Wealthy Latin Americans are increasingly choosing Madrid as a place to live and invest, transforming the city into a 'New Miami.' The Salamanca neighborhood has seen property prices soar, with demand from Latin American clients far exceeding supply. Initially, Venezuelans sought refuge from the Maduro regime, followed by Colombians, Peruvians, and Mexicans seeking safety and a better quality of life. Madrid's competitive business environment, strategic location, and cultural ties with Latin America make it an attractive investment destination. Investments from Latin America in Spain have followed three waves, with a significant increase in 2022. The influx of Latin American residents is also influencing Madrid's luxury concept and revitalizing cultural and leisure sectors, with new high-end businesses and restaurants catering to Latin American tastes.

The trend of 'mindful drinking' is gaining popularity among young Europeans, with a shift from excessive alcohol consumption to more conscious drinking habits. This change aligns with broader lifestyle trends focused on health, such as veganism and active living. The World Health Organization reports a significant decrease in heavy episodic drinking among Europeans under 25 since 2000. Socialization patterns have evolved, with virtual spaces partly replacing bars. In Spain, 15% of under-24s choose not to drink, despite social pressure. The trend is reflected in social media hashtags and the rise of non-alcoholic cocktail options in bars, indicating a market shift towards quality over quantity.

The Spanish Congress is preparing to give a vote of confidence to Pedro Sánchez, allowing him to continue as Prime Minister after satisfying the Catalan separatist parties' condition for amnesty. The Socialist Party's bill, which has been sent to Brussels for review, is said to contain no loopholes and its future application will be decided at the European level. The party hopes that those involved in the Catalonia trial, including Carles Puigdemont, can return to Spain within six months. The bill's parliamentary journey is expected to be long, with Catalan separatists planning amendments. However, this will not prevent Sánchez from securing an absolute majority in the first vote. Security has been tightened around the Congress building in Madrid to ensure democratic processes proceed smoothly.

Acting President Pedro Sánchez will seek re-election for a new term as head of the Spanish Government on Wednesday. The investiture debate will begin at noon in the Congress of Deputies, with Sánchez presenting his program to gain the chamber's support. The first vote is expected on Thursday, November 16. Sánchez has secured enough support for an absolute majority, primarily due to agreements with Catalan and Basque separatists. The investiture date coincides with the registration of an amnesty law for those prosecuted for the 2017 Catalan secession attempt. The opposition, led by the Partido Popular, is preparing a legal challenge to the law, which will also be reviewed by the European judiciary. Over half a million people protested against the amnesty law, and the police will deploy a thousand officers to secure the Congress during the investiture debate.

Protests erupted in several Spanish cities, including Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, and Madrid, against a proposed amnesty law that would benefit Catalan separatist leaders. The demonstrations in Madrid, called by the conservative People's Party (PP), were largely peaceful, though some violent radical groups were present. The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) is expected to submit the amnesty law proposal to parliament next week, which has secured Catalan independence parties' support for Pedro Sánchez's election as Prime Minister. The opposition criticizes Sánchez for allegedly 'buying' his re-election with the impunity of his partners.

In the sparsely populated region of Castile and León, Spain, on-demand public transport services have been implemented to improve access to essential services for rural communities. Josefa Fernández, a resident of Olivares de Duero, uses the service to travel to her nearest health center, praising its efficiency. The service, which can be booked by phone or online, offers flexible routes that adapt to demand, reducing unnecessary stops and emissions. Introduced 18 years ago by the regional Transport Council, the initiative has gained attention from other regions in Spain and abroad for its cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach to rural mobility.

