Archive
September 2026
Hydrological Yearbook: the dry spring behind the annual average
The Hydrological Yearbook shows a dry spring in 2025, but not a uniform year everywhere. What Lake Constance, the Rhine Falls and changes in the monitoring network reveal about the data.
NDB cyber case: exoneration with a key question open
The Confederation's review of the NDB's former cyber unit is largely exonerating. A possible transfer of network data remains unresolved in criminal law terms.
Chief physician pay: why averages and top figures diverge
With chief physician salaries, the average, the pay band and the top figure tell different stories. The cost debate needs comparable data instead of individual headlines.
First Swiss F-35A signed — the cost dispute remains
The signature on the first F-35A marks visible production progress. It is neither the technical acceptance nor an answer to the dispute over costs and the fixed price.
VAT 2024: why two official figures diverge
Why does the new 2024 VAT statistic show more than the state accounts? Year-end cut-off explains the difference – and the sector data do not reveal the burden on households.
Promoting home ownership: why more purchase aid can raise prices
The ownership rate is falling, and young families without an inheritance struggle. But blanket support does not solve the underlying problem of scarce housing.
Passenger data: Switzerland to screen all foreign flights from 2027
From February 2027, fedpol will match the booking and travel data of international flight passengers against police systems. The law contains safeguards, but initially captures unsuspected travellers too.
Birth in Brazil: why Russian families take the long route
Russian families travel to Brazil to give birth. Behind this lie citizenship law, mobility and future security – combined with medical and legal risks.
Retirement planning from 50: what can still be corrected
At 50, much of a working life is already written – but the financial starting point for retirement is not yet fixed. AHV gaps, the pension fund, pillar 3a, the mortgage and the desired retirement date now need a first joint calculation.
Cembra moves to Baden: What the relocation means for Zurich
Cembra is planning the move to Baden. The frequently cited figure of 660 refers to employees at the current headquarters, not to announced job cuts.
Migros weighs overhaul of its ten cooperatives: who decides
From ten to three – or even a single cooperative: according to media reports, Migros is examining far-reaching models. Nothing has been decided. What matters is what rights regional cooperatives and their members keep.
Turkey offers Saudi Arabia military aid – but backing stays technical
Turkey declares itself ready to provide defence assistance to Saudi Arabia. What is technically possible, what the new pact delivers and which commitments are still missing.
Energy crisis as a US advantage? What the data actually show
The US exports more liquefied natural gas while Europe pays higher prices. A data check shows the winners, the costs and the limits of the thesis of an American energy coup.
Leaked court minutes – Federal Court files complaint against unknown
The Federal Supreme Court responds to a leaked session protocol with a criminal complaint. What is legally established – and why Tamedia is not accused.
Food statistics: 54 percent self-sufficiency, 21 sugar cubes
Switzerland covers just over half of its food needs itself. The data check shows big differences between milk, meat and fish – and gaps in the statistics.
Huawei in US court: 'criminal enterprise' is a charge, not a verdict
Huawei is on trial in the US over serious allegations. What the RICO charge means, how the company responds and why no verdict has been reached yet.
Meloni plans school burqa ban: what Italy already regulates
Giorgia Meloni promises a ban on burqas and niqabs in schools. What already applies, how decrees work and which fundamental-rights questions remain open.
Swiss heating statistics have a heat problem of their own
According to BFS monitoring, 51 percent of recorded buildings are heated with oil or gas. The more important figure: 49.7 percent of the entries have not been updated in more than eight years.
Trump and Pezeshkian: a meeting is possible, but not agreed
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Donald Trump is ready to meet Masoud Pezeshkian. No date, venue or agenda has been confirmed, and Gulf mediators are pushing for talks.
Greenland deal: more US military presence, no annexation
The announced Greenland deal is meant to strengthen the US military presence. According to Denmark, sovereignty and self-determination remain explicitly untouched.
Federal Court orders case-by-case review of osteopathy diplomas
The Federal Court returns two osteopathy cases to the SRK for reassessment. Formal hurdles must not replace the review of training and professional experience.
Sanctions against Yuliia Mendel: Criticism, Propaganda, Proof
Ukraine has sanctioned Yuliia Mendel over alleged Russian propaganda. Her accusations are largely unsupported, yet the state's action also demands close scrutiny.
AI False Alarm in the US Military: Near-Mission Exposes Control Gaps
A faulty AI tip is said to have nearly triggered a US operation against a Chinese ship. What matters less is the hallucination itself than the question of why oversight kicked in so late.
EC English closes: What language students need to know now
EC English has ended operations after 35 years, hitting 25 schools in seven countries. Students affected should secure their contracts, payment records and insurance cover – blanket refund guarantees do not exist.