Stories from Spain

The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has expanded weather warnings for the Aragon region in Spain. The alerts cover potential storms and hail across three specific zones for Wednesday.

A group of immigrants stormed the Gambia embassy in Madrid around 10:00 AM. The incident occurred around 10:00 AM on Hernández Iglesias Street in the Ciudad Lineal district. One woman was reported to be in cardiopulmonary arrest following the incident. Spokesperson Miguel Ángel García stated the situation reflects a chaotic migration process that is saturating services. Large queues of migrants gathered at the site to obtain documents required for regularization processes. Some individuals attempted to scale the embassy wall, causing a tumult that alerted local residents. The neighborhood is reportedly returning to normalcy after the incident. Hundreds of Gambian citizens gathered outside the embassy in Madrid to collect passports required for regularization applications. Protesters slept on the street due to slow-moving queues and frustration over the 120 euro appointment fee.

Two designated experts investigating the La Damuz tragedy confessed to a judge that they maintained prior professional links with the companies responsible for renovating the road.

Associations, platforms, and parent-teacher associations (AMPA) delivered 10,000 signatures to the Madrid City Council against the construction of the EMT Museum. The proposed museum is planned for the plot where the former stadium once stood.

A worker at the Rafa Nadal tennis academy has been detained for stealing tennis rackets and selling them online. Authorities stated the arrest uncovered a clandestine sales network operating in plain sight.

Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez Almeida announced the city council will appeal a Supreme Court ruling that declared the municipal waste tax null. Javier Ortega-Smith, acting as a Vox spokesperson, was present during the session. Mayor José Luis Martí de Zalmeida announced an appeal during a plenary session regarding the waste management tax. The decision follows inquiries from Vox spokesperson Javier Ortega Smith concerning whether taxpayers would receive automatic refunds for payments made. No immediate refunds to residents are expected at this time. The Mayor's office noted that the minimum waste tax in Barcelona is 95 percent higher than the minimum in Madrid. Opponents of the tax argue it disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. Madrid currently ranks 12th among major Spanish cities for these costs according to the OCU.

Musician Patti Smith has been named the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award winner for the Arts. Smith won the award over 54 other candidates representing approximately 30 different nationalities. The announcement identifies her as a prominent figure in the punk genre. The jury described her as a vigorous performer who captures individual rebellion through popular music icons. The award recognizes her poetic vision and commitment to messages of hope against injustice. Her career includes the emblematic work People Have The Power. The jury cited her creativity and the connection between poetry, rock, and cultural spirit in her work. The announcement was made during a broadcast marking the anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The award recognizes her impetuous creativity and vigorous style, noting her songs have become icons.

Aldama claims that payments were made to individuals including Cóldo and Ábalos as part of a scheme involving public works. An investigation is examining allegations of irregular financing within the Socialist Party. The case involves direct accusations of receiving commission payments. A UDF inspector and Gurtel investigator, Moropcho, confirmed the matter involves a police operation conducted without authorization. The investigation is expected to continue until May 4. The allegations suggest these funds were used for personal expenses, including monthly payments of 10,000 euros. A trial described how an organization collected illegal commissions for public works projects. Money was transported in various ways, including envelopes for amounts between 50,000 and 60,000 euros.

Dr. Balacic successfully raised up to 3 million euros for pharmaceutical research. The source noted that while basic research is covered by public systems, private or financial investment is required to transition research into pharmacy-ready drugs.

Real Earth has issued a recall for all batches of Blonde Henna and Oil Balance cosmetics. The company stated it cannot guarantee the safe use of these specific products.