The teaching, administrative, and janitorial staff of Technical Secondary School No. 27 in Ciudad Ixtepec held a closing civic event where approximately 235 students graduated. The ceremony for the 2020-2023 Generation included notable guests such as Shuashi Girón Martínez, the generation's sponsor; Felipe Ruiz Canseco, the school's director; and Obed Ortega Martínez, president of the communal property commission. After the educational event, high-achieving graduates received their documentation. The event also featured a student musical group and a dance duo representing Oaxacan traditions. Alisa Hernández Cabrera, a student, gave a farewell speech, encouraging her peers to continue striving for success. Parents congratulated their children on completing another phase of their lives and wished them success in future endeavors.

Spain is bracing for a challenging wildfire season, with conditions prompting an early start to the fire prevention campaign and reinforcement of firefighter teams. José Miguel Abarca, a firefighter, explains the reduction of combustible material to mitigate fire severity. Marta Jeréz de la Vega, Chief of Forest Firefighters in the Community of Madrid, details a mixed system of prevention and readiness for extinguishing fires. The country has already experienced over 58,000 hectares burned this year, with current fires exceeding extinguishing capabilities. Rapid response by helitransport brigades is crucial. Global warming and El Niño may lead to record temperatures in the next five years, necessitating a shift in public mindset regarding fire prevention.

CESEEO Juchitán secured the first place in the inaugural War Bands contest held at the 'Venustiano Carranza' park in Ciudad Ixtepec, with participation from four secondary educational institutions. The event saw performances from schools including 'Belisario Domínguez' and '20 de Noviembre' from Ciudad Ixtepec, as well as Secundaria Técnica 18 from El Espinal and CESEEO from Juchitán. The contest ended in a tie between CESEEO and Secundaria Técnica 18, with CESEEO ultimately being declared the winner by the judges from the Mexican army. All participating schools were awarded recognitions and trophies, and gratitude was expressed towards José Manuel Remetería, director of CESEEO Juchitán.

Joshua Alonso became the guardian of his eight-year-old brother after their mother was killed by her ex-partner six years ago, adding to the 391 cases of children orphaned by domestic violence in Spain since 2013. Joshua now works to dismantle gender stereotypes and advocates for the rights of these forgotten victims. In 2015, children who lost their mothers were recognized as direct victims of domestic violence, leading to a struggle for their right to adequate orphanage payments. Marisa Soleto, director of Fundación Mujeres, stresses the importance of ensuring these children's personal, emotional, and educational development is minimally impacted. Fanny Sanchez-Juan, a clinical psychologist, works with gender violence victims to help them overcome lifelong trauma. Despite efforts, the beginning of 2023 has seen 10 women killed and 14 minors orphaned due to gender violence in Spain.

Spain has witnessed ten cases of gender-based violence since the beginning of 2023, adding to the 391 children orphaned by domestic violence since 2013. Joshua Alonso, who lost his mother to her ex-partner six years ago, now conducts workshops to educate children and young people about gender violence.

The First Athletic Race of Dentists in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec was held with over 250 runners across various categories. Despite the cool morning, participants arrived on time and, after warming up, were ready for the 6-kilometer race. The event took place last Sunday near the La Riviera subdivision in Juchitán. Denhis Fuentes Toledo from Fuerza Eólica del Istmo Peñoles and other local sports promoters and organizers awarded the winners. Special recognition was given to the team of dentists for organizing the event, coinciding with Dentist's Day on February 7. The organizers thanked the sponsors for their support, which made the race possible.

Residents of a Madrid building have installed 76 solar panels to power common areas and save on electricity, spurred by rising energy costs due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The trend of off-grid installations is booming in Spain, with citizens and businesses seeking to generate their own electricity. Laura Ramos from Ecooo Solar Consulting reports a surge in requests for solar projects. Collective solar installations can save up to 40% on electricity bills, and with storage solutions like batteries, savings can reach 60%. The Spanish Ministry of Ecological Transition, with EU funds, is subsidizing 40% of installation costs. Víctor Marcos, director of renewable energies at the ministry, cites energy prices, the Ukraine invasion, funding, and environmental awareness as drivers for the increase in electric self-consumption.

