Nordic Countries Highlights
Raye won the Mercury Prize.
Raye won the prestigious Mercury Prize for her album *This Music May Contain Hope*, beating eleven other nominees, including Paul McCartney. She said she was extremely grateful and emphasized the importance of holding on to hope; the award adds yet another major accolade to her illustrious career.
Nora (26) got a teaching job on a remote island—but there were no homes listed on Finn.
Nora, 26, moved to Træna to work as a teacher, even though there were no homes for sale or rent on Finn. The municipality is now being praised by the minister for its handling of the housing crisis—a positive boost for the local community and newcomers like Nora.
A work by Monet sold for a record price at auction.
A painting by Claude Monet, “Lilies or Irises,” sold for 50 million euros in Paris, setting a record as the most expensive artwork ever sold at auction in France. The work, which had never been publicly displayed before, gives more people the chance to discover a remarkable late work by the famous Impressionist.
A new lodge on an old foundation.
The Iceland Touring Association has built a new, more spacious hut in Langidalur, Þórsmörk, on the site of the old one, which dated from 1954. The hut will feature indoor toilets, a large entrance hall and windows that make the most of the spectacular views of Eyjafjallajökull and the Krossá river flats, further improving the facilities for guests.
New York passes a ban on horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park.
New York has adopted a ban on horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park. The decision is a positive step toward a more animal-friendly and modern use of the iconic park.
KR go top for now – Grindavík claim their first win.
KR continued its winning streak with a resounding victory over Ármann, putting them top of the Bónus League with a perfect record after three games. Grindavík also celebrated its first win of the season, beating Stjarnan 98–92—a welcome start to its title defence.
KA move up to second place after victory over Afturelding
KA beat Afturelding 32–28, moving up to second place in the Icelandic men’s handball league with 10 points. Dagur Árni Heimisson contributed nine goals in an important win that gives the team a strong position going forward.
A sleeping woman appeared on the platform in Sala: “Going to sow a seed”
Sala Municipality has launched a campaign to attract new residents in response to a declining and ageing population. By sparking people’s curiosity, the municipality hopes to get more people to discover Sala and perhaps plant the seed for a future decision to move there.
Moa drew the feature film herself – now it could win an award in Norway.
Self-taught animator Moa Olsson has created her first feature film entirely on her own, frame by frame, over more than six years. The film has now been nominated for Best Nordic-Baltic Feature Film at the Fredrikstad Animation Festival—a wonderful recognition of her dedication and hard work.
Mads Mikkelsen receives a French honor for his artistic work.
Mads Mikkelsen receives a French order in recognition of his artistic work. The honor is a joyful tribute to his contributions to film and the performing arts.
Helicopter refueling facility improves health equity on Bornholm.
A new helicopter refueling facility on Bornholm aims to promote health equity by improving helicopter transport options. It could give the island’s residents better access to rapid assistance and treatment.
The most famous one would have turned 100 this year.
Huppa from Kluftum, the most famous breeding cow in Iceland’s history, would have turned 100 this year. She had 17 calves in 15 years, and her legacy lives on in cattle throughout the country—it’s said that all Icelandic cows can trace their ancestry back to her.
Strong interest in ptarmigan hunting, with the population at its highest level in decades.
Interest in ptarmigan hunting is high ahead of the season opener, and SKOTVÍS’s hunting courses have had 20 percent more participants than last year. This is linked to the ptarmigan population being exceptionally large—the biggest in several decades—and more women are also joining the ranks of hunters.
The film “everyone” is talking about is premiering in Norwegian cinemas.
The documentary about Elizabeth Holmes tops the review charts on IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic. The film is now getting a theatrical release in Norway, SF Studios confirms.
Global Good News
Strangers Help 86-Year-Old Who’s Been Building a 62-foot Boat in his Yard Since 1987 (WATCH)
At 86, Dale has spent nearly four decades welding a 62-foot steel boat in his front yard in Mineral Wells, Texas. A wave of kindness from strangers is now helping bring his long-held dream closer to reality.
Student Plays Truly Epic Birthday Prank on High School Principal Who Changed His Life (WATCH)
Students at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School staged an elaborate birthday prank for principal Bobby Davis, tricking him into thinking a fight had broken out before revealing the surprise. The playful gesture celebrated a principal who had made a meaningful difference in a student’s life and highlighted the strong bond between him and his students.
Texas Man Finds More Than $128,000 on Top of a Bank’s ATM–and Returns Every Dollar
A Texas man found a bag containing more than $128,000 on top of a bank ATM and immediately contacted Lewisville police. His honesty helped ensure the money could be returned to its rightful owner, turning a startling discovery into a heartwarming act of integrity.
Samoan Island Witnesses Explosion of Native Wildlife Following Removal of Invasive Rats and Pigs
One year after invasive rats and pigs were removed from Samoa’s Nu’utele Island, its forests, native wildlife, and food resources are showing remarkable signs of recovery. The rebound is encouraging for this important biodiversity area and highlights the benefits of ecological restoration.
Wildlife photographer of the year 2026, the winning images
The 2026 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition has revealed its winning images, celebrating the beauty and diversity of wildlife. A record-breaking number of entries made this year’s contest especially inspiring.
Gen Z Is Rescuing Millions in Medical Supplies
A Gen Z-led effort is rescuing usable medical supplies that might otherwise go to waste, including 30,000 pounds of N95 masks and hot-and-cold packs from an OhioHealth facility. Valued at about $250,000 and still within their expiration dates, the supplies can now help meet medical needs instead of being discarded.
‘World’s Largest Deforestation Project’ Halted Early, Saving Potentially 4 Million Acres
Indonesia has paused its massive deforestation project after achieving rice self-sufficiency about three years ahead of schedule. The move could spare nearly 4 million acres of rainforest, wetlands, and peatlands from clearing, protecting vast natural habitats.
10-Year-Old Dog Found After a Month Lost in Yellowstone
Luna, a 10-year-old Jack Russell terrier, was joyfully reunited with her owners after surviving more than a month alone in Yellowstone National Park. The heartwarming reunion followed a challenging search after she escaped from a locked cabin in the Canyon Village area.
3 Italian ‘Hobbits’ Searched for Irishman’s ‘Precious’ Wedding Ring for Days Before Bringing it to His Home
After an Irishman lost his wedding ring in a mountain stream while on vacation, three young Italian men spent days searching until they found it. Inspired by *The Lord of the Rings*, they even brought the “precious” ring to his home—a heartwarming act of kindness from strangers.
One Teacher’s Idea for Daily Positivity Practice Sweeps Through His Elementary School
Kansas first-grade teacher Tyler Richards has introduced daily positive affirmations, with students repeating messages like “I am kind” and “I can do hard things.” The uplifting practice has resonated across his elementary school and community, helping children head home with greater confidence and positivity.
What went right this week: Indonesia’s plummeting poverty rate, plus more
This week’s good news includes a sharp fall in Indonesia’s poverty rate, America’s largest wildlife bridge, and a promising new era for the River Thames. Together, these stories highlight progress in tackling poverty, protecting wildlife, and improving waterways.
The Library Is Closed. Feel Free to Come In.
A local library’s after-hours access gives Michael Sayen a welcoming place to work or escape bad weather, even when the library is officially closed. The arrangement makes this community resource more useful and accessible throughout the week.