Nordic Countries Highlights
Mjällby won the first European match in the club’s history.
Mjällby made club history by winning its first-ever European match. Jacob Bergström expressed pride in the entire team after the historic victory.
Table tennis fever in Ånge – “Something big is in the works”
Interest in table tennis is growing in Ånge, where the newly formed Ånge Pingis club brings children and adults together for weekly practice. Students at Bobergsskolan also enjoy staying after school to play and socialize—a promising sign that something big is underway.
Utterly dominant Truls Möregårdh advances at the European Championships: “It’s a rout”
Truls Möregårdh has advanced to the round of 16 at the European Table Tennis Championships after a convincing 4–0 win over Andre Bertelsmeier. The Swede says he’s playing well—a strong sign ahead of the rest of the tournament.
Sønderthon 2.0 sets a Danish record.
Sønderthon 2.0 has set a Danish record—an impressive achievement that makes the event extra special. It’s uplifting news for everyone involved and taking part.
Started collecting cards to make money – became Pokémon dads on YouTube
Strängnäs residents David Sindemark and Claes Hedqvist started collecting Pokémon cards to make money, but instead became Pokémon dads on YouTube. Although they’ve opened thousands of cards and pulled the best card only once, collecting has grown into an exciting adventure they share.
Sigrid got help with her trauma during pregnancy: “Like a shower from within”
Research shows that the “My Midwife” model of care is associated with fewer caesarean sections, episiotomies and other medical interventions during childbirth. For Sigrid Ulander, the support also meant she could work through trauma during pregnancy and feel safe when her daughter was born.
Hagar raise their earnings forecast by 800 million.
Hagar’s operations performed better than expected in the second quarter, and the company raised its earnings forecast for the 2026–2027 financial year by ISK 800 million. Sales increased by 5.5%, and more customers visited the company’s grocery stores, with strong growth at Bónus and Olís performing better than forecast.
LSK pull off a European feat after a major Norwegian blunder: “Of course, it’s very frustrating.”
Lillestrøm secured a historic point in the Europa League—a major achievement for the club. A mistake by a Norwegian opponent contributed to the result, which was naturally frustrating for them, but gave LSK reason to celebrate.
Jón Gnarr sang with Yoko and the Plastic Ono Band.
Jón Gnarr spoke on the radio program Rokkland about the special occasion when Yoko Ono invited him onstage with the Plastic Ono Band. As mayor, he got to sing “Give Peace a Chance” alongside Ono, Ringo Starr, and others at the celebration of John Lennon’s 70th birthday—a memorable musical moment with a hopeful message of peace.
Every other new van runs on electricity.
Half of all new vans now run on electricity, a clear sign that the green transition in transport is gaining ground. This can help reduce emissions from van use.
Looks to the work of an Icelandic inventor who lived in a shipwreck.
Halldór Eldjárn builds his own instruments from scratch, including an electric pipe organ and an electric harp, driven by his interest in sound and electricity. The work began after he composed a piece for the organ at Hallgrímskirkja in 2019, and shows how curiosity can create new musical possibilities.
Complete the renewal of Landsbjörg’s boat fleet in the coming years.
Landsbjörg and the government have agreed to complete the construction of 16 rescue vessels over the coming years, with the state now guaranteeing support for the final three vessels. Eight new vessels have already arrived in the country and proven their worth, making the agreement an important step in strengthening rescue operations nationwide.
Saab has “rolled out” Sweden’s first S 106 GlobalEye.
Saab has unveiled Sweden’s first S 106 GlobalEye surveillance and command aircraft at its facility in Linköping. The aircraft represents a new capability for Sweden, and Saab describes its delivery as a major step.
This is the national team squad selected by Snorri Steinn.
Snorri Steinn Guðjónsson has named a 20-man squad for Iceland’s qualifying campaign for the 2028 European Handball Championship, with most of the key players available. Iceland will face Serbia, Ukraine and Estonia in the group, where the top two teams qualify directly for the tournament—a promising starting point for Icelandic handball.
They’re talking about screen time with parents more often: “We try not to judge.”
