Thousands of municipal employees began a strike Wednesday in Jyväskylä, Rovaniemi, Oulu and Turku, closing schools and a range of other public services.

There have been 371 Covid-related fatalities over the past two weeks, family affairs and social services minister Aki Lindén noted.

The economic and business daily Kauppalehti writes that the Finnish government and Finnish industries are now ready to cut off all energy imports from Russia.

Concerns about the Ukraine war heavily influenced this year's budget framework discussions.

Denmark and Sweden have already expelled a number of Russian diplomats on suspicions of espionage.

Nurses unions want a multi-year programme of investment to improve their salaries above normal cost-of-living raises. 

The strike will affect schools and some public services in the cities of Jyväskylä, Turku, Oulu and Rovaniemi.

Protesters prevented energy firm Helen from unloading the cargo at its pier in Salmisaari.

The firing was not connected to Sipponen's decisions regarding train traffic between Finland and Russia, according to VR.

Sinnemäki failed to recuse herself when her friends' parents sought special building permits in a plush Helsinki neighbourhood. 

The war in Ukraine might spur action on another major crisis facing humanity.

A total of 112 MPs responded to Yle's most recent questionnaire, with 71 saying they were in favour of Finland applying to join Nato while just six were opposed.

Furniture stores have faced fines for practices such as false discounts and perpetual sales campaigns.

Russian troops in Ukraine are suspected of having killed hundreds of civilians, according to Ukraine's Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova.

The flashmob performance by about 60 musicians in the city of Vaasa was intended to welcome Ukrainian citizens to Finland.

The Finnish Immigration Service has estimated that up to 80,000 Ukrainian citizens may arrive in Finland this year.

Papers report on Helsinki politicians pushing for an increase in English language teaching.

Both the Finnish president and premier on Sunday reacted to reports of Russian atrocities in Ukraine.

The centre-right parties want Finland and Sweden to jointly apply for membership in the alliance by late June.

Organisers moved the prestigious mathematics prize from St. Petersburg to Helsinki following Russia's attack on Ukraine.

Helsinki University Hospital District (HUS) says it's likely that many people who have recovered from Covid will be reinfected this spring.

The war in Ukraine is putting a half-a-billion euro dent in the budget.

Finland may need to grapple with its stance on nuclear weapons as Nato discussions unfold.

Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP) on Saturday said any potential Finnish bid to join Nato would have to be made before summer.

More snow is still on the way in April.

A survey indicates that people in Finland are pleased with President Sauli Niinistö's leadership since Russia invaded Ukraine.

The government is fast-tracking subsidies for the transport sector, which has been hit by rising energy costs – including funds to help move away from fossil fuels.

The strike, which began on Friday morning, is already affecting emergency care in some hospital districts.

Law enforcement agencies have been investigating links between Finnish police officers and far-right activities since 2020.

Consumers bought fewer items or switched to cheaper products, the association said.