Good morning! Here is your Thursday morning news roundup. Weekend highlights will be out on Friday morning.
Rising Tensions in Europe
The EU is urging citizens to prepare 72-hour survival kits for emergencies, citing risks from climate change and growing political tensions. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen Europe’s emergency response and defense capabilities, according to Euronews.
Read more
As the Trump administration in the U.S. threatens to withdraw NATO support, EU countries—including Spain — are working to bolster their defense. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez presented his defense plan, which received a lukewarