Spain is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 and flu cases after the holiday season, leading to an overloaded healthcare system. Emergency rooms are saturated, with the situation expected to worsen in the coming weeks. Madrid's La Paz Hospital has reported patients waiting in hallways, and primary care clinics face a major bottleneck. The new health minister, Monica Garcia, has called for Spaniards to maintain preventive measures. Despite high initial COVID-19 vaccine uptake, Spain is now behind, with only 50% of the high-risk population vaccinated against the flu, below the WHO's goal.

Pedro Sanchez, Spain's Socialist Party leader and reelected premier, announced a new Cabinet for his progressive coalition government, maintaining many senior ministers while introducing new ones. The Cabinet, which includes 12 women among its 22 ministers, is the second-largest in Spain's modern history and emphasizes feminist and social policies. Notably, Podemos politicians lost their ministerial posts, and the new Cabinet faced criticism from the Popular Party and others for various reasons, including the reappointment of Fernando Grande-Marlaska as interior minister.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called on Western states to recognize the state of Palestine, emphasizing the need to address the suffering in Gaza and achieve a permanent cease-fire. He proposed a peace conference for a two-state solution and stated Spain would recognize Palestine unilaterally if necessary. This stance has caused a diplomatic rift with Israel, although the Israeli ambassador to Spain recently returned, signaling a potential positive shift in relations.

The article discusses the new deal on migration and asylum agreed upon by the European Union. It outlines the key components of the agreement and its implications for member states and migrants seeking asylum within the EU.

Spanish President Pedro Sánchez highlighted the benefits for Europe in recognizing the State of Palestine, citing moral positioning and geopolitical interests. He criticized the situation in Gaza and the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel. Sánchez expressed concerns about regional stability and the potential spread of conflict. During his Middle East tour, he announced Spain's willingness to unilaterally recognize Palestine if the EU does not. Currently, nine out of 27 EU countries recognize Palestine, with 139 of 193 UN member states also acknowledging it.

Kathy Wilbur, a prominent figure in Michigan's state government and higher education, passed away at 70 after a sudden recurrence of cancer. Her career spanned nearly 50 years, including roles in the legislative and executive branches and at Michigan State University and Central Michigan University. Tributes poured in from former Governor John Engler, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, and others, all highlighting her dedication, leadership, and positive impact. A memorial service is scheduled for December 16 at The Peoples Church in East Lansing.

Acting President of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, announced on November 15 that the new Spanish government will work nationally and within Europe to recognize the State of Palestine. During a debate, he called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, adherence to humanitarian law, and access for international aid. Sánchez condemned Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel and rejected the indiscriminate massacre of Palestinians. The left-wing coalition government, including members from Podemos, urged Sánchez to take stronger action, with calls for sanctions against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a break in diplomatic relations.

Spanish acting President Pedro Sánchez has announced that the new Spanish government will work both nationally and within Europe to recognize the State of Palestine. This commitment was made during a debate prior to a vote expected to solidify his left-wing coalition government. Sánchez called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, adherence to humanitarian law, and access for international aid. He condemned a Hamas attack on Israel and the indiscriminate massacre of Palestinians. The left-wing party Podemos, part of the coalition, urged Sánchez to take stronger action on Palestine, with calls for sanctions against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a break in diplomatic relations.

Over 375 NGOs in Spain protested outside the parliament, urging the government to halt arms trade with Israel, citing Spain's purchase of €861 million worth of weapons from Israel this year. Protesters highlighted recent purchases of rocket launchers and anti-tank missiles from Israeli defense companies Elbit Systems and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, arguing that these sales finance military operations in Gaza. They called for sanctions against Israel, war crime charges against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, and an embargo on arms trade. The protest was supported by five political parties, including the junior coalition party Sumar. Inside parliament, Prime Minister Sanchez spoke on the suffering in Gaza but did not address the calls to cease arms trade. Cultural figures and Podemos party members also demanded action, with Podemos leader Ione Belarra urging Sanchez to recognize the attacks on Gaza as genocide and to embargo all arms trade.

Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia announced that masks are now mandatory in healthcare settings nationwide due to a surge in flu and COVID-19 infections. This measure has been met with opposition from some regional governments, particularly those led by the conservative Popular Party. The government's initial proposal was rejected by regional governments, but Garcia stated that masks will be compulsory unless regions show a decline in infections for two weeks. Masks are recommended in pharmacies but not required. Medical associations have reported that emergency services and primary care are overwhelmed due to increased viral infections and resource shortages.

The article discusses the impact of a severe drought in Extremadura, Spain, which has led to the Dolmen of Guadalperal, a 7,000-year-old megalithic monument, becoming fully visible for the first time in decades due to the receding waters of the Valdecañas Reservoir. Local resident and president of a cultural association, Angel Castaño, and prehistory specialist Primitiva Bueno Ramirez provide insights into the significance of the monument and the challenges it faces. The dolmen, compared to Stonehenge, was once an enclosed space used for burial or rituals. The article also touches on the history of the region, including past human activities such as making flour and brewing beer. The fate of the dolmen is uncertain, with calls for its preservation and concerns about the potential damage from relocation efforts. The article emphasizes the need for careful study and preservation of this historic site.

The article discusses the ideological power of ISIS and the challenges the West faces in combating its message. It highlights the historical context of ideological warfare, drawing parallels with the denazification efforts after World War II. The piece examines various strategies used to counteract ISIS's influence, including programs like Extreme Dialogue in Canada and the 77th Brigade in England. It also touches on the importance of the messenger in religious debates, the individualized nature of radicalization, and the potential unintended consequences of ideological interventions. The article suggests that ISIS should be viewed as a fascist movement rather than a purely Islamic one, emphasizing the role of power over belief.