Tony Öhberg | Finland Today | News in English

Swedish Activists Vandalize Finland’s Parliament Building; Finnish Elokapina Shares the Responsibility

Posted by Tony Öhberg | September 25, 2024 7:55 pm | Nation, Politics

Swedish and Finnish activists with fire extinguishers and red paint defaced the Finnish Parliament Building on Wednesday.

‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ Film Review: 100% Score, But Did You Know That the Star of the First Part Was Married to a Finn?

Posted by Tony Öhberg | September 14, 2024 7:23 pm | Films

Great film! But what do you know about Renny Harlin?

VIDEO: Tuska Metal Festival Opens Its Gates

Posted by Tony Öhberg | June 28, 2024 3:30 pm | Music

If you like heavy metal or want to try something new, Tuska is the only place to be in Helsinki this weekend.

Two Brothers Help People Reduce Carbon Footprint with AI-Powered Eco-Friendly Travel Recommendations

Posted by Tony Öhberg | June 1, 2024 2:00 pm | Business, Sponsored content, Travel

In response to the growing demand for sustainable travel, Biliki.AI has emerged as a one-stop sustainable travel planner.

The Suspected School Shooter in Vantaa Planned His Attack, According to the Police; One Victim Killed, Two Girls Fight for Life

Posted by Tony Öhberg | April 5, 2024 7:46 pm | Crime, Nation, Politics, Vantaa

The events leading up to Tuesday’s school shooting in Viertola have begun to unfold. Here’s what we know so far.

Labor Unions Extend Strikes to Three Weeks; A Deeper Look at the ‘Political War’ in the World’s Happiest Country

Posted by Tony Öhberg | March 22, 2024 2:48 pm | Nation, Politics

Finland ranks as the happiest country in the world for the seventh year in a row. At the same time, trade unions and the government have reached a stalemate and companies have no choice but to leave their workers without pay.

Peela’s Album Release Gig Was a Groovy Sensory Feast

Posted by Tony Öhberg | March 8, 2024 7:17 pm | Music

Peela consists of some of Helsinki’s finest up-and-coming jazz musicians. On Thursday evening, they took over the Koko Jazz Club and played to a full house.

GALLERY: The Inauguration of President Alexander Stubb

Posted by Tony Öhberg | March 7, 2024 6:30 pm | Gallery, Nation, President

Alexander Stubb was inaugurated as Finland’s 13th president, marking the beginning of a new era and bringing to an end the tenure of President Sauli Niinistö.

‘Spaceman’ Starring Adam Sandler is a Story About a Cosmonaut Talking to a Giant Spider, and That is It

Posted by Tony Öhberg | February 29, 2024 9:26 pm | Films

In ‘Spaceman,’ comedian Adam Sandler receives comfort from a large arachnid in outer space. There’s not much more to say.

‘Dune: Part Two’ Film Review: This Movie Will Likely Blow Your Mind

Posted by Tony Öhberg | February 29, 2024 3:47 pm | Films

‘Dune: Part Two’ scores 100% in Tony Öhberg’s review. “It was a thrilling, action-packed tale that rocked black Italian leather seats for nearly three hours while keeping viewers glued to a screen larger than a volleyball court. That said, while this movie should be enjoyed in the largest movie auditorium you can find, the strong storytelling would bring deep enjoyment even if it was streamed to your mobile device while sitting in the bathroom,” Öhberg writes.

We Know This: Alexander Stubb is the Next Finnish President, Here’s What You May Not Know

Posted by Tony Öhberg | February 17, 2024 7:03 pm | Nation, Politics, President

We followed the presidential race of Alexander Stubb (NCP) up to the point where he was facing the runner-up, Pekka Haavisto (Greens), and then, during the final hours it became clear that Stubb may win.

Alexander Stubb Leads Polls and Early Voting Results in Finnish Presidential Race; Likely Next President?

Posted by Tony Öhberg | February 11, 2024 8:25 pm | Columns, Nation, Politics, President

The next Finnish President will be elected tonight. According to the polls and early voting results, Alexander Stubb (NCP) will win.

FILM REVIEW: Finnish ‘(Pri)sons’ is a Violent Humdinger

Posted by Tony Öhberg | February 9, 2024 4:48 pm | Films

Here’s how I came to score 100%.

GALLERY: Strikes Against the Government’s Policies Clear the City Center of People in Helsinki

Posted by Tony Öhberg | February 3, 2024 8:23 pm | Gallery, Helsinki, Nation

The strikes against the government’s cuts cleared the streets of downtown Helsinki on...

VIDEO: 13,000 People in Senate Square Demand Talks With Government Instead of Dictatorial Approach

Posted by Tony Öhberg | February 1, 2024 5:10 pm | Helsinki, Nation

About 13,000 people, according to police estimates, took part in a protest called “Stop Now!” in the Senate Square on Thursday afternoon

COLUMN: The Art of Strategic Voting and the Duel of Stubb and Haavisto

Posted by Tony Öhberg | January 31, 2024 8:42 pm | Columns, Politics, President

For many Finns, voting in this year’s presidential election became a game of chess instead of trusting their gut and following their instincts.

