Stories from Spain

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.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez addressed a pre-campaign meeting in Córdoba, Andalusia. Sánchez criticized the People's Party (PP) for its political alliances. He accused the party of lacking constitutionalism due to its pacts with the Vox far-right party. Sánchez stated that the Socialist Party's priorities are public services, peace, and social protection.

Authorities evacuated the boarding area at Tenerife North Airport following the detection of smoke. The incident caused flight delays within the Canary Islands. Normal operations began to resume after the area was cleared. Aena reported the smoke detection led to the immediate evacuation of the terminal zone. A cloud of smoke forced the evacuation of part of the passenger terminal at Tenerife North Airport on Sunday morning. Dozens of travelers were affected by the incident during the early hours.

The Iberian Anti-Nuclear Movement has issued a statement asserting that nuclear energy is not a solution to the current energy crisis. The group is demanding the immediate closure of the Almaraz nuclear power plant located in Spain. The facility is situated near the Tagus River, approximately 100 kilometers from the Portuguese border. The movement's statement follows recent discussions regarding energy security and the role of nuclear power in the region.

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.

Civilian agents in Almería conducted an operation targeting illegal animal skin trafficking. Authorities investigated an individual possessing an extensive collection of protected species, including ivory and elephant parts. The investigation into the trafficking ring is ongoing. Civil Guard agents in Almería seized ivory tusks, elephant leg stools, and heads of puma, leopard, and monkeys valued at over 2,500 euros.

Vocational training students in Vigo, Spain, have reported being used as cheap labor by certain companies. Students and teachers claim companies are exploiting trainees during their practical internships.

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.