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The meeting between a middle power and a great power was a high-risk, meticulously planned diplomatic operation. “You are now connected to Air Force One,” a White House operator said as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer leaned into a speakerphone in a short video released from 10 Downing Street on Saturday. “Congratulations, Mr. Prime Minister,” President Biden exclaimed on his way to a campaign rally in Wisconsin. “What an incredible victory!” The two leaders spoke warmly about the importance of the “special relationship” between the UK and the US, their shared commitment to defending Ukraine and an upcoming meeting: Starmer…

Kawhi Leonard’s decision to retire from Team USA ahead of the 2024 Olympics has shocked the basketball world and sparked a debate about how it will affect his legacy. Leonard, a two-time NBA champion and two-time Finals MVP, was expected to play a key role for the U.S. team in their quest for gold. However, he cited knee pain as the reason for his withdrawal, just days before the team's opening exhibition game against Canada. The news of Leonard's absence was met with disappointment by fans and analysts, with some questioning his commitment to representing his country. Others pointed to…

Barcelona, ​​Spain – Tensions between residents and tourists in Barcelona reached boiling point this weekend. Protests against mass tourism saw hotel and restaurant entrances blocked in Barceloneta, with calls for an immediate reduction in visitor numbers. Reasons for discontent Residents blame the influx of tourists for the rising cost of living, crowded public spaces and a loss of local identity. Rent prices have skyrocketed, forcing many residents to abandon their neighborhoods. Measures to address the problem Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni has announced that Airbnb-style short-term rentals will be banned by 2028, potentially freeing up 10,000 apartments for long-term rentals. Change…

China's consumer inflation continued its downward trend in June, rising just 0.2% year-on-year, according to data released Wednesday. That was lower than analysts' expectations and adds to concerns about potential deflation in the world's second-largest economy. A Reuters poll had forecast a 0.4% rise in consumer prices in June. Meanwhile, the producer price index, which tracks factory-gate inflation, fell 0.8% from a year earlier, in line with forecasts. This subdued inflation is in stark contrast to the situation in many other countries struggling with rising prices. Weak domestic demand in China appears to be the main culprit. “The risk of…

On Monday, the Republican National Committee (RNC) adopted a new platform, heavily influenced by former President Donald Trump. The revised platform introduces significant changes to previous GOP positions on marriage and abortion, while making ambitious economic promises. Key economic commitments include ending inflation, transforming the United States into a manufacturing powerhouse, and implementing deep tax cuts for workers. The platform aligns with Trump's pledges to maintain funding for Social Security and Medicare, two widely supported but expensive government programs. The new 16-page platform, much shorter than those from the 2016 and 2020 cycles, passed by a vote of 84 to…