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The True Secret Behind Italian Espresso

Italian espresso is considered the global standard of strong and well-balanced coffee. Contrary to common perception, its quality does not depend solely on the machine or brewing technique, but primarily on the coffee blend itself — a strategic combination of Arabica and Robusta beans. This blend forms the foundation of the classic Italian style that dominates coffee bars across Italy and much of Europe.
Arabica coffee is widely valued for its more complex and refined aromatic profile, offering a smoother and more elegant taste compared to other coffee varieties. It is characterized by natural notes of fruit, chocolate, or nuts, creating a richer sensory experience in every cup. Arabica also has higher acidity, which adds freshness and balance to the flavor, while its lower caffeine content makes it gentler on the body and more suitable for daily consumption.In espresso blends, Arabica primarily contributes aroma, refinement, and overall balance.
On the other hand, Robusta is the component that gives espresso its stronger and more energetic character, significantly enhancing intensity and stimulating power. It contains up to twice as much caffeine as Arabica, producing a heavier body and a more intense flavor that is often slightly bitter and earthy. One of Robusta’s most important qualities is its ability to create a thick and stable crema — the characteristic golden-brown foam layer on top of Italian espresso. This crema not only improves visual appeal but also enhances aroma concentration and allows for a faster stimulating effect.

Typical Italian Espresso Blend Ratios

• 60% Robusta / 40% Arabica
• High intensity
• Dense crema
• Classic Italian profile

• 50% Arabica / 50% Robusta
• Balance between aroma and strength
• Harmonious flavor

• 70–80% Arabica / 20–30% Robusta
• More elegant aroma
• Less bitterness
• Smoother drinking experience

Why Italy Prefers Blends

The Identity of Italian Espresso

Trump Announces U.S. Military Strikes on Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States has launched major military strikes against Iran, describing the operation as a decisive action aimed at neutralizing threats to American national security and regional stability.
In a televised address, Trump confirmed that U.S. forces carried out what he called large-scale combat operations targeting Iran’s missile infrastructure, naval assets, and military capabilities. He stated that the strikes were intended to prevent Iran from strengthening its offensive capacity and posing a broader threat to the United States and its allies.
Trump framed the operation as a defensive and preventative measure, arguing that diplomatic efforts had failed to curb Iran’s military ambitions. During the speech, Trump issued a direct warning to Iran’s leadership and military forces.
A significant portion of the address was directed toward the Iranian population. Trump called on Iranian citizens to challenge their government, suggesting the military action could open the door for political change inside the country.
The announcement marks a sharp escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran and raises concerns among international observers about the potential for wider regional conflict. Global leaders are expected to closely monitor developments as reactions from Iran and allied nations continue to emerge.
Further details regarding the scale of the operation and its immediate impact remain limited as the situation develops.

Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama Calls for Trump’s Engagement in Thaçi Judicial Process

Albania’s Prime Minister has called for the engagement of Donald Trump regarding the judicial process against Hashim Thaçi, using a direct appeal urging action on this matter. He stated that the situation requires a response, emphasizing the importance that, in his view, this issue carries.
“At the time, the President of Kosovo was brutally prevented from traveling to the White House to sign that agreement in the presence of President Trump. And this was the work of the same ‘sicario’ prosecutor who had also gone after President Trump himself and became famous worldwide for it.”
“Today, the President of Kosovo has already spent six years in pre-trial detention before a Special Court in The Hague, sponsored by several democratic states, some of them present here, which should be ashamed of this kind of international justice. Just last week, Mr. President, another prosecutor funded by this great country and its taxpayers requested a 45-year prison sentence for him — a request that sent waves of humiliating shock throughout an entire nation seeking peace.”
“At this moment, only a few months separate a man who rose from resistance against ethnic cleansing to become a peacemaker from a potentially devastating outcome in a court that, so far, has failed at every step to uphold the standards of democratic justice. For God’s sake, Mr. President, let us do something before, as you say, very bad things happen again,”ends his remarks

More than 130,000 citizens took part in the “Justice, Not Politics” march

According to a statement from the Civic Platform “Liria Ka Emër,” more than 130,000 citizens took part in the “Justice, Not Politics” march, organized in support of former leaders of the Ushtria Çlirimtare e Kosovës (KLA), including Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi. The organizers described the gathering as the largest march ever held in Kosovo since the declaration of independence.According to data published by the organizers and assessments by experts on the ground, participation was massive, with citizens arriving from various municipalities across the country, as well as from the region and the diaspora. The central square and main streets of Pristina were filled with participants, while the rally was held under the slogan “Justice, Not Politics.”Organizers stated that the purpose of the march was to express solidarity with former KLA leaders who are facing judicial proceedings in The Hague, emphasizing that the event had a civic and peaceful character. The statement noted that the broad participation and the message conveyed represented a public stance regarding the demand for justice.According to the same source, the large influx of citizens caused significant congestion at the entrances and exits of the capital. Thousands of people were reportedly stuck in traffic while traveling to Pristina due to the high number of vehicles and organized transportation from different municipalities.The march took place despite unfavorable weather conditions. Organizers emphasized that rainfall and logistical challenges did not affect the continuation of the event, which was characterized by a large presence of families, young people, and members of the diaspora.In its public reaction, “Liria Ka Emër” expressed gratitude to the citizens who, according to the platform, contributed to the organization and smooth conduct of the march. The statement noted that the mobilization was carried out calmly and in an organized manner, respecting public order.The march concluded without incidents reported by the organizers, while participants shared messages emphasizing the need for justice and support for the former KLA leaders. There were no immediate official announcements from the authorities regarding participation estimates.Today’s march represents an important moment of civic mobilization in the country and an expression of public sentiment regarding the ongoing judicial proceedings.

