With the onset of winter, Spanish cuisine shifts from summer dishes like gazpacho to hearty stews such as fabadas, callos, and cocidos. Each region in Spain has its own version of these stews, with callos a la madrileña being a notable example. Spanish companies like Petramora and Conservas El Navarrico are targeting international markets, particularly in colder countries, by offering high-quality canned stews and vegetable conserves. Petramora, led by Mikel Zeberio, aims to respect traditional dishes like cocido madrileño as much as paella, while Conservas El Navarrico, directed by Patxi Pastor Salcedo, focuses on high-quality products and has a strong export presence in the UK, its top market. Both companies are looking to expand further internationally, with the United States and Mexico being key targets for growth.

Over 80 Spanish media organizations, represented by the Association of Media of Information, are suing Meta for $600 million, alleging unfair competition and EU data protection rule violations between 2018 and 2023. The lawsuit claims Meta's use of personal data for targeted advertising on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp constitutes unfair competition, impacting the media's ability to invest in journalism and fight disinformation. The case, filed in Madrid, could set a precedent across the EU. The complainants include Prisa, Vocento, and La Vanguardia. The legal battle reflects the ongoing tension between legacy media and tech giants over content compensation, highlighted by similar disputes involving Google in Spain and Canada.

Jose Ruben Zamora Marroquin, the founder of El Periodico in Guatemala, has faced decades of repression for his work in press freedom, including kidnapping, drugging, and legal battles. His family, particularly his son Ramon, has suffered greatly, with Ramon living in exile due to safety concerns. Despite the hardships and the recent shutdown of El Periodico, the Zamoras remain committed to independent journalism. The current president, Bernardo Arevalo, has promised to address corruption and the dangers faced by journalists. Meanwhile, Zamora is fighting new legal charges while maintaining his dedication to free press from prison.

Catello Romano, a convicted mafia hitman serving a life sentence, has confessed to three unsolved murders in his university thesis. Romano, who has been in prison for 14 years, completed a sociology degree and used his thesis to detail his involvement with the Camorra crime family, his moral struggles, and his desire to contribute to the prevention of crime. His work is now being examined by Italian prosecutors. Romano's academic advisor, Charlie Barnao, commended him as a brilliant student, while journalist Fluvio Bufi noted that Romano's actions could be seen as a moral repentance rather than a legal one.

José Rubén Zamora, founder of the independent Guatemalan newspaper El Periódico, has faced decades of repression for his work in press freedom, including being kidnapped, drugged, and nearly killed in 2008. His son Ramón Zamora, now exiled in Miami, recounts the family's suffering and the continuous legal and physical attacks against his father. Despite the closure of El Periódico in May and José Rubén Zamora's current imprisonment on charges he denies, the family remains committed to the cause of independent journalism. The new president-elect Bernardo Arévalo has vowed to combat corruption and the exodus of journalists, while Dagmar Thiel of Fundamedios highlights the difficult climate for journalists in Guatemala since the creation of a special commission against impunity in 2007.

Spain's socialists have agreed with the Catalan separatist Junts party on an amnesty for individuals involved in Catalonia's independence movement from 2012 to the present. The amnesty will include events like the 2014 symbolic vote and the 2017 illegal referendum. It aims to cover up to 1,500 prosecuted individuals, including Junts' founder Carles Puigdemont, without being a mass pardon, which is unconstitutional. The law's passage through parliament may be delayed by the opposition People's Party and could be reviewed by the Constitutional Court, but once approved, it would allow Puigdemont to return to Spain safely.

Spanish Minister for Social Rights and leader of the far-left Podemos party, Ione Belarra, accused Israel of planning a genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and called for international sanctions. She criticized the global leaders for double standards, contrasting the response to human rights violations in Ukraine with the silence on Israeli bombings. Belarra suggested Spain and other nations should sever diplomatic ties with Israel and described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a war criminal who should face the International Criminal Court. The article also touches on the broader European response to the conflict, Spain's efforts to evacuate its citizens from Gaza, and the political divide within Europe regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Bernard Ruiz-Picasso reflects on his grandfather Pablo Picasso's legacy, suggesting that if Picasso were alive today, he might be experimenting with digital art and NFTs. As Spain and France commemorate the 50th anniversary of Picasso's death with exhibitions, Bernard discusses the enduring relevance of 'Guernica', Picasso's anti-war masterpiece, amidst the current Israel-Hamas conflict. He also addresses Picasso's reputation, acknowledging his humanity and imperfections. Bernard, who oversees part of the Picasso estate and promotes contemporary art through a foundation, cherishes personal memories of his grandfather, emphasizing his simple lifestyle despite his fame.

