What we know

Pegasus is spyware engineered to infiltrate smartphones running iOS and Android, commercially distributed starting in 2013 by Israeli company NSO Group. A technical demonstration occurred in Rabat in 2017, the year Morocco began deploying the tool.

The software was obtained without direct commercial transaction: the United Arab Emirates reportedly gifted Pegasus to Morocco.

Identified targets included journalists, human rights defenders, French politicians, and members of the Spanish government.

Pegasus was not the only surveillance tool deployed. Moroccan intelligence services also used hidden microphones and tapped phones to track critical voices.

Morocco denies having used Pegasus against critical voices.

Context

Project Pegasus is an international journalistic investigation whose initial revelations in July 2021 established that eleven nations had surveilled journalists, political opponents, and human rights activists using this spyware. That investigation was coordinated by Forbidden Stories and Amnesty International.

The judicial inquiry launched following those initial revelations continues five years later, indicating that criminal proceedings have progressed slowly despite technical evidence compiled by Amnesty International's forensic laboratories.

Timeline

• November 2017 Forbidden Stories founded by Laurent Richard, backed by Reporters Without Borders.
• 2017 Technical demonstration of Pegasus in Rabat. Morocco, after receiving the software as a gift from the United Arab Emirates, begins deployment. Targets include journalists, human rights defenders, French politicians, and Spanish government members.
• 2017–2021 Pegasus deployed for four years. Concurrently, Moroccan intelligence services use microphones and tapped phones. Traces detected as far as Switzerland.
• July 2021 Initial Project Pegasus revelations published, coordinated by Forbidden Stories and Amnesty International. Morocco denies any use of the tool against critical voices. Judicial investigations opened across multiple nations.
• July 16, 2026 A consortium of 14 media outlets publishes new revelations, including testimony from a former DGST agent confirming Morocco's Pegasus deployment.

The numbers

• 4 — Years Morocco deployed Pegasus, beginning 2017, according to the former DGST agent
• 14 — Media outlets in the consortium that published revelations on July 16, 2026

Evidence in Switzerland

Morocco's deployment of Pegasus left traces extending into Switzerland, according to information published by the consortium.

What remains uncertain

The identity of the former DGST agent has not been disclosed. The precise number of individuals surveilled and the specific nature of traces detected in Switzerland have not been detailed in available information. Additionally, reference sources for the term "Pegasus" in the verification system point to a different subject (a Normandy bridge); information about the spyware in this article derives from historical context sourced via Wikipedia.

What is Pegasus spyware?

Pegasus is spyware designed to infiltrate smartphones running iOS and Android, commercially distributed beginning in 2013 by Israeli company NSO Group. The earliest documented traces of its intrusions date to 2016.

How did Morocco obtain Pegasus?

According to the consortium's revelations, the United Arab Emirates gifted Pegasus to Morocco without direct commercial transaction with NSO Group.

Who was targeted by Morocco's use of Pegasus?

Identified targets include journalists, human rights defenders, French politicians, and members of the Spanish government.

What is Forbidden Stories?

Forbidden Stories is a platform of the Freedom Voices Network journalists association, founded in November 2017 by Laurent Richard and backed by Reporters Without Borders. It enables threatened journalists to secure their information and continue their work despite threats, imprisonment, or assassination.

Where does the judicial investigation into Project Pegasus stand?

The judicial inquiry continues five years after the initial 2021 revelations. Criminal proceedings have advanced slowly despite technical evidence collected by Amnesty International's forensic laboratories.

What We Know

For millennia, human travelers have crossed the Alps, leaving nominal traces on the routes they followed. Alpine pass names are as diverse as the cultures of the surrounding valleys.

Permafrost in the Alps is melting. Extreme floods and mudflows—known as Murgänge in German—are becoming increasingly common.

The article argues that Switzerland cannot avoid abandoning certain Alpine valleys. This conclusion, long viewed as a major taboo, is now beginning to be openly discussed.

Facing these changes, concentration on regional centers is deemed necessary throughout the Alps.

What Remains Uncertain

The precise meaning of the toponym 'Saeptu Monte,' cited in the NZZ article's title as an example of an Alpine pass name, could not be independently verified. No sourced definition of this term is available in the data provided.

Why are Alpine pass names so diverse?

Because populations of different cultures have crossed the Alps for millennia, each leaving its own designations on the routes they traveled.

What are mudflows (Murgänge)?

Murgänge is the German term for 'mudflows' or 'debris flows.' In the Alps, these phenomena are becoming increasingly frequent, alongside permafrost melting.

Is Switzerland truly considering abandoning Alpine valleys?

That is what the NZZ suggests, describing this possibility as a major taboo now in the process of being broken amid ongoing changes in the Alps.

According to Le Temps, Swiss photographer Virginie Rebetez presents 'The Encounter' at Photoforum Pasquart, a cultural center in Bienne dedicated to contemporary photography. The artwork resulted from the exhumation of her grandparents, René and Simone Rebetez.

In 2025, Rebetez learned that the cemetery plot concessions of her grandparents in Courrendlin (Jura) had expired. A cemetery plot concession is a right granted to a family to occupy a burial site in a cemetery for a fixed period. Without renewal, the municipality may proceed with grave leveling.

Rebetez proposed involving her family in the exhumation of the bodies and making it the centerpiece of a new artistic work.

The exhibition also presents 'You Will Find My Body at the Little Harbor' (2020), a photographic series documenting the suicide of her great-uncle.

Context

Virginie Rebetez has worked for nearly twenty years on themes of death and the memory of the deceased. The artwork 'You Will Find My Body at the Little Harbor' (2020), documenting her great-uncle's suicide, exemplifies this same personal and documentary approach.

In Swiss cemeteries, grave leveling occurs after a plot concession expires. Funeral monuments are removed and the ground is returned to its natural state, erasing any visible trace linking the deceased to the living.

Timeline

• Around 2006 Virginie Rebetez begins her artistic practice focused on death and the memory of the deceased.
• 2020 Creation of 'You Will Find My Body at the Little Harbor,' a photographic series documenting her great-uncle's suicide.
• 2025 Rebetez learns of the expiration of her grandparents' cemetery plot concessions in Courrendlin (Jura) and proposes involving her family in the exhumation, which becomes 'The Encounter.'
• 2025–2026 Presentation of 'The Encounter' and 'You Will Find My Body at the Little Harbor' at Photoforum Pasquart in Bienne.

What Remains Uncertain

Available information does not provide the exact opening and closing dates of the exhibition at Photoforum Pasquart.

What is 'The Encounter' by Virginie Rebetez?

'The Encounter' is a photographic artwork born from the exhumation of René and Simone Rebetez in Courrendlin (Jura) after their cemetery plot concessions expired in 2025. It is presented at Photoforum Pasquart in Bienne.

What is a cemetery plot concession?

A right granted by a municipality to a family to occupy a burial site in a cemetery for a fixed period. Without renewal upon expiration, the municipality may level the grave: monuments are removed and the ground is returned, erasing any visible trace of the deceased.

What is Photoforum Pasquart?

Photoforum Pasquart is the cultural center in Bienne, Switzerland that houses the Kunsthaus Biel Art Center, the Photoforum—a space dedicated to contemporary photography—the Filmpodium, and Espace Libre.

What other artwork is presented at this exhibition?

'You Will Find My Body at the Little Harbor' (2020), Rebetez's photographic series documenting her great-uncle's suicide, is also exhibited at Photoforum Pasquart during the same event.

Vitaa, French singer-songwriter born Charlotte Gonin in Mulhouse in 1983, is opening the 11th edition of Sion sous les étoiles on July 16, 2026. According to 24heures.ch, this is her first performance on this stage.

Sion sous les étoiles is an outdoor music festival held on the Tourbillon plain in Sion, in the canton of Valais, Switzerland.

Context

Vitaa has sold 3 million albums throughout her career, a figure highlighted on the occasion of her performance in Sion.

• 3 million — Albums sold by Vitaa throughout her career
• 11 — Edition number of Sion sous les étoiles festival in 2026

What remains uncertain

The date of the first edition of the Sion sous les étoiles festival could not be independently confirmed from available sources.

