Latest news with #Nordic
New York Post
2 hours ago
- New York Post
Clark Olofsson, notorious criminal who inspired the term ‘Stockholm syndrome,' dead at 78
Clark Olofsson, the captivating bank robber who inspired the term 'Stockholm syndrome,' has died at the age of 78, his family announced. Olofsson, who became a legend in the Nordic country for multiple prison breaks, gun-toting bank robberies, and larger-than-life charm, died at Arvika Hospital, in Holm, on Tuesday following a lengthy illness, Dagens ETC reported. The Swede became a headline item in 1973 when he and former cellmate Jan-Erik Olsson held-up the Kreditbanken Bank in Stockholm in what was the first-ever live crime broadcast in Sweden. Advertisement 3 Clark Olofsson appears at a book signing in the fall of 1991. TT NEWS AGENCY/AFP via Getty Images Olofsson and his mate were so entrancing over the course of the multi-day standoff that the bank employees being held hostage began to express more trust and concern for their captors than the police officers attempting to save them. This affection grew despite the two criminals threatening to kill the hostages on several occasions and holding them against their will for five days. Advertisement Towards the end of the nationally televised crisis, cops directed the hostages to leave the bank before Olofsson and his partner in crime, prompting protests from the hostages. 'Jan and Clark go first — you'll gun them down if we do!' 23-year-old hostage Kristin Ehnmark exclaimed to Swedish cops. A police report even said that a semen stain was found on the carpet of the bank indicating that some sort of sexual interaction occurred during the five-day standoff. 3 Olofsson and his hostages Birgitta Lundblad, Sven Säfström and Elisabeth Oldgren inside the Stockholm bank on Aug. 23, 1973. TT NEWS AGENCY/AFP via Getty Images Advertisement Olofsson was convicted on robbery charges for what was called the 'Normalmstorg robbery' and inspired the term 'Stockholm syndrome' in the process — which is the psycho-social phenomenon of captives becoming emotionally attached, and sympathizing with, their captors. Two years later in 1975, Olofsson would escape from Norrkoping prison and went on to rob a bank in Copenhagen with a pistol in each hand, sail the Mediterranean with the stolen loot, and evade police for years when he finally returned to Denmark. 3 Olofsson was convicted on robbery charges for what was called the 'Normalmstorg robbery' and inspired the term 'Stockholm syndrome' in the process. TT NEWS AGENCY/AFP via Getty Images Then on March 24, 1976, he conducted what at that time was the largest bank robbery in Sweden's history, stealing 930,000 kronor from a bank in Gothenberg — but cops were able to arrest him that same night and he was eventually sentenced to 10 years in prison, according to Swedish sources. Advertisement Olofsson's criminal exploits would continue into the 21st century with the infamous marauder completing his last stint in prison in 2018, following a 2009 conviction on drug smuggling. His exploits during the Normalmstorg robbery, and its influence over pop-psychology, would go on to inspire a film 'Stockholm' (2019) starring Ethan Hawke and Noomi Rapace. Olofsson was also depicted in the 1977 Swedish film 'Clark,' for which the criminal has a writing credit.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Finland Ministry of Defense selects ICEYE for Space-Based Intelligence and Surveillance Capabilities
ICEYE will provide SAR satellites to the Finnish Defense Forces. HELSINKI, June 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ICEYE, the European leader in new defense technology and the global leader in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite operations, and the Finnish Ministry of Defense have signed a Letter of Intent that enables the Finnish Defense Forces to acquire ICEYE SAR satellites. The cooperation aims to enhance the Defense Forces' intelligence and surveillance capabilities from space. The agreement outlines a preliminary delivery plan and timeline. It also encompasses the technical solutions and systems needed to establish an autonomous national capability for space-based surveillance. Data from these satellites will support real-time situational awareness for Finland's national leadership and relevant authorities. "We are proud to contribute to strengthening Finland's national security. Timely and reliable Earth observation data from space is a strategic asset that supports a wide range of decisions. With this capability, Finland will be well positioned to become a global leader in the field, and our collaboration with the Finnish Defense Forces is something our team deeply values. It also creates a vital environment for advancing capabilities that support the defense readiness of other NATO allies," says Pekka Laurila, Co-founder and CSO at ICEYE. "As space becomes increasingly critical, Finland is now taking a unique step forward in national defense. By acquiring our own