This week in Sweden
Sweden is experiencing a significant heatwave, leading to "tropical nights" in Stockholm and disruptions to railway traffic and roads due to "bleeding asphalt." Domestically, the national security advisor's lost notebook at a NATO summit has become a notable political story, while the job market shows brighter signs with fewer layoff warnings. Internationally, the World Cup semi-final between Argentina and England, including related political tensions, received considerable media coverage, alongside concerns about EU emissions trading reforms potentially harming Swedish forests.
About Sweden
Sweden is a highly innovative and socially progressive nation renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, from vast forests to archipelagos, and its commitment to sustainability. The country upholds among the world's strongest press freedom protections, with source confidentiality constitutionally guaranteed, fostering a robust and diverse media environment. This strong legal framework ensures a vibrant public discourse and shapes how news is produced and consumed across the nation.
Visiting Sweden
Media landscape
Sweden's media environment is characterized by exceptional press freedom, with constitutional protections for journalists and sources, leading to a diverse and competitive landscape. Both public service broadcasters and commercial outlets play significant roles in delivering news and information across various platforms.
To gain a comprehensive understanding, consult a variety of Swedish news sources, including both public service and commercial outlets, and consider English-language options for international perspectives.
Sources we track 2
Death toll rises to 5,069 in Venezuela following earthquakes
- The death toll from Venezuela's earthquakes on June 24 has risen to 5,069, according to National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez. - Most of the 16,740 registered injuries have been treated and di…
US launches seventh day of attacks on Iran amid wider regional conflict
- The U.S. conducted its seventh consecutive day of attacks against Iran, aiming to degrade its military capabilities. - Simultaneously, Iran launched missiles targeting multiple Middle Eastern countr…
Returning player sparks IFK Göteborg to crucial home win
- IFK Göteborg secured a crucial 2-1 home victory against Brommapojkarna, ending a long winless streak at home. - The match featured a red card for Brommapojkarna's Mads Hansen, goals from Rockson Yeb…
Experts slam Hegseth's testosterone tests as 'scientifically insane'
- U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has mandated testosterone level tests for all military personnel over 30. - Experts criticize the policy as "scientifically insane" and populist, lacking scientif…
Do you have a zeptosecond to spare?
- Physicists have experimentally determined extremely short time intervals, such as 247 zeptoseconds, related to the passage of photons through molecules. - A zeptosecond is a unit of time equivalent …
Sweden's defense chief navigates historic NATO expansion and massive budget shifts
- Sweden officially joined NATO in March 2024, ending 200 years of military non-alignment. - The country is undergoing its largest defense transformation in modern history, with significant budget inc…
Compensate Pharmacies for the Safety They Create in Vulnerable Areas, Argues Apoteket CEO
- Pharmacies in vulnerable areas provide crucial social benefits beyond healthcare, acting as centers for accessibility and community presence. - The CEO of Apoteket argues that these pharmacies face …
Bible translation debate overlooks youth's existential crisis
- A new Swedish Bible translation, NT2026, is needed to help young people seeking meaning connect with religious texts. - The translation aims to bridge a linguistic gap caused by the evolution of the…
Scent of power: Queen naked mole-rat controls colony fertility with pheromones
- Researchers discovered that the dominant female naked mole-rat controls colony fertility using a scent substance. - The substance, isopropyl myristate, makes other females infertile and suppresses t…
Trump's new target in Iran: underground facility Pickaxe Mountain
- U.S. President Trump is reportedly considering expanding military operations in Iran, targeting an underground facility known as 'Pickaxe Mountain.' - Pickaxe Mountain, located near Natanz, is suspe…
Parasite causes diarrhea – linked to Taco Bell
- Over 1,600 people in the US have been infected with a parasite causing prolonged diarrhea after eating at Taco Bell. - The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified shredded ice…
China Seeks Global AI Control, Challenges U.S. with New Organization
- Chinese leader Xi Jinping called for international cooperation on AI, emphasizing human control and proactive governance. - China launched the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization,…
Five books that ignite a longing for Italy