FAQ

Who is Vitaa?

Vitaa, real name Charlotte Gonin, is a French singer-songwriter born on March 14, 1983, in Mulhouse (Haut-Rhin). She has sold 3 million albums throughout her career.

What is Sion sous les étoiles?

Sion sous les étoiles is an outdoor music festival held on the Tourbillon plain in Sion, in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. The 2026 edition marks its 11th year.

When is Vitaa's concert at Sion?

Vitaa performs on July 16, 2026, during the opening night of the 11th edition of the Sion sous les étoiles festival.

On July 14, 2026, a 33-year-old Polish mountaineer died after a fall on Dufour Peak in the Zermatt region (Valais). According to 24heures.ch and Tribune de Genève, the fall occurred during descent from the summit, at approximately 4,600 meters altitude.

The victim was descending alongside another climber when she fell into the void. The other climber was able to alert rescue services.

A helicopter from Air Zermatt, a Valais-based company specializing in helicopter rescue operations in high mountains, was deployed by OCVS 144 — Valais Cantonal Emergency Services, the emergency coordination center for Valais canton (144 is Switzerland's medical emergency number). Upon arrival at the scene, rescuers could only confirm the mountaineer's death.

The Public Prosecutor's office opened an investigation to establish the exact circumstances of the accident. The causes of the fall remain to be determined, according to Valais cantonal police.

Context

Dufour Peak rises to 4,634 meters: it is Switzerland's highest point and the ninth-highest mountain in Europe. It is part of the Monte Rosa massif, on the municipality of Zermatt, at the border between Switzerland and Italy.

This accident occurs one day after another tragedy in the same region. On July 13, 2026, two mountaineers died on the Matterhorn, also near Zermatt. In two days, three people lost their lives in high mountains in this Alpine sector.

Timeline

• July 13, 2026 Two mountaineers die on the Matterhorn in the Zermatt region (Valais).
• July 14, 2026 — afternoon A 33-year-old Polish mountaineer and another climber descend from the Dufour Peak summit. The Polish mountaineer falls at approximately 4,600 meters altitude and dies. The other climber alerts rescue services.
• July 14, 2026 — rescue A helicopter from Air Zermatt, deployed by OCVS 144, arrives at the scene. Rescuers can only confirm the death.
• July 14, 2026 — after The Public Prosecutor's office opens an investigation to establish the exact circumstances of the accident.

The numbers

• 4,634 m — Altitude of Dufour Peak, Switzerland's highest mountain
• ~4,600 m — Approximate altitude of the fatal fall site during descent from the summit
• 3 — Mountaineers who died in the Zermatt region in two days (July 13–14, 2026)

What remains uncertain

The exact causes of the fall have not been established at the time of publication of this article. The investigation opened by the Public Prosecutor's office aims to determine the exact circumstances of the accident.

FAQ

What is Dufour Peak?

Dufour Peak is Switzerland's highest mountain, at 4,634 meters altitude. It is part of the Monte Rosa massif, on the municipality of Zermatt, at the border between Switzerland and Italy. It constitutes the ninth-highest mountain in Europe.

What is Air Zermatt?

Air Zermatt is a Swiss helicopter rescue and transport company based in Valais. It provides emergency rescue services in high mountains in the Valais Alps, particularly around the Matterhorn and the Monte Rosa massif.

Has an investigation been opened after the accident?

Yes. The Public Prosecutor's office opened an investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the fall. The causes remain to be established, according to Valais cantonal police.

Have there been other fatal accidents in the region recently?

Yes. On July 13, 2026, the day before the Dufour Peak accident, two mountaineers died on the Matterhorn in the same Zermatt region. In two days, three people died in high mountains in this sector.

The FAA, the US aviation regulator, announced on Tuesday, July 15, 2026 a 'major milestone' in the process of authorizing eVTOLs — devices nicknamed 'flying taxis' — following a first successful medical transport test, according to Le Temps.

The test consisted of transporting an animal organ aboard BETA Technologies' ALIA aircraft. The flight linked four airports in succession: Virginia Tech Montgomery Executive and Charlottesville Albemarle in Virginia, then Frederick Municipal and Martin State in Maryland.

According to an AFP simulation, the two first airports are approximately 200 kilometers apart, or about thirty minutes of flight time. The segment to Frederick lasted approximately 45 minutes, then the segment from Frederick to Martin State approximately 20 minutes.

Approximate flight segment durations during the test (in minutes)

The objective was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of emergency transport of human organs for transplants using this type of aircraft.

A pilot program from the Trump administration

The test is part of the eIPP, a pilot program launched by the Trump administration. In March 2026, this program selected eight projects distributed across 26 US states.

• 8 — eVTOL projects selected by the eIPP in March 2026
• 26 — US states covered by the program
• 4 — airports crossed during the test

FAA: no certification to date

To date, no eVTOL has received FAA certification.

virtually unlimited potential

Bryan Bedford, FAA administrator, cited by Le Temps

The FAA administrator, Bryan Bedford, believes that eVTOLs represent 'virtually unlimited potential', for uses ranging from urban and rural transport to medical missions, including research and rescue.

Projects worldwide

Many eVTOL taxi projects exist in the United States and other countries, notably for cities with heavy traffic like Los Angeles and Las Vegas, or for connections between airports and city centers.

Timeline

• March 2026 The Trump administration selects eight eVTOL projects in 26 states under the eIPP framework.
• July 15, 2026 The FAA announces the success of the first eVTOL medical transport test and calls this event a 'major milestone'.

What remains uncertain

Available sources do not specify the timeline for when the FAA might certify the first eVTOL. The full meaning of the acronym eIPP, as well as detailed descriptions of BETA Technologies and its ALIA aircraft, are not available in the verified definitions for this article.

What is an eVTOL or 'flying taxi'?

An eVTOL is a type of aircraft designated in sources as a 'flying taxi'. According to the FAA administrator, these devices are intended to provide urban, rural, and medical transport, as well as research and rescue missions.

Why is this test called a 'major milestone'?

Because it represents, according to the FAA, the first demonstration of the feasibility of emergency medical transport by eVTOL in an official US context, which advances the authorization process for these aircraft.

Are eVTOLs already approved in the United States?

No. No eVTOL has yet received FAA certification to date.

What is the eIPP program?

The eIPP is a pilot program launched by the Trump administration, which selected in March 2026 eight eVTOL projects in 26 US states. The full meaning of the acronym is not available in the verified sources for this article.

What was transported during the test?

An animal organ, not a human organ. The goal was to test the feasibility of organ transport for transplants before any real-world use.

According to Le Temps, the Italian region of Lombardy has hired Ticino lawyer Paolo Bernasconi to attempt to become a formal complainant—that is, gain the right to participate in the investigation and help determine criminal responsibility—in the proceeding arising from the fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana on January 1st.

Lombardy seeks to understand what it calls a 'catastrophe' and obtain compensation for financial and non-financial damages suffered 'by the Lombard institution and community.'

To justify its approach, Lombardy invokes the presence of victims from the region and the treatment of eleven patients at Niguardia hospital in Milan.

Criminal Procedure in Switzerland

Swiss criminal procedure law limits the status of injured party—formal recognition as a direct victim in a proceeding—to only those whose rights were directly affected by an offense. As a result, siblings of fire victims have been denied this status.

The Republic of Italy submitted a similar request for formal complainant status to the Valais Public Prosecutor's Office in late April. As of July 15, 2026, this request had not yet been resolved. Italy is represented in this proceeding by lawyer Romain Jordan.

Timeline

• January 1, 2026 Fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana.
• Late April 2026 The Republic of Italy submits a request for formal complainant status to the Valais Public Prosecutor's Office.
• July 15, 2026 Italy's request remains unresolved. Lombardy hires Paolo Bernasconi to pursue a similar action.

What Remains Uncertain

Multiple legal experts consulted express serious doubt that Lombardy will be admitted as a formal complainant under Swiss law.

Paolo Bernasconi might instead attempt to secure for Lombardy the status of 'interested third party'—a position that would allow it to follow the investigation without being formally admitted as a complainant.

Why does Lombardy want to enter the Swiss criminal investigation?

