Stories from Switzerland

The Sentisbahn cable car will only be accessible by foot starting this Friday. Popular routes such as the Tierwies via Schwegalpa are expected to see decreased usage because downhill train travel will no longer be possible.

Swiss operator Sunrise will increase prices for subscribers starting in August. The price hike applies to all mobile and internet subscriptions. For private clients, the increase will be 1.50 francs for a main contract and 0.75 francs for multiple or combined subscriptions.

The Swiss Competition Commission is investigating companies in the travel and online casino sectors. The probe focuses on potential collusion regarding online search engine advertising. Several companies have reportedly self-reported to the commission. The specific companies and platforms involved have not been made public. The investigation aims to examine the practices used by these sectors to secure prominent advertising placements. The investigation is currently underway, according to the report. The probe focuses on whether these providers are illegally bidding on search terms that match their own services to improve advertisement placement. The investigation will determine if these companies adhered to existing regulations. The Swiss Competition Commission (WECO) is investigating whether several companies engaged in self-reporting to avoid competing with one another.

IKEA is updating price tags for 15,000 items across all ten of its Swiss locations.

Researchers have induced an artificial micro-earthquake within the Gotthard Massif. This event marks the first time such a phenomenon has been intentionally provoked in this region.

The city of Lucerne has implemented a new measure requiring auto-cars to pay 100 francs to access the city center. The city attracts 1.4 million tourists annually, leading to continuous bus arrivals and passenger drops.

An investigation has revealed recurring governance dysfunctions at the Haute École Pédagogique Vaudoise (HEP Vaud). Diaz noted that experiences vary depending on the positions held and that it is complex for management to listen to all feedback.

The Swiss Federal Council has called for a round table to investigate the Cromontana fire disaster. Laurent Courte, a former Neuchâtel SP government councilor, has been appointed to lead a negotiation group for the investigation.

Research by Tagesanzeiger shows users on the Telegram messenger app are exchanging deepfake nude images. These deepfakes are used privately to shame or threaten victims. The practice is also occurring in schools, where boys create AI-generated pornography of female classmates.

An Yézal generator has been installed in a trailer in front of the Val d'Anivier telephone exchange. The generator is intended to provide electricity to the technical center in the event of a power failure.