- Swedish author Harald Bergius recommends five books that evoke a strong desire to visit Italy, catering to various interests from history to cuisine. - The selection includes works focusing on Capri…
Why Conspiracy Theories Flourish During the World Cup
- Low trust in FIFA and high emotional stakes among fans create fertile ground for conspiracy theories during the World Cup, according to an expert. - Factors like past FIFA scandals and the ease of f…
Critics slam EU's proposed climate rule changes: 'Wrong path to take'
- The EU Commission has proposed easing regulations for the Emissions Trading System (ETS), drawing criticism from environmental and industry experts. - Critics argue that loosening rules, especially …
EU's new decision could hit northern Sweden's green steel hard
- The EU is changing its emissions trading rules, potentially impacting green steel production in northern Sweden. - The proposed changes could affect companies like Stegra and SSAB, and the financial…
British media questions relevance of World Cup bronze match for England
- British media outlets are questioning the importance of the World Cup third-place playoff match for England, which faces France. - The BBC highlighted four reasons why English fans should care, incl…
Mother-daughter novel 'Resa med Borges' called a mediocre bonding project
- A review criticizes "Resa med Borges," a mother-daughter novel project, as mediocre and lacking engaging elements. - The book follows six middle-class Stockholmers on a literary trip to Buenos Aires…
Comedian Jailed in Turkey for Sultan Joke
- Comedian Tuba Ulu was sentenced to five months in prison for a joke about Ottoman sultans. - The charge against her was "inciting hatred and enmity among the people." - The case highlights the risks…
Messi and Yamal: Iconic photo connection leads to World Cup final showdown
- Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, who were photographed together in 2007, will face each other in the 2026 World Cup final. - Yamal, then a baby, was held by a 20-year-old Messi for a UNICEF calendar p…
Andy Burnham appointed new Labour leader, set to become UK PM
- Andy Burnham has been formally elected as the new leader of the British Labour Party at a special party conference. - He is expected to become the UK's next prime minister on Monday, following the r…
Trump Attacks China, Pushes 'Save America Act' Amid Midterm Election Concerns
- U.S. President Donald Trump attacked China in a speech and promoted the "Save America Act" to benefit Republicans in the midterm elections. - The legislation aims to bolster the Republican party's s…
New Italian Law Offers Protection and New Identities to Young People Leaving the Mafia
- Italy has introduced a new law, "Free to Choose," to help young people leave the mafia. - The law offers protection, new schooling, and potentially new identities to individuals under 25 with mafia …
Samuel Levander: The invasive health craze will soon overshadow everything else
- An invasive "health craze" is overshadowing other aspects of life, driven by experts and influencers. - This trend is linked to productivity culture, creating a cycle of constant self-optimization. …
Betsson reports record revenue driven by World Cup
- Betsson reported a second-quarter operating profit of 42.2 million euros, a decrease from 69.0 million euros in the same period last year. - The company's revenue rose 2% to 310.2 million euros, dri…
Säverman: Cones, Conspiracies, and a Spruce Tree
- The author reflects on the concept of 'kotterier,' or exclusive social circles, drawing a parallel to the cones of a spruce tree. - Traditionally, these groups were seen as serious gatherings of sha…
World Cup final to be held at 'awful' US stadium
- The MetLife Stadium, chosen to host the 2026 World Cup final, is widely criticized by players and fans as one of the worst sports venues in the US. - Located in an industrial area surrounded by wetl…
AB Volvo posts strong second-quarter results, exceeding expectations
- AB Volvo reported a strong second-quarter operating profit of 13.5 billion Swedish kronor, exceeding expectations. - The company's revenue increased to 126.3 billion kronor, with broad improvements …
US Attacks on Iran Continue for Sixth Day Amid Missile Retaliations
- The United States continued its attacks on Iran for a sixth consecutive day, targeting infrastructure like ports, bridges, and an airport, resulting in seven reported deaths. - Iran responded by fir…
Europe has stopped hoping for the USA – but the job remains, says Oscar Jonsson
- Europe's hope for US support is fading as American capabilities withdraw faster than European ones can be built. - Russia may achieve its greatest relative advantage over Europe starting next year. …
Stockholm's July 17 Highlights: A Musical Twist and a Reading Dog
- Stockholm offers diverse cultural events on July 17, including a musical and a children's reading session. - The musical 'Unfortunate' reimagines 'The Little Mermaid' with the sea witch Ursula at it…
IVF Cannot Beat the Biological Clock: Sweden Needs a Fertility Strategy, Not Just Subsidies
