Sexual violence remains prevalent in intimate and family settings in Catalonia, as evidenced by data from the Mossos d'Esquadra. In 2023, 16,789 complaints of intimate partner violence were investigated, marking a 10.7% increase from the 15,154 cases recorded in 2022.

For the eleventh consecutive night, approximately 1,200 people gathered in front of the PSOE headquarters in Madrid to protest against amnesty and the investiture of Socialist leader Pedro Sánchez. The protest, which began around 7:45 PM and was organized via social media by far-right profiles with support from Vox, ended without incidents. Protesters chanted against Sánchez, former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont, and for national unity, while also expressing racist, homophobic, and far-right slogans. The demonstration coincided with the public release of the amnesty law agreed upon by PSOE and Junts de Catalunya, which was registered in Congress by the Socialists.

The Confederació General del Treball de Barcelona (CGT) has called for an indefinite lifeguard strike in Barcelona starting Friday due to understaffing and unmet agreements with the staff by Aunar Group. The CGT reports failed mediation with the Conselleria de Treball due to the company's lack of willingness and the absence of the Barcelona City Council. A rally is scheduled for Friday at 10 a.m. in Sant Jaume Square. The CGT cites violations of labor risk prevention laws, payroll issues, and insufficient hiring. The Barcelona City Council states it is meeting its commitments and respects the workers' right to strike, while the Generalitat has notified a 50% minimum service requirement during the strike. Beaches will fly yellow flags to indicate caution and red flags for no swimming, but assisted bathing will not be affected.

Míriam Nogueras, JxCat's candidate for Congress, has proposed to the ERC base that they should not support the investiture of any Spanish Government president who does not grant Catalonia the power to organize an agreed referendum. During a TV3 electoral debate, she suggested a blockade of the investiture if this condition is not met, but ERC's Gabriel Rufián declined to accept the proposal, focusing instead on infrastructure and language issues. Francesc-Marc Àlvaro of ERC criticized Nogueras's proposal as a disguised blockade. Nogueras emphasized the need for unity and expressed her displeasure with Spanish socialists' comments on the cheapness of Catalan votes, advocating for a higher level of discourse.

The article discusses the resilience of coral reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba, Jordan, to warming ocean temperatures, a trait that makes them potentially the last remaining reefs in the future. Despite global coral bleaching, Aqaba's corals show no signs of mass bleaching and can withstand temperatures significantly higher than their normal range. The article highlights the threats to these corals from local human activities, including urban development, pollution, and regional projects like Saudi Arabia's planned mega city. Efforts to protect and restore the reefs are underway, with initiatives like Aqaba’s Marine Park, coral translocation, and sea nurseries. Local fishers, divers, and researchers are involved in conservation and awareness campaigns. The article also mentions the establishment of the Transnational Red Sea Center and the push for UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition for the Red Sea reef to promote research and conservation.

Ryanair's CEO stated there is no reason the airline wouldn't be present year-round at Reus and Girona airports after strong summer results. He did not rule out reactivating the Reus base, requesting incentives from Aena and local governments to operate year-round and implement new routes. Despite an excellent summer, he acknowledged a €10 increase in fares due to energy costs, expecting a challenging winter but hoping to attract new passengers from other operators' price increases. He also commented on the need for Barcelona to grow its airport capacity responsibly, citing Málaga as a positive example.

The article discusses the rich Islamic heritage of Mertola, a town in southern Portugal, highlighting its historical significance as a hub of cultural exchange during the period of Muslim control from the 8th to the 13th century. The town's church of Nossa Senhora da Anunciacao, originally a mosque, symbolizes the coexistence of different religions and cultures. The 10th Islamic Festival of Mertola is featured, showcasing music, arts, and crafts that celebrate the shared heritage and aim to promote tolerance and coexistence amidst rising global extremism. The article also touches on the archaeological work that has challenged the traditional narrative of Muslims as invaders, suggesting a peaceful spread of Islam through trade and conversions. Concerns about the potential 'folklorisation' of the festival and the need for more involvement from local Muslim communities are also mentioned.

In Jordan, a grassroots initiative named Al-Barakeh Wheat, started by Zikra for Popular Learning, is converting unused urban land into productive wheat fields to promote food sovereignty. The project began in late 2019 and gained momentum during the strict lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing participants to grow and bake their own bread. Jordan, once a major producer of wheat, now imports over 97% of its cereals due to urbanization, market liberalization, and competition with cheaper imported wheat. The initiative not only aims to restore wheat cultivation and reduce dependency on imports but also to reconnect people with their land and traditional farming practices. It has seen success with hundreds joining the initiative and a local bakery selling bread made from 100% local wheat. The project embodies the concept of 'barakeh' or 'blessing', emphasizing sharing, cooperation, and community involvement in food production.

