The FC Barcelona women's team, led by captain Alexia Putellas, called for increased support for female sports during the Catalan Parliament Gold Medal of Honor ceremony. Putellas emphasized the need for better facilities and more fields, marking the first time a team received this award, signifying a paradigm shift. The team's achievements include their second Champions League title and a record 8th league title. Putellas also referenced a scandal involving former Spanish Football Federation official Luis Rubiales and player Jenni Hermoso. Businesswoman Anna Schlegel and Parliament speaker Anna Erra acknowledged the team's societal impact, with Schlegel calling it a historic moment.

The Catalan European Democratic party (PDeCAT) seeks to regain its role as a policy leader prior to the Catalan independence movement. Emphasizing dialogue over confrontation, PDeCAT's platform includes managing the Rodalies rail services, expanding Barcelona airport, and supporting the Hard Rock hotel-casino project. While open to self-determination, independence is not their main focus. They advocate for a new economic system where Catalonia controls its taxes and support legal migration. PDeCAT is willing to back a prime ministerial candidate that prioritizes Catalonia's interests.

Catalonia has a rich history in water polo, dating back to the first match played in Spain in 1908. The region's prominence in the sport was solidified after the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. The Spanish national water polo team, with a significant Catalan presence, has achieved notable success, including a silver medal in 1992 and a gold in 1996. Felipe Perrone, a prominent player, highlights the importance of Catalonia in Spanish water polo and the region's reputation as a global mecca for the sport. Barcelona's infrastructure and club management contribute to this status. The women's team has also excelled, with a strong showing at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Interest in water polo is growing in Catalonia, with Perrone encouraging new participants to try the sport.

Barcelona en Comú, led by acting mayor Ada Colau, will support Socialist candidate Jaume Collboni for mayor of Barcelona, ensuring a Socialist leadership after 12 years. This decision comes with the condition that Barcelona en Comú remains in opposition, aligning with the People's Party's desire to prevent a mayor in favor of a Catalan Republic. The move blocks Xavier Trias, the election winner and pro-independence center-right candidate, from becoming mayor. Barcelona en Comú's support is crucial for Collboni to prevent Trias from taking office, reminiscent of the 2019 mayoral election where a pro-independence mayor was also thwarted. Barcelona en Comú has stated their decision was made independently of any agreements with the Socialists or the People's Party and is based on preventing a government that supports right-wing policies.

The old hardware store Balius located in Barcelona's Poble Nou neighborhood has been transformed into a new pet-friendly coworking office space. The renovated building can accommodate up to 200 people and features a façade that is open to the exterior.

Catalonia boasts 442 libraries, including mobile 'bibliobusos', which collectively received over 13.3 million visitors in 2021. Notable libraries include the Biblioteca de Catalunya, preserving Catalonia's written heritage, and the Biblioteca Pública Arús in Barcelona, with unique collections. Other libraries of interest are the award-winning Biblioteca Jaume Fuster and the historical Dipòsit de les Aigües at Pompeu Fabra University. The article also highlights the Biblioteca Popular de Valls, the first library opened by the Mancomunitat de Catalunya, and the Biblioteca Antoni Comas in Mataró, housed in a former slaughterhouse. To access these libraries, residents can obtain a library card online or by phone, which also provides access to digital resources like ebooks, audiobooks, and the eFilm streaming service.

Barcelona's Grec Festival introduces a new ticket promotion allowing attendees to purchase tickets for multiple shows at €15 each. The festival will feature 88 different shows, including plays, concerts, and dance performances, with a significant representation of women scriptwriters or directors. The opening event will showcase French tightrope walker Nathan Paulin and choreographer Rachid Ouramdane. International artists like Ivo van Hove, Sasha Waltz, Dimitris Papaioannou, and Robert Wilson will also participate. The festival will utilize unique venues across Barcelona, such as the Rei Martí cistern and 'La Model' old prison.

The article discusses the dangers faced by war correspondents reporting from conflict zones, with a focus on the recent bomb attack in Aleppo, Syria. It highlights the experiences of several journalists, including Ricard Gonzalez, Albert Elfa, Ethel Bonet, and Amador Guallar, who have covered various conflicts and revolutions, particularly during the Arab Spring. The journalists share insights into the risks of working in war zones, the importance of protective gear, the role of fixers, and the challenges of obtaining accreditations. The article also touches on the misconceptions locals may have about journalists being spies and the importance of self-care as advised by the Dart Centre for Journalism & Trauma. The International News Safety Institute's efforts in training journalists for safety are mentioned, emphasizing the increased risks journalists face today. The piece concludes with the journalists expressing the privilege they feel in giving a voice to those affected by war.