- Increased subsidies for IVF cannot reverse the biological clock. - Sweden needs a fertility strategy that addresses the causes of low birth rates. - The article argues for a proactive approach to …
Trump Pushes Congress to Change Election Laws
- Donald Trump's national address focused on alleged foreign interference in U.S. elections, particularly from China. - The speech promoted his "Save America" legislation, intended to benefit Republic…
"King in the North" Andy Burnham poised to lead Labour and Britain
- Andy Burnham is expected to become the new leader of the British Labour Party and potentially the next Prime Minister. - Known as "King in the North," Burnham is popular in Manchester for his ground…
Widespread Dissatisfaction with Swedish Psychiatry Revealed in Survey
- A recent internal survey by Sweden's National Board of Health and Welfare reveals significant patient dissatisfaction with psychiatric care. - Nearly half of the surveyed patients reported being unh…
Trump Accuses China of U.S. Election Interference
- Donald Trump claims U.S. authorities have uncovered "shocking vulnerabilities" in the American election system. - He specifically accuses China of obtaining data on American voters, alleging a massi…
SpaceX aborts giant Starship rocket launch at the last minute
- SpaceX aborted the planned test launch of its giant Starship rocket at the last minute. - The abort was triggered by an automatic system after some engines failed to ignite. - The company aims for a…
European beverage museums offer deep dives into history, complete with tasting rooms
- Dublin's Guinness Storehouse, a former fermentation plant, now offers visitors a journey through Ireland's brewing history, culminating in the Gravity Bar with panoramic city views. - Edinburgh's Sc…
Chef Jonas Höglander: "Sailor's beef is overrated"
- Chef Jonas Höglander shares his Friday night traditions, which include a dry martini and 90s hip-hop music. - He enjoys cooking dinner on Fridays but notes that his meal choices can vary. - Höglande…
Zelenskyy Dismisses Key Minister, Sparking Frustration Over War Priorities
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has dismissed his most effective minister, a move seen by some as prioritizing his election campaign over the war effort. - The decision has reportedly fueled frustrati…
Max Hjelm: Critics miss the point of Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey'
- Christopher Nolan's upcoming film "The Odyssey" is set to premiere, sparking debate about adapting classic literature. - Critics have raised concerns about historical accuracy and casting, but the a…
China Builds World's Highest Bridges at Breakneck Speed
- China's Guizhou province, once one of the country's poorest, is undergoing a massive infrastructure boom, particularly in bridge construction. - Over 32,000 bridges are completed or underway, includ…
Weather Turnaround Incoming: From 30 to 15 Degrees Celsius
- A significant weather shift is expected in Sweden, with temperatures dropping from 30 degrees Celsius to 15 degrees Celsius. - The change is forecast to arrive by the weekend, bringing strong rain, …
Nathan Shachar: Despite harsh words, Israel may be forced to leave Syria and Lebanon
- U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated his demand for Israel to withdraw from its security zones in southern Syria and Lebanon. - Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated the withdrawal would…
DN Debate: "Rule complexity prevents farmers from doing their job"
- Swedish farmers face excessive administrative burdens from forms, documentation, and authority contacts, diverting time from core agricultural work. - The Kristdemokraterna party highlights that thi…
Train Halt on Southern Main Line Until Tomorrow After Fire
- Train traffic is halted on the southern main line between Norrköping and Mjölby due to a previous ground fire near the tracks. - The disruption is causing canceled trains and delays on several route…
Improved blood values in overweight individuals
- Adults with obesity now have significantly better blood pressure and cholesterol levels compared to 30 years ago, a study found. - This improvement is attributed to effective medications like statin…
"Establish a da Costa commission"
- Swedish commentators call for a "da Costa commission" to thoroughly investigate the legal case involving two doctors. - The justice minister previously announced ex gratia compensation for the docto…
Ice cream and baths: How zoo animals cool off in the heat
- Zoo animals are using various methods to cool down during hot weather, including swimming and eating frozen treats. - Zookeepers are providing shaded areas and water sources, and freezing food like …
New York Times seeks to overturn Trump administration's lawsuit over Air Force One reporting
- The New York Times is suing the Justice Department to block the White House's lawsuit against the newspaper. - The White House sued the Times over its reporting on security concerns with Trump's new…
Where is the line for confession's forgiveness?
