Nordic Countries Highlights
Ellen and Märta are world champions in western riding.
Märta Broberg from Linköping and Ellen Berntsson from Åtvidaberg have become world champions in western riding. Together with Alma Hultstrand, they won the World Youth Games in Kreuth, Germany – an impressive achievement that highlights Swedish youth sports and showcases strong talent from Östergötland.
A giant mushroom was found in Heiðmörk.
Edyta Wyrzykowska found an impressive king bolete weighing nearly three kilos during a trip in Heiðmörk—a rare natural find that she describes as magical. The 38-centimetre-tall mushroom and several smaller specimens will be used in the kitchen, including for mushroom sauce and soup, and showcase the rich diversity of Iceland’s forests.
Haaland saved Norway – here he kisses the man who had the honor.
Erling Braut Haaland decided the highly dramatic international match at Ullevaal and secured an important victory for Norway. Afterwards, he shared the credit with the man he believed had played a decisive role, in a touching moment.
Hjalmar was hit in the face by Ødegaard – received an unexpected gift
Six-year-old Hjalmar Eide was unfortunately hit in the face by a ball from Martin Ødegaard before the match between Norway and Denmark. Ødegaard arranged an unexpected gift that made the young supporter very happy and the experience unforgettable.
“Men don’t talk to each other face to face; they talk shoulder to shoulder.”
The “Men in Sheds” project gives men a social community through practical work, conversations and collaboration, which is particularly valuable for those who have lost their network after leaving the workforce. The initiative now exists in several places in Iceland and internationally, and has also supported “Yellow September” to promote mental health and suicide prevention.
The pope’s first official visit to France in 18 years
Pope Leo is traveling to Paris for the first official papal visit to France in 18 years, where he will be received by President Emmanuel Macron. Among other things, he will call for better regulations on artificial intelligence, visit Notre-Dame following the fire, meet with young Catholics and victims of abuse, and promote peace in Europe— a visit highlighting hope, dialogue, and reconciliation.
Heated Hafnarfjörður derby as Haukar came out on top
Haukar secured a dramatic 35–34 victory over FH in the local derby in Hafnarfjörður, following an intense match that saw a red card as early as the tenth minute. A strong defensive spell and an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Grétar Ari Guðjónsson gave Haukar a solid advantage and helped secure an impressive away win.
Today is Dolly Parton Day!
An increasing number of cities, states, and companies in the US are observing September 25 as Dolly Parton Day. The initiative aims to create an annual celebration of the country icon and her significant cultural impact.
Police stopped an unusual sheep offender on a wool-legal journey in Moss
The police in Moss had an unusual and humorous night shift when a sheep caused a commotion during an otherwise quiet patrol. The incident provided a funny break and was an experience the officers are unlikely to have every day.
Surprised by Solbakken’s clothing choice: “That was bold”
Ståle Solbakken surprised friends and rivals when he appeared in completely ordinary clothes on the sidelines during the match against Denmark. The clothing choice was described as refreshing and gave the national team manager a more relaxed look.
Judgment: The power plant in Hednäs is to be demolished and the area restored
Skellefteå Kraft is granted permission to demolish the Hednäs hydropower plant on the Åby River and restore the area within five years. The demolition must be carried out carefully, with consideration for reindeer herding, creating better conditions for nature and the local community.
Pussy Riot is coming to Oslo
The feminist Russian punk band and protest collective Pussy Riot will come to Oslo on November 4 with a performance based on Maria Alyokhina’s memoirs and experiences in a Russian prison. The visit will give Norwegian audiences an important and artistically powerful experience of courage, freedom, and resilience.
This year’s eyesore: The new garbage bins that blight the landscape
In southern Öland, the new garbage bins have become a major talking point among islanders since they were replaced in early June. The discussion is reflected in this year’s onion display, which uses a full 5,000 onions to highlight the change and showcase local creativity.
The Danish Debt Collection Agency celebrates self-service solution surpassing 1.2 billion kroner in payments
The Danish Debt Collection Agency’s self-service solution has surpassed DKK 1.2 billion in payments. This is good news, showing that the solution makes it easier for individuals and businesses to pay their debts.