Spain is considering a reduction in the working week from 40 to 37.5 hours to improve work-life balance, aligning closer to France's 35-hour week. The socialist and far-left Sumar parties, needing support from smaller parties to form a government, propose this change as part of their new government deal. The initiative is supported by union leaders and citizens who seek a better organization of their lives around work. The deal also includes environmental and tax measures, with the left-wing parties requiring support from Catalan separatist parties to avoid another election.

Malaga is experiencing a boom due to the influx of digital nomads and an increase in cultural tourism, offering a lifestyle that rivals Barcelona. Tori Clinton, an Irish tech worker, enjoys the quality of life in Malaga despite high rents, which have risen by 19.5% in the past year. The Picasso Museum and Pompidou Centre are among the cultural attractions drawing visitors, with the museum attracting over 641,000 visitors this year. José Lebrero, the museum's curator, acknowledges the benefits and challenges of the city's popularity.

Tens of thousands marched in Barcelona protesting a potential amnesty deal related to Catalonia's 2017 separatist bid, which the Spanish Socialist Party may negotiate to form a government. The protest was organized by Societat Civil Catalana. Opposition leaders Alberto Nunez Feijoo and Santiago Abascal attended. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who needs support from Catalan separatist parties Junts and Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya, has previously pardoned nine jailed leaders. The amnesty could affect over 1,400 people. A majority of respondents in a poll opposed the amnesty. Without a prime ministerial majority by November 27, a repeat election is required.

Tens of thousands marched in Barcelona protesting a potential amnesty deal tied to Spain's Socialist Party's government formation efforts. The protest, organized by Societat Civil Catalana, saw opposition leaders Alberto Nunez Feijoo and Santiago Abascal participate. Critics argue the amnesty undermines the judiciary and democracy. The amnesty could affect over 1,400 individuals from the 2017 independence bid. A majority of Spaniards, including Socialist supporters, oppose the amnesty. Spain faces a repeat election if no prime ministerial candidate secures a majority by November 27.

Tens of thousands marched in Barcelona protesting a potential amnesty deal tied to Catalonia's 2017 separatist bid, which is crucial for Spain's Socialist Party to form a government. The protest was organized by Societat Civil Catalana. Opposition leaders Alberto Nunez Feijoo and Santiago Abascal joined the protest. The amnesty could affect over 1,400 individuals involved in the independence bid. A poll showed 70% opposition to the amnesty, including 59% of Socialist supporters. Spain faces a repeat election if no prime ministerial candidate secures a majority by November 27.

Angel Boza, one of the Wolf Pack rapists, had his sentence reduced from 15 to 14 years due to a loophole in Spain's 'Only Yes Is Yes' rape law, which merged sexual abuse and aggression crimes, leading to lighter minimum sentences. The law was introduced after the 2016 gang rape case at Pamplona's bull-running festival, which led to national protests and demands for legal reform. The Spanish Supreme Court had increased the sentences from nine to 15 years in 2019, but the new law has resulted in sentence reductions for 1,155 sex offenders, with 117 released from prison. Feminists, left-wing politicians, and the victim's lawyer condemned the decision, while conservative politicians blamed the left-wing government. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez apologized for the harm caused to victims, and Spain's acting equality minister, Irene Montero, blamed judges for misinterpreting the law. The Navarre court's ruling can be appealed at the Supreme Court.

