Finncomm Cutting Back Domestic Network
The Finnish airline Finncomm is cancelling several of its domestic routes, reports the daily Helsingin Sanomat on Saturday.

New Swine Flu Vaccination Drive Planned
Fewer Finns than expected have been vaccinated against the H1N1 influenza. With only about half of the population having had the swine flu jab, there are at least 1.5 million unused doses left.

Power Outages, Rail & Phone Problems Through Weekend
Some 12,000 households in eastern Finland remain without power on Saturday following a major thunderstorm late Thursday and early Friday.

Mobile Phone Services on the Fritz for Thousands
Thousands of people have lost mobile phone connections across Finland. Thursday night's storm has brought down GSM networks in several regions including South Savo, Central Finland, South Karelia and Central Ostrobothnia.

Nordic Extremist Groups Intensify Collaboration
Neo-Nazis in Finland, Sweden and Norway have intensified their collaboration in recent years. YLE's Swedish language news reports that leaders of the Finnish extremist group Kansallinen vastarinta ('National Resistance Front') meet regularly with the Swedish extremist group Svenska Motståndsrörelsen ('Swedish Resistance Movement').

Dairy Exports to Russia to Resume Next Week
Russia is to lift a ban on dairy imports from Finland on Friday, August 6. However, talks on removing restrictions on meat imports are to continue.

Mixed Picture in Housing Prices
Prices for older flats and semi-detached houses rose gradually throughoutthe country during the April-to-June period, according to Statistics Finland. Meanwhile prices for new homes declined slightly.

Häkämies: No NATO Membership in Sight
Defence Minister Jyri Häkämies does not believe Finland will join NATO in the next few years.

15,000 Homes Still without Power on Saturday
An exceptionally powerful thunderstorm caused extensive destruction in the South Savo and South Karelia regions late Thursday and early Friday. Insurance companies may have to pay 10 to 20 million euros in damage claims. Fallen trees have cut off traffic on many roads, while the aftermath of the storm is also affecting rail services.

Powerful Thunderstorm Leaves 23,000 Homes without Electricity in Southeast
An exceptionally powerful thunderstorm has caused extensive destruction in the South Savo and South Karelia regions. Fallen trees have cut off traffic on many roads, and electricity blackouts have affected many areas east of Juva. The aftermath of the storm is also affecting rail services.