Tensions in Catalan prisons following the murder of a cook at Mas d'Enric center have been a focal point, analyzed by crime journalist Marta Català and Nil Marbà on-site. Theater discussions with Lloll Bertran and Jordi Díaz aim to fill seats over the weekend. Social chronicle and heart press updates are provided by 'mamarazzis' Lorena Vázquez and Laura Fa. A new anti-smoking plan with stricter proposals for smokers is examined, and Elisenda Pineda presents a collection of images from places where smoking was once common. The experience of players from CF Tramontana de la Mina, the first federated team of Romani girls, is shared. Dishwasher usage tips are offered by expert Rosa Garalva. The 26th edition of the Enderrock Awards at the Auditori de Girona is covered, including interviews with Andreu Juanola, Alba Riera, and Marc Parrot. The preview of the Queen's Cup semifinal return match is brought by Laura Brugués, and TV3 journalist Laia Ferrer discusses living with migraines.

The FIFA World Cup in New Zealand and Australia is expected to bring 'happiness' as stated by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. With over 1.5 million tickets sold, the event has seen significant cultural input from the First Sisters of The Country Whānau, a group of six indigenous and Maori women led by FIFA Secretary-General Fatma Samoura. The tournament features cultural respect for local traditions, including the flying of indigenous flags at venues. However, there have been challenges, such as the need for the Dutch and Spanish teams to apologize for culturally insensitive videos. Karen Menzies, a member of the First Sisters and the National Indigenous Advisory Group, has played a key role in advising teams on cultural matters. Despite progress, there is criticism from Indigenous Football Australia and others regarding the post-World Cup strategy and respect for indigenous communities.

Cardinal George Pell, a central figure in Australia's conservative 'culture war' and a controversial figure due to his conservative stance on issues like abortion and homosexuality, as well as his imprisonment for covering up pedophilia cases, was given a funeral in Sydney. The event was attended by high-profile conservative politicians and was met with protests. Archbishop Anthony Fisher defended Pell's legacy, while the media conglomerate News Corp has historically supported Pell. The Royal Commission's investigation into child abuse found the Catholic Church overrepresented in sexual abuse cases, highlighting Pell's knowledge of certain abuses.

Cardinal George Pell, a conservative figure in the Australian Catholic Church, was commemorated in a funeral service in Sydney, attended by notable conservative politicians and protested by LGBTQ+ activists and others. Pell, who died in Rome and had been imprisoned for concealing child sexual abuse cases before being exonerated by the Supreme Court, was remembered by supporters as wrongfully accused. The service was marked by contrasting sentiments, with protests outside the cathedral and religious ceremonies inside. News Corp has been supportive of Pell, and the Catholic Church's sexual abuse scandal was referenced.

Cardinal George Pell, a central figure in Australia's conservative 'culture war' and previously imprisoned for concealing child abuse cases, was exonerated by the Supreme Court and remembered in a funeral mass in Sydney. The mass, attended by political supporters and church officials, was met with protests from LGBTQ+ activists and others critical of Pell's legacy. The public's opinion remains divided, with some viewing Pell as a victim of a miscarriage of justice, while others recall his association with known pedophiles and the Catholic Church's history of sexual abuse.

Migaloo, the only known albino humpback whale among an estimated 40,000 in the waters between Australia, New Zealand, and Antarctica, has not been sighted for three years, raising concerns. Wally Franklin, who co-founded The Oceania Project, has observed Migaloo multiple times since 1992 and considers him an ambassador for humpback whales. Marine scientist Vanesa Pirotta has collaborated with Wally to compile 106 sightings of Migaloo. The whale's albinism makes it easier to study, and scientists have DNA samples from its breath and skin. Migaloo's unique song, recorded in 1998, changes annually. The absence of sightings prompts discussions on the impact of human activities on whales. Migaloo's connection with people is seen as psychological, transcending scientific understanding.

The Australian Capital Territory Assembly has passed new drug legislation that decriminalizes the possession of small amounts of drugs, replacing criminal charges with fines similar to traffic tickets. This reform, which echoes Portugal's early 2000s policy change, aims to shift focus from criminalization to health-centered programs. The law sets specific small quantity thresholds for various substances, including cannabis, cocaine, and MDMA. Critics from the opposition warn of potential drug tourism and chaos, but supporters argue for the benefits of harm reduction and demand-focused policies. The ACT government does not anticipate additional costs, citing over 22 million AUD invested annually in alcohol and drug harm reduction. Statistics indicate a decrease in overdoses, hospitalizations, and hepatitis C transmission in Canberra.

Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is under investigation for secretly swearing himself into multiple ministerial roles during his tenure without informing the ministers involved, the cabinet, or the electorate. The current Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has commissioned an investigation led by former Supreme Court judge Virgina Bell, with findings to be delivered by November 25. The secret appointments, made during 2020 and 2021, have been criticized for undermining government functioning and public service relationships. Legal experts and researchers comment on the implications for democratic practices and the potential conflicts of interest, particularly in relation to the Governor-General David Hurley.

