Finland | 09.05.2025 | | An Archive of Main News Headlines from the Finland, as they Unfolded

17:22⇢Convicted Killer's 30-Year Career in Tampere Daycare Centers Shocks Finland

The newspapers report on Finland's ice hockey team struggling in their opening World Cup match against Austria despite eventually winning (Iltalehti, MTV Uutiset, Keski-Suomen Maakuntalehti). A shocking crime story reveals a woman convicted of homicide worked for over 30 years in Tampere daycare centers (Aamulehti). Other stories include Russia's Victory Day propaganda operation at Estonia's border with a giant "Putler" poster response (Helsingin Sanomat), Trump supporters' anger over the new Pope (Ilta-Sanomat), and the government moving to tighten criminal sentencing by addressing "quantity discounts" for multiple crimes (Suomen Uutiset).

15:45⇢Convicted Killer Worked 30 Years in Tampere Daycares

The newspapers report on Finland's ice hockey team's World Cup opening match against Austria, with multiple sources providing live coverage (Iltalehti, Ilta-Sanomat, MTV Uutiset, Keski-Suomen Maakuntalehti). A shocking crime story has emerged from Pirkkala, where police discovered a woman convicted of homicide worked for over 30 years in Tampere daycare centers (Aamulehti). Other stories include a Finns Party MP photographing his bacon meal in parliament while questioning media's role (Helsingin Sanomat), and about half of Finland's dogs still missing from the Food Agency's dog registry (Maaseudun Tulevaisuus).

15:01⇢Criminal Past Figure Takes Over Tampere Nightclub

The newspapers report on Finland's ice hockey team playing their opening World Cup match against Austria, with several outlets providing live coverage (Iltalehti, Ilta-Sanomat, MTV Uutiset). A man with a criminal past who attempted to murder a gang leader with a car bomb is taking leadership of a major Tampere nightclub (Aamulehti). Other stories include insurance coverage for children's damages (Maaseudun Tulevaisuus), rising costs of criminal case interpretation services (Suomen Uutiset), and a Finns Party MP taking a photo of his bacon meal in parliament, questioning media's role (Helsingin Sanomat).

13:51⇢Putin Hosts Foreign Leaders at Moscow Victory Day

The newspapers report on Putin's Victory Day event in Moscow, where he hosted foreign dignitaries at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Helsingin Sanomat, MV-lehti). Finland's President Stubb attended a JEF meeting where he claimed Trump's patience with Russia is wearing thin (Suomen Kuvalehti). Other stories include a man with a criminal history taking leadership of Tampere nightclubs (Aamulehti), language concerns at Finnair (Hufvudstadsbladet), the Church Assembly rejecting bishops' proposal with all couples being wed in Oulu (Kaleva), and Reuters reporting on an alleged Russian plot (Ilta-Sanomat).

12:31⇢Tampere Coach Scandal Erupts as Ukraine Joins Military Exercises

The newspapers report on a sports scandal in Tampere, where a coach touched and insulted players (Aamulehti). Ukraine has been invited to participate in JEF (Joint Expeditionary Force) military exercises (Iltalehti), while Prime Minister Stubb made a surprising statement about Putin and a ceasefire (Ilta-Sanomat). A millionaire lawyer was murdered at home in Espoo (MTV Uutiset). Social welfare reform appears to be stalling (Helsingin Sanomat), while the Finns Party claims it's strengthening support for families with children (Suomen Uutiset). NATO leaders made strong statements about Ukraine being closer to NATO than ever (Verkkouutiset).

11:03⇢Newnew Polar Bear Ship Captain Arrested

The newspapers report on the Newnew Polar Bear ship captain being arrested (Iltalehti, Ilta-Sanomat). A walker demonstration is causing traffic disruptions in central Tampere (Aamulehti). Analysis suggests Putin showed contempt for Trump and peace efforts (MTV Uutiset), while Berlin has banned Soviet victory symbols on the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat (MV-lehti). Finland's parliamentary committee has approved population management hunting of large predators like bears, wolves, and lynx (Suomen Uutiset). German company Rheinmetall and Finnish ICEYE are starting satellite production together (Verkkouutiset). A tourism company illegally cleared a snowmobile track on private land (Kaleva).

