Emma Löfgren, a senior digital news editor at The Local, advocates for solidarity journalism, which aims to help people find their place in the world through journalism. She engages in public speaking and mentoring to spread this concept.

The article discusses the influence of Swedish language and culture on the global stage, highlighting how words like 'lagom' and 'fika' have become internationally recognized. It also mentions Swedish companies such as Abba, Ikea, Spotify, and Volvo that have contributed to this global presence. The piece promotes a book titled 'Villa Volvo Vovve', which is inspired by The Local's 'Word of the day' column and aims to explore Swedish culture and language in depth. The book includes translations of over 100 Swedish words, audio files for dialects, language quizzes, and word games. It is available for purchase from various retailers including Adlibris, Bokus, and Amazon.

Emma Löfgren is the editor of The Local's Swedish edition, an English-language news platform that has been recognized as Sweden's best online publication. The Local has a presence in nine countries and reaches over five million readers monthly. In 2017, The Local introduced a Membership scheme to foster a stronger connection with its audience. The publication aims to provide daily, independent reporting across Europe, focusing on breaking news and local culture. Emma began her journalism career in Scotland and returned to Sweden in 2015. She has experience working with the Evening Express in Aberdeen and Am Pàipear, a community newspaper in the Outer Hebrides.

The article discusses the annual inauguration of the Christmas goat in Gävle, Sweden. This event marks the beginning of local authorities' efforts to protect the goat from being burned down, a challenge they face each year. The goat is a traditional Christmas symbol in the city, and its preservation has become a recurring concern during the holiday season.

In the aftermath of the Brexit vote, there has been a significant increase in British nationals applying for Swedish citizenship, with 150 applications filed last week, a sharp rise from the usual 20 per week. The Migration Agency will process these applications as per normal procedures, and applicants must meet the existing requirements to be granted citizenship. The trend reflects the desire of British residents in Sweden to retain EU citizenship post-Brexit.

Sweden ranks as the top country in Europe and third globally for expat quality of life according to an HSBC survey, but it is considered the worst for making friends. The survey, which interviewed over 21,000 expats in 39 countries, found Sweden to score poorly in social life and making friends. Expats describe Swedes as reserved but warm and loyal friends once a relationship is established. The difficulty in making friends is attributed to Swedes' lack of small talk skills and closed social networks. Despite this, Sweden is among the best for finding love, with 39 percent of expats finding a long-term partner there.

Gotland, a picturesque island off Sweden's east coast, has been the center of attention due to recent military tensions with Russia, including near-incursions of Scandinavian airspace. Sweden's Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist announced plans to increase military presence on Gotland as a defensive measure. Locals express mixed feelings, with some like Gail Swenson dismissing the need for increased defense as scaremongering, while others like Mona Siltberg support the government's focus on strengthening strategic defense. The island, with a strong tourism industry and local businesses like Swenson's 'Strömmingsvagnen', faces uncertainty about the impact of the perceived Russian threat on its economic future.

In Sweden, a campaign titled 'Don't Drink And Dive' has been launched to address the issue of drowning deaths, which totaled 137 last year, with alcohol being a factor in 60% of cases. The Stockholm Men's Synchronized Swimming Team, in collaboration with Trygg-Hansa and the Swedish Life Saving Society, created a video demonstrating the dangers of swimming under the influence. The campaign coincides with the Midsummer Eve holiday, a time when many Swedes swim after consuming alcohol. A survey revealed that one in ten Swedes have swum while heavily intoxicated in the past two years. The campaign aims to reduce alcohol-related drownings during the summer.

Swedish brothers Alexander and Benjamin Jönsson launched a donut into space from Norway, reaching 32 kilometers above Earth. The launch was documented with an onboard camera. Due to the high cost of flying permits in Sweden, they chose Norway where permits are free. The craft later crash-landed in Lake Vättern, Sweden, and was retrieved by the Swedish Sea Rescue Society. The brothers have gained viral fame in Sweden and are considering their next project.