Sweden Today:

Swedes give high marks to public services / Critically endangered Baltic porpoise gets new lease on life / Anti-terror hotline doesn't help / Swedish Radio journalist expelled from Syria / A place of hope on Christmas Eve. 

  • Baltic harbor porpoise. Photo: Erik Christensen via Wikimedia Commons

  • Swedes give high marks to public services
    (National) A recent survey shows that of 2200 people surveyed most were satisfied or very satisfied with public services in Sweden. The survey focused on 17 core activities, and water and sewage management got the highest marks for satisfaction. Individual and family services, road maintenance and the environment were at the bottom of the scale.

  • Critically endangered Baltic porpoise gets new lease on life
    (Environment) Approximately 500 Baltic Harbor porpoises remain in Swedish waters, and now the government is working to protect them. Four marine Natura 2000 areas, a combined area of 1.1 million hectares (one hectare equals approximately 2.47 acres), will be designated where the porpoises can feed and care for their young. Issues affecting the endangered species have been threats like fishing and shipping, but also the introduction of wind energy apparatuses and construction.

  • Anti-terror hotline doesn't help
    (National) The telephone hotline created to assist people who may be concerned or wish to report possible violent extremism has been severely criticized by families who were unable to reach help. Of the 701 calls made to the hotline only half were answered. This includes 61 calls from people worried that a family member may be becoming radicalized.

  • Swedish Radio journalist expelled from Syria
    (National) Swedish Radio’s Middle East correspondent, Cecilia Uddén, has been expelled from Syria after the Syrian government accused her of spreading false information. Syrian authorities have withdrawn her visa and denied her the right to report from the war torn country. Cilla Benkö, director general of Swedish Radio, and Ginna Lindberg, head of Foreign News are protesting the decision and the treatment of Uddén. Uddén reported from Damascus and Aleppo. Swedish Radio continues to closely monitor the situation in Syria and will seek new permits for journalists to continue coverage on the ground.

  • A place of hope on Christmas Eve
    (Holiday) Jessica Wendell will open her home this Christmas Eve to approximately 40 strangers, and it’s not the first time she has done it. Having suffered in an abusive relationship some years ago, Wendell escaped but found herself homeless. She decided to reach out to those less fortunate now that she has rebuilt her own life. Visitors will be treated to Christmas food, presents and holiday spirit. “It is not that difficult to be a human being. It is not difficult to take in strangers to your home,” said Wendell. “Sometimes you have to take a risk. It makes your heart feel good.”