Some Finnish academics are travelling to the US with blank phones and laptops.
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Finnish tourism to United States fell by 25 percent last year. Image: Bengt Östling/Yle
Although roughly a third of the world’s leading universities are American, Åbo Akademi University is currently advising its staff not to travel to the United States.
According to Hufvudstadsbladet, the Turku-based university is advising its staff to avoid travelling to the United States for conferences.
“We advise against travelling unless it is necessary,” said social sciences dean Malin Brännback.
The school also recommends that researchers who do decide to travel not carry their personal laptops or phones. Instead, the institution provides temporary devices — empty phones and computers — for use during the trip.
Athlete shortage
The 2026 Paralympics begin on Friday, and Finland is arriving with the smallest delegation in its history: just four athletes.
Speaking to Helsingin Sanomat, Sari Rautio, chair of the Finnish Paralympic Committee, said the unusually tiny team reflects the absence of team sports and the retirement of two previous medalists.
The federation says it will intensify efforts to recruit new competitors, noting that identifying and developing para-athletes has proved challenging in Finland.
Finland will also skip the opening ceremony in solidarity with Ukraine after the International Paralympic Committee granted competition spots to athletes from Russia and Belarus.
American Paralympic gold-medallist snowboarder Mike Minor moved to Oulu after falling in love with a Finn and now hopes to compete for Finland.
Hazardous commutes
With spring in the air, business magazine Talouselämä informs readers that this is a dangerous time of year. Why?
Late winter, with its thaw–freeze cycles and near-zero temperatures, is a particularly hazardous period for slips and falls, according to insurer LähiTapiola.
More than 20,000 accidents are reported each year among Finnish wage earners during commutes between home and work, the company says.
Over half of these incidents occur when the average temperatures range between −5 and +5 degrees Celsius.
The incidents most likely to result in prolonged time off work involve injuries to the ankle, knee, shoulder or wrist. Milder sprains and strains are also common in late winter, the business magazine reports.