Child health clinics are increasingly discussing screen use with parents, starting at the first visit and sometimes even before the child is born. Through non-judgmental conversations, families receive early support in developing healthy screen habits for everyday life.
Global Good News
Elderly Theater Worker Surprised by $146,000 for Her Retirement Crowdfunded by Young Moviegoer
A young moviegoer launched a GoFundMe campaign for an elderly theater worker in Maryville, Tennessee, raising $146,000 to help her retire. The generous support offers her a chance to rest after working well past retirement age.
Montana High School Softball Player Discovered Long-Lost Sister on Opposing Team
Montana softball player Samantha Rensvold, who was adopted as an infant, unexpectedly discovered her long-lost biological sister on an opposing team during an August game. Their chance meeting on the diamond turned a high school matchup into a heartwarming family reunion.
Teen Triathlete Raises More Than $30,000 to Donate Bikes and Riding Lessons to Low-Income Families
Teen triathlete Jonathan Thai raised more than $30,000 through Georgia’s Pedal Forward Foundation, helping provide hundreds of bicycles to low-income families. The organization has also taught hundreds of children to ride, expanding access to cycling and creating new opportunities for young people in the community.
World’s Heaviest Pumpkin Sets Incredible New Record at 2,856 lbs.
A pumpkin weighing 2,856.8 pounds (1,295.8 kilograms) was certified as the world’s largest at the Wargrave Nursery Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Britain. The remarkable achievement sets a new record and celebrates the dedication and skill behind growing giant pumpkins.
The Spark: The ‘Community Lighthouses’ Where Neighbors Help Neighbors
The Spark spotlights “community lighthouses,” places where neighbors support one another and create positive change together. The story celebrates how small, meaningful acts of local care can strengthen communities.
Tribe Just a Signature Away from Recovering 1,100 Ancestral Acres Along Undammed Elwha River
After more than a century underwater, 1,100 acres along Washington’s Lower Elwha River are recovering as the river’s ecosystem rebounds following dam removal. The tribe is now just one signature away from reclaiming these ancestral lands, a meaningful step toward restoration and renewed connection to the river.
The Library Is Closed. Feel Free to Come In.
Michael Sayen can use his local library after hours to get work done or find shelter from bad weather, even when it’s officially closed. Flexible access makes the library a welcoming, useful resource for the community every day.
Gen Z Is Rescuing Millions in Medical Supplies
Young people are helping rescue millions of dollars’ worth of usable medical supplies from going to waste. In one example, about 30,000 pounds of N95 masks and hot-and-cold packs were collected from an OhioHealth facility, giving supplies valued at roughly $250,000 a chance to be put to good use.
Largest Private Conservation Project in the US Hits Major Milestone as Free-Roaming Bison Pass 1,000
American Prairie, the largest private land conservation project in the United States, now has more than 1,000 relatively free-roaming bison for the first time in its over 20-year history. The milestone marks encouraging progress for bison conservation across the Great Plains.
What went right this week: the good news that matters
This week’s good news includes Indonesia’s sharply falling poverty rate, the opening of America’s largest wildlife bridge, and signs of a new era for the River Thames. Together, these developments offer hopeful progress for people, wildlife, and the environment.
Wildlife photographer of the year 2026, the winning images
The 2026 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition has showcased its winning images after attracting a record-breaking number of entries. The strong response celebrates the global passion for wildlife photography and offers a vivid appreciation of the natural world.
Drape Some of This ‘Plant Armor’ Fabric Over a Strawberry Patch to Triple Yields with Less Pesticides
A new textile called Plant Armor more than tripled strawberry yields in field tests without harming plant health. Draped over crops, its 3D structure could also help growers use substantially less water and pesticides, supporting more productive and sustainable farming.
What went right this week: people-powered climate justice, plus more
This week brought encouraging progress on climate justice in Australia, alongside recognition of Nobel Prize winners and promising developments in a potential Parkinson’s treatment. Together, these stories highlight people-powered change, achievements worth celebrating, and renewed hope for better health.