Archive
November 2026
Single health insurer tops BAG mailbox savings ideas
The single health insurer leads the FOPH's collection of ideas. The new savings package contains no such systemic change – partly because of the selection rules at the round table.
410 heat deaths in summer 2025: older people most affected
In Ticino the heat-related death rate in 2025 was six times as high as in eastern Switzerland. Behind the federal statistics is not a count of death certificates but a model calculation.
What a Democratic congressional majority would make harder for Trump
The US midterms are about more than blocked legislation. A new majority could scrutinise Trump and stop appointments – but his executive power would remain.
OPEC+ keeps December targets; Swiss oil supply tight
OPEC+ is holding back on higher output targets. Why the decision delivers neither a fixed heating oil price nor a supply guarantee for the whole winter.
Germany misses gas storage target; Swiss rely on reserves abroad
German storage facilities are filled less than planned ahead of winter. For Swiss supply, though, import routes, contractually secured volumes and demand also count.
US approves possible sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine
Washington gives the green light for a large Patriot purchase. The missiles must first be produced. Kyiv is therefore pressing to bridge the time until delivery with materiel from partner stocks.
Fewer contrails: flight trial shows value of targeted detours
Even a different flight altitude can prevent long-lasting contrails from forming. A European field test provides figures. In Switzerland, new requirements on fuels and climate claims apply.
BYD doubles exports – Swiss sales grow strongly
BYD shipped around 170,000 vehicles abroad in October. Swiss registration figures tell a different story: the brand is growing fast, but not mainly with pure electric cars.
Iran threatens retaliation without geographic limits
Tehran's military leadership sharpens its warnings to the US and Israel. On the same day, the foreign minister describes a diplomatic overture from Washington as a positive step.
After Frankfurt riots: 54 arrests and a row over consequences
The new tally from Frankfurt turns attention to the damage, the suspects and the police strategy. The next conflict is already looming over the protest announced for 20 November.
Zurich takes second place in a US travel insurer's safety ranking
A new ranking recommends Zurich as a particularly safe city destination. The comparison of 38 cities combines travel experiences with several indices. Official crime statistics answer a different question.
Gotthard Pass Stays Open by Day for Now, Closed at Night
The federal government is keeping the Gotthard Pass open during the day until 5 November for now. Anyone wanting to use the route must factor in the night-time hours and a possible earlier winter closure.
Binance to reopen withdrawals after billion-dollar hack
After the attack, Binance intends to allow withdrawals again. A proof of reserves answers only part of the questions customers face.
Fitch cuts France's outlook to negative in unscheduled move
Fitch did not wait for its next scheduled review to warn about France's debt trajectory. The agency expects higher debt and doubts a lasting budget correction.
Young Germans protest against austerity and conscription
On 31 October, young people took to the streets in German cities. Their demands meet a sharply growing defence budget – and a military service model with differing obligations.
Meta reportedly built a humanoid robot with Fourier
Meta is reported to be working with the Chinese robot maker Fourier. Swiss research projects show which tasks even skilled robots still struggle with.