The Spanish Government has introduced energy-saving legislation that sets temperature limits for air conditioning and heating in bars, shops, and offices, aiming to meet the EU's target of 7% energy savings. Bar owners in Madrid fear a significant loss of business, anticipating a 3% decrease due to the indoor temperature cap of 19 degrees. While public buildings will reduce lighting and some public transport has been made free, the use of outdoor heaters on terraces remains a contentious issue. Spain is considering additional measures to further reduce energy consumption and is in a relatively strong position due to its energy infrastructure, offering potential support to other European countries through solidarity.

Ukrainian families arriving in Spain face a language barrier, which they primarily overcome using translation apps. The interest in learning Ukrainian has surged globally, with Duolingo reporting a 500% increase in learners. To aid communication, Spanish communication agency Prodigioso Volcán, led by Mario Tascón, developed an emergency emoji guide. This visual guide is used by Fundación Cepaim and other organizations to assist refugees in health centers and emergencies. Prodigioso Volcán is also creating a visual guide for children's school integration, and institutions are offering free Spanish courses to help refugees fully integrate.

The invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces has raised concerns about the environmental impact, including potential nuclear disasters at the Zaporizhzhia power plant and contamination from military activities. The Conflict and Environment Observatory (CEOBS) is monitoring the situation, noting the risks of bombing industrial areas and the long-term effects on the environment. Previous conflicts, such as in Chechnya, have left significant environmental damage, and the current war in Ukraine poses similar risks. The war also distracts from climate governance, with environmental projects halted and a shift in priorities towards economic growth and reconstruction. Svetlana Krakovska of the Ukrainian IPCC delegation highlights the connection between the climate crisis and the war.

Spain could become a key entry point for gas into Europe as the EU plans to wean off Russian gas by 2030. Spain holds 45% of Europe's liquefied gas storage and a third of its regasification capacity. Enagás CEO Arturo Gonzalo highlights Spain's flexible system, receiving gas from 14 countries last year and having two interconnections with France. However, bottlenecks at the Pyrenees and the need for new connections with the European supply network are challenges. The Spanish government insists on compatibility with renewable energy sources like hydrogen and biogas. As Russia intensifies its invasion of Ukraine, Europe faces energy supply concerns for the upcoming winter.

Privacy concerns, especially regarding children, are a major topic at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the world's largest mobile show. Children, being 'digital natives', are adept at using mobile devices but may not be fully aware of the risks associated with sharing their data online.

The article discusses the existence of a gay mosque in South Africa, a place of worship for LGBTQ+ Muslims led by the country's only openly gay imam, Muhsin Hendricks. Despite South Africa's progressive laws on sexual orientation, the reality for gay, lesbian, and transgender people includes discrimination and violence. The mosque, known as The People's Mosque, offers a safe space for queer Muslims to practice their faith without judgment. Hendricks, who also runs the gay Muslim support organization Inner Circle, has been advocating for gay rights among South African Muslims for 18 years. The article also shares the personal story of Ziyaad Follentine, a gay Muslim who faced rejection from his family and struggled with his identity before finding acceptance at the mosque. The mosque conducts regular Friday services, where men and women pray together, challenging traditional norms and promoting a message of love and acceptance.

The article discusses the transformation of Nelson Mandela's image from a perceived terrorist to an international icon, highlighting the role of a 1988 concert in London. Organiser Tony Hollingsworth aimed to change Mandela's image to facilitate his release from prison. Despite Mandela being on a US terror watch list until 2008 and being labeled a terrorist by Margaret Thatcher, the concert aimed to rebrand him as a positive figure. Hollingsworth collaborated with Archbishop Trevor Huddleston and Mike Terry, who managed to convince the ANC and other skeptics. The concert featured prominent artists like Simple Minds, Dire Straits, Sting, George Michael, The Eurythmics, Eric Clapton, Whitney Houston, and Stevie Wonder, and played a significant role in changing public perception and government stance on Mandela and the anti-apartheid movement.