An investigation has been launched into former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's secret swearing-in to multiple ministerial roles without the knowledge of the ministers involved, the cabinet, or the electorate during 2020 and 2021. Current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has appointed ex-Supreme Court judge Virgina Bell to lead the inquiry, with a report due on November 25, including recommendations to prevent such occurrences in the future. The government has decided against a Royal Commission. Morrison justified his actions as necessary during the pandemic and to avoid misinterpretation, although he did exercise these powers in 2021 to block a gas project. Legal and political experts have weighed in on the constitutional and ethical implications of these secret appointments.

The Tasmanian tiger, also known as Thylacinus, was a marsupial carnivore that became extinct due to hunting, habitat destruction, and competition with dingoes. William Paterson's 1805 description of the creature marked an early detailed encounter. The Van Diemen’s Land Company incentivized the killing of these animals, which they saw as a threat to the wool industry. Despite sightings and hopes of the tiger's survival in Tasmania's wilderness, no conclusive evidence has been found. Current efforts include a cloning project by the University of Melbourne, funded by an anonymous donor. The Tasmanian tiger remains a cultural symbol, used in logos and branding, while its extinction raises questions about human impact on wildlife.

Australia is set to pass legislation to meet the Paris Agreement targets, aiming for a 43% reduction in emissions by 2030 from 2005 levels. This marks a significant shift after a decade of denial and minimization of climate change issues. The bill will hold the Climate Change Minister accountable to Parliament and affect all state agencies. Public concern over climate change influenced the recent election outcomes, favoring the Labor Party and environmentally focused independents. The government is negotiating with the Greens to pass the bill, which faces opposition from some sectors over new mining projects. Economic support for fossil fuel industries and specific projects like the Beetaloo Basin gas extraction are contentious points. The article also highlights political dynamics, with some politicians crossing party lines to support climate initiatives.

Australia, typically a net exporter of vegetables, is importing produce due to extreme weather conditions affecting key agricultural areas on the east coast between New South Wales and Queensland. These regions have experienced four major floods in 18 months, attributed to the La Niña phenomenon and exacerbated by climate change. The Bureau of Meteorology notes a 1.47ºC temperature increase since 1910, raising concerns about the impact of further temperature rises. The NSW Premier, Dominic Perrottet, is considering raising the Warragamba dam by 14 meters in response to the flooding.

Sydney's Central Station, built over the former Devonshire Street Cemetery, is a reminder of the city's historical struggle with managing the dead. The cemetery, established in 1820 and closed in 1867, was the main burial ground and included sections for different denominations. High infant mortality rates and general mortality in the early colonial years highlight the harshness of life then. Elise Edmons from the NSW State Library created 'The Burial Files' podcast to explore the cemetery's history. Many graves were unclaimed when the cemetery was cleared in 1901 for the station's construction. Today, discussions about infrastructure planning for a growing population echo those from the past, as New South Wales faces a shortage of cemetery space, with the trend indicating a doubling of burials by 2070.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Aboriginal community of Barrel Well in Australia's Mid West region isolated themselves early on, relying on monthly shopping, donations, and kangaroo meat. Despite high rates of chronic diseases among the Aboriginal population, they have seen only 99 cases of COVID-19 with no deaths or critical cases, attributed to their self-organization and strict movement restrictions. Aboriginal health and living conditions, however, remain a concern, with disparities in health outcomes and access to services. Community leaders have expressed disappointment with the government's response to their needs during the pandemic. The article highlights the efforts of individuals like Rachel Mallard and Dwayne Mallard in protecting their communities, and the work of health professionals like Jason D. Agostino. It also discusses the political aspect, with comments from Lidia Thorpe, the first Aboriginal woman in Victoria's Parliament, on the government's trust and actions.

Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, is undergoing a three-week shutdown due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, with the state recording over 532 new cases. Victoria has over 4,542 active cases, with significant numbers among healthcare workers and linked to aged care facilities. Health official Brett Sutton suggests the peak may have been reached following the second lockdown announced on July 7. Premier Daniel Andrews emphasizes testing, while New South Wales, led by Premier Gladys Berejiklian, has seen clusters and has closed its border to Victoria. The Australian Football League continues without audiences, and other states maintain closed borders with Victoria. The Australian Prime Minister has responded with military aid and financial plans to address the unemployment rate and public deficit.

The Quarantine Station in Sydney, operational from 1828 to 1984, hosted 580 ships and 13,000 people to protect the population from diseases like smallpox and cholera. It evolved from a tent field to a complex health system with segregated facilities. Despite historical quarantine measures, Australia could not prevent the spread of the Spanish flu pandemic, which resulted in high mortality rates, particularly among Aboriginal communities. The station, now a hotel with tours, echoes the past as Australia faces mandatory quarantines and border closures due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Jakelin witnessed her horse Lara suffer from the smoke of the Australian wildfires and had to euthanize her. Smoke has paralyzed Canberra, affecting postal services, universities, and museums, with authorities advising against outdoor activities. Despite not having asthma, Jakelin experienced severe coughing and was hospitalized. The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service reported the smoke covers 20 million square kilometers. Experts like Guy Marks and Brian Oliver discussed the health risks of prolonged smoke exposure. Recent rains have helped firefighters and reduced fires but caused ash to contaminate water sources, leading to fish deaths and potential drinking water contamination. Gladys Berejiklian's government has taken measures to protect Sydney's water supply.