09:17⇢26 Finnish Soldiers Found Dead in Russia

The newspapers report on several crime stories, including a homicide investigation in Virrat with a local man as suspect (Aamulehti) and a mental health evaluation requested for a double murder suspect in Lievestuore (Keski-Suomen Maakuntalehti). Social security reform is advancing, with unemployment benefits being simplified through merging basic allowance and labor market support (Helsingin Sanomat, Suomen Uutiset). A disturbing report mentions 26 Finnish soldiers found dead in Russia (Iltalehti). Putin's Victory Day appearance drew attention as he was visibly limping (MTV Uutiset), with experts noting something jarring in his speech (Ilta-Sanomat).

07:49⇢Putin Claims "Truth on Russia's Side" During Victory Day Speech

The newspapers report on Putin's Victory Day speech in Moscow, with multiple outlets providing live coverage (Ilta-Sanomat, MTV Uutiset, Iltalehti). Putin claimed "truth is on Russia's side" while Ukrainian President Zelenskyy described it as a "parade of lies and pus" (MTV Uutiset, Iltalehti). In domestic news, a housing company in Tampere wants their building purchased for over 30 million euros (Aamulehti), while the Finnish TV drama industry faces crisis with high unemployment among actors (Helsingin Sanomat). Other reports include Ukraine using a previously unknown drone against Russia (Verkkouutiset) and the EU's plan to ban anonymous cryptocurrency accounts by 2027 (MV-lehti).

06:38⇢Russia's Victory Day Parade Draws Foreign Leaders Despite Isolation

The newspapers report on Russia's Victory Day celebrations, with more foreign leaders attending than in recent years, though this doesn't necessarily indicate an end to Russia's isolation (Helsingin Sanomat). Live coverage of the Moscow celebrations led by Putin is available (Ilta-Sanomat, MTV Uutiset), with MTV describing it as a "parade of lies and pus." In domestic politics, there's significant conflict in the social and healthcare committee (Iltalehti), while the government's economic plan is criticized as "attacking the last lifeline" (Kansan Uutiset). There are also reports of growth in the industrial sector despite tariff war concerns (Verkkouutiset).

04:08⇢Finns Party Facing Internal Division Under Purra's Leadership

The newspapers report on internal political tensions within the Finns Party, with claims of an elite inner circle around party leader Riikka Purra and others being treated as "sheep" (Ilta-Sanomat). Former Prime Minister Sanna Marin is criticized for associating with a wealthy individual who holds controversial views on Ukraine and Russia (Iltalehti). A law change has doubled sales of yard buildings in early 2025 (Maaseudun Tulevaisuus). Local news includes concerns about a confused man repeatedly attempting to enter homes in Kantojärvi after being released from Rusko detention (Kaleva) and a new school expansion in Lempäälä (Aamulehti).

01:24⇢Controversial Appointment: Lasse Lehtonen to Lead Kela Despite Friction at HUS

The newspapers report on the election of a new American pope, with discussions about his selection name possibly containing a message (Iltalehti, Ilta-Sanomat, Hufvudstadsbladet, Maaseudun Tulevaisuus, MTV Uutiset, Turun Sanomat). Former Foreign Minister Timo Soini shares his thoughts on the new pope (Ilta-Sanomat). Prime Minister Petteri Orpo argues against 60% taxation rates, stating most tax reductions will benefit low and middle-income earners (Verkkouutiset). A new development involves Lasse Lehtonen, described as extremely intelligent but difficult, becoming Kela's new director despite causing friction at HUS for years (Helsingin Sanomat).