satellites, we are strengthening our independent space-based intelligence and surveillance capabilities, and at the same time, we are supporting the domestic high-tech defense industry and creating new opportunities to deepen cooperation with allies and partners," says Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen. This cooperation offers the Finnish defense administration a rapid path to developing intelligence and surveillance capabilities and it plays a significant role in the overall development of the Defense Forces' space-based capabilities. ICEYE owns and operates the world's largest SAR satellite constellation, providing unlimited global access and the highest revisit frequency on the market. ICEYE SAR satellites provide 25 cm ground resolution, enabling accurate object detection and situational awareness in all weather and light conditions. To date, ICEYE has launched 54 SAR satellites into orbit for ICEYE's and its customers' use. About ICEYE ICEYE delivers unparalleled persistent monitoring capabilities to detect and respond to changes in any location on Earth, faster and more accurately than ever before. Owning the world's largest synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation, ICEYE provides objective, near real-time insights, ensuring that customers have unmatched access to actionable data, day or night, even in challenging environmental conditions. As a trusted partner to governments and commercial industries, ICEYE delivers intelligence in sectors such as defense and intelligence, insurance, natural catastrophe response and recovery, security, maritime monitoring, and finance, enabling decision-making that contributes to community resilience and sustainable development. ICEYE operates internationally with offices in Finland, Poland, Spain, the UK, Australia, Japan, the UAE, Greece, and the US. We have close to 900 employees, inspired by the shared vision of improving life on Earth by becoming the global source of truth in Earth Observation. Media contact: press@ Visit and follow ICEYE on LinkedIn and X for the latest updates and insights. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE ICEYE Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Irish Sun
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
What are the viral Labubu dolls, how much are they and where can you buy them in Ireland?
LABUBU dolls are the latest craze to have taken over the internet, going viral on TikTok especially. The new viral trend has reached Ireland leaving 5 You've probably already seen these online Credit: TikTok/ Katleynnbrownn_ 5 Unboxing them online is the latest trend Credit: TikTok/ Tropicalnikki 5 The design is from a Hong Kong based artist Credit: Getty Images But what actually are Labubus and why is everyone so obsessed with them? The Labubu doll is an animated character with large eyes and several pointed teeth. The toy comes in multiple different colour options with purple, pink, blue, green, red and even a rare grey fur. They come on a keyring with people attaching them to their keys, bags and decorating their READ MORE IN MONEY The Labubu character is actually from a book called The Monsters Trilogy by artist Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. They are inspired by Nordic folklore and are part of a collection of toys by Chinese company PopMart. The fluffy creature comes bagged in sealed packaging and you have to open them up to reveal what colour you got in your box. Celebrities have been spotted wearing them as their latest accessories and unboxing the toy on camera has become an online craze. Most read in Money Katelyn Brown, who posts under She even went back to buy more when she didn't get the colour she wanted first time around. I found Labubus at my local Centra and now I have a huge collection Posting the experience online she told followers: "We're in the Centra in Littlebridge." Revealing the desire for them around the area she explained: "I was in the Centra in Cookstown yesterday and the girls in the shop were telling me people were ringing looking to get Labubus off them." Katelyn revealed to followers she paid £8.99 for the furry friend which is around €10.50. However, prices across different stores in Ireland vary and can range from €10 up to €20 or €30. 'THEY'RE SO SOFT' In Dublin, Forbidden Planet in Temple bar are selling Labubus for €19.99. Content creator Nikki, who posts under Bursting with excitement she said: "I just want a cute little Labubu for my bags. "Let's just get into it because I actually just can't wait anymore. "I actually can't believe I just randomly walked in there and they just restocked them. Let's go." And taking her new toy out of the package she revealed a green Labubu, showcasing the excitement of the surprise reveals. Delighted Nikki said: "That's literally the one I wanted there's no way." She added: "They're so soft. That was such a success." 