Is Mika Aaltola the Next Finnish President?

Posted by Tony Öhberg | January 28, 2024 10:07 am | Politics, President

I followed Mika Aaltola’s presidential campaign for months and was impressed by his qualities as a person and his extensive knowledge of foreign policy.

We Visited the Matka Travel Fair

Posted by Tony Öhberg | January 20, 2024 11:24 pm | Business, Greater Helsinki, Helsinki, Travel

The program covers current tourism phenomena, destination tips and travel trends.

‘Lift’ Film Review: Get Me Nato!

Posted by Tony Öhberg | January 12, 2024 9:00 am | Films

‘Lift,’ starring Kevin Hart, is a gripping gold-heist thriller set in the modern era.

‘Night Swim’ Film Review: Viewer is Pulled Into the Abyss of a Backyard Pool Where Evil Lurks

Posted by Tony Öhberg | January 7, 2024 12:02 pm | Films

Here’s our review of this entertaining horror movie.

‘The Holdovers’ Film Review: An Instant Holiday Classic Suitable for Year-Round Watching

Posted by Tony Öhberg | January 5, 2024 7:44 pm | Films

Here’s how we came to score 100%.

GALLERY: Lux Helsinki Lights Up Helsinki in Biting Frost in One of Its Most Creative Editions Yet

Posted by Tony Öhberg | January 3, 2024 10:46 pm | Culture, Gallery, Helsinki

Lux Helsinki began on Wednesday evening, illuminating the Finnish capital in freezing weather that felt close to -30 degrees Celsius. View our gallery.

Famous Parking App Falls Victim to Data Breach

Posted by Tony Öhberg | December 20, 2023 1:27 pm | Business, Nation

The EasyPark parking application has been the victim of a cyber attack. But should you be worried?

Finland Closes Land Border with Russia – Again

Posted by Tony Öhberg | December 14, 2023 7:30 pm | Nation

The border will be closed on Friday, December 15, at 20:00.

WATCH: Man in Wheelchair Stands Up to Attack; Protesters Against Neo-Nazis Clash With National-Minded Marchers on Independence Day

Posted by Tony Öhberg | December 7, 2023 3:58 pm | Helsinki, Nation

Protesters against neo-Nazis did their best to stop a nationalistic torchlight procession.

Protest Disrupts Ecumenical Jubilee Service of Heads of State on Finland’s 106th Independence Day; View the Gallery

Posted by Tony Öhberg | December 6, 2023 4:33 pm | Gallery, Helsinki, Nation

Finland celebrates its 106th Independence Day. Here is what has happened so far.

After Plunging Into Icy Waters, Swedish and Finnish Prime Ministers Talk About Defending the EU’s Borders

Posted by Tony Öhberg | November 28, 2023 2:29 pm | Politics

The premiers’ agenda included bilateral relations between the two countries, the security situation and other current international and EU issues. Recent events on Finland’s eastern border were also discussed.

Jazz Icon Ron Carter Has Played on More Than 2,220 Albums; Here’s How He Sounded in Helsinki

Posted by Tony Öhberg | November 25, 2023 2:19 pm | Music

Ron Carter, 86, came to Helsinki with his quartet to breathe new life into jazz classics.

Read PM Petteri Orpo’s Announcement on Border Security in Full

Posted by Tony Öhberg | November 24, 2023 6:45 pm | Parliament, Politics

On Thursday, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) made an announcement on border security to Parliament. We publish Prime Minister Orpo’s remarks in full.

99 Problems, But an Ovulation Pill Ain’t One; New Autobiography Reveals the Highs and Lows of Finnish Heavyweight Boxer Robert Helenius

Posted by Tony Öhberg | November 18, 2023 4:11 pm | Boxing, Feature

Reporter and photojournalist Tony Öhberg sat down with Finnish heavyweight boxer Robert Helenius to talk about his new autobiography and his plans for the future amid the turmoil of life in and out of the ring.

GALLERY: A Thin Layer of Snow is the Light of the Morning in Helsinki

Posted by Tony Öhberg | November 18, 2023 2:34 pm | Gallery, Helsinki

A thin layer of snow covered the center of Helsinki in the early hours of Saturday morning. We caught the beauty of the first light in whiteness.

Finland Closes Parts of Southeastern Border

Posted by Tony Öhberg | November 16, 2023 8:25 pm | Nation, Politics

“It’s not worth the effort to come to Finland. The borders are closed,” Mari Rantanen (Finns), the minister of the interior, said while referring to Finland’s southeastern border with Russia.

GALLERY: Former Finnish President, ‘Eternal Refugee’ and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Martti Ahtisaari Laid to Rest

Posted by Tony Öhberg | November 11, 2023 7:10 pm | Gallery, President

Finland Today observed the funeral of the late President Martti Ahtisaari throughout the day. Here’s our report.

The Blast of the Balticconnector Between Estonia and Finland; Everything We Know So Far; Russians? TNT. Sabotage! Traces on the Seabed . . .

