Sweden plans to tighten its gun laws, focusing on AR-15-style semiautomatic weapons, after a mass shooting in Örebro left 10 dead. The shooter, Rickard Andersson, was found dead at the scene. Sweden aims to clarify ownership eligibility and limit access to certain semiautomatic weapons. The primary weapon used was a legally purchased semiautomatic rifle. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized ensuring only the right people have guns. Despite strict gun laws, Sweden has high firearm-related homicide rates in Europe. Ava Sinclair 08/02/2025 1:30 pm
Three Israeli hostages, Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy, were freed from Gaza in a fifth exchange between Israel and Hamas. Their frail appearances upon release have sparked concern and condemnation in Israel. The hostages, taken during the October 7 attack, were handed to the Red Cross and then to the IDF for medical assessment. The Israeli government and Hostages and Missing Families Forum described their condition as “shocking” and “disturbing.” A peace activist likened their appearance to concentration camp survivors, urging accelerated efforts for all hostages’ release. Ava Sinclair 08/02/2025 1:30 pm
Hamas will release three Israeli hostages on Saturday in exchange for 183 Palestinian prisoners as part of a ceasefire deal to end the 15-month Gaza war. Hostages Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy will be handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross. The exchange follows previous swaps facilitated by U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, which have returned 13 Israeli and five Thai hostages and released 583 Palestinian prisoners. Families of the hostages express mixed emotions as they anticipate reunions. Penelope Kingsley 08/02/2025 10:00 am
Kash Patel, Trump’s FBI director nominee, received $25,000 from Global Tree Pictures, a company owned by Russian national Igor Lopatonok. Lopatonok’s projects include pro-Russian content funded by Putin. Patel participated in a documentary portraying Trump allies as conspiracy victims, aired on Tucker Carlson’s network. This payment raises concerns among Democrats and security experts about Patel’s nomination, given his financial ties to a Kremlin ally. Patel’s spokesperson stated he has fully disclosed his finances and cooperated with the Senate Judiciary Committee. Noah Prescott 08/02/2025 6:30 am
Sweden’s right-wing government plans to tighten gun laws after a mass shooting at Campus Risbergska in Orebro, where 10 people, including the shooter, were killed. The suspect, Rickard Andersson, used licensed rifles. The government aims to enhance gun license vetting and ban certain semi-automatic weapons, like the AR-15. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed solidarity with victims’ families, emphasizing unity. Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer highlighted the need for preventative measures, noting the AR-15’s potential danger and its use in other mass shootings. Penelope Kingsley 08/02/2025 6:30 am
Six months ago, Ukrainian forces launched a surprise counteroffensive into Russia’s Kursk region, capturing prisoners and forcing Russian troop withdrawals. Vitaly, a Ukrainian soldier, supports the incursion, which sparked debate in Ukraine. The Ukrainian General Staff claims Russia lost 40,000 troops, including 16,000 killed. North Korean troops were deployed but later withdrawn after heavy losses. Ukraine suffered hundreds of casualties and lost half of the seized territory. President Zelenskyy views the incursion as a success, potentially providing leverage in peace talks with Moscow. Ava Sinclair 08/02/2025 6:30 am
President Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza has complicated efforts to normalize Saudi-Israel relations. Saudi Arabia swiftly rejected the idea, emphasizing the need for an independent Palestinian state, including Gaza, before establishing ties with Israel. The quick response highlights the issue’s importance to Riyadh. Analysts suggest Trump’s comments could embolden Israeli actions in Gaza. Despite Trump’s longstanding ties with Saudi Arabia, his proposal may have inadvertently embarrassed the kingdom, complicating his Middle East aspirations, including a potential Saudi-Israel normalization deal. Penelope Kingsley 08/02/2025 6:30 am
The Trump administration seized a second plane belonging to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government in the Dominican Republic. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio observed the seizure, which required his waiver approval and U.S. Department of Justice consent. The Dassault Falcon 200, used by Maduro and aides, was linked to a sanctioned Venezuelan state-owned company. The seizure follows a visit by Trump’s envoy to Caracas to discuss repatriation of Venezuelan nationals in the U.S. Penelope Kingsley 08/02/2025 3:00 am
In July 1956, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake devastated Santorini, killing 53 and causing many to flee. The island, once a quiet fishing village, has since become a major tourist destination. However, recent tremors in June 2024 have led to another exodus as earthquakes exceeding 4.0 on the Richter scale shake the island. Despite the chaos, some resilient locals choose to stay, driven by courage, necessity, and a deep connection to their land. Noah Prescott 08/02/2025 3:00 am
Kash Patel, nominated by Trump to lead the FBI, holds over $1 million in stock in a Chinese-founded fashion company and has advised foreign clients, including a Czech arms maker criticized by Republicans. His financial disclosure reveals a net worth of up to $15 million, gained through consulting and board roles. As he awaits Senate confirmation, concerns arise about potential conflicts of interest with his former clients. His business dealings, particularly with foreign entities, are under scrutiny amid plans to reduce foreign lobbying law enforcement. Penelope Kingsley 08/02/2025 3:00 am
