Tragedy Strikes as Migrant Boat Capsizes Near Canary Islands, 7 Confirmed Dead

Five individuals were arrested in Spain following a raid on illegal slaughterhouses in Ávila, Toledo, and Madrid, where over 200 sick and dying animals were found in appalling conditions. This operation, named "Operation Pox," was conducted by the Spanish Civil Guard's Seprona unit and revealed shocking practices, including the production of untraceable meat for local restaurants, according to officials. Investigators discovered a facility in San Fernando de Henares filled with filth, decomposing animal corpses, and equipment used for the illegal slaughter of animals, with no traceability of the meat produced. Commanding officer José Carlos Martínez noted the unexpected prevalence of such facilities, which often violate both animal welfare and public health laws. In total, approximately 350 animals had to be euthanized due to their poor health. The operation was initiated after health risks associated with illegal meat distribution were identified, impacting several Asian restaurants in the Usera district. This joint investigation with the Ministry of Agriculture highlighted ongoing issues within the illegal livestock trade, resulting in further scrutiny from health authorities and Europol.

Three children, aged 8 (twins) and 10, were rescued by Spanish police from a home in Oviedo where they had been locked inside since 2021, according to local reports. Officers arrested a 53-year-old German man and a 48-year-old American woman, who are facing charges of domestic violence, habitual psychological abuse, and child abandonment. Both suspects are currently in pretrial detention without bail. The investigation was initiated after a neighbor reported concerns when the children failed to attend school. Reports indicated that locals had not seen anyone enter or leave the property since December 2021, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon visiting the property during recent power outages, police found the home filled with rubbish and an excessive amount of medications and masks. Oviedo Police Chief Javier Lozano described the scene as a "house of horrors," stating that the children were in “terrible shape” yet not malnourished. The children have since been taken for medical evaluation and are now in government custody at a juvenile center.

A significant power outage swept through major parts of Spain and Portugal on April 28, 2025, disrupting traffic and services in multiple sectors. According to Spain’s grid operator, electricity supply was lost across the entire Iberian Peninsula, with reports of outages extending into parts of France. The blackout severely affected road, rail, and air traffic, halting subway systems and disabling traffic lights in cities like Madrid and Lisbon. In Madrid, Barajas Airport experienced power failures, and train services were halted entirely, leading to crowded metro stations and chaotic street conditions. “I saw a massive bus coming, and I had to accelerate a lot to go past it,” said one driver caught in the mayhem, describing the scene as “a bit of a jungle.” Portugal’s grid operator Redes Energéticas Nacionais confirmed that the outage also hit Lisbon and surrounding areas. Emergency services in Madrid advised residents to minimize movement and avoid roads to facilitate rescue efforts. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the outage, which is expected to last for several hours, compounding frustrations for travelers and commuters alike.