An increasing number of Finns are growing anxious about mortgage debt and the rising cost of housing.
Citing a study by S-Bank, Helsingin Sanomat reports that about 54 percent now see housing costs as their biggest housing-related concern. This share has risen by 18 percentage points since last year, when the bank first conducted the study.
Meanwhile, 44 percent of respondents now regard a mortgage as a financial risk.
What then could counter the prevailing pessimism?
"If you want a single factor," said Janne Ronkanen, the bank's economist, "it would be a satisfactory resolution to the war in Ukraine."
Yle News' All Points North podcast asked if it's time to rent or buy after years of falling housing prices in Finland.
Religion in schools
A traditional Lutheran hymn has once again returned to public debate as schools across Finland stage end-of-term celebrations ahead of the summer break.
Ilta-Sanomat reports that this month, the city of Espoo was fined 10,000 euros after the Non-Discrimination and Equality Tribunal ruled that it failed to uphold equality obligations in a dispute over the performance of religious songs in school celebrations.
The case concerned the singing of the summer hymn Suvivirsi as well as Varpunen jouluaamuna ('A Sparrow on Christmas Morning') at primary and secondary school events in 2024–25 without prior notice to pupils and parents, which the tribunal deemed discriminatory.
The body also recommended compensation of 2,500 euros to a pupil and 750 euros to the pupil's father, Lauri Ojala, who has campaigned against what he sees as coercive religious practices in schools.
Backyard sleepers
In Finland, outdoor sleeping is not limited to babies.
Maaseudun Tulevaisuus talks to 53-year-old Elina Mäntylä, who began sleeping in a tent eight years ago to cope with insomnia.
She typically spends about 170 nights a year outdoors, from April through December. For her, a tent under an apple tree offers a private, restorative space.
Getting started is inexpensive, and second-hand tents are readily available, according to MT.
"There is no need to spend hundreds of euros on equipment," Mäntylä said.
