Switzerland bans new arms exports amid Iran conflict, sticking to neutrality. Quiet powerhouse: wealthy, neutral, border‑hugging hub of global diplomacy.
A city report shows NYCHA's vacant units doubled from 2,840 in 2022 to 6,740 in 2025, with vacancies lasting up to a year. The cost to renovate each unit is estimated at $52,000, highlighting inefficiencies amid a housing crisis and ongoing safety risks.
Recent studies reveal accelerating declines in bird populations linked to climate change and intensified agriculture, shifts in tropical plant flowering disrupting ecosystems, and urgent gaps in insect species discovery. Conservation efforts show promise in restoring endangered species' behaviors, while research into centenarians uncovers blood proteins tied to slower aging, highlighting intertwined environmental and biological challenges worldwide.
A fire on a regional bus in Kerzers, Switzerland, resulted in at least six deaths and five injuries. Authorities believe it was caused by a voluntary act, with no evidence of terrorism. The incident echoes a deadly fire in Crans-Montana earlier this year.
A fire at the K Club Kehl in Germany injured three people and caused no fatalities. The incident involved 750 guests, with emergency services attending. The cause is under investigation. This follows a previous deadly nightclub fire in Switzerland on New Year’s Eve.
Following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, EU leaders urge maximum restraint and warn of escalation. Countries respond with diplomatic and military measures, amid concerns over regional stability and international law. The situation remains volatile as tensions escalate in the Middle East.
The annual Ig Nobel Prize ceremony, traditionally held in Boston, will be hosted in Zurich this year due to safety concerns and visa issues affecting international travel to the US. The event will alternate between Zurich and other European cities every other year, with no immediate plans to return to the US.
The US Trade Representative has launched investigations into over 60 countries, including China, the EU, and India, focusing on forced labor practices. The move aims to assess compliance and potentially impose tariffs, amid ongoing trade tensions and global economic pressures.
The U.S. has begun investigations under Section 301 to replace lost revenues with new tariffs, targeting multiple countries and sectors. Officials say the aim is to protect American jobs, with a 150-day deadline driving urgency as talks and existing trade frameworks could be affected by the new process.
A new report from the Austrian Alpine Club documents significant glacier retreat in Austria during 2024-2025, with some glaciers shrinking over 100 meters. The retreat reflects ongoing climate change impacts, with implications for water, energy, and ecosystems across Europe.
Switzerland announced it will not issue new licenses for exporting war materiel to countries involved in the Iran conflict, citing neutrality. Existing licenses to the US are under review, and exports to Israel and Iran remain restricted. The move follows US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Switzerland’s airspace restrictions.
Recent studies reveal dogs existed over 15,800 years ago, predating previous estimates by thousands of years. Evidence from bones in Turkey and Europe shows early dogs were widespread among hunter-gatherers, with diets similar to humans, indicating a close relationship long before agriculture.
Italian authorities have seized €20 million worth of assets linked to actress Ursula Andress, believed to be proceeds of money laundering connected to a fraud scheme involving her former financial adviser. The assets include properties, vineyards, and artworks in Tuscany. The case stems from Andress's report of financial fraud in Switzerland, with investigations revealing a complex scheme over eight years.
The DRC and M23 have agreed to facilitate humanitarian access, release prisoners within 10 days, and establish a ceasefire monitoring mechanism after five days of Swiss talks mediated by Qatar. Despite progress, disagreements remain over sentences and bank reopenings, with fighting continuing in eastern regions.
Wendy Duffy has died at a Swiss assisted suicide clinic after her application was approved, four years after her son's death. The UK bill allowing assisted dying has fallen short in Parliament, while Duffy's case highlights ongoing debates over end-of-life choices and mental capacity assessments.
Dara has won Eurovision 2026 in Vienna with Bangaranga, giving Bulgaria its first title. Israel finishes second amid protests over its Gaza war, while five countries boycott the contest. Delta Goodrem represents Australia and is seen as a strong contender.