Over 100,000 Prompts Used in Attempts to Copy Gemini

More than 100,000 requests (“prompts”) have been identified as part of efforts to extract capabilities from Google’s artificial intelligence models, according to a report published by the Google Threat Intelligence Group. According to Google, these activities are associated with so-called “distillation attacks,” in which various actors attempt to replicate the functionality of advanced models through repeated and systematic queries.
The report, titled “Distillation, Experimentation, and Continued Integration of AI for Adversarial Use,” examines how malicious actors are experimenting with and integrating artificial intelligence into their operations. Google states that some campaigns involved over 100,000 prompts directed at the company’s models, with the aim of extracting information about their behavior and functional structure.
These efforts are described as model extraction attacks, where users exploit legitimate access to a generative model to collect responses at scale, attempting to build alternative models with similar capabilities. Google emphasizes that this practice violates its terms of service and infringes on the company’s intellectual property.
According to the report, the identified activities did not result in a direct compromise of core models but indicate a growing trend of attempts to understand and reproduce the behavior of advanced AI systems. Google notes that it has taken steps to detect and disrupt such activities, including suspending projects and accounts linked to the campaigns.
The report also highlights that actors connected to various states — including North Korea, Iran, China, and Russia — have used artificial intelligence to support different phases of cyber operations. These include research on potential targets, improving phishing messages, and experimenting with automated code.
However, Google assesses that, so far, the use of AI by threat actors has primarily served to increase the efficiency of existing processes rather than create fundamentally new attack techniques. According to the report, artificial intelligence is gradually being integrated into the full cyberattack lifecycle but has not yet caused a radical shift in the threat landscape.The company stresses that it is developing protective measures to limit the risk of model extraction, including techniques to identify abusive usage patterns and reduce the effectiveness of copying attempts. Google also states that it shares practices and information with the security community to strengthen collective defenses against these risks.
In conclusion, the report underscores that while artificial intelligence offers broad opportunities for innovation, it is simultaneously becoming both a target and a tool in the hands of malicious actors — a development that requires continuous vigilance and ongoing updates to defense mechanisms.

Kosovo Forms New Institutions

The elected members of the Assembly of Kosovo have taken the solemn oath at the constitutive session of the new legislature, officially assuming their parliamentary mandate and paving the way for the full functioning of the highest legislative institution in the country.
The session was chaired by the interim chair, in accordance with the procedures set out in the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly. After the verification of the mandates by the relevant committee, the members stood up and read the text of the oath, pledging to respect the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Kosovo. The session was attended by representatives from all political parties that have secured seats in the Assembly, as well as MPs from non-majority communities, who with this act officially began exercising their four-year term as representatives of the citizens.
Following the constitutive session, Albulena Haxhiu was elected Speaker of the Assembly of Kosovo, taking the lead of the legislature in a new institutional period for the country. Her election took place after the certification of the election results and the swearing-in of the MPs, where she secured the support of the parliamentary majority to assume the position of Speaker and lead the proceedings of the Assembly.The new Speaker pledged to exercise her duties in accordance with the Constitution and parliamentary regulations, emphasizing the importance of the democratic functioning of the institution. She thanked the MPs for their trust and expressed her readiness to cooperate with all parliamentary groups.
Meanwhile, the Parliament has also voted for the new Government, electing Albin Kurti as Prime Minister for the third time, after a one-year period of political deadlock that had paralyzed the institutions. This vote marks the start of the third governing mandate for Kurti and his cabinet, known as "Kurti 3".After the presentation of the exposition and debate on the government program, the cabinet was approved with 66 votes in favor, 49 against and no abstentions. The government consists of 19 ministers and three deputy prime ministers, while key figures include Glauk Konjufca as First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice.
The new four-year mandate comes after the extraordinary elections of 28 December 2025, in which the Vetëvendosje Movement secured 57 seats in the 120-member Assembly, managing to form a functional majority together with representatives of non-majority communities.
The formation of the government ends a long period of political uncertainty, during which institutions remained blocked due to the lack of a parliamentary majority. Kurti had been serving as acting prime minister for months while negotiations to form a new government were underway.
In his speech to MPs, Kurti highlighted the executive's priorities, including strengthening cooperation with Western allies, investing in defense, and advancing dialogue with Serbia. Among the main challenges the government is expected to face are approving the 2026 budget, securing international financial support, and managing ongoing regional tensions.
With the constitution of the Assembly, the election of the speaker, and the vote on the new government, Kosovo is entering a new institutional phase. The legislature and executive are expected to focus on economic development, the rule of law, and integration processes, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the country's political life.

