—around 2,300 people—and the number may increase further this year. The increase reflects greater awareness of hearing health and better access to assistance, while many people who need hearing aids now receive financial support to obtain or replace their equipment.
Mothers behind new election compass: “Important to play an active role in Sweden”
An association has developed its own voting guide to encourage more residents in disadvantaged areas to vote. By highlighting issues that the mothers themselves consider important, it becomes easier and more relevant to participate in democracy and play an active role in Sweden.
Now Norway is on the wine map: “Explosive growth”
Commercial wine production in Norway is growing rapidly, with explosive growth in recent years. Vestfold is at the forefront, helping to put Norway on the wine map, opening up new industries and strengthening Norwegian food and tourism.
Eimskip is building a billion-krona facility in Selfoss.
Eimskip has begun construction of a new distribution and service center in Selfoss, covering 1,290 square meters with ample opportunities for expansion. The modern facility will strengthen services in South Iceland, include refrigerated and freezer facilities, and facilitate the use of electric vehicles—good news for the region’s growth and green transition.
Lyten is making batteries in Västerås again.
Lyten has taken over operations at Northvolt’s former research center in Finnslätten, Västerås, and is now manufacturing batteries there again. The initiative will become the heart of the company’s European battery manufacturing and strengthen Västerås’s role as a center for battery innovation.
Spacestation’s death greatly exaggerated
The Icelandic rock band Spacestation is heading into a promising 2026. Their second album, “Who killed Spacestation?”, has been chosen as Rás 2’s album of the week and received four stars, while the title reflects both an ending and a rebirth.
Five polished and dreamy on a Friday
The music section features five refined and dreamy tracks, including indie folk from The Sways, heartfelt heartland rock from The War on Drugs, and a more pop-oriented and polished side of DIIV. Liverpool’s Ladytron also make an appearance, and the selection showcases exciting development and strong new releases from both established and emerging artists.
A dream result for tennis fans, but not for the American.
Elena Rybakina will become the new world No. 1 in tennis on Monday after overtaking Aryna Sabalenka, who has topped the rankings for 99 consecutive weeks. That makes tomorrow’s US Open final between them even more exciting: Regardless of the result, the match will be a historic duel between the world’s two best players.
Record early voting – Umeå politician: Must start campaigning earlier
A record number—as many as three million voters—have already voted early, a clear increase compared with the previous election. This demonstrates strong engagement and is prompting politicians in Umeå to plan earlier campaigns ahead of the next election in order to reach even more voters.
Now Moa Strömqvist (V) steps into Åre politics: “I want to help influence things”
32-year-old Moa Strömqvist is running for the Left Party for a seat on the Åre municipal council after several years of political engagement. With her strong interest in society, she wants to influence its development and show that there is another way forward, bringing new perspectives and commitment to politics in Åre.
Global Good News
91-yo ‘Greybeard’ Becomes Oldest Person to Hike the Appalachian Trial After 359 Days and 71 Falls
At 91, a Kentucky-born hiker known as “Greybeard” became the oldest person to complete the Appalachian Trail. His remarkable journey took 359 days and included 71 falls, demonstrating extraordinary perseverance and proving that determination can overcome age and obstacles.
S. Carolina Aquarium Celebrates ‘Baby Boom’ of Critically-Endangered Penguin Chicks
Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is celebrating a record nesting season after five critically endangered African penguin chicks hatched, joining two others born in May. The “baby boom” is an encouraging milestone for conservation and offers hope for the species’ future.
A Hungry Cleaning Lady Bit into an Apple and Solved the Case of Legendary Diamond Heist
A hungry cleaning lady’s bite into an apple helped solve the legendary theft of the Grand Condé diamond nearly a century ago. Thanks to her unexpected discovery, the beautiful historic gem survived and can now be featured in exhibitions, including one at Château de Chantilly near Paris.
Indie Comic Creator Sells Out Thanks to Viral Visit from Reviewer Who Stopped When Others Didn’t
Independent comic creator @slow_comics gained major attention after a reviewer stopped by his convention booth, where others had passed him by. The viral visit helped boost his TikTok following to 40,000 and led to his comics selling out, highlighting social media’s power to support emerging artists.
A ‘Living Roof’ is Growing Atop Ford’s Largest Factory–Saving Energy and Boosting Birds
Ford’s massive Rogue Factory in Dearborn, Michigan, is now home to a “living roof” that echoes Henry Ford’s century-old vision of creating a bird sanctuary on the site. The green rooftop is helping save energy while providing valuable habitat for birds, turning an industrial landmark into a more environmentally friendly space.
Arthritis Drug Demonstrates Substantial Hair Regrowth in 1,400 Alopecia Patients
A study involving around 1,400 people with severe alopecia found that an arthritis drug produced substantial hair regrowth, with some patients recovering up to 100% of their hair. The encouraging results offer renewed hope for people living with alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition affecting about 2% of the global population.
Yard Work Reveals Largest Trove of Viking Silver Ever Discovered in Denmark
While working on a new terrace in his Danish backyard, a man unexpectedly uncovered what is believed to be the largest trove of Viking silver ever discovered in Denmark. The remarkable find offers archaeologists an exciting opportunity to learn more about Viking-era history and trade.
Armless Racing Driver Hits 110 mph Steering with His Feet–Aims to Make History at Le Mans
Callum Smith, a 23-year-old armless racing driver, has reached speeds above 110 mph while steering with his feet. After signing his first contract with Team BRIT, the world’s only competitive team made up entirely of disabled drivers, he is pursuing a historic opportunity to race at Le Mans.
Hotel Staff Give Girl’s Lost Plushie the VIP Treatment Before Sending Her Home with a Note (LOOK)
When Julia accidentally left her beloved childhood stuffed animal, Rosie, at the Four Seasons in Taormina, the Sicilian hotel staff went the extra mile to help. They treated the plushie like a VIP before carefully sending it home with a heartfelt note, creating a thoughtful and memorable reunion.
In pictures: 10 years of the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards
The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards celebrate their 10th anniversary with a new immersive experience coming to London this autumn. Showcasing amusing and heartwarming images of animals, the exhibition offers visitors a joyful way to connect with wildlife and celebrate the photographers capturing its playful moments.
Kenyan Startup Makes Robotic Hands That Translate Teacher’s Voice into Signs for Deaf Students
A Kenyan entrepreneur has developed a robotic hand that translates teachers’ speech into sign language, helping deaf and hearing-impaired students follow lessons more easily. The innovation could expand educational access for thousands of children, especially as Kenya works to overcome limited enrollment and the lack of a standardized signed language.
‘My life-changing career break happened because I was wearing a second hand coat’
Actor Richard E. Grant says wearing a second-hand coat from a charity shop helped lead to his life-changing career breakthrough. He is now supporting a campaign encouraging people to explore second-hand shopping and discover the opportunities and positive surprises it can bring.
The ‘National Park’ That Stretches From Coast to Coast
Doug Tallamy’s 10-acre Pennsylvania property shows how restoring native plants can create thriving habitats for wildlife. Wood thrushes are nesting again, rare Luna moths have reached record numbers, and more than 1,380 species have been documented—offering an inspiring model for a coast-to-coast “national park” of connected private lands.