Five varied and fresh on a Friday
The article presents five fresh and varied music releases, including Beck’s new, mellow album *Ride Lonesome*, which has received highly favorable reviews. It also highlights an exciting Abbey Road version of Nightmares on Wax’s classic “You Wish” and the Anderson .Paak and Cordae track “A Good Day,” which draws on Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day” — a promising collaboration and a great start to their new album.
Global Good News
135,000 Shelter Pets Found Forever Homes in August Thanks to NBC’s Annual Adopt-a-thon
NBC and Universal’s annual Adopt-a-thon helped 135,000 shelter pets find loving forever homes in August, making it a banner year for animal adoption nationwide. The campaign also raised $480,000 for more than 1,000 participating shelters, providing vital support for animals in need.
In pictures: 10 years of the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards
The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards are celebrating their 10th anniversary with a new immersive experience in London this autumn. The exhibition will bring a decade of hilarious and heartwarming wildlife images to life, offering visitors an uplifting way to enjoy nature and photography.
Teens Set World Record for Most Sports Balls Recycled in One Day, Diverting 2,675 Pounds from Landfills
California teen environmentalists set a Guinness World Record by collecting and recycling about 22,000 racquet sport balls in one day. Their achievement diverted 2,675 pounds of waste from landfills, showing how young people can turn teamwork and environmental commitment into meaningful, positive change.
Flagship Restoration Project in Brazil’s Cerrado Savannah Working to Restore 4.4 Million Acres
A flagship restoration program in Brazil’s Cerrado savannah is working to restore 4.4 million acres of this vital ecosystem. Recognized at a recent UN conference as one of the world’s three most ambitious and impactful restoration efforts, the initiative offers major hope for biodiversity, climate resilience, and the recovery of threatened landscapes.
Australian Biologists Livestream A Remote Desert Waterhole and All its Wild Visitors
Australian biologists are livestreaming a remote desert waterhole, giving viewers worldwide a rare glimpse of dingoes, wallabies, frogs, wedge-tailed eagles, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The project brings attention to Australia’s remarkable ecosystems and encourages appreciation and conservation of animals that few people can see in person.
Prisoners Prove Unlikely Heroes to Monarch Butterflies Thanks to Wisconsin Correctional Program
A Wisconsin correctional program at Redgranite Correctional Institute gives inmates a meaningful way to contribute by raising monarch butterflies. Created for prisoners unable to participate in sports, the initiative supports butterfly conservation while fostering purpose, compassion, and positive community involvement.
Gallery: winning pictures from Bird Photographer of the Year
This year’s Bird Photographer of the Year winners showcase remarkable images of birds, including a striking gannet flying through water. The gallery celebrates the beauty, skill, and diversity of bird photography, inspiring greater appreciation for the natural world.
With Adapted Sailing, the Sea Is for Everyone
César Maquieira’s lifelong love of the Atlantic inspired a story about making sailing accessible to everyone. Adapted sailing opens opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy the sea, creating greater inclusion and connection with nature.
With $1 Billion, Nike Founder Phil Knight Makes Largest Single Donation to a Public University
Nike founder Phil Knight has donated $1 billion to the University of Oregon, marking the largest single gift ever made to a public university. The extraordinary contribution will significantly strengthen the school and expand opportunities for students, research, and education.
Long-Lost Gertrude Abercrombie Painting Bought by a Bargain Hunter for $30 Could Fetch $250,000
A bargain hunter paid just $30 for a seemingly ordinary seashell painting at a Michigan estate sale, then noticed the signature “Abercrombie ’51.” The work has been identified as a long-lost painting by acclaimed artist Gertrude Abercrombie and could fetch as much as $250,000, turning an overlooked find into an exciting art-world discovery.
What We’re Reading: 20,000 Salmon Return to the Klamath River
Around 20,000 chinook salmon have migrated up the Klamath River through southern Oregon and northern California. Their return is an encouraging sign of renewed river health and a hopeful boost for local ecosystems and communities.
Nonprofit Puts Ex-Cons to Work with Paid Apprenticeships as Machinists
Rise Up Industries is helping formerly incarcerated men in southeastern San Diego rebuild their lives through paid machinist apprenticeships, hands-on training, and therapy. The program offers valuable certifications and stable career opportunities, demonstrating how practical support can turn past challenges into pathways toward renewed purpose and success.