Stories from Basel · Switzerland

Medical experts describe nitazenes as substances that act similarly to morphine or heroin but are significantly more potent. Professor Mark Vogel, chief physician at the University Clinics in Basel, discussed the dangers of these substances.

Sport director Daniel Stucke will leave FC Basel at the end of the season. The departure comes one year earlier than previously expected and is at his own request. A successor for the position has not yet been named. Sports chief Daniel Stuckey is leaving FC Basel at the end of the season. The club announced that Stuckey is departing at his own request one year before his contract was set to expire. Stuckey, who has held the role since 2024, is leaving at his own request to seek new challenges. His contract was originally valid for an additional year. The destination for his next role remains unconfirmed.

The Swiss National Council rejected a cantonal initiative from Basel-Stadt. The proposal sought to grant both Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft two seats each in the Council of States. The initiative also aimed to provide each canton with two votes in the Council of States. The proposal was defeated with 121 votes against and 51 votes in favor. Supporters argued the Basel region serves as a major economic engine for Switzerland.

Novo Nordisk shares fell 2.9% in morning trading following news regarding competition for its flagship heart disease medication. The decline follows developments involving an Alphabet subsidiary and the US Department of Defense. The company's patent for the medication is reportedly expiring. The decline follows the introduction of a generic competitor to the Swiss pharmaceutical group's flagship heart disease medication.

Mark Vogelschef, a physician at University Clinics in Basel, reported that nitazines have been found mixed into medications like Xanax. These substances may be added intentionally to increase dependency or as a result of unregulated laboratory processes. The drugs are often ordered via the internet without proper precautions. It noted that laboratories might intentionally mix these substances to increase dependency, though this remains unconfirmed.

FC Basel has successfully built up equity, a strategy that could be. The club did not invest all Champions League earnings into wage costs, which are the largest expense. Wage costs should not exceed 70 percent of revenue to avoid problems. Building equity provides a buffer for difficult times.

The city of Basel has established a 6 million Swiss franc 'City Revitalization Fund' to maintain the attractiveness of the downtown area. The project aims to stimulate local activity and support urban development initiatives within the city center. Funding is intended to be utilized within a specific timeframe to ensure economic impact.