- Catholic priest Jorge de Salas discusses the boundaries of forgiveness within the sacrament of confession. - He emphasizes that God always forgives, but sin is not taken lightly, requiring self-know…
Former Archbishop Delivers One of Sweden's Biggest Apologies to Sami People
- Former Archbishop Antje Jackelén delivered one of the Swedish Church's most significant apologies to the Sami people in 2021. - Jackelén distinguished between asking for forgiveness and offering an …
New primate species discovered in Africa
- A previously unknown species of colobus monkey has been discovered in the Congo Basin rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. - The new species, named Colobus congoensis, is characterized b…
Iranian media: US attacks Qeshm island
- Iranian state media reports that the US has conducted missile attacks targeting the Iranian island of Qeshm. - The reports follow a US attack on an oil tanker in the Persian Gulf and a re-imposed na…
Expert: Power Struggle Behind Ukrainian Minister Changes
- Ukraine's president has replaced both the prime minister and the defense minister. - Experts suggest these changes stem from inadequate winter preparations and internal power struggles within the mi…
Heat poses danger to the youngest: "Children have been admitted on the verge"
- High temperatures pose a significant risk to infants and young children, who cannot regulate their body temperature as effectively as adults. - Doctors advise keeping babies and young children out o…
Swedish PM faces complaint over lost notebook at NATO summit
- Sweden's national security advisor, Niclas Kvarnström, left a notebook containing notes at a NATO summit in Ankara. - The opposition party, the Left Party, has filed a complaint with the constitutio…
Carina Bergfeldt Depicts Life on Caribbean Island Under Swedish Slave Law
- Carina Bergfeldt's historical novel depicts life on a Caribbean island under Swedish slave law. - The story contrasts the vastly different realities of a white and a Black couple. - The book is prai…
London: 'The World Cup trophy isn't ours, but the Falkland Islands are'
- The headline suggests a connection between the World Cup and the Falkland Islands, implying a dispute over the trophy's ownership or significance. - The article likely explores a narrative or sentim…
"The Odyssey" adaptation receives mixed but largely positive reviews
- Christopher Nolan's new film
SMHI: Tropical Nights Possible in Stockholm Amid Heatwave
- Sweden is experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures expected to peak around 30 degrees Celsius on Thursday. - Tropical nights, where temperatures remain above 20 degrees Celsius, are possible in St…
Sweden faces challenging day as heatwave disrupts railway traffic
- Sweden's railway traffic is experiencing significant disruptions due to heat-related issues like fires and "sun curves" in the tracks. - Temperatures nearing 30 degrees Celsius are causing problems,…
New 'Salt Gun' Revolutionizes Author's Battle Against Gotland Flies
- A new weapon, the Bug-a-salt, has significantly shifted the balance of power in the author's long-standing battle against flies on Gotland. - The author describes the Bug-a-salt as a futuristic toy-…
US Continues Overnight Attacks on Iran Amidst Escalating Tensions
- The United States continued its overnight attacks on Iran following earlier waves of assaults, hitting multiple locations. - Residents in Tehran reported hearing explosions early in the morning as a…
Swedish Forests at Risk as EU Debates Emissions Trading Reform
- Sweden is concerned that proposed EU emissions trading reforms could harm its forest industry. - Some EU countries, particularly in Eastern Europe, are pushing to reduce climate ambitions and increa…
Jan Jönsson: Incarceration will foster tiger boys into a life of crime
- Swedish commentator Jan Jönsson argues that the current conditions for incarcerated youth will lead them to a life of crime. - He describes the poor state of Swedish youth correctional facilities, i…
Fewer layoff warnings as Sweden's job market shows brighter signs