Lombardy points to the presence of victims from the region and the treatment of eleven patients at Milan's Niguardia hospital. It wishes to participate in determining criminal responsibility and obtain compensation for damages suffered by the Lombard community.

Does Lombardy stand a realistic chance of being admitted as a formal complainant?

Legal experts consulted believe it is highly unlikely. Swiss law reserves this status for people whose rights were directly affected by the offense. Even siblings of fire victims were denied this status.

What alternative might Lombardy consider?

Lawyer Paolo Bernasconi might seek the status of 'interested third party' for Lombardy, a position that would allow it to follow the investigation without being formally recognized as a complainant.

Is Italy also involved in the proceeding?

Yes. The Republic of Italy, represented by lawyer Romain Jordan, submitted a similar request for formal complainant status to the Valais Public Prosecutor's Office in late April. As of July 15, 2026, this request had not yet been resolved.

On the evening of July 14, 2026, Russian attacks killed at least three people on civilian and commercial ships. Oleg Kiper, head of the Odessa region's military administration, announced these strikes via his Telegram account.

Two people died on a ship flying the Marshall Islands flag. This type of registration, known as a "flag of convenience," allows ship owners to register their vessels in a third country offering favorable tax conditions, with no direct connection to actual ownership or crew origin. The ship was struck by a drone in an Odessa region port, where a fire broke out on board.

In the Black Sea, two commercial ships flying Tanzanian and Liberian flags were also hit. The captain of one of them was killed. The eleven other sailors were evacuated, three of them with injuries.

Context: a naval campaign intensified over nine days

These attacks are part of a systematic campaign. During the night of July 13-14, 2026, Ukrainian drones had struck 11 Russian ships in the Sea of Azov. This landlocked sea in Eastern Europe communicates only with the Black Sea. The total of Russian vessels hit thus reached 116 in nine days, according to Ukrainian military commander Robert Brovdi.

Ukrainian strikes also hit two Russian refineries: Afipskaïa in the Krasnodar region and Salavat in Bashkortostan. In response, Moscow announced alternative transport routes for its grain exports from the Sea of Azov.

Sergey Lavrov, Russian foreign minister, described Ukrainian attacks on Russian ships as 'terrorism,' placing them beyond piracy in his view.

The numbers

• 3 — Deaths in Russian attacks on civilian ships on July 14, 2026
• 116 — Russian ships struck in the Sea of Azov in nine days by Ukrainian drones
• 293 — Ukrainian civilians killed in June 2026, the deadliest month since the war began according to the UN

Civilian toll: June 2026, deadliest month since the war began

A UN report released on July 14, 2026, establishes that June 2026 was the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians since the conflict began in February 2014 and entered a phase of full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. At least 293 civilians were killed in June 2026.

Reshuffle in Kyiv

Also on July 14, 2026, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko officially resigned with the approval of the Ukrainian parliament. This resignation is part of a government reshuffle ordered by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Fraudulent recruitment: Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia investigate

Bolivia's Public Ministry announced on July 14, 2026, the opening of an investigation into possible fraudulent recruitment of Bolivian nationals into the Russian army through fake job offers. General Prosecutor Roger Mariaca confirmed requests for international cooperation. Peru and Colombia are conducting similar investigations.

The case of José Maria Soleto, a 29-year-old Bolivian empanada vendor, illustrates the suspected mechanism: he appears in a video wearing Russian army uniform in a conflict zone, alongside his cousin and people apparently from Peru and Colombia. He reportedly left Bolivia with the promise of earning $16,000.

Timeline

• Night of July 13-14, 2026 Ukrainian drones strike 11 Russian ships in the Sea of Azov, bringing the total of Russian vessels hit to 116 in nine days. Strikes also reach the Afipskaïa (Krasnodar) and Salavat (Bashkortostan) refineries.
• July 14, 2026 (daytime) Release of the UN report: June 2026 is the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians since the conflict began (at least 293 deaths). Resignation of Prime Minister Svyrydenko approved by parliament. Bolivia's Public Ministry announces an investigation into fraudulent recruitment for the Russian army.
• July 14, 2026 (evening) Russian attacks on civilian and commercial ships: three deaths (two on a Marshall Islands-flagged ship in Odessa, the captain of a ship in the Black Sea) and three wounded among eleven evacuated sailors.

What remains uncertain

The exact identity of the ships struck in the Black Sea is not specified in available sources. The final death toll could change. Bolivia's investigation into fraudulent recruitment is in its early stages: no suspects have been named and no total figure of affected nationals has yet been announced.

Frequently asked questions

Why are ships flying the Marshall Islands, Tanzanian, or Liberian flags sailing in the Black Sea?

These countries practice 'flags of convenience': ship owners register their vessels there to benefit from favorable tax and regulatory conditions. The ship's legal nationality reflects neither the actual ownership of the vessel nor the origin of the crew, which can complicate the assignment of responsibility in case of an incident.

What is the Sea of Azov, the theater of strikes on the Russian fleet?

The Sea of Azov is a landlocked sea in Eastern Europe that communicates only with the Black Sea. Strategically important for Russian grain exports, it has become the site of Ukrainian drone strikes in the conflict.

What does the UN report released on July 14, 2026 reveal?

The UN establishes that June 2026 was the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians since the start of the war, with at least 293 civilians killed. The conflict began in February 2014 and intensified with the full-scale invasion of February 24, 2022.

Why is Bolivia's Public Ministry investigating recruitment into the Russian army?

Bolivian nationals allegedly were recruited into the Russian army through fake job offers. The case of José Maria Soleto, 29, found in Russian uniform in a conflict zone with the promise of $16,000, illustrates the suspected mechanism. Peru and Colombia are conducting similar investigations.

On July 14, 2026, Nice marks the tenth anniversary of the July 14, 2016 attack. That evening, a truck plowed into crowds watching Bastille Day fireworks on the Promenade des Anglais, killing 86 people.

A decade later, victims and the Nice community say France has failed to recognize their loss. According to Tribune de Genève, the Nice community believes their tragedy was overshadowed by the November 13, 2015 Paris attacks—a series of jihadist terrorist attacks claimed by ISIS that killed 130 people, the deadliest in France's history.

Death toll from two major jihadist terrorist attacks in France (2015–2016), at the heart of Nice victims' sense of injustice

Paris: A Parade of European Dimension for Macron's Final Bastille Day

On the Champs-Élysées, 6,500 soldiers and more than 300 vehicles parade for Bastille Day. For the first time, 500 troops from the Coalition of Volunteers and 25 Ukrainian soldiers participate in the procession.

The Coalition of Volunteers is an international alliance of 35 nations, launched on March 2, 2025 at the London Summit on Ukraine. Led by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, it aims to support Ukraine against Russian invasion and establish a framework for lasting peace.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who remained in Paris after discussions on Ukraine the previous day, attends the parade alongside allied leaders. This is the tenth and final Bastille Day presided over by Emmanuel Macron.

Gibraltar Joins the Schengen Area

Gibraltar—a British Overseas Territory separated from Spain by a 1.2-kilometer border—joins the Schengen area on July 14, 2026. Physical border fences with Spain are removed and free movement applies; controls remain at the port and airport.

This accession comes six years after Brexit, which stripped Gibraltar of Schengen membership in 2020 and reinstated border controls after decades of free movement.

Brussels: Four EU Accession Conferences Held Simultaneously

Four European Union accession conferences are held simultaneously in Brussels on July 14, 2026—the first such occurrence in over two decades.

Australia: 25 Years On, Peter Falconio's Body Still Missing

On the 25th anniversary of Peter Falconio's murder—killed on July 14, 2001, in Australia's Northern Territory—police release previously unseen investigative photos on July 14, 2026. They renew a call for witnesses with a reward of 500,000 dollars for locating the victim's remains, which have never been found.

Bradley John Murdoch, convicted of this murder, died in July 2025 without ever confessing or revealing where the body is. The investigation remains officially open.

Brisbane: 17-Year-Old Stabbed at Islamic College

A 17-year-old student is stabbed on July 14, 2026, just before noon at the Islamic College of Brisbane, in the Karawatha suburb (south Brisbane, Queensland). Transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital with life-threatening injuries, a 16-year-old student known to the victim is assisting police.