The suspension of Royal Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales by FIFA over allegations of kissing striker Jennifer Hermoso without consent has sparked significant reactions in Spain. This incident, which has been compared to the #MeToo movement, has highlighted the deep-rooted sexism in Spanish football. Experts and former players call for structural reforms in women's football, including equal investment and opportunities. The Spanish women's national team and coaching staff have demanded Rubiales's resignation, and the Spanish government is seeking his removal. The case has also prompted a preliminary investigation into potential sexual assault. Meanwhile, Spain's Labour Minister met with football unions to discuss preventing abuse in women's sports, and women's groups are rallying in support of Hermoso. The situation reflects broader societal changes and legal advancements in Spain regarding women's rights.

Europe's heatwave has led to the emergence of sunken villages from dried-up reservoirs, particularly in Spain where the Santa Romà de Sau church, submerged in 1962, is now fully exposed. The drought has caused Spain's water reserves to drop significantly, prompting potential water restrictions in Barcelona and water transportation to dry towns. The drought is affecting local businesses, agriculture, and has contributed to wildfires. Spain's government has implemented energy-saving measures, and experts warn of more frequent droughts due to climate change. Projects like #LaSequera22 aim to raise awareness about water conservation.

Gang violence in Madrid has escalated with the resurgence of Latin American gangs such as Los Trinitarios and Dominican Don't Play (DDP) after lockdown. These gangs, originating from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, have been involved in murders, sex attacks, and violent street crimes. Police have increased their presence and arrested numerous gang members, but the gangs continue to recruit young people and create a climate of fear. Authorities are considering stricter regulations to prevent gang members from obtaining machetes, their weapon of choice. The violence has raised concerns about an all-out gang war in the streets of Madrid.

Spain, traditionally not a fan of British cuisine, has developed a fondness for the full English breakfast. El País, Spain's largest newspaper, praised the hearty dish, highlighting its delicious and diverse components, such as sausages, eggs, bread, and beans in tomato sauce.

Spanish NGO Proactiva Open Arms, known for rescuing refugees at sea, has redirected its efforts to assist in the COVID-19 pandemic by transporting patients to hospitals and supporting staff in care homes across Spain. The organization is also aiding homeless refugees and migrants with accommodation and participating in a testing program for hydroxychloroquine. Despite Spain's strict lockdown, refugees and migrants continue to attempt sea crossings from Africa, with the coastguard picking up 745 individuals since March 14. The Spanish Commission for Refugees (CEAR) and other organizations are urging the government to expedite the legal process for 40,000 pending asylum claims.

Spain experienced its deadliest day of the coronavirus pandemic with 849 fatalities, bringing the death toll to 8,189 and confirmed cases to 94,417. As the country entered its third week of lockdown, tensions rose with police accused of using violence to enforce movement restrictions. A widely shared video showed Basque Country police allegedly abusing a man and his mother for violating lockdown rules. Police have arrested 926 individuals and issued 102,000 fines for lockdown breaches. Concerns about inconsistent rule application and the long-term effects of isolation were raised, while some experts noted the solidarity among Spaniards.

Spain's state prosecutor is investigating after soldiers found elderly patients abandoned or dead in retirement homes amid the coronavirus outbreak. Defence Minister Margarita Robles reported the grim discovery, and Health Minister Salvador Illa declared retirement homes a priority. The virus has killed 2,694 in Spain, with Madrid's mortuaries overwhelmed. Epidemiologists note the virus is spreading more geographically in Spain than in Italy, with Madrid's cases potentially surpassing Lombardy's.

A letter-writing campaign in Spain, 'We will beat coronavirus', encourages people to send letters to coronavirus patients in hospitals to lift their spirits amid isolation. The campaign has seen significant support, with letters and donations of face masks. Over 13,700 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Spain, with 598 deaths. Hospitals face challenges such as a lack of protective masks and high patient numbers. The initiative has been well-received, with 30 letters arriving at a Barcelona hospital within hours.

Spanish police rescued six men suffocating in Europe's first discovered underground illegal cigarette factory in Monda, Malaga Province, Spain. The factory, generating over 600,000 euros weekly, was found 13 feet underground with living quarters for staff, who were blindfolded and paid 7,000 euros monthly but worked in 'semi-slavery' conditions. The operation, named Hannibal, was initiated by a tip-off from Europol and led to the seizure of cigarettes, tobacco, and drugs, and the arrest of 12 British suspects, including fugitive Daniel Dobbs. The workers faced life-threatening conditions after being abandoned and left without fresh air.

