Nordic Countries Highlights
“Like when your team wins the football World Cup.”
The Canadian-Icelandic poet Anne Carson was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, to the great delight of Reykjavik bookseller Einar Björn Magnússon, who had been hoping she would win. She visited his shop the week before the announcement, making the award especially special.
A large and good grain harvest in South Iceland.
Farmers in the south have had a very good grain harvest, probably the best ever, thanks to good weather and good farming practices. At Hvamm farm in Ölfus, the grain from around 24 hectares has nearly all been harvested and stored as homegrown feed for the roughly 70 dairy cows—a welcome bonus for the farm and the calves.
Haukar’s title defense is going strong, and Afturelding advances.
Haukar emphatically defended their cup title, beating Stjarnan 35–24 after a strong performance. Afturelding defeated HK and also secured a place in the quarter-finals.
It is important that stability be achieved by next year.
The Icelandic government, the trade union movement, employers and municipalities have signed a joint declaration aimed at helping curb inflation and ensure stability in the labor market over the coming year. Measures include a general cap of 2.5 percent on increases to government fees and municipal charges, while employers will work to limit price rises.
Abraham Lincoln comes ashore after just under a year at sea.
Thousands of crew members aboard the U.S. aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln have returned to San Diego after 286 days at sea, a deployment extended because of the war in the Middle East. The homecoming was especially emotional for more than a hundred fathers who met their children for the first time.
Wants government help with boat-wreck woes: “A task we’ll tackle together”
The Oslofjord Outdoor Recreation Council and several municipalities are asking the government to help prevent boats from sinking and ending up on the seabed. Through a joint effort, we can prevent boat wrecks and take better care of the Oslofjord.
Mobile network problems in Norway resolved — trains begin running again.
The mobile network problems in Norway have been resolved, and trains are starting to run again. This is good news for passengers, who can now continue their journeys after the disruptions.
ÖFK's sporting director: “Our sights are set on second place”
With five rounds remaining, ÖFK are in the promotion race in Superettan and are aiming for second place. Saturday’s match against third-placed Varberg will be important: the top two are promoted directly to Allsvenskan, so promotion is within reach.
Join us at Luleå’s creative workshop for people experiencing social exclusion.
Luleå Municipality is launching Krebo, a new creative program for people living with mental health challenges or substance use issues. The initiative offers creative activities and creates more opportunities for social connection and meaningful engagement.
Robyn gets a radio station in the new GTA.
Robyn gets her own radio station in the highly anticipated game “GTA VI,” where Bad Bunny, Burna Boy and Lana Del Rey also each get their own channel. There’ll be even more music to discover as players venture out into the game’s world.
The Conservatives give the green light: Securing the future of a giant offshore wind project.
The Conservative Party supports the giant offshore wind project receiving up to 35 billion kroner in state aid. This improves the project’s chances of being realized and could help strengthen investment in renewable energy.
The royal couple inaugurates a bathing pier in Skive.
The royal couple has inaugurated a new bathing pier in Skive. The pier gives locals and visitors an even better opportunity to enjoy the water and outdoor activities.
Agreement reached on Mjøssykehuset in Moelv: “Now we’ll be able to sort it out.”
The parties agree on the plans for Mjøssykehuset in Moelv, after nearly all the objections have been resolved. This is good news for the project, which has faced concerns about flooding, quick clay and routes to school, among other things. The parties now believe they will find solutions.
The rock band SLYSH sends greetings to listeners from Hveragerði.
The young rock band SLYSH from Hveragerði, which has been active for about four years, has released a new song. It came together when guitarist Björgvin brought in a riff and singer Gísli wrote lyrics inspired by heartbreak—a beautiful milestone for a promising band.
Two stolen Renoir paintings have been found — six people have been arrested.
Two stolen Renoir paintings have been found, and six people have been arrested in connection with the case. The discovery is good news because the valuable works of art have been recovered, and the investigation has led to arrests.
World Cup watch: Iceland takes the first step toward Brazil.
Iceland has taken the first step on the road to the World Cup in Brazil. It gives the team a promising start and the fans something to look forward to.
Global Good News
‘You’re Walking!’ – Dad Surprises Children Having Recovered Ability to Walk After Serious Brain Injury
After three years of recovery from a serious brain injury caused by a car accident, a father surprised his children by walking independently again. Their joyful reaction made the milestone especially meaningful, celebrating his perseverance and remarkable progress.
Strangers Showed Up to Man’s Destroyed House to Put Up a Tarp Having Seen His Televised Plea
After a storm sent a silver maple crashing through Gilbert Kirk’s Kansas home, he made a simple televised plea for a tarp. Soon, strangers who saw his story showed up to help protect the damaged house, turning a difficult moment into a heartwarming display of community kindness.
NYC Parks Extends Late Night Soccer at 5 Fields for Night Workers–And Their Reactions Are Awesome (WATCH)
NYC Parks extended lighting at five soccer fields across the boroughs, giving night-shift workers and other residents more chances to play after hours. The welcoming initiative drew 4,500 visitors, showing strong community enthusiasm for more accessible recreation.
Neighbors Flock to Rescue a Wounded Owl Tangled Up in Barbed Wire
When Sharon and Scott Jacobs spotted an injured owl tangled in barbed wire near Spearfish, South Dakota, neighbors rallied to help rescue it. Their quick response and community spirit gave the bird a chance to recover.
Saudi Solar Park Proves Brilliant Breeding Ground for Threatened Sand Gazelles
Saudi conservationists have transformed a solar farm in a vast Red Sea nature reserve into a safe breeding shelter for vulnerable Arabian sand gazelles. The project shows how clean-energy sites can also support wildlife and help protect threatened native species.
A Swarm of Seven Meteor Showers Will Light Up the Night Skies All October Long
October will bring seven meteor showers, offering plenty of chances to enjoy the night sky. The Orionids are the month’s highlight, peaking on October 21 with up to 15 shooting stars an hour.
Oldest Man in Oregon Credits Clean Diet and “Good Mind” for Reaching 108-years Young
Oregon’s oldest resident recently celebrated his 108th birthday with cake and a cheerful outlook. He credits a clean diet and a “good mind” for his longevity, and says he’s enjoying life beyond 100.
What went right this week: a brighter future for Kosovo, plus more
Kosovo has been cleared of landmines, making communities safer and opening the way for a brighter future. Germany has set a date to quit oil, while the discovery of a new species adds another encouraging note for the week.
Meet the 14-year-old uncovering London’s lost history
At 14, Emmylou Vaxby has spent nearly a decade mudlarking along the Thames foreshore, finding fragments that reveal London’s history. Her curiosity and dedication are helping bring the city’s past to light.
Australia Announces 3 New National Parks to Protect Gliders, Owls, and Other Victoria Wildlife
More than 250 square miles of forest in Victoria, Australia, are now protected as three new national parks: Mount Buangor, Pyrenees, and Wombat-Lerderderg. The parks will safeguard habitat for gliders, owls, and other native wildlife, marking a major boost for conservation.
Nearly 200-year-old Tortoise Becomes First to Contribute Extraordinary Epigenome to Aging Research
At an estimated 194 years old, Jonathan the giant tortoise—believed to be the world’s oldest living land animal—is helping scientists study aging through genetic testing. His findings appear to reinforce what researchers know about healthy aging in humans, offering a remarkable new perspective from an extraordinarily long-lived animal.