And in Switzerland?

Kevin Spadanuda, a 29-year-old forward trained at FC Aarau, signs a two-year contract with FC Zürich on July 14, 2026. He leaves FC Luzern after three seasons; the transfer fee was not disclosed.

What Remains Unclear

The condition of the stabbing victim in Brisbane had not been confirmed as stable at publication time. The nations represented at the four EU accession conferences held in Brussels are not specified in available sources.

Why do Nice victims feel forgotten a decade after the attack?

According to Tribune de Genève, they believe their tragedy was overshadowed in media coverage and political attention by the November 13, 2015 Paris attacks (130 dead), which are the deadliest terrorist attacks in France's history.

What is the Coalition of Volunteers, whose troops are marching in Paris?

It is an international alliance of 35 nations launched on March 2, 2025 at the London Summit on Ukraine, spearheaded by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. It aims to support Ukraine against Russian invasion and establish a framework for lasting peace.

What concretely changes with Gibraltar's entry into the Schengen area?

Physical border fences between Gibraltar and Spain are removed and free movement applies. Controls remain at the port and airport. This ends a situation born of Brexit in 2020, which reinstated border controls after decades of open movement.

Why is Australian police reopening the Falconio case 25 years later?

Peter Falconio's body, murdered on July 14, 2001, has never been recovered. His convicted killer, Bradley John Murdoch, died in July 2025 without ever confessing or revealing where the remains are. The investigation remains officially open; police are offering a 500,000 dollar reward.

New precipitation and thunderstorm cells are expected across large regions of Switzerland from Tuesday afternoon, July 14, 2026, according to Blick.ch. This deterioration ends several days of dry summer weather.

Today's storms are concentrated in Central Switzerland and the Zurich region. Around 2:30 p.m., the first cells form in the Pre-Alps before moving eastward. More intense episodes remain possible in the late afternoon or early evening, according to Meteo News.

Early Tuesday morning on July 14, Meteo Schweiz issued a Level 4 alert—great danger—for the Schaffhausen region and parts of the Zurich canton. These alerts were no longer active at publication time, 8:47 a.m.

Alert for Wednesday, July 15

Meteo Schweiz has issued a Level 3 thunderstorm alert, characterized as considerable danger, starting Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at noon for large portions of Switzerland.

Timeline

• Monday, July 13, 2026 Severe weather primarily in the Grisons (Bündnerland).
• Tuesday, July 14, early morning Level 4 alert issued by Meteo Schweiz for the Schaffhausen region and parts of Zurich canton; lifted before 8:47 a.m.
• Tuesday, July 14, around 2:30 p.m. First thunderstorms form in the Pre-Alps and move eastward.
• Tuesday, July 14, late afternoon / early evening Potentially more intense thunderstorms possible, according to Meteo News.
• Wednesday, July 15, 2026, from noon Meteo Schweiz Level 3 thunderstorm alert in effect for much of Switzerland.

By the numbers

• Level 3 — Meteo Schweiz thunderstorm alert for Wednesday, July 15 starting at noon
• Level 4 — Morning July 14 alert for Schaffhausen and parts of Zurich canton, lifted at 8:47 a.m.

What remains uncertain

The exact intensity of Tuesday afternoon's thunderstorms has not yet been determined. Meteo News describes more intense episodes as 'possible' in the late afternoon or evening, without certainty about their magnitude or the specific areas affected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which regions of Switzerland are affected by thunderstorms on July 14, 2026?

Tuesday, July 14 thunderstorms are concentrated in Central Switzerland and the Zurich region. Morning alerts had also targeted the Schaffhausen region and parts of Zurich canton, but these were lifted before 8:47 a.m.

What does a Meteo Schweiz Level 3 alert mean?

Level 3 represents considerable danger on Meteo Schweiz's alert scale, Switzerland's national meteorological service. This alert is in effect for much of Switzerland starting Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at noon.

Are the Level 4 alerts from the morning of July 14 still active?

No. The Level 4 alerts—great danger—issued early on July 14 for the Schaffhausen region and parts of Zurich canton were no longer active at 8:47 a.m., the publication time of the Blick.ch article.

What we know

Iranian media reported multiple explosions on Iran's southern coast during the night of July 13-14, 2026. These strikes follow an Iranian attack on two tankers belonging to the United Arab Emirates, U.S. allies.

Iran had fired cruise missiles at these tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, killing one Indian sailor and injuring eight people, according to the UAE Defense Ministry.

• 1 — Sailor killed in Iranian attack on UAE tankers
• 8 — People injured in the attack
• 20% — Tax proposed on cargo value transiting the Strait of Hormuz
• $30M — Estimated cost per passage for a large tanker (New York Times)

Crisis timeline

• June 14, 2026 U.S. and Iran conclude a truce framework agreement, with a 60-day deadline for negotiations on a lasting end to the conflict.
• Night of July 13-14, 2026 Iran attacks two UAE tankers in the Strait of Hormuz with cruise missiles. One Indian sailor is killed, eight people are wounded.
• Night of July 13-14, 2026 Third consecutive night of U.S. strikes on Iran. Iranian media report explosions on the country's southern coast.
• July 14, 2026 Trump declares the truce over, announces a naval blockade, and proposes a 20% tax on cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Transit tax: An unprecedented and contested measure

Trump announced a 20% tax calculated on cargo value for any vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz. He justified the measure by saying the U.S. needs compensation for providing secure escort for ships through this strategic passage.

The New York Times estimated the tax would amount to roughly $30 million per passage for a large tanker. Under international law, international waters are freely navigable for all, without charges.

Shipping companies and logistics firms would pay the tax on the spot but would pass it along to their end customers. All goods transiting the strait would thus become more expensive, fueling global inflation.

International reactions

20% is too much. We will be fair.

Iranian Foreign Minister, on X

Iran, which has itself already collected transit fees, responded with mockery, claiming it has always been and remains the "guardian" of the Strait of Hormuz.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called the tax "piracy."

Economic and political stakes in the U.S.

SRF economic journalist Charlotte Jacquemart believes the announcement is not politically favorable to Trump. It comes amid growing U.S. budget deficits and declining investor confidence in capital markets, just months before the midterm elections scheduled for fall 2026.

What remains uncertain

The concrete details of how the naval blockade and transit tax will be implemented have not yet been clarified. The extent of damage caused by U.S. strikes on Iran's southern coast is not yet known.

The possibility of resuming negotiations within the timeframe set by the truce remains open but is not yet confirmed.

Why did the United States strike Iran?

The U.S. strikes are part of an escalation following Iran's attack on two UAE tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump declared the truce concluded thirty days earlier to be terminated.

What does the transit tax proposed by Trump consist of?

Trump is proposing a 20% tax calculated on cargo value for any ship crossing the Strait of Hormuz. The New York Times estimates it at roughly $30 million per passage for a large tanker. Under international law, international waters are freely navigable, without charges.

What was the truce agreement between the United States and Iran?

A framework agreement had been concluded thirty days before July 14, 2026 as the basis for negotiations on a lasting end to the conflict, with a total 60-day deadline. Trump declared it broken on July 14, 2026.

What economic consequences would this tax have?

Shipping companies would pass the tax along to their end customers, making all goods transiting the strait more expensive and fueling global inflation.

Kevin Spadanuda, a 29-year-old striker, joined FC Zürich on 14 July 2026. He signed a two-year contract with the Zurich club, according to Tages-Anzeiger.

He leaves FC Luzern, where he played for the past three seasons.

Trained at FC Aarau, Spadanuda also spent a season in France with Ajaccio before joining Luzern.

Player's career path

• Early career Kevin Spadanuda was trained at FC Aarau.
• Season in France He played one season with Ajaccio.
• Last three seasons Spadanuda played at FC Luzern.
• 14 July 2026 Signs two-year contract with FC Zürich.

What remains unclear

The transfer fee and specific financial terms of the contract have not been disclosed.

FAQ

What is Kevin Spadanuda's new club?

Kevin Spadanuda signed with FC Zürich on 14 July 2026 for a two-year period.

Where is Kevin Spadanuda from?

