Stories from Switzerland

Titlis Bergbahnen expects to resume regular operations this weekend following a rockfall that occurred nearly two weeks ago. The gondola lift between Engelberg and Trübsee had been interrupted by the incident.

Naturalization costs in Switzerland vary significantly between cantons and municipalities, ranging from several hundred to several thousand Swiss francs per person. Requirements also differ, with some regions mandating interviews while others require compulsory cultural courses.

Photographer Cindy Sherman is participating in a photography festival that features her work and books. Sherman described the event as an immense honor to celebrate the historical image the festival has established.

Artist Cindy Sherman's portrait, titled 'Untitled Number 96', was sold at auction for $3,890,000. The piece is being featured on the Locarno Film Festival poster. The sale represents a figure for a large-format photograph.

Swiss banking laws include a provision that subjects journalists to up to three years of imprisonment for using leaked bank data in investigative research. Provisional court measures can be imposed to prohibit newsroom reporting in Switzerland. Financial-heavy individuals and companies are using abusive lawsuits against smaller newsrooms as an intimidation tactic, according to the report.

Switzerland is considering allowing individuals with certain criminal records to apply for the 'Red Pass' or citizenship, regardless of their residency permit status. The proposal excludes terrorists and serious criminals from eligibility.

Researchers at ETH Zurich and partners are planning a live telescope to search for evidence of life on exoplanets. The project requires funding to proceed.

The canton of Vaud will modify its penal law to prohibit and punish the use of hate symbols in public spaces. The move aims to ban such symbols within the canton. This follows a decision regarding a popular initiative where the National Council rejected a counter-proposal.

Thousands of people are participating in demonstrations for increased social justice across many Swiss cities. An unauthorized follow-up demonstration involving far-left groups occurred along the route, where participants reportedly sprayed facades and shop windows. Demonstrations also took place in Bern and Basel, where Basel-Stadt Cantonal Police reported around 2,500 participants. Approximately 5,000 people participated in a May Day demonstration in Zurich to protest working conditions and wages. Several hundred participants in the procession were reportedly masked. Demonstrations were also reported in other locations globally. The weather during the demonstrations was described as cloudy and early morning. The event remained largely peaceful, though some masked individuals engaged in skirmishes with police and caused isolated property damage.

FIFA is increasing its economic allocation by 15 percent. The organization is also implementing a mandatory requirement for U-20 teams in all leagues worldwide. This move could lead to similar mandatory U-20 structures for clubs in Bolivia.