The top news story being carried by practically every Finnish daily today is that of the 35-year-old Oulu woman currently accused of manslaughter after the corpses of five dead foetuses were discovered in the cellar of her apartment block.
Both tabloids went big on the news, with 10 pages of coverage in Ilta-Sanomat and 6 in rival Iltalehti. Ilta-Sanomat interviewed the woman’s family and friends, who said they knew her as a withdrawn but normal, balanced person in a loving relationship.
“We’ve shared in each other’s joys and sorrows,” a friend comments in the IS report. “She is a very empathetic and warm-hearted person. I have nothing but good things to say about her.” The paper reports that the woman’s entire circle of acquaintances has been shocked by the turn of events.
Lahti and Zabludowicz seek funds for Guggenheim
Helsingin Sanomat reports that billionaire couple Chaim “Poju” Zabludowicz and Anita Zabludowicz have donated funds towards the realisation of the planned Helsinki Guggenheim. The duo own an arts centre in Sarvisalo, in the Southern Finland city of Loviisa.
The paper also spoke to investor and football club owner Ari Lahti,who is stepping up to the position of chairman of the support foundation for the venture. The businessman claims to have collected bits and pieces of art, but does not consider himself a fully-fledged member of the art community. “The foundation’s starting point is to secure at least the licensing fee via private funding, but we don’t have any specific goals,” Lahti says in the HS piece.
State cuts subsidies for adult education
Turun Sanomat reports that state subsidies for adult education centres have led to increases in tuition fees and a reduction in courses offered. Cutbacks are to rise to 18.5 million euros by 2017.
There are currently 188 adult education centres in Finland, which are all part of the state’s lifelong learning programme. Executive director Jaana Nuottanen of the Association of Adult Education Centres comments in Turun Sanomat that fusions of different centres are more than likely.
“The thing holding these mergers at bay is the stalled municipal reform,” she is quoted as saying. “Once the municipalities are on a stabler footing, mergers will definitely be on the menu, that’s guaranteed.”
Kauppalehti goes for growth
Business daily Kauppalehti’s lead story focuses on the current holy grail of Finnish policy-making: economic growth. The paper has picked out 100 companies that it says are good candidates to achieve strong growth this year.
There are no surprises in the number one choice, which is game developer Supercell. At number two is the less well-known online retailer Hong Kong, while medical device maker Mendor is in at number three. Seven of the top ten are based in the capital region.
Hyypiä set for Brighton?
Finnish football legend Sami Hyypiä has been out of work since Bayer Leverkusen fired him as coach earlier this year. That could soon change, with English club Brighton and Hove Albion reportedly interested in taking on the ex-MYPA defender.
Iltalehti was understandably excited about the story, picking up positive quotes from the local paper, the Argus, and offering a short guide to Brighton for Finns unfamiliar with the town. ‘Gays and celebs’ read one sub-headline, with pictures of Brighton’s beach, pier and Royal Pavilion illustrating the resorts charms.