He leaves FC Luzern, where he played for three seasons. Trained at FC Aarau, he also played for Ajaccio in France.

What is the transfer fee?

The transfer fee has not been disclosed in the available information.

Mikaël Magliocco, a Valais winemaker heading the family estate in Saint-Pierre-de-Clages, was crowned Swiss organic winery of the year 2026 in mid-June 2026, according to Le Temps. This annual distinction recognizes Switzerland's finest organic wine producer, evaluated based on wine quality and the rigor of organic farming practices adopted by the operation.

He runs the family domain inherited from his father, a winemaker-and-producer—a term for a producer who handles the entire production chain, from vineyard cultivation to bottling in their own cellar. The estate is located in Saint-Pierre-de-Clages, a locality within Chamoson municipality.

His calling to winemaking took root in childhood: he began working the vines alongside his father at age seven, an experience that shaped his deep commitment to the profession.

Personal life

Married to Paloma and father of two children, Ezra and Dahlia, Mikaël Magliocco acknowledges not being present enough for them. Outside his winery, he is passionate about climbing, cycling, and gastronomy, but says he lacks time for these pursuits.

Context

Organic agriculture is a production method that aims to respect natural cycles and maintain the health of soil, water, air, vegetation, and animals. Saint-Pierre-de-Clages is a Valais locality situated on the alluvial cone of the Losentse River, within Chamoson municipality.

What remains uncertain

Available sources do not specify which organization awards the Swiss organic winery of the year title, nor do they detail the selection criteria or jury composition. The year in which Mikaël Magliocco took over his father's family estate is also not disclosed.

Who is Mikaël Magliocco?

Mikaël Magliocco is a Valais winemaker who runs the family estate in Saint-Pierre-de-Clages, inherited from his father, a winemaker-and-producer. He was crowned Swiss organic winery of the year 2026 in mid-June 2026.

What is the Swiss organic winery of the year?

It is an annual distinction recognizing Switzerland's best organic wine producer, evaluated on wine quality and the rigor and consistency of the organic farming practices adopted by the operation.

Where is Mikaël Magliocco's estate located?

The estate is located in Saint-Pierre-de-Clages, a locality of Chamoson municipality, in Valais.

Max Eiselin, a Swiss mountaineer from Lucerne, died on July 9, 2026, at the age of 94. According to Le Temps, the information comes from an obituary published in the Luzerner Zeitung.

Eiselin led, in May 1960, the eighth attempt at the first ascent of Dhaulagiri — a Himalayan peak in Nepal rising to 8,167 metres, the world's seventh-highest. This attempt was the first to succeed.

The expedition operated under extremely precarious conditions: reindeer-skin boots, tents sewn by the climbers themselves. With oxygen bottles insufficiently pressurised, the team reached the summit without respiratory assistance — a first at this altitude.

Eiselin himself could not reach the summit. The transport plane nicknamed 'Yeti' — a Pilatus PC-6 Porter, a single-engine short take-off and landing (STOL) utility aircraft designed by Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft — suffered an engine failure that prevented it from meeting up with his team.

Context

Alongside his mountaineering accomplishments, Eiselin was a pioneer of mountain retail in Switzerland. In the 1950s, he opened the country's first specialised mountain sports store.

The chain operated for several decades. In 2017, Keystone-ATS — Switzerland's leading news agency, formed from the merger of the Swiss Telegraph Agency (founded in 1894) with the Keystone photo agency in 2018 — reported the closure of the last store.

Chronology

• 1950s Max Eiselin opens Switzerland's first specialised mountain sports store.
• May 1960 Under Eiselin's leadership, the expedition succeeds in the first ascent of Dhaulagiri, without supplementary oxygen. An engine failure of the Pilatus Porter 'Yeti' prevents Eiselin himself from reaching the summit.
• 2017 Closure of the last Eiselin store reported by Keystone-ATS.
• July 9, 2026 Max Eiselin dies at age 94, announced by an obituary published in the Luzerner Zeitung.

What remains uncertain

Max Eiselin's death is reported by a single source: Le Temps, based on an obituary published in the Luzerner Zeitung. No independent confirmation is available at this time.

What is Dhaulagiri?

Dhaulagiri is a Himalayan peak in Nepal, rising to 8,167 metres. It is the world's seventh-highest mountain. Its first ascent was achieved in May 1960 by the expedition led by Max Eiselin.

Why didn't Eiselin himself reach the Dhaulagiri summit in 1960?

The expedition's transport plane, a Pilatus Porter nicknamed 'Yeti', suffered an engine failure that prevented Eiselin from joining his team in time for the final climb.

Why is the first ascent of Dhaulagiri considered exceptional?

The team used rudimentary equipment — reindeer-skin boots, hand-sewn tents — and climbed the summit without supplementary oxygen, due to inadequately pressurised bottles. A first at this altitude.

What commercial legacy did Max Eiselin leave in Switzerland?

In the 1950s, he opened Switzerland's first specialised mountain sports store. The chain operated for several decades, until the closure of its last location in 2017.

The death toll from the double earthquake that struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026 exceeded 4,500 according to revised official figures as of July 14, 2026, reported 24heures.ch and the Tribune de Genève. The two earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, struck 39 seconds apart.

The impact was concentrated on the capital Caracas and the state of La Guaira, located on the northern coast of the country.

Disaster victims were sheltered in makeshift camps set up in stadiums, public squares, and on the streets of La Guaira state.

Oil Production Maintained

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez stated on July 14, 2026 during a televised meeting with economic operators that the country's petroleum production stands at 1,203,000 barrels per day and was not affected by the earthquakes.

The two main extraction basins are not located in the disaster zone. Lake Maracaibo—a brackish bay in the western part of the country whose subsurface has been exploited for oil for over a century—and the Orinoco Belt—a territory in the southern band of the eastern Orinoco River basin that holds the world's largest proven oil reserves—are distant from the northern coast that was struck by the earthquakes.

Context: A Gradual Industry Recovery

Venezuelan petroleum production had peaked at approximately 3 million barrels per day in the early 2000s before falling to a historic low of 350,000 barrels per day in 2020, due to mismanagement and corruption.

Venezuelan oil production: from historic peak (approximate value) to current level, in barrels per day

Political Transition Underway

Delcy Rodriguez has been serving as interim president since Nicolás Maduro's capture by the U.S. military on January 3, 2026. Since then, she has pursued a policy of openness toward foreign investors and has called on Washington to lift all sanctions against Venezuela.

As part of this effort, she enacted a new hydrocarbon law that reduces the Venezuelan state's participation in petroleum affairs.

Diplomatic Reshuffle

On July 14, 2026, Delcy Rodriguez appointed Félix Plasencia as the new Foreign Minister, replacing Yván Gil. Plasencia, a seasoned diplomat who previously held the position in 2021-2022, was serving as head of the diplomatic mission in Washington before his appointment.

The ministries of External Relations and Foreign Trade were simultaneously merged, according to the interim president's announcement.

U.S. Humanitarian Aid

The United States announced nearly $400 million in aid and the deployment of two military vessels to assist Venezuela, according to the U.S. Embassy.

Timeline

• Early 2000s Venezuela produces approximately 3 million barrels of oil per day, making the country one of the world's leading petroleum producers.
• 2020 Production collapses to 350,000 barrels per day—its historic low—following decades of mismanagement and corruption.
• January 3, 2026 Nicolás Maduro is captured by the U.S. military. Delcy Rodriguez succeeds him as interim president and initiates a policy of openness to foreign investors, including through a new hydrocarbon law that reduces the state's share in petroleum affairs.
• June 24, 2026 Double earthquake (magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck 39 seconds apart) strikes Caracas and La Guaira state. The petroleum production basins of Lake Maracaibo and the Orinoco Belt are not affected.
• June 26, 2026 The UN estimates that up to 50,000 people are missing. Venezuelan authorities release no official figures on missing persons.
• July 14, 2026 The official death toll is revised to over 4,500. Delcy Rodriguez announces that oil production remains unchanged at 1,203,000 barrels per day, appoints Félix Plasencia as Foreign Minister, and announces the merger of two ministries. The United States announces nearly $400 million in aid.