'MY CHILD HAS ME TORMENTED' Taking to the comments of Nikki's video viewers were equally as excited. One person said: "So jealous" Another added: "I run out almost in my pj to see if they have them" One person added: "I want please." A parent even added: "My child has me tormented." WHERE ELSE CAN YOU BUY THEM? Shops across the country have been scrambling to stock the colorful little dolls as the online craze grows. Here is a list of some places across the country who are selling Labubus: Conway's Centra, Derry Forbidden Planet, Dublin One Kick Ireland, Dublin Hugmie Liffey Valley, Dublin Greens, Belfast McNally's Centra, Monaghan Hugmie, Drogheda Lee's Centra Group, Limerick Togo Store, Wexford Dunman Centra, Tyrone Togo Store, Limerick Candy Cloud, Westmeath Togo Store, Carlow HOW TO KNOW IF THEY ARE REAL There are fake versions of the dolls retailing on the market, known as Lafufus. There are a few easy steps you can take to make sure you've snagged a real Labubu from PopMart. Real dolls will have nine teeth on the mouth and will come in matte packing with muted colours. There should also be a QR code on the care label of the accessory that you can scan. 5 They're quickly selling out across the country Credit: TikTok/ Tropicalnikki 5 They are worn as little bag charms or keyrings Credit: TikTok / Tropicalnikki
France 24
15 hours ago
- Politics
- France 24
Hungary's Pride march ban a 'serious breach' of EU values: Sweden's EU minister
On the main thrust of the EU and NATO summits, Rosencrantz says: "It's been a historic week. Leaders have agreed on a very ambitious 5 percent (of GDP spending on defence) target at the NATO summit and at the European Council. Sweden has full focus on this, and we have an eight-party agreement, so all the parties in the Swedish parliament agree to reach this target." Rosencrantz elaborates: "In Sweden, we say that the support to Ukraine is our most important foreign policy priority. And we can also see now that Europe has actually surpassed the US when it comes to military support to Ukraine. We have a crucial role to play and we really have to maintain our focus, but not just by talking, but also by delivering concrete support. And that is something that the Nordic and Baltic countries are taking a lead in." While talks on the latest potential round of sanctions stalled at the EU summit, Rosencrantz stresses that "Sweden has been pushing for the 18th sanctions package. We think it's really important to put further pressure on Russia alongside our direct support to Ukraine. Different countries have different views, but so far we have managed to agree on the previous 17 sanctions packages. So I have good faith." Turning to the Hungarian governments controversial ban on the June 28 Pride march, Rosencrantz opines: "To me, it's really important to say that the EU is not just a geographical union. We're a union based on values. And as a member state, you have signed up to respecting fundamental values such as rule of law, anti-corruption, independent judiciary and for allowing people to be who they are and love who they are. So implementing legislation in Hungary, that basically means forbidding Pride parades, but also actually means imposing restrictions on people's possibility to meet or to express their opinions – that's a serious breach. So I think it's important to use all the tools in the toolbox." Asked what concrete action could follow, she replies: "You know, we have different tools. One thing is, going into the upcoming negotiations on the [EU] budget, not a single euro should go to a country that does not respect rule of law or our basic common principles, and that's something that Sweden will be really pushing for in this multiannual framework. The second is to intervene, legally, in different court processes in the European Court of Justice. Right now, Sweden is intervening in many cases, including on the LGBT law. And also last but not least, we have Article Seven, which is sort of the ultimate tool in the toolbox. I think we should be prepared there to take the next step in discussing what we can do." We also discuss the Middle East, and what leverage – if any – the EU has when it comes to Gaza. "The situation in Gaza is terrible. We are always standing up for Israel 's right to defend itself against Hamas. But the way that Israel is conducting its warfare at the moment is unacceptable," Rosencrantz states, adding: "Sweden is actually the second-largest donor of humanitarian support to Gaza in the EU. And this humanitarian aid does not reach the people that need it. So we need to put pressure on Israel to make sure that humanitarian aid gets into Gaza. We have welcomed the review of the [Israel-EU] Association Agreement. And there are clear indications that Israel is not living up to all the standards that it should. What we want as a next step is to have clear recommendations on how we can take this process further. We're also pushing for sanctions against some of the ministers in the Israeli government who are not seeking a two-state solution and are hindering the way forward."