- Fewer people are being laid off, more are finding jobs, and unemployment is decreasing in Sweden. - This positive trend is observed across all genders, origins, and regions, though significant varia…
Stockholm's best tips for July 16: Art, concerts, and chaos
- The article presents a curated list of cultural events happening in Stockholm on July 16, 2026. - Highlights include a classical and folk music concert at Enskede Kyrka and a chaotic farce play at G…
Lessons from Germany for Sweden
- Sweden risks following Germany into an industrial crisis, with up to 20,000 automotive jobs potentially lost. - The article identifies five key mistakes Germany made in the 2010s, including its "Ene…
Argentina celebrated with a forbidden banner
- Argentina's football team celebrated their World Cup semi-final victory over England by displaying a "forbidden" banner. - The banner, stating "Falkland Islands are Argentine," referenced the 1982 w…
Johanna Frändén: Let's Never Again Count Out Messi and His 'Band of Rogues'
- Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, has reached another World Cup final, proving doubters wrong about their team cohesion. - The team possesses a crucial ability to turn matches around, a trait that has…
Anders Lindblad: England has only itself to blame for World Cup semi-final loss
- Argentina defeated England 2-1 in a dramatic World Cup semi-final, with Lionel Messi assisting both goals. - The author criticizes England's overly defensive strategy after taking the lead. - Argent…
Swedish politicians aim to make anti-Islam sentiment a vote-winner
- Swedish politicians are increasingly using attacks against Islam as a strategy to win votes in upcoming elections. - This approach involves questioning the concept of Islamophobia rather than defend…
Swedish advisor's lost notebook, Iran's export threats, Ukraine's naval claims
- Sweden's national security advisor left a notebook behind at a NATO summit in Ankara. - Iran threatens to close more export routes amid new US attacks, while Ukraine claims to have attacked 100 Russ…
Another Major Clash as Second World Cup Semifinal Begins
- England and Argentina are competing in the second World Cup semifinal, with the winner advancing to face Spain in the final. - This is the first World Cup meeting between England and Argentina in 24…
Acting AG Blanche Pressed on Trump Ties in Senate Hearing
- Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche faced intense questioning from senators regarding his past role as Donald Trump's lawyer. - Senators pressed Blanche on his loyalty and actions during Trump…
Bachmann sought to reshape language in post-war Europe
- The essay explores the literary work of Ingeborg Bachmann, a post-war European writer who sought a new language free from the perpetrators' rhetoric. - Bachmann, born in Klagenfurt, Austria, grapple…
Metabolic syndrome significantly ages the brain, study finds
- Metabolic syndrome significantly ages the brain, with individuals having five risk factors showing brains 2.3 years older than their chronological age. - High blood pressure, high blood sugar, exces…
Max Hjelm: If he is not considered Swedish enough, who is?
- A Swedish newspaper highlights the case of Zeeshan Haidari Lövestam Öberg, who faces difficulties obtaining Swedish citizenship despite living in Sweden for over a decade. - Haidari, who arrived as …
Falklands dispute heats up, making semifinal a high-risk match
- Argentina's vice president called England "invading pirates" ahead of the World Cup semifinal, escalating political tensions over the Falklands. - Security has been heightened for the match between …
Sweden Warns of "Bleeding Asphalt" Due to Extreme Heat
- Swedish road authorities are warning of "bleeding asphalt" due to high temperatures, which can make roads extremely slippery. - The phenomenon occurs when asphalt softens and releases a sticky, oily…
Kristersson's New Post Becomes a Political Farce
- Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson aimed to elevate national security by creating a national security advisor role. - The position has been marred by controversy, leading to the swift departure…
Did the Trojan War even happen?