The Numbers

• Over 4,500 — Official deaths as of July 14, 2026
• 1,203,000 barrels per day — Oil production maintained according to Delcy Rodriguez (July 14, 2026)
• Up to 50,000 — People reported missing according to the UN (June 26, 2026)
• Nearly $400 million — U.S. humanitarian aid announced to Venezuela

What Remains Uncertain

The number of missing persons remains undetermined. Venezuelan authorities have released no official accounting of missing persons. The UN estimated up to 50,000 missing on June 26, 2026, two days after the earthquake. Some projections suggest a figure closer to 10,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Venezuelan oil production not affected by the earthquakes?

The two main petroleum basins—Lake Maracaibo to the west and the Orinoco Belt to the east—are geographically distant from the disaster zone, which was concentrated on the northern coast (Caracas and La Guaira).

Who has governed Venezuela since Nicolás Maduro's capture?

Delcy Rodriguez has served as interim president since January 3, 2026, when Nicolás Maduro was captured by the U.S. military.

How many people are reported missing after the double earthquake?

The exact number is unknown. Venezuelan authorities have released no official count of missing persons. The UN estimated up to 50,000 missing on June 26, 2026. Some projections suggest a figure closer to 10,000.

What is the Orinoco Belt?

The Orinoco Belt (Faja Petrolífera del Orinoco in Spanish) is a territory located in the southern band of the eastern Orinoco River basin in Venezuela. It contains the world's largest proven petroleum reserves, according to Wikipedia.

What international aid is Venezuela receiving after the earthquake?

The United States has announced nearly $400 million in aid and the deployment of two military vessels, according to the U.S. Embassy.

On July 13, 2026, a Montreal court found Peter Nygard guilty of sexual assault and confinement of an 18-year-old woman, according to Le Temps. The acts date to 1997 and 1998 and occurred at Nygard's Montreal residence. Nygard, 84, is a Finnish-Canadian founder of Nygard International, a women's ready-to-wear company.

Prosecutor Jérôme Laflamme publicly announced the guilty verdict. The complainant was present at the hearing but did not have to testify. Sentencing will be determined at a later hearing.

Nygard chose not to present a defense—a right under Canadian criminal law permitting an accused to produce no defense following the close of the Crown's evidence, which results in a de facto guilty verdict if the elements of the offense are established. He appeared by videoconference from his Ontario prison. The scheduled ten-day trial was thus canceled.

Context

Peter Nygard has been incarcerated in Toronto since December 2020. In September 2024, an Ontario court sentenced him to 11 years in prison for sexual assaults against four women, a sentence he has been serving since then.

Charges brought in the province of Manitoba were abandoned in October 2025 on procedural grounds—a formal irregularity in the conduct of judicial proceedings that can result in nullification of actions taken, regardless of the merits of the case.

Nygard is moreover awaiting possible extradition to the State of New York. Extradition is the procedure by which one state surrenders an individual to another state that demands him for trial or for execution of a sentence. He faces nine federal charges there—including racketeering and sex trafficking—for alleged acts between 1990 and 2020.

Timeline

• 1997-1998 Sexual assault and confinement of an 18-year-old woman at Nygard's Montreal residence: acts confirmed in the July 13, 2026 conviction.
• December 2020 Arrest and incarceration of Peter Nygard in Toronto.
• September 2024 Convicted to 11 years in prison by a Toronto court for sexual assaults against four women.
• October 2025 Abandonment of charges in the province of Manitoba on procedural grounds.
• July 13, 2026 Montreal court: Nygard found guilty of sexual assault and confinement (acts from 1997-1998). He chose not to present a defense by videoconference. Sentencing will be determined later.

The numbers

• 11 years — Sentence handed down in Toronto in September 2024 for sexual assaults against four women
• 9 — Federal charges in the United States (racketeering and sex trafficking, alleged acts 1990-2020)
• 84 years — Peter Nygard's age at the time of the July 13, 2026 judgment
• 10 days — Duration of the trial scheduled in Montreal, canceled following Nygard's choice not to present a defense

What remains uncertain

The sentence for the Montreal conviction on July 13, 2026, has not yet been set. It will be determined at a later hearing.

The date of a possible extradition hearing to the State of New York has not been announced.

Frequently asked questions

Why was Nygard convicted without holding a full trial in Montreal?

Under Canadian criminal law, an accused may choose not to present a defense following the close of the Crown's evidence. This decision results in a de facto guilty verdict if the elements of the offense are established. The scheduled ten-day trial was thus canceled.

What sentence is Peter Nygard currently serving?

He is serving an 11-year prison sentence handed down in September 2024 by a Toronto court for sexual assaults against four women.

Why were the Manitoba charges abandoned?

The charges were abandoned in October 2025 on procedural grounds—a formal irregularity in the conduct of the proceedings, unrelated to the merits of the case.

What risks does Peter Nygard face in the United States?

He faces nine federal charges in the State of New York, including racketeering and sex trafficking, for alleged acts between 1990 and 2020. An extradition proceeding has been underway since his Canadian incarceration.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on July 13, 2026 at 4:45 p.m. ET (10:45 p.m. Central European Time) the launch of a third consecutive night of airstrikes against Iran, shortly after midnight Tehran time.

These operations aim to inflict heavy losses on Iranian forces and reduce their capacity to attack civilians and disrupt maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, the waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman.

Four explosions were heard near Bandar Abbas, a port city in southern Iran on the Strait, according to IRNA—the Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran's official state news agency under the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Orientation.

UAE tankers hit by Iranian missiles

Two UAE-flagged oil tankers, the Mombasa and Al-Bahiyah, were struck by two Iranian cruise missiles in Omani territorial waters, in the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz.

One Indian sailor was killed and eight crew members were injured. Fires aboard were subsequently brought under control.

The UAE Ministry of Defense condemned the attack as a "grave violation of international law" and reserved the right to respond.

Trump announces blockade and tax

President Trump announced the restoration of a US naval blockade—a measure aimed at preventing merchant vessels from accessing a nation's ports—targeting Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz. According to the US military, this blockade takes effect on July 14, 2026 at 8 p.m. GMT (10 p.m. Central European Time).

Trump also announced a 20% tax on cargo transiting through the Strait.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, speaking at an event in São Caetano do Sul (São Paulo), said the US would be acting as "pirates" if it imposed such a transit tax.

When questioned in the Oval Office on July 13, 2026, Trump said an agreement with Iran remained "possible".

possible

Donald Trump, Oval Office, July 13, 2026 (on the possibility of a deal with Iran)

Oil price impact

On the evening of July 12, 2026, following a fourth wave of US airstrikes in one week, WTI (West Texas Intermediate, a crude oil type used as the international reference benchmark for crude oil pricing) surged 4.1% to $74.33 per barrel. Brent rose 3.88% to $78.96 per barrel. Brent had already gained 5.4% the previous week.

Oil price increases on July 12, 2026 (in %), following fourth wave of US airstrikes in one week

Background

A ceasefire between the US, Israel, and Iran had been in place before the July 2026 escalation. Trump had declared the truce with Tehran over a few days before July 13, opening the way for a campaign of direct strikes against Iran.

In a radio interview on July 13, 2026, Trump said the US would strike Iran "hard tonight — and tomorrow too".

hard tonight — and tomorrow too

Donald Trump, radio interview, July 13, 2026

In the night of July 11-12, 2026, the US conducted approximately 140 strikes against Iran. On July 12, in retaliation, Iran launched missiles and drones against Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain, and struck American military bases in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.

On the same July 12, a merchant vessel was attacked in the Strait and abandoned on fire by its crew. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC, the Iranian paramilitary organization reporting directly to the Supreme Leader) also targeted a container ship.