Irish Post
16 hours ago
- Irish Post
Copenhagen - cool, cultured and deliciously Danish
WE checked into Coco Hotel, a boutique bolthole in Vesterbro that feels more Parisian guesthouse than Nordic. With a leafy courtyard, curated interiors and laid-back charm, it's a stylish base. Rooms come with ensuite showers and are comfortable, if compact. The hotel's buzzing bar and café is ideal for a morning espresso or late-night spritz. Central Station, Tivoli Gardens and the Meatpacking District are all within a 10-minute stroll. Day 1: Street Food, Cycling and a Sustainable Supper First stop was Torvehallerne, a covered food market just north of the city centre. It offers everything from fresh produce to olive oils, natural wine and chocolate, to food bars serving dishes from around the world. Locals head to Hija de Sanchez, it's known for serving some of the best tacos in the city, created by former Noma chef Rosio Sanchez. Suitably replenished, we did as the Danes do and hopped on two wheels for a bike tour with Get Your Guide. We took in the Little Mermaid, Christiansborg Palace and colourful Nyhavn (worth a quick photo stop, but be warned: eateries here are overpriced). Cycling around Copenhagen is incredibly safe — we saw everyone from schoolchildren to politicians gliding along dedicated bike lanes and car-free roads. Even the Queen cycles here. Pedal power reigns supreme. For dinner, we headed to the redeveloped Carlsberg City district and Beyla, a cosy spot known for its plant-based cuisine. The menu is organic, vegan and gluten-free, but flavour takes centre stage. We opted for the tasting menu with wine pairings, featuring confit leeks with hazelnut praline, Gochujang-glazed mushrooms, and pine nut risotto. The standout? Gochujang-glazed mushrooms, grown on the restaurant's farm just 15 minutes away — delivered daily, by bike, of course. The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen (Syced Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication) Day 2: Bakeries, Neighbourhoods and Natural Wine We started the day at Tír Bakery, just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Founded by former Noma baker Louise Bannon, this corner spot is loved by locals and visitors. Everything is organic and made with fresh grains. Its cardamom buns, paired with a filter coffee, made for the perfect Danish breakfast — top tip: arrive before 11am as pastries sell out. Next stop: the Nørrebro district, Copenhagen's most culturally diverse area. The vibe is youthful and unpolished — where tattoo studios sit alongside vegan cafés, and art collectives share walls with vintage record shops. Tucked within Nørrebro is Jægersborggade, one of the city's most interesting shopping streets. Once gritty, it's now home to ceramics studios, artisan bakeries, vintage boutiques and natural wine bars. In the middle of this street is Paesano, a relaxed restaurant blending Italian roots with Copenhagen flair. With exposed brick interiors and a menu built around simplicity and regional specialities, it's the perfect spot for a long lunch. I enjoyed homemade pasta with ragù, while my daughter's deconstructed parmigiana di melanzane looked incredible and was delicious. The afternoon was spent browsing vintage shops, admiring local ceramics, and soaking up Copenhagen's laid-back café culture. We nearly skipped dinner at Bæst — 'We can get Italian at home,' my daughter protested — but we were glad we didn't. This organic gem in Nørrebro boasts impressive credentials: it crafts its own mozzarella and burrata on site and cures its own meats. Our waiter recommended the tasting menu, which included what might be the best wood-fired pizza we've had outside Italy. The waterfront Copenhagen (Syced Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication) Relaxed yet polished, Bæst is the sort of place locals take visiting friends. Day 3: Pastries, Boats and Design Icons Our final day began with a two-hour Danish pastry tour via Get Your Guide, visiting five bakeries, including Reinh van Hauen — Copenhagen's oldest family-run bakery — and Hart Bageri, where yet another Noma alumnus has elevated baking to cult status. We arrived hungry and left content, walking between stops and learning the stories behind the city's flaky, buttery creations. Next, we swapped pavements for water with a GoBoat Cruise, a one-hour guided tour of Copenhagen's waterways. Our captain navigated past houseboats, the Opera House, Paper Island, and buzzing waterside cafés. GoBoat's fleet is fully electric, offering a sustainable way to see the city from another angle. Highly recommend. Back on land, we returned to Vesterbro for lunch at BaneGaarden, a former railway yard turned eco-village. Quirky, creative and refreshingly local, this off-the-radar gem houses repurposed buildings offering restaurants, food stalls and a greenhouse dining space. Craft beers, natural wines and relaxed vibes made it feel like a hidden slice of Copenhagen life. As many shops close on Sundays, we visited the newly renovated Designmuseum Danmark. Housed in an elegant historic building, its beautifully curated collections span everything from mid-century Danish chairs to contemporary ceramics. Thoughtfully presented, it's a must for design lovers. Our final stop was Tivoli Gardens. Opened in 1843, this historic amusement park remains one of Copenhagen's prettiest attractions. With ornate pavilions, landscaped gardens and vintage rides, it evokes a19th-century nostalgia. Fun whatever your age. For our last meal, we dined at Höst, a modern Nordic restaurant ranked among the city's most atmospheric. Its design-led interiors — all reclaimed wood, flickering candlelight and artisanal ceramics — captured the coolness of Copenhagen. Its seasonal set menu, showcasing clever, foraged cooking, is the one to choose with dishes including creamy mussel soup infused with thyme and pinecones pickled in honey. It was a truly memorable meal to end our unforgettable trip. Beyond the big sights, it's in Copenhagen's laid-back neighbourhoods and hidden corners that the city's authentic character quietly unfolds. Travel by boat, bike or on foot to discover its real charm — best savoured slowly, coffee and Danish in hand. Accommodation Coco Hotel: Double rooms from 1045 DKK / £119 per night. British Airways: Flights from London Heathrow to Copenhagen from £47 each way, including taxes and carrier fees. See More: Copenhagen, Denmark
