Ticino Defies Federal Directives on EU Citizen Background Checks

Ticino continues to defy federal directives by systematically requiring criminal record checks for EU/EFTA citizens seeking permits, citing public safety concerns following serious crimes committed by

Liam Carter
Liam Carter

Liam Carter is a public policy correspondent for Bern News Today, specializing in government accountability, regulatory affairs, and the oversight of non-profit organizations. He reports on consumer protection issues and the use of public funds.

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Bern Kindergarten Reopens After Arson Attack
Education
5 min

Bern Kindergarten Reopens After Arson Attack

Ricardo Mendez

The Brünnengut daycare center in Bern has reopened after extensive renovations following an arson attack in May. Children and staff temporarily relocated while repairs, more complex than expected, wer

Switzerland Toughens Stance on Iran
Politics
6 min

Switzerland Toughens Stance on Iran

Eleanor Vance

Switzerland has adopted a tougher stance on Iran, postponing human rights talks and fully implementing EU sanctions, freezing Revolutionary Guard Corps assets, and signaling an end to cautious diploma

Exiled Iranian Woman Details Family's Danger
Politics
8 min

Exiled Iranian Woman Details Family's Danger

Liam Carter

Mona Moazami, an Iranian woman in Switzerland, details her family's plight in Iran, who are in hiding after protests. She describes the psychological torture of communication blackouts and the devasta

SRG Bern Studio Future Uncertain Amidst Initiative Vote
Media
9 min

SRG Bern Studio Future Uncertain Amidst Initiative Vote

Liam Carter

A crucial vote on March 8 could drastically cut SRG funding, threatening the future of its Bern radio studio and 16 other regional locations. Journalists report increased pressure as the public decide

US Arms Delays Worth Billions Raise Concerns in Japan and Switzerland
Politics
6 min

US Arms Delays Worth Billions Raise Concerns in Japan and Switzerland

Liam Carter

A Japanese audit reveals $7 billion in delayed U.S. military equipment, raising concerns in Switzerland, which has also faced postponements on its arms orders.

Switzerland Seeks EU Steel Import Exemption
Economy
7 min

Switzerland Seeks EU Steel Import Exemption

Liam Carter

Switzerland has called for an extraordinary meeting with the EU Commission to seek an exemption from new steel and iron alloy import measures. Bern argues its exports do not contribute to global overc

Switzerland to Consider Military Funding Through VAT Hike
Politics
9 min

Switzerland to Consider Military Funding Through VAT Hike

Liam Carter

Switzerland's Federal Council proposes a temporary 0.8% VAT hike from 2028 to fund military rearmament, aiming for 2.7-3 billion CHF annually over ten years. This unprecedented move, driven by geopoli

Switzerland Plans Major Infrastructure Upgrades to 2045
Infrastructure
9 min

Switzerland Plans Major Infrastructure Upgrades to 2045

Liam Carter

Switzerland's Federal Council has approved a comprehensive infrastructure plan through 2045, focusing on significant rail capacity expansion and strategic road network improvements while canceling sev

Surgeon Faces Charges Over Faulty Implants in Bern Trial
Crime
9 min

Surgeon Faces Charges Over Faulty Implants in Bern Trial

Ricardo Mendez

A Bernese orthopedic surgeon faces charges of grievous bodily harm for using faulty spinal implants on seven patients, despite prior animal test failures and an international recall.

Brazilian Nanovetores Company Expands to Bern
Business
6 min

Brazilian Nanovetores Company Expands to Bern

Omar Hassan

A Brazilian nanoencapsulation firm, Nanovetores, is expanding to Bern, boosting economic ties between the Canton of Bern and Santa Catarina. This move, supported by the Greater Geneva Bern area, highl

Germany Seeks Swiss Movement on Neutrality and Defense
Politics
6 min

Germany Seeks Swiss Movement on Neutrality and Defense

Liam Carter

Germany's Ambassador Markus Potzel urges Switzerland to show more flexibility on its War Material Act, rearmament, and neutrality amid global shifts.

Italy Demands Joint Probe in Crans-Montana Tragedy
Politics
7 min

Italy Demands Joint Probe in Crans-Montana Tragedy

Ricardo Mendez

Italy demands a joint Swiss-Italian investigative team for the Crans-Montana fire that killed 40 people. This condition follows the recall of Italy's ambassador after a bar operator's release from det