The Day Alko Opened on Sunday

The day's dominant editorial focus was the historic first Sunday opening of Alko, the state alcohol monopoly, ending a 35-year wait. Multiple outlets covered the event from morning, with Ilta-Sanomat and MTV reporting on customer queues and purchases, while Helsingin Sanomat compared the moment to the end of prohibition. Coverage persisted throughout the day, with regional papers like Aamulehti and Kaleva capturing local reactions. In parallel, severe flooding in Helsinki after heavy rains led to widespread disruption, covered by HS, IS, and Iltalehti, with videos of streets turning into rapids. Foreign Minister Valtonen's meeting with China's foreign minister, including a visit to Kultaranta with President Stubb, generated afternoon coverage focused on a stern message about Russia. MV-lehti repeatedly pushed claims of Russian advances in Donetsk, while IS reported Russia's own claim of capturing Kostiantynivka. Other stories included a €2.3 billion pharmaceutical deal, Ilves fan bans, and a bank card skimming warning.