Posted by Tony Öhberg | October 11, 2023 6:53 pm | Politics

The events of the past few days have been intense as it was discovered that an explosion caused a pressure loss in the gas pipeline between Estonia and Finland. Here’s what we know so far.

How the Visit of Swedish Royals Made Small Town Loviisa Come Alive Again, If Only For a Day

Posted by Tony Öhberg | October 5, 2023 9:18 pm | Feature, Gallery, Travel

What happens when Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden visit a small town in southern Finland, which was named after a Swedish Queen in the 18th century? This time, the Swedish Crown Princess came to inaugurate a piece of land near the end of September. Well … the elderly were rubbing their eyes in amazement, and children and some adults wore crowns made of cardboard. Finland Today followed the visit, and here’s the report.

Game Devs at Pocket Gamer Connects Helsinki Showed Us How to Drink For Free, But Not Everyone Had Access to Lunch

Posted by Tony Öhberg | September 14, 2023 8:11 pm | Business, Feature

Pocket Gamer Connects Helsinki, held between Sep. 12-13, helped the gaming industry to connect, but some had trouble getting lunch after paying hundreds for tickets. Free drinks flowed almost effortlessly, though.

Are There Racists in the Finnish Government?

Posted by Tony Öhberg | September 8, 2023 4:42 pm | Feature, Politics

Some of the current members of the Finnish government have made continuous headlines in relation to racism both nationally and internationally. We attended a mass protest against discrimination with 20,000 people and wrapped up the details of what’s been said and done.

Sanna Marin, the Former Prime Minister of Finland, Aims to Resign Parliament

Posted by Tony Öhberg | September 7, 2023 4:28 pm | Parliament, Politics

Marin has been appointed as a strategic adviser in an institute that deals with governments and political leaders.

VIDEO: Bell Tower of Helsinki Railway Station Rings for the First Time in History

Posted by Tony Öhberg | August 20, 2023 4:20 pm | Helsinki, Nation

The bell tower of the Helsinki Railway Station rang for the first time in history on Sunday afternoon.

See Sharp Photos of Blur and More; A First-Timer Joined Flow Festival 2023 With a Couple of Veterans; Here’s Our Report

Posted by Josephine Otis | August 19, 2023 11:20 am | Feature, Music

We spent three days at Flow Festival 2023. Here’s our gallery and report.

The Finnish Viking of Heavyweight Boxing, Robert Helenius, Dominates Six Rounds Against Former World Champ Joshua, But Loses by K.O.; Helenius to Finland Today: The Fight Lit a Torch in My Heart

Posted by Tony Öhberg | August 15, 2023 3:47 pm | Boxing

Finnish heavyweight boxer Robert Helenius gave his former British world-champion counterpart a belting that he will remember in front of 20,000 spectators in London on Saturday night.

From Win in Medieval Castle to World-Class Bout; Finnish Heavyweight Boxer Helenius to Face Former 2-Time World Champion Anthony Joshua

Posted by Tony Öhberg | August 11, 2023 10:10 pm | Boxing, Feature

Finnish heavyweight boxer Robert Helenius stepped into the ring after a long break. He was on the verge of retiring from boxing. But on Saturday, he is about to face the former two-time world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua. Here’s our report on the events from the medieval castle of Olavinlinna leading to the world-class bout in the U.K.

Pori Jazz 2023 – Pop Meets Jazz, and the Jazz Is Really Good

Posted by Tony Öhberg | July 29, 2023 1:20 pm | Music

We spent a couple of days covering the largest jazz festival in the country. Here’s our report.

The ‘Finlandization’ of Joe Biden

Posted by Tony Öhberg | July 20, 2023 6:42 pm | Feature, Politics, President

President Joe Biden of the United States visited Finland during a historical time. Finland had just recently been accepted as a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO. We documented President Biden’s visit from outside to inside the Presidential Palace, where he met with the Nordic leaders including President Sauli Niinistö.

View 143 Photos of 2023 Tuska Metal Music Festival; We Spent 3 Days Among a Total of 63,000 Metalheads

Posted by Tony Öhberg | July 9, 2023 6:30 pm | Free sample, Gallery, Music

We spent three days at Tuska 2023 metal music festival in Helsinki, which was sold out. We listened to bands such as Vended, Gojira, In Flames, The HU, Ghost, JINJER, and more. View our largest photo gallery in the history of Finland Today.

One or Several Gunshots Fired in a Staircase of an Apartment Building in Kallio on Thursday

Posted by Tony Öhberg | July 6, 2023 4:23 pm | Crime, Nation

Several patrol cars arrived at the scene after 11:00 in the morning, and at first, the police caught seven people.

Finnish Heavyweight Boxer Helenius to Take a Career-Defining Fight in Savonlinna in August

Posted by Tony Öhberg | June 22, 2023 10:53 am | Boxing

Finland Today spoke with Finnish heavyweight boxer Robert Helenius about his upcoming fight in the Olavinlinna Castle. We also take a look at who exactly is his opponent Mika Mielonen.