Stories from Lausanne · Switzerland

The distribution of departments in the canton of Vaud has been finalized following the March supplementary election and the election of former National Councilor Roger Nordman. Socialist politician Sandra Viscardine will reclaim the department of health and social action from Rebecca Ruiz. The move is described as a choice of continuity for the region. The Canton of Vaud announced following its weekly session that the Health and Social Action Department will not be split into multiple ministries. This department manages the CHUV, which employs more than 13,000 people. The decision maintains the current structure of the department despite previous questions regarding its potential division. This decision follows calls from a majority of deputies for Valérie Dietli to resign due to involvement in several dossiers.

A biobank facility is storing 120,000 tubes of DNA samples in specialized freezers located in the basement of a CHUV facility. Elodie Rister-Cherry, the Biobank manager, and researcher Charlotte Chabin are overseeing the storage of these samples. The process involves extracting DNA and preserving it in frozen state. The facility aims to maintain these large-scale biological archives for research purposes. The University of Lausanne biobank has collected data from over 40,000 people to advance medical research. Participants must provide explicit consent for the reuse of data collected during care for research purposes. The process includes additional blood samples taken under strictly controlled conditions. The source said that no data is taken without such consent. The University of Lausanne and the Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) are maintaining a genomic biobank.

Stade Lausanne Ouchy will offer free entry to its supporters aged 6 to 16 for the Swiss Cup final on May 24th. The club has an allocation of 12,500 tickets for the match against St. Gallen. This strategy aims to fill the Wankdorf stadium for the final, as the team typically plays before fewer than 1,000 spectators in the Challenge League.

Archaeologist Marc-Antoine Cazaire, director of the Latinium museum, has authored a book titled 'Décoloniser le passé, l'archéologie et le réenchantement' (Decolonizing the Past, Archaeology and Re-enchantment). The book, published by Académie, explores how archaeology can contribute to accessing realities previously inaccessible to scientists. The Latinium museum is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year with various events.

The Grand Council of Lausanne has approved over 800 million Swiss Francs for the expansion of the city's metro network. A new line, M3, will be constructed, connecting the train station to the stadium La Tuilière. This project aims to improve public transport efficiency as bus systems are currently at capacity.

Luca, a victim of a fire in Lausanne, continues to undergo surgery two to three times per week. He has lost 20 kilograms and is currently relearning how to walk after spending two and a half months in a coma. Approximately 60% of his skin surface remains burned as he undergoes ongoing medical treatment.

A large benefit concert was held in Lausanne to support individuals injured in a devastating New Year's Eve fire. One survivor, Luca, suffered severe burns during the New Year's Eve inferno. SwissHearts foundation co-founder Yük Plati is collecting private donations to assist these families. Local and federal authorities in Kron-Montana and Wallis have not yet taken responsibility for the victims. Many victims are receiving treatment in specialized clinics in France, Germany, or Italy rather than in Switzerland. Proceeds from a solidarity concert will also support the families. Nearly 2,000 people attended a solidarity concert in Lausanne, with ticket prices equivalent to approximately 100 Euros.

Anna Arzano has been elected as the new president of the International Association of Sports Federations during an annual meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland.

A new metro line in Lausanne, Switzerland, now provides direct access to Lake Geneva. The transit system offers scenic routes along the waterfront, enhancing tourist and local accessibility.

Lausanne Sport has taken a commanding 3-0 lead against FC Zurich at halftime in a Swiss league match. FC Zurich has displayed significant weaknesses throughout the first half, struggling to maintain possession and momentum.