25 h. ago The Swiss lived in splendid isolation for years. Trump’s tariffs have shattered that complacency | Joseph de Weck

The shockwaves sent by the US president could finally push Switzerland closer to the EUGrowing up in Zurich often felt like being removed from the world. It shouldn’t be that way: after all, Switzerland is at the heart of Europe. Riding on the cosy Zurich trams, one hears all the world’s languages; and the airport offers more direct intercontinental flights than Berlin. And yet, coming of age in Switzerland is like sitting in an aquarium looking at the world through a thick bulletproof window.That glass was shattered last week when Donald Trump announced 39% tariffs on Swiss exports. The US is the most important destination for Swiss products: 18.6% of all its exports go there. If Trump maintains the tariffs, sales to the US “will be effectively annihilated”, said Switzerland’s industry lobbying group. The rightwing Swiss business minister, Guy Parmelin, announced a furlough programme to shield the economy from “mass layoffs”. The tabloid newspaper Blick captured the mood with a sta...

Politics

39 h. ago ‘I’m on the right side of history’: The church minister risking prison time to support Palestine Action

More than 500 people were arrested at the biggest demonstration since the group was proscribed a terrorist organisation

Events

68 h. ago 17th century manor house on sale for £150k but there's a catch

The Grade II-listed property has six bedrooms

Economics

4 d. ago Historic church with pulpit and stained glass windows on sale for £150k as 'family home'

The Roxburgh Church in Kelso, Scotland, is said to be a 'wonderful find for those ready to start their renovation journey' with plans to transform it into a family home

Economics

5 d. ago 17th century church with stunning stained glass on sale for £150k as family home

The 1752-constructed church, situated in a cemetery, has been listed for sale at £150,000 with planning permission to convert it into a family home

Economics

7 d. ago Professional cleaner shares 'genius' hack for wiping glass surfaces with two items 

Stains on glass surfaces, like mirrors and windows, can be especially annoying because of how visible they are but a professional house cleaner shared a simple hack

Politics

1 week ago ‘He is keeping his cards close to his chest’: Pope Leo’s first three months

The Augustinian emphasis on unity, listening, community and collaboration appears to be guiding the new pontiffA few days after his election as pope in May, Leo XIV stepped into a chauffeur-driven black Volkswagen minivan with tinted windows and made a surprise visit to the international headquarters of the Augustinian order in Rome.Not only was he the first American pope, the tiny religious order that Leo, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, ran for 12 years had also just produced its first pontiff in the history of the Roman Catholic church. Still somewhat bewildered by his election, he had a yearning to see his fellow Augustinian brothers. Continue reading...

Politics