Stories from Switzerland

Swiss private households collectively possess more than 5 trillion Swiss francs, according to a new evaluation by the Swiss National Bank. This funding was distributed across more than 6,000 research projects. The source noted this represents the highest level of support provided by the fund to date. Swiss private households held a total of 5,132 billion Swiss francs in wealth at the end of last year. The data represents an increase of 206 billion francs compared to the previous year. The data indicates a accumulation of assets among Swiss residents. This figure includes assets from houses and real estate. The National Council rejected a motion from Basel-Stadt to increase the representation of Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft in the Council of States. The motion sought to grant both cantons two seats and two votes each. Market value of these assets tripled over the last 25 years.

FIFA plans to ease yellow card restrictions during the upcoming World Cup in North America. Teams will now forfeit matches if they cause a game to be abandoned. During that match, Benfica's Jean-Lucca Pristiani was accused of making racist comments to Real Madrid's Venetius Junior while covering his mouth with his jersey. FIFA announced that verbal confrontations with opponents during this year's Men's World Cup will result in a red card. The announcement was reported by the BBC World Service. The FIFA Council is meeting during the International Football Federation Congress in Vancouver to discuss changing yellow card suspension rules for the World Cup. The announcement comes as London Zoo plans to open a state-of-the-art animal hospital with a public viewing gallery. Under the proposed rules, cautions would be annulled twice, including the first instance following the group stage.

Millions of cubic meters of ice, mud, and rock collapsed from the Nesthorn glacier in the Valais region of Switzerland. The landslide flattened the village of Platte, leaving 302 people homeless. The event occurred in the Lötschental valley. Local reports indicate the destruction happened suddenly. The event resulted in 302 people losing their homes. Debris from rockfalls has landed on the glacier, triggering further activity. The source reported that the mountain is moving in a manner not previously observed. The event follows a rockfall that impacted the area. Observers reported a white veil of dust appearing below the peak. The situation remains threatening despite clear skies and visibility. Recent activity included large sections of rock breaking off.

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.

UBS ranked as the sixth largest non-American investor in the nuclear weapons production sector last year. The bank allocated $3.7 billion to stocks and bonds within this sector in 2025. This figure represents a slight decrease compared to the previous year. The investments include companies involved in the production of nuclear weapons, though exceptions exist for investment funds containing multiple company securities.

Experts are preparing for the presence of nitazine drugs, which are being found in substances ordered from the internet. In March, nitazine was discovered in a counterfeit Xanax tablet in Zurich. Drug-checking services allow consumers to test their substances for free and anonymously. The report follows findings of Xanax-like sedative tablets. Julius Schmidt-Mark Vogel interviewed the head of university clinics regarding the issue. Nitazines are sometimes mixed into other substances, such as benzodiazepines, which are often purchased through internet shops. This poses a high danger because users may not take necessary precautions if they are unaware of the presence of these strong chemicals. A physician at University Clinics in Basel reported that nitazines are being mixed into benzodiazepines like Xanax, potentially through internet orders.

Swiss Economic Minister Ephraim Harmeler stated that abolishing working and rest time regulations would undermine health protections.

A defense lawyer argued that the main defendant, identified as Beran A, is an immature youth who does not understand his statements. The lawyer described the explosives found with the defendant as harmless. Two other young men are also facing charges alongside the main defendant. The defense strategy appears aimed at reducing the potential sentence.

The Gamp prosecutor's office reported that at least 150 victims lost nearly 2 million Swiss francs to a phishing scam. Victims provided personal data, credit card numbers, and account information to the criminals. The scheme operated by mimicking a standard phishing process to divert funds.

Expert Hans-Jörg Eger criticized the use of inflatable slides during an aircraft evacuation in Oblique. Eger stated that using stairs is safer as it reduces the risk of injury. He noted there appeared to be no immediate urgency requiring a precipitate exit from the plane. Swiss authorities have not yet taken a position on the incident. Passengers were evacuated via both slides and stairs following a motor problem.