A group of 25 people are on trial in Morocco for allegedly stealing luxury watches and jewellery from King Mohammed VI's palace in Marrakesh. The suspects include a female palace employee identified as the ringleader, palace security staff, and Moroccan jewellers. The trial is set to begin next week in Rabat. The king, known for his expensive collection, reportedly acquired a $1.2m Patek Philippe watch in 2018. The Moroccan royal household has not commented on the incident. The suspects are charged with robbery and 'abuse of confidence'. The last similar incident occurred approximately 40 years ago. Security around the king is usually tight, but has been criticized for being lax during his private trips.

Iñaki Urdangarin, the brother-in-law of King Felipe of Spain, has been granted permission to leave prison for four days over Christmas to join his family. Urdangarin was jailed for fraud, embezzlement, and tax evasion, and his royal connections were used to secure contracts and siphon off public money. His wife, Princess Cristina, was cleared but ordered to pay damages. The royal scandal influenced the abdication.

Rohan Schoeman, 36, recounted his fear that he and his wife Audrey Mash, 34, would perish in a snowstorm in the Spanish Pyrenees during their sixth wedding anniversary. Mash became hypothermic and her heart stopped for six hours, but she miraculously survived. Rescuers reached them by helicopter, finding Mash with a body temperature of 18C, significantly below the normal 37C.

Gareth Bale faced backlash from Spanish media and Real Madrid fans after displaying a banner that read 'Wales, Golf, Madrid: In that order' following Wales' Euro 2020 qualification. The gesture was seen as disrespectful in Spain, where football is held in high regard. Bale has previously expressed a stronger affinity for playing with Wales over Real Madrid, which has contributed to tensions with the club and its supporters. His golfing hobby has also been a point of contention, with injuries allegedly linked to it. The incident has fueled speculation about Bale's future at Real Madrid, especially with Jose Mourinho's recent appointment at Tottenham Hotspur.

A trend of wearing T-shirts with a realistic seatbelt design to avoid fines from security cameras has emerged in Spain, drawing criticism from Spanish police. The T-shirts, sold on Amazon for €12, aim to help drivers and passengers escape a €200 penalty for not wearing a seatbelt. The Civil Guard has condemned the practice, emphasizing that seatbelts save lives and questioning whether the T-shirts could do the same in an accident.

Three decades after the fall of communism in Europe, protests are erupting in cities across the globe, from Latin America to Hong Kong. The demonstrations are driven by anger over economic inequality, rising living costs, and perceived apathy from ruling elites. There is also growing concern that the world may be heading towards a recession after years of economic growth.

The remains of Spain's former dictator General Franco were moved from the Valley of the Fallen mausoleum outside Madrid to a cemetery in Madrid after a contentious debate about his final resting place. The exhumation was broadcast live, watched by millions, and involved lifting a 1.5 tonne granite slab from Franco's grave.

A British father and son, Daniel and Liam Poole, went missing during a golfing holiday in Malaga, Spain. The family fears they were murdered in connection with a drug deal and their bodies disposed of in the Mediterranean. Daniel Poole had a history of drug dealing and was related to the Richardson crime family, known for their criminal activities in the 1960s.

In Barcelona, opponents of Catalan independence held a counter-protest following a week of separatist unrest triggered by the imprisonment of nine secessionists. Albert Rivera, leader of the pro-unionist Citizens party, urged Madrid to suspend Catalonia’s autonomy as it did in 2017. He criticized the inability of people to conduct normal activities and called for a government that protects the weak. Pedro Sánchez, the caretaker Socialist prime minister, has declined to engage with Catalan president Quim Torra until he denounces the violence that has resulted in injuries to 288 police officers.

A Spanish woman was shocked to find a rotting human head in a box she was storing for a friend, which she believed contained sex toys. The friend, Maria del Carmen Merino, 61, was arrested after police alleged the head was that of her missing partner, Jesus María Baranda, 67, a retired bank worker from Castro Urdiales, Spain. Merino had claimed she wanted to hide the box from the police due to an investigation into Baranda's disappearance.