The Jordanian government plans to mine for an estimated 45 million tonnes of copper in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan's largest and most diverse protected area. This has raised concerns among conservationists, environmental activists, and local communities about the potential irreversible damage to the region's natural beauty, biodiversity, and archaeological sites. The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) and other experts have criticized the lack of transparency and the absence of public environmental impact studies. While the government and the mining company, owned by Manaseer and the Jordanian military, argue the project will create jobs and support the economy, opponents stress the importance of sustainable development and the long-term benefits of ecotourism over the short-term gains from mining. The reserve, which is under consideration for UNESCO World Heritage site status, is home to a rich variety of species and has been recognized internationally for its sustainable tourism efforts.

The study investigates antibody responses to the RTS,S/AS01E malaria vaccine and Plasmodium falciparum antigens in a phase 3 trial in Mozambique. It focuses on the effects of a booster dose on various antibody responses. The booster increased levels of IgG, IgG1, IgG3, and IgG4 against vaccine antigens, but not IgG2 or IgM. The study also examines long-term immunogenicity, antibody kinetics, and factors affecting immunogenicity such as age and malaria episodes. The findings suggest that the booster dose enhances total IgG levels and may influence vaccine efficacy through changes in IgG subclasses. The study also explores the vaccine's impact on naturally acquired immunity and provides insights for improving vaccine-induced protection against malaria.

Filipino domestic workers in Jordan, such as Rosa, face harsh conditions under the kafala sponsorship system, which ties their legal residency status to their employer and is criticized by the International Labour Organization as a form of modern slavery. Despite legal provisions for workers' rights, many domestic workers suffer abuse, non-payment of wages, and confiscation of passports. Rosa, who once considered suicide due to the abuse, now works for an NGO with better conditions and uses her phone to support other Filipino domestic workers through online support groups. These informal networks, coordinated with the International Domestic Workers Federation, provide a vital support system in the absence of formal unions, as migrant workers are not allowed to vote or be elected in trade unions in Jordan. The article highlights the importance of solidarity and activism among domestic workers in fighting for their rights and the challenges they continue to face.

The article discusses the tragic suicide of Anas al-Jamra, a street vendor in Jordan, who was burdened with providing for his large family and faced continuous harassment by police and city officials. His death has cast a spotlight on the struggles of earning a dignified living in Jordan amidst high unemployment rates, especially among the youth, and an informal economy that accounts for nearly half of the workforce. The article highlights the challenges street vendors face, including difficulty obtaining licenses and harassment from officials, which often includes confiscation of goods or demands for bribes. Anas's death is seen as a result of austerity policies that have weakened social protections. The prime minister's response to create market spaces for street vendors is mentioned, but the overall sentiment is one of despair among those trying to make a living in a system perceived as corrupt and favoring the privileged.

Protests in Amman, Jordan, have escalated against a $10bn deal to import Israeli gas, which critics argue undermines Jordanian sovereignty and Palestinian rights. The deal, involving Noble Energy, Delek Group, and Ratio Petroleum, is seen as enforcing normalization with Israel and is opposed by a wide range of groups, including unions and environmentalists. Despite parliamentary opposition and a draft law to ban Israeli gas imports, the government, appointed by King Abdullah II, has defended the agreement. Critics also question the economic benefits and suggest investing in Jordan's renewable energy potential instead. The Jordanian government and NEPCO have not commented on the issue.

The article discusses the role of humor and satire in the context of the Syrian war, highlighting the experiences of Syrian artists who have turned to theater and comedy as a form of resistance and coping mechanism. It features the play 'Your Love Is Fire' by Syrian author Mudar Alhaggi and the work of director Rafat Alzakout, including the satirical puppet show 'Top Goon' that mocks Bashar al-Assad. The article also mentions the risks faced by those who criticize the regime, such as cartoonist Ali Ferzat who was attacked for his work. Despite the dangers, Syrian artists like Firas Alshater continue to use humor to address the conflict and their experiences in exile. The article underscores the resilience of these artists and the power of laughter in the face of tragedy.

The article reports on a discriminatory practice in Portugal where shopkeepers place ceramic frogs at their entrances to deter Roma people, who consider frogs a symbol of bad luck. Despite anti-discrimination laws, this subtle form of racism is widespread and difficult to address legally. The article includes statements from Roma individuals and activists who express their concerns and experiences with this prejudice. It also discusses efforts to combat the discrimination, such as a campaign that convinced some shopkeepers to remove the frogs and a film that raised awareness about the issue. The article touches on the historical and ongoing challenges faced by the Roma community in Portugal, including poverty, lack of access to services, and institutional racism.