Timeline

• A few days before July 13, 2026 Donald Trump declares the truce with Iran over, ending a ceasefire between the US, Israel, and Iran.
• Night of July 11-12, 2026 The US conducts approximately 140 strikes against Iran in a single night.
• July 12, 2026 In retaliation, Iran launches missiles and drones against four Gulf nations and strikes American military bases in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. Tehran declares the Strait of Hormuz closed "until further notice" — a claim disputed by CENTCOM.
• July 12, 2026 A merchant vessel is attacked in the Strait and abandoned on fire. A container ship is targeted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
• July 12, 2026, evening WTI surges 4.1% to $74.33/barrel and Brent rises 3.88% to $78.96/barrel.
• July 13, 2026, radio interview Trump says the US will strike Iran "hard tonight — and tomorrow too".
• July 13, 2026, 4:45 p.m. ET (10:45 p.m. Central European Time) CENTCOM officially announces the third consecutive night of strikes. Four explosions heard near Bandar Abbas.
• July 13, 2026, Oval Office Trump announces restoration of US blockade of Iranian ports and a 20% tax on cargo transiting the Strait. He says an agreement remains "possible".
• July 14, 2026, 8 p.m. GMT (10 p.m. Central European Time) US blockade of Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz takes effect, according to the US military.

What remains unclear

The effective status of the Strait of Hormuz is subject to conflicting claims: Tehran declared the passage closed "until further notice" on July 12, 2026, but CENTCOM asserts the Strait remains open to navigation.

The exact date of the blockade announcement is not established with certainty: Le Temps dates it to Monday, July 13, 2026, while a Lost in the Jungle article dates it to July 14. The implementation date of July 14 at 8 p.m. GMT is consistent between both sources.

What is the Strait of Hormuz?

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. It is bordered to the north by Iran and to the south by the UAE and the Sultanate of Oman. It is a major transit route for global oil exports.

What is a naval blockade?

A naval blockade consists of a naval force investing a coastline to prevent merchant ships from communicating with ports in the blocked zone. Trump's announced blockade targets Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz.

Why did oil prices surge?

The fourth wave of US strikes in a week and Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz fueled supply disruption concerns. WTI gained 4.1% and Brent rose 3.88% on July 12, 2026.

What are the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)?

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is an Iranian paramilitary organization reporting directly to the Supreme Leader of Iran. They are part of Iran's armed forces and have targeted vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

On July 13, 2026 at 8:11 p.m., Catherine Frammery publishes an editorial in Le Temps titled "In Praise of Those Who Change Their Minds." This piece is part of the weekly series "Forming and Unforming Opinions," which explores changing one's mind throughout the week from philosophical, historical, and political perspectives.

The editorial draws on several historical examples—Swiss, French, and German—to argue that changing position can reflect pragmatism or clear-sightedness, not merely inconsistency.

Historical Examples

In Switzerland, men rejected granting women voting rights in a federal referendum around 1959, then voted yes in 1971—twelve years later. This collective reversal is among the cases cited in the editorial.

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) is also mentioned: it abandoned its floor rate—the minimum EUR/CHF exchange rate it had set at 1.20 Swiss francs per euro—just one month after officially confirming it.

Three political figures further illustrate the point: General de Gaulle, who evolved on the question of French Algeria; French socialists, who reversed course on austerity and market economics; and Angela Merkel, with her "Wir schaffen das!"—"We can do this!"—statement delivered on August 31, 2015, in defense of welcoming refugees in Germany during Europe's migration crisis.

It's not the weather vane that's turning; it's the wind.

Edgar Faure, French statesman (1908–1988), cited in the Le Temps editorial

Filter Bubbles and Swing States

The editorial addresses the phenomenon of the "filter bubble": on social media, algorithms tend to expose users only to opinions similar to their own, reducing contact with divergent viewpoints.

Conversely, American swing states—roughly a dozen states that can shift from Democratic to Republican control from one election to the next—are cited as examples of voters who actually change their minds, attracting intense attention from candidates and media.

Timeline

• Around 1959 First Swiss federal referendum on women's suffrage: Swiss men vote no, rejecting an extension of voting rights to women.
• 1971 Second federal referendum: Swiss men grant women voting rights, twelve years after the first rejection.
• August 31, 2015 Angela Merkel delivers "Wir schaffen das!" to defend welcoming refugees in Germany during Europe's migration crisis.
• July 13, 2026 Catherine Frammery publishes "In Praise of Those Who Change Their Minds" in Le Temps, part of the "Forming and Unforming Opinions" weekly series.

What is the "Forming and Unforming Opinions" series in Le Temps?

It is a weekly series published in Le Temps that explores changing one's mind from philosophical, historical, and political perspectives. Catherine Frammery's July 13, 2026 editorial is part of this ongoing series.

When did women obtain voting rights in Switzerland at the federal level?

Swiss women obtained federal voting rights in 1971 following a referendum. An earlier vote around 1959 had rejected the measure—approximately twelve years before the reversal.

What is a "filter bubble" as discussed in the editorial?

A filter bubble refers to how social media algorithms expose users primarily to content aligned with their own opinions or past behavior, reducing exposure to divergent viewpoints and limiting intellectual diversity.

Who is credited with the phrase "It's not the weather vane that's turning; it's the wind"?

The phrase is attributed to Edgar Faure (1908–1988), a French statesman, and appears in the Le Temps editorial of July 13, 2026.

The Winterthur city police (Stadtpolizei Winterthur) — the municipal police force of the city, distinct from the Zurich cantonal police — has confirmed that it is conducting a major police operation (Grosseinsatz) since the evening of Monday, July 13, 2026 in a residential district of the city. A Grosseinsatz refers to a large-scale police deployment mobilizing exceptional resources such as specialized units, drones, and medical services.

According to the Tagesanzeiger, which relied on images and social media posts, the operation is taking place in the Seen district (Stadtteil Seen). This administrative quarter of Winterthur is located in the south-western part of the city and is primarily residential in character.

Heavily armed police officers and an ambulance are present at the scene. The police have also confirmed the deployment of a drone.

What remains uncertain

The extent of the security perimeter varies according to different sources. The Tagesanzeiger reports only a partial closure of the district. A witness cited by the tabloid Blick describes a total lockdown, a version also reported by Watson.

Everything is cordoned off.

A witness, cited by Blick

The circumstances and reasons for the operation remain unknown. No official information has been released by the Winterthur city police at this stage.

Context

Winterthur is a Swiss city in the canton of Zurich, located approximately 25 kilometres east of Zurich. It is Switzerland's sixth-largest city by population and maintains its own municipal police force, the Stadtpolizei Winterthur, which is responsible for public order within the city's territory, independently from the Zurich cantonal police (Kantonspolizei Zürich).

What is a Grosseinsatz?

A Grosseinsatz is a German term referring to a large-scale police deployment. It mobilizes exceptional resources — specialized units, reinforcements, drones, medical services — and is typically accompanied by a security perimeter. It differs from a routine operation by its scale, multi-unit coordination, and public visibility.

Where is the Seen district located in Winterthur?

Seen is one of eight administrative districts (Stadtteile) in Winterthur, located in the south-western part of the city. It is predominantly residential and was originally an independent municipality before being incorporated into Winterthur.

Has the police disclosed the reason for the operation?

No. At the time of reporting by Blick, Watson, and the Tagesanzeiger, the Winterthur city police had not provided any information about the circumstances or reasons for the deployment.

In an interview with Richard Werly, an editorialist at Swiss media outlet Blick, broadcast on France24, Jordan Bardella outlined a division of roles between himself and Marine Le Pen within the National Rally (RN), France's far-right political party founded in 1972.

Marine Le Pen aspires to preside over France. I wish to govern it.

Jordan Bardella, France24

Bardella, who has been president of the RN since 2021, thus positions himself as a candidate for Prime Minister should Marine Le Pen reach the presidency.

An Elabe poll—a research and consulting firm founded on June 8, 2015 by Bernard Sananès—published on July 13, 2026 places Marine Le Pen in first place in voting intentions for France's 2027 presidential election.

• 1st — Marine Le Pen's ranking in Elabe poll for 2027 presidential election

On the left side of the political spectrum, Raphaël Glucksmann had not yet officially confirmed his participation in the Socialist primary—an internal selection process within the Socialist Party (PS) and its allies to designate their presidential candidate—as of July 13, 2026.

Context

Jordan Bardella, born September 13, 1995 in Drancy (Seine-Saint-Denis), has led the RN since 2021. Marine Le Pen, born August 5, 1968 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, led the party from 2011 to 2021, when it was still called the National Front (FN), before becoming the National Rally (RN) in 2018.

The interview was conducted by Richard Werly, an editorialist at Swiss media outlet Blick, and broadcast on France24 on July 12, 2026.

Timeline

• June 8, 2015 Elabe founded by Bernard Sananès.
• July 12, 2026 France24 broadcasts Jordan Bardella's interview with Richard Werly (Blick), in which Bardella expresses his ambition to serve as Prime Minister under a Le Pen presidency.
• July 13, 2026 Elabe releases a poll placing Marine Le Pen first in voting intentions for the 2027 presidential election. Raphaël Glucksmann does not confirm his participation in the Socialist primary.

What remains uncertain

Raphaël Glucksmann's participation in the Socialist primary for the 2027 presidential election had not been confirmed as of July 13, 2026.

What is the National Rally (RN)?

The National Rally is France's far-right political party founded in 1972, formerly known as the National Front until 2018. Jordan Bardella has been its president since 2021; Marine Le Pen was president from 2011 to 2021.

What is Elabe?

Elabe is a French research and consulting firm founded on June 8, 2015 by Bernard Sananès, specializing in opinion polls, particularly during French presidential elections.

What is a Socialist primary?

A Socialist primary is an internal electoral process within the Socialist Party (PS) and its allied parties to designate their joint candidate for France's presidential election. The first primary of this type was held in January 2017.

The iconic 1950s American automobiles that once defined Havana's urban landscape have nearly disappeared from the island's streets. They have been replaced by small, three-wheeled electric vehicles of Chinese origin, commonly known as tuk-tuks, according to Tages-Anzeiger.

This transition is directly tied to a severe fuel crisis. Cuba produces only about 40% of its fuel needs and relies heavily on petroleum imports.

In January 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on nations selling oil to Cuba. This threat dramatically worsened the island's fuel shortage.

Since late March 2026, only one oil tanker has arrived in Cuba, compared to approximately eight per month previously.

Oil tanker arrivals in Cuba: before and since late March 2026

A Versatile Vehicle Changing Daily Life

Tuk-tuks now fulfill multiple functions in Havana. They substitute for buses on certain routes, replace collective taxis, transport cargo, and even collect garbage in some neighborhoods.

These vehicles are manufactured by Chinese producers including Zonsen and Jinpeng, though the available sources provide no detailed definitions of these brands. Another brand, Vedca, also without detailed sourced information, is assembled in Cuba under an agreement with China.

Tuk-tuks run on gel or lithium batteries. They are typically purchased in third countries such as Panama and then shipped to Cuba by relatives or importers.

A Cost Beyond Reach for Many

Acquiring a tuk-tuk represents a significant investment. Prices range from CHF 1,300 to 3,200, equivalent to several months of wages for many Cubans.

Some fund this purchase by selling their old gasoline vehicles. Others receive financial support from relatives living abroad.

Solar Panels to Bypass Power Cuts

Charging tuk-tuks is complicated by frequent power outages. To address this, some Cubans have installed solar panels on their vehicle roofs, enabling recharge while driving.

This installation costs more than CHF 370 according to Carlos Álvarez, a 29-year-old engineer.

An Energy Crisis with Multiple Consequences

The energy crisis extends far beyond transportation. It has drastically reduced public transit, intensified food and medicine shortages, and worsened regular power cuts in a nation whose economy has been in crisis for years.

Timeline

• January 2026 U.S. President Donald Trump threatens tariffs on nations selling oil to Cuba, escalating the energy crisis.
• Late March 2026 From this point forward, only one oil tanker arrived in Cuba, compared to approximately eight per month previously.

What Remains Uncertain

Available sources do not specify the exact number of tuk-tuks in circulation across Cuba, nor the precise rate of adoption nationwide. No sourced definitions are available for the Chinese brands Zonsen, Jinpeng, and Vedca in the verified sources consulted.

FAQ

Why have 1950s American cars nearly disappeared from Cuba?

The fuel crisis, worsened by U.S. tariff threats in January 2026, made their use nearly impossible. Cubans turned to Chinese electric tuk-tuks, which do not depend on petroleum.

What is an electric tuk-tuk?

A three-wheeled electric vehicle produced mainly by Chinese manufacturers. In Cuba, these vehicles serve for transporting people and goods, and sometimes collecting garbage.

How do Cubans finance tuk-tuk purchases?

Prices range from CHF 1,300 to 3,200. Some sell their old gasoline vehicles; others receive financial assistance from relatives abroad.

How do tuk-tuks recharge despite power cuts?

Some owners have installed solar panels on the roof to enable recharging while driving. This solution costs more than CHF 370, according to engineer Carlos Álvarez.

What is the broader impact of Cuba's energy crisis?

The crisis has reduced public transportation, worsened food and medicine shortages, and intensified regular power cuts in an economy already facing long-term difficulties.

A catch-up list, not new releases

TDG describes its list as a 'catch-up selection': the featured titles are not recent releases or new arrivals, but previously published novels that readers have yet to discover.

What remains unclear

The available information does not specify which novels are included in the selection, how many titles are featured, or what criteria were used in making the selections.

What does 'catch-up reading selection' mean?

According to TDG, it refers to previously published novels—not brand-new releases—that readers haven't yet had the opportunity to read.

Are these new book releases?

No. TDG clarifies that the selected books are not 'hot off the press': they are previously published titles offered as a summer catch-up opportunity.

Where can I find this reading selection?

The selection is available on Tribune de Genève's website (tdg.ch), in an article published on July 11, 2026.

According to Tribune de Genève, the Swiss Army is considering testing shooting simulators — referred to as "shooting galleries" — to reduce noise pollution from military training exercises.

These devices would be modeled after shooting facilities used by hunters.

This initiative reflects a context of mounting complaints against the noise generated by training drills.

What remains uncertain

These reports rely on a single source. No details are available on the implementation timeline, sites affected, device costs, or how deployment might scale up.

The term "shooting gallery" lacks an independently verified technical definition outside this source: the source describes it as a shooting simulator inspired by hunting facilities, without further specifics.

Frequently asked questions

What is a "shooting gallery"?

According to Tribune de Genève, it is a shooting simulator designed to replicate military training conditions, inspired by facilities used in hunting. No independently verified technical description is currently available.

Why is the Swiss Army considering this equipment?

The stated objective is to reduce noise pollution from training exercises, amid rising complaints from residents.

Would these simulators replace live fire exercises?

The source does not specify whether these devices would replace or complement live-fire exercises. This information is not yet available.

According to 24heures.ch, the Swiss Army is considering testing shooting simulators to reduce noise from military training exercises. These devices are referred to as 'firing ranges' or 'shooting cinemas.'

This initiative stems from growing public complaints about the noise generated by military shooting exercises. The sources of these complaints are not specifically identified.

The simulators under consideration would be modeled after shooting ranges currently used by hunters.

What Remains Uncertain

The project is currently in the study phase. No deployment timeline, budget allocation, or pilot site locations have been specified by the source. The precise technical specifications of the 'shooting cinemas' have not been independently verified.

All available information is based on a single source (24heures.ch, July 11, 2026). No official statement from the Swiss Army has been cited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 'shooting cinema'?

The source describes these devices as shooting simulators modeled after shooting ranges used by hunters. Their precise technical specifications have not been independently verified.

Why is the Swiss Army exploring this option?

Growing public complaints about the noise from military shooting exercises have prompted the Army to investigate quieter alternatives.

Is the project approved?

No. At this stage, it is merely under study. No final decision or implementation timeline has been announced.

On July 11, 2026 at 3:05 PM UTC, 24heures.ch published an article offering a selection of novels to read during summer vacation.

The selection is presented as a 'catch-up' list: it brings together titles that are not necessarily 'hot off the press' from recent weeks. The editorial team itself describes it as a 'small' selection.

What remains uncertain

The specific titles featured and the names of the authors in this selection are not detailed in the available information.

What is a 'catch-up' selection according to 24heures.ch?

It's a list of novels that are not necessarily recent releases ('hot off the press'), designed for readers looking to catch up on titles during vacation.

When was this selection published?

July 11, 2026 at 3:05 PM UTC on 24heures.ch.

Is the list long?

No, 24heures.ch's editorial team describes it as a 'small' selection.