Record holder of 110 points in a match, Granit Rugova, announces candidacy for president of the Prishtina National Football Association

Former basketball player and one of the most well-known figures in Kosovo basketball, Granit Rugova, has officially announced his candidacy for the position of president of the Prishtina Basketball Club, describing this step as a moral obligation and a responsibility towards the club that shaped him as an athlete and a person.
In his public statement, Rugova emphasized that the decision does not come from personal ambition, but from the conviction that his many years of experience in basketball as a player and as a leader can put the club back on the path to success.
Born on November 13, 1985 in Prishtina, Granit Rugova is one of the most important names in post-war Kosovo basketball. He was formed as a basketball player precisely at Sigal Prishtina, the club with which most of his career is associated.
Rugova played in the shooting guard position, known for his calmness in the game, shooting accuracy and leadership on the floor. With the Prishtina jersey, he became one of the key figures of the team for more than a decade.
In 2005, Rugova continued his career in the United States, where he played for Trinity Valley Community College in Texas (2006–2008), gaining important international experience that he later brought to Kosovor basketball.
After returning to Kosovo, he became one of the main pillars of Sigal Prishtina, with which he won trophies and contributed to the club's most successful period. Then, in 2015, he played for KB Bashkimi, only to return to Prishtina again in 2016, where he ended his active career in 2018.
One of the most memorable moments of Rugova's career remains the 2011 game, where he scored a whopping 110 points in a single game, a historic record in Kosovo basketball and among the highest in Europe.
He was also part of the Kosovo national team, contributing to the first stages of building the national team after Kosovo's admission to international competitions.
After ending his playing career, Rugova continued his commitment to sports through leadership roles. He was part of the Kosovo Basketball Federation, and later served as Director of Sports in the Municipality of Prishtina.

AI enters checkout: Google changes the way we shop online

Google has unveiled a new vision for the future of digital commerce, launching a series of new AI-powered tools that aim to transform the way consumers shop and how merchants sell online. The new initiative is known as agentic commerce – a form of commerce where AI not only recommends products but also acts autonomously to complete purchases on behalf of users.
At the heart of the announcement is the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), an open standard designed to connect platforms, merchants, payment providers and AI agents into a single ecosystem. This protocol was developed in collaboration with major e-commerce names such as Shopify, Etsy, Wayfair, Target and Walmart.
Full shopping within Gemini
Thanks to UCP, AI agents in Google Search (AI Mode) and in the Gemini app will be able to manage the entire shopping process from product search to payment without the user having to leave the platform.
For some select sellers in the US, Google has started testing checkout directly from search results, using data stored in Google Wallet and PayPal. Sellers always remain the responsible party for the transaction and have full control over the integration.
Another innovation is the Business Agent, a branded AI agent that allows users to communicate directly with companies through Search. This feature acts as a virtual sales consultant, answering questions about products, availability and purchase options. Brands like Lowe’s, Michael’s, Poshmark, and Reebok are expected to adopt this solution soon.
Google is also introducing new attributes in Merchant Center, designed to make products more understandable to AI systems. These include additional information such as answers to common questions, compatibility with accessories, or specific uses.
In the advertising field, Google is testing Direct Offers, a new format that allows sellers to offer discounts or exclusive benefits right when the user is ready to buy, within AI-driven experiences.
With this initiative, Google aims to move from the traditional click-and-buy model to purpose-driven shopping, where AI acts as an active intermediary between the consumer and the market. According to the company, this is a key step towards faster, more personal and more efficient commerce.
Recent developments show that agentic commerce is expected to play a central role in the future of global trade, fundamentally changing the relationship between technology, businesses and consumers.

Trump confirms capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela

In a press conference held in the early hours of Saturday morning, United States President Donald J. Trump confirmed that Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured by US forces during a coordinated overnight operation on Venezuelan territory.
According to President Trump, the operation was the result of close cooperation between US security agencies, describing it as “necessary to restore democratic order and the rule of law in Venezuela.”
Nicolás Maduro, who has described himself as a socialist and has led Venezuela since 2013, has been at the center of international accusations for years of serious human rights violations, electoral fraud and systemic corruption.
The US administration had previously accused him of stealing the elections that kept him in power.
In March 2020, US authorities filed indictments against Maduro, accusing him of overseeing a violent drug trafficking organization known as the "Cartel de los Soles", suspected of international cocaine trafficking and collaboration with armed criminal groups.
Following the intervention, President Trump announced the creation of a Venezuelan Transitional Authority, which will be tasked with institutionally stabilizing the country, restoring basic services, and preparing for a democratic transition.