- The existence of the Trojan War is uncertain, with archaeological evidence suggesting a city at the site of Troy was destroyed around the traditional date of its fall. - The authorship of Homer's ep…
Expert: These are the scents that attract ticks to you
- Ticks are attracted to warmth, carbon dioxide from exhaled breath, and certain natural body odors, according to a biologist. - While ticks wait on vegetation for hosts, they can move short distances…
Commentary: Sweden's national security advisor's lost notebook continues a 'curse'
- Sweden's national security advisor, Niclas Kvarnström, reportedly lost a notebook at a NATO meeting in Ankara. - This incident is framed as continuing a pattern of security advisors misplacing sensi…
The Desert Kingdom That Became a Major Player in the Iran Crisis
- Oman has transformed from an isolated desert kingdom into a major tourist destination and a diplomatic player. - The sultanate, once closed off, now attracts millions with its beaches and luxury off…
British meteorologists: 20th century climate is gone
- British meteorologists report that the climate of the 20th century is now gone, with the hottest day of the year 4.5 degrees Celsius warmer than a few decades ago. - The annual report 'State of the …
Staffan Westerberg's Final Exhibition Opens in Åland, Featuring Partner's Art
- An exhibition titled "Staffan & Hans" featuring the works of Swedish artist Staffan Westerberg and his partner Hans Persson opened in Mariehamn, Åland. - Westerberg, known for his children's program…
Meta sued over alleged AI-driven discrimination in layoffs
- 26 former Meta employees are suing the company, alleging discriminatory practices in recent layoffs. - The lawsuit claims Meta used internally developed AI models to decide which employees to termin…
Trains to resume between Stockholm and Gothenburg, but at reduced speed due to heat
- Train services between Stockholm and Gothenburg will resume on Thursday but at a reduced speed of 40 km/h due to heat. - The reduced speed is a precautionary measure to manage the impact of high tem…
Children's Drawings Archive Captures History from 18th Century to Pandemic
- The Swedish Children's Image Archive in Eskilstuna preserves hundreds of thousands of children's drawings dating back to the 18th century. - These drawings offer a unique perspective on historical e…
Why Skarsgård's 'ugly' fashion choice could become next year's hot trend
- Fashion trend forecaster Stefan Nilsson explains how even "ugly" clothing choices can become popular. - He outlines a process involving target audience identification, influential figures, and socia…
US Rules Tested: From Pickleball to Non-Alcoholic Beer
- The author recounts experiences with rules and regulations in the United States, from pickleball courts to swimming bans. - A humorous anecdote details the difficulty of purchasing non-alcoholic bee…
New Law Targets Gangs' Murder Advertisements in Sweden
- A new law in Sweden empowers police to demand the immediate removal of online advertisements recruiting for criminal activities, such as murder and bombings. - Platforms face hefty fines, up to five…
Must air conditioning also become a victim of the culture war?
- Over 200,000 people in Europe have died from heat in the last four years, according to the WHO, with most deaths being preventable. - Despite rising temperatures and the WHO's recommendations for co…
Stockholm's Best Tips for July 15: Chekhov, Jazz, and a Castle Tour
- Stockholm residents can enjoy a variety of cultural events on July 15, including theater, jazz concerts, and historical tours. - Highlights include a performance of Chekhov's "The Seagull," free sum…
Trump's Hormuz Dilemma: More Troops Needed for Passage
- U.S. President Donald Trump has struggled to force Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit route. - Military analysts suggest a large-scale U.S. operation involving ground troops an…
Trump threatens to strike Iran's infrastructure
- U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to attack Iran's infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, if a peace deal is not reached. - The threats came amid ongoing U.S.-Iran exchanges of att…
Spain reaches World Cup final after beating France 2-0
- Spain defeated France 2-0 to reach the World Cup final. - Spain's goals came from a penalty by Mikel Oyarzabal and a strike by Pedro Porro. - This marks Spain's second World Cup final appearance, ha…
Expert: Putin's super-robot a propaganda weapon
- Russia's Oreshnik missile has been fired three times against Ukraine, but has not achieved its promised effectiveness, according to an expert. - The missile, described as a "superweapon" by Presiden…
