Stories from Madrid · Spain

Six agents from the AUCO will testify before a court regarding a transport audit of mask contracts. The investigation involves former minister and his advisor, Coldo. Legal sources indicate the interrogation of the accused will begin Wednesday with Aldama providing an extensive statement. Coldo García and José Luis Ábalos are scheduled to testify following Aldama. The judicial proceedings are expected to conclude this Thursday. Prosecutors and investigators are examining the sale of face masks during the coronavirus pandemic in the Community of Madrid. The investigation focuses on whether certain sales were conducted for the benefit of specific accounts. The total amount under suspicion exceeds 36 million pesos.

The Spanish Congress is scheduled to vote on Tuesday regarding housing costs and rent controls. The legislation, proposed by the government, aims to extend rent protections for two years and limit annual rent increases to 2%. Hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the People's Party headquarters in Madrid to demand support for the measure. Villa Lobos, president of the Madrid Regional Federation of Neighborhood Associations, addressed the demonstrators. The decree, proposed by the Sommar administration, allows for a two-year extension of rent protections and limits annual rent increases to 2%. Additionally, residents in the commercial center neighborhood held an assembly to protest a municipal project involving the construction of 530 homes and 16,000 square meters of green space. The local assembly claims the project favors real estate funds over neighborhood preservation.

Approximately 200 people gathered at the People's Party headquarters in Madrid to protest housing costs. Demonstrators expressed support for the extension of current measures as a common-sense necessity. Over 50,000 letters were sent within 24 hours by groups demanding the decree not be overturned. The Executive branch had previously separated this housing decree from a larger legislative package intended to address war consequences. The vote follows intense pressure from political groups including Sumar and Junts. While negotiations continue until Tuesday, the measure's validation appears unlikely due to a lack of necessary votes. The political group associated with Puigdemont has rejected both supporting and negotiating with the Sumar coalition. This refusal follows comments by Vice President Yolanda Díaz labeling the formation as racist and classist.

Approximately 100 urban artists are participating in the Pinta Malasaña event in the Malasaña district of Madrid. The initiative aims to visualize the sense of abuse felt by those unable to afford housing. The project is part of an annual community street art tradition in the city. The festival is currently taking place in Malasaña and around the Centro Cultural Conde Duque. Participants are characterizing the current state of the art industry as a harsh business environment. The festival activities are scheduled to continue until 8:00 PM. Pedro San Martín reported on the creative transformation of the district. Artists from various cities and nationalities have submitted proposals for a festival featuring diverse works including graffiti, muralism, and street art. One featured work is an open shoe designed to reflect the personal journeys of individuals.

A trial is examining allegations of regular financing of the PSOE political party involving individuals named Ávalos, Coldo, and Aldama. The investigation is being conducted as a separate piece alongside other ongoing cases. The probe focuses on whether funds were improperly managed or moved. De Aldama's testimony included claims pointing toward Pedro Sanchez. The investigation focuses on whether approximately 500 euros were received in 500-euro banknotes as reimbursements for expenses, advances, and per diems. A 2024 certificate presented by the Socialist Party claims that 500-euro banknotes were not available, a claim currently being contested. Additionally, the PP is attempting to link PSOE candidate María Jesús Montero to José Luis Sábalos ahead of the Andalusian elections. The Court of Auditors has reported that the Spanish government used European Union funds to pay for pensions.

Researchers have identified a specific genetic mutation in the OTOF gene that causes deafness. The mutation affects phonology, syntax, and semiotics, preventing the understanding of complex syntactic structures. Unlike normal human linguistic variability, these mutations are described as extreme and are located within the 'dark matter' of the genome. The findings suggest the mutation impacts how children process phonemes and language structures. The findings suggest the cause lies in non-coding regions of the genome rather than standard genes. These variations are found in regulatory sequences that evolve rapidly. These sequences are ancient, predating the emergence of the human species 200,000 years ago. Research indicates that specific genetic variations regulating linguistic genes have evolved rapidly over 6 million years.

Velu Jiménez, identified as a professor and video game designer, has been arrested. A man was detained in Puente de Vallecas for robbing a bank branch. Police suspected the individual after observing him dragging a trash bin from a nearby property late at night. The suspect reportedly used the bin to hide the stolen loot. The incident follows the confirmation of Mónica García's candidacy for the Madrid community presidency.

Writer Vaquintas has been awarded the Gran Angular 2026 prize for her novel 'La cuarta vida de Blanca Cuervo'. The award recognizes her work in literature for children and young adults. The prize is part of the Gran Angular collection, which is described as an emblematic series for adolescent readers. Vaquintas noted that she had applied for the award across several previous calls. Her winning novel is titled 'La cuarta vida de Blanca Cuervo,' which features an astronomical element. Cuervo noted that writing for these age groups is an act of hope. The work is described as a thriller that addresses social themes. Quintas noted that the thriller genre allows for the exploration of truth and social issues. The literary achievement was discussed in the context of the thriller genre's ability to address social themes and the search for truth.

Spanish prosecutors are investigating X-MO executives, including Elon Musk and former CEO Linda Jacarino, regarding potential complicity in distributing child pornography. The investigation also examines the use of X's artificial intelligence models to generate non-consensual, sexually explicit, ultra-realistic images. Musk has characterized the legal proceedings as a political attack. The probe is being conducted by the prosecutor's office.

Madonna is set to release a new album titled 'Confessions 2' on July 3rd. The announcement comes as the artist continues to manage her professional schedule. Madonna is running a campaign on the dating app Grindr featuring a voice-meme where she expresses appreciation for the queer community. She stated the community is to her and will be the first to receive updates on her upcoming album. This campaign includes a dedicated profile featuring a voice memo from the artist. The singer has indicated a move to keep away from touring for the time being. The project is described as a successor to her 2005 album, Confessions on the Dance Floor. The release is part of a musical comeback effort that may include collaborations with younger artists like Sabrina Carpenter. A sequel to Madonna's film 'Confessions' has been announced, titled 'Confessions II'.