La Campana, a trattoria in Rome, claims to be the world's oldest restaurant, having been open since 1518. Owner Paolo Trancassini asserts he has archival evidence to support this claim, aiming to surpass the current record holder, Sobrino de Botín in Madrid, which opened in 1725. La Campana, known for its tripe, has served notable figures like Caravaggio, Goethe, and Keith Richards.

Following the collapse of Thomas Cook, there is confusion in hotels about payments, with tourists like Tanya and David Snook facing cash demands from hoteliers such as those at Hotel Samos in Magaluf, Mallorca. The Civil Aviation Authority acknowledges the situation, and the British government has advised tourists to comply with the payment demands.

Spain is set to have its fourth election in four years following King Felipe's announcement that no candidate could form a government. The Socialist Party, under acting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, won the most votes in the previous election but did not secure a majority. Failed negotiations with the far-left Podemos party, led by Pablo Iglesias, who demanded cabinet positions, have led to the call for snap elections on November 10.

Spanish police have arrested 78 members of a drug gang, allegedly led by Abdellah El Haj Sadek el Menbri, nicknamed the Messi of hashish. El Menbri is accused of using speed boats to transport cannabis resin from Morocco to Spain, often landing on tourist beaches or ports on the Costa del Sol. The operations extended to using the Guadalquivir River, affecting areas from Cádiz to Seville and Córdoba. During raids in Malaga, Seville, and Cádiz, authorities seized six tonnes of hashish, five speed boats, 17 vehicles, €480,000 in cash, and six guns.

Violent robberies in Barcelona have increased significantly, with a 30.5% rise in assaults during the first half of the year compared to the previous year. The increase is partly due to victims, including tourists, resisting pickpocket gangs, leading to more violent confrontations. The majority of these assaults occur in the central, maze-like streets of Barcelona, a city that attracts 16 million visitors annually. High-profile victims include the Afghan ambassador and a South Korean official.

Spain is on the verge of its fourth election in four years as the far-left Podemos party has hindered the Socialist Party's efforts to form a coalition government due to disagreements over ministerial positions. Pedro Sánchez, the acting prime minister and leader of the Socialists, failed to secure an investiture vote and has until September 23 to reach an agreement to avoid a general election on November 10. The country has been without a confirmed government since the Socialists emerged as the largest party in April's election but did not achieve a majority.

A 45-year-old man is set to appear in court in connection with the death of 74-year-old British pensioner Lesley Anne Pearson, whose body was found buried at her home in Algar, Spain. The man was arrested after Pearson failed to return a rental car, prompting a search by the Civil Guard. The court appearance will take place in Arcos de la Frontera, and it is suspected that Pearson died from an injury sustained during an argument.

Three terrorists inspired by Isis have been sentenced to death in Morocco for the abduction and beheading of Scandinavian hikers Maren Ueland and Louisa Vesterager Jespersen in the Atlas Mountains. The victims were killed near Imlil, and the attackers had posted a video vowing revenge for the defeat of Isis in Hajin, Syria. The trial involved 24 suspects, with the three ringleaders receiving the maximum sentence by a court in Salé.

Spain's state-owned Renfe, known for operating the high-speed AVE train, has joined a bid for the West Coast Partnership franchise in the UK, led by Hong Kong's MTR. The bid, which also includes China's Guangshen Railway Co, is to operate inter-city services between London, northwestern England, and Glasgow, and will contribute to the HS2 project set to launch in 2026. The Department for Transport is soon to announce the winning bid.

Katja Faber, the mother of Alex Morgan who was murdered by Bennet von Vertes in Switzerland in 2014, is determined to prevent von Vertes from evading justice as his legal team prepares an appeal. Von Vertes, an art gallery owner, was convicted in 2017 for the voluntary manslaughter of Morgan and the separate rape of a woman, and is currently serving a 12½-year sentence.

Seán Cox's family celebrated Liverpool's Champions League final victory as a special night for him, a dedicated fan who suffered a brain injury from an attack by AS Roma fans last year. A photo of Cox watching the match with his son gained attention after being shared by Liverpool's CEO, Peter Moore. Martina Cox, Seán's wife, expressed gratitude towards the team and supporters following the win against Tottenham Hotspur.