Bern

Swiss voters have rejected a proposal to adopt a more restrictive form of neutrality that would have barred the country from imposing economic sanctions or cooperating with NATO. The result keeps Switzerland's current neutrality framework in place, allowing Bern to continue aligning with Western sanctions measures and to work with NATO where it chooses.

Switzerland is signalling that it does not intend to adopt a stricter stance of 'neutrality' in response to the war in Ukraine, according to a report in The National Interest. Bern has faced ongoing debate over whether its traditional neutrality obliges it to distance itself from Western sanctions on Russia and support for Kyiv, and the country appears to be rejecting calls to move further toward strict non-alignment.

The Bernalillo County Clerk in New Mexico says mail-in ballot processing remains on schedule following a Supreme Court ruling against a White House election plan. The decision had raised questions about whether local election offices might face disruptions, but the clerk reassured residents that ballots are being sent and returned as normal ahead of the vote.

Swiss voters have rejected a proposal to enshrine the country's neutrality in the Constitution. The bid aimed to make permanent neutrality a constitutional obligation, limiting the government's room to co-operate with other countries on security matters. The outcome means Switzerland's long-standing neutrality remains a matter of policy rather than constitutional law, leaving Bern flexibility in how it engages with partners and international organisations.

Swiss voters are heading toward rejecting a proposal to tighten the country's constitutional neutrality rules, a measure that would have restricted cooperation with NATO and other Western militaries. The vote is being watched across Europe, as Switzerland's long-standing neutrality faces renewed debate following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and closer security ties between Bern and Western allies.

Pope Francis met with the bishops of France in the Sainte-Bernadette hemicycle of the Lourdes sanctuary. The gathering opened with a prayer and a hymn to the Holy Spirit before the Pope addressed the French episcopate. The meeting is being followed closely in France, where Lourdes remains the country's most important Catholic pilgrimage site.

Scientists report that dormant, hibernating bacteria can persist in hospitals and even survive the conditions of outer space, making them hard to eradicate. However, maintaining this dormant state carries a high energy cost. Researchers say targeting that energetic weakness could offer a new way to eliminate these resilient bacteria, with implications for hospital infection control and our understanding of microbial survival in extreme environments.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard says Manchester City's Bernardo Silva 'lost his head' during an on-pitch incident and never apologised afterwards. The comments have reignited discussion about the confrontation between the two players, with fans debating Silva's behaviour and whether an apology was owed. The remarks add fresh edge to the rivalry between the two Premier League title contenders.

French philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy is drawing attention, with renewed interest in his life and marriage to actress and singer Arielle Dombasle. Coverage highlights the couple's intellectual backgrounds, from Lévy's studies at the École Normale Supérieure in the Latin Quarter to Dombasle's conservatoire training. Readers are revisiting the story of one of France's best-known intellectual and artistic couples.

Spanish actor Miguel Bernardeau is the subject of renewed media attention, with Semana magazine reporting he is in love with an influencer. The piece explores the young woman's origins, their most intimate photographs together, and his relationship with actress Ana Duato. It follows ongoing public interest in the actor's personal life and romantic relationships.

French viewers are tuning in to an Arte programme exploring how Bernard Arnault built the LVMH empire, tracing his ascent from acquiring Boussac to leading the world's largest luxury group. The broadcast has sparked renewed discussion in France about Arnault's business methods, his influence in the luxury sector and the concentration of wealth behind brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior and Moët Hennessy.

Maryland's 2026 gubernatorial election is already in the spotlight, with local outlets publishing early voter's guides to help residents follow the race. The coverage signals growing interest in who will run and what the leading candidates stand for, well ahead of the primary and general elections next year.

German police are reportedly able to read messages on Signal, Telegram and WhatsApp without breaking encryption, apparently by exploiting linked devices. The technique targets devices tied to an account rather than the encrypted messaging apps themselves, raising concerns among privacy advocates about surveillance of secure communications in Germany.

A Swiss commission says it is ready to mediate disputes over looted art. Former Swiss President Simonetta Sommaruga, who chairs the commission, and vice-chair Felix Uhlmann briefed the media in Bern on Wednesday, announcing that the body has adopted procedural rules for handling such cases, offering a formal channel for resolving restitution claims.

Alaska's gubernatorial candidates took part in a discussion focused on the state's energy future as part of the 'Addressing Alaskans' series. The forum covered how the state should develop its energy resources and what direction policy should take under the next governor. Energy is a central issue in the race given Alaska's economy and natural resource base.

Filippo Bernardini, the Italian man who posed as editors and agents to steal unpublished manuscripts from authors across the book world for years, is the subject of renewed attention over whether he is operating again. The New York Times revisits the scheme, which ensnared writers including Margaret Atwood, and asks whether the scammer, who faced US fraud charges, has resumed his activities.

Scientists are highlighting how dormant bacteria can persist on hospital surfaces and even survive the conditions of outer space, making them hard to eradicate. The persistence comes at a high metabolic price when they reactivate, and researchers say this energy cost is a weakness that could be targeted with new treatments against antibiotic-resistant infections.

The September 30, 2026 edition of the radio program Flashpoints, hosted by Dennis J. Bernstein on KPFA, aired under the title 'Priests against genocide'. The segment highlights clergy speaking out against what the program characterises as genocide, and it is being shared among listeners focused on human rights, public media and left-leaning political commentary.

The Regional Museum of Messina in Sicily, Italy is drawing attention for its wooden tabernacle, an isolated work attributed to Friar Ludovico Calascibetta from Petralia Sottana, dating from the first quarter of the 18th century, circa 1700 to before 1729. The word tabernacle means "dwelling place", and in a church it is the fixed, secure box used to hold sacred items.

The 1957 German feature film 'Rose Bernd' is being highlighted as the random film of the day. The drama is based on Gerhart Hauptmann's stage play of the same name and follows Rose Bernd, a maidservant who enters into an affair, a role that brought the adaptation lasting recognition in post-war German cinema.

Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey spoke out about staffing and service cuts at the Choate Mental Health & Developmental Center in southern Illinois. He raised concerns about the impact on vulnerable residents and local employment in the community. The comments add mental health facility funding to the issues shaping the Illinois governor's race.

The Bernalillo County Clerk in New Mexico says mail-in ballot operations are proceeding on schedule following a Supreme Court ruling that went against a Trump administration plan. The decision removes uncertainty for election officials, and the county is confirming that voters' mail-in ballots will be handled as planned for the upcoming election cycle.

CNN has conducted sit-down interviews with the candidates running for governor of California following their debate. The conversations come as the race for the state's top office draws national attention, with voters and commentators assessing how each contender performed on stage and where they stand on key issues facing the state.

According to a CNN report, Democrats privately want Bernie Sanders to play a bigger role ahead of the midterm elections. Party figures are said to be looking to the Vermont senator and progressive leader to help energize voters, though details of what he is being asked to do and how he has responded remain unclear.

US Senator Bernie Sanders has called for an end to American taxpayer support for the Netanyahu government in Israel. The statement, circulating widely on social media, ties into ongoing debate over US military and financial aid to Israel amid the war in Gaza. Sanders, a longtime critic of the Israeli government's conduct, has repeatedly pushed to condition or halt US assistance.

The St. Louis Cardinals have wrapped up a rebuilding season that ended with a loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. The season featured young players like Leo Bernal, who hit an RBI double against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in early September. Fans are discussing how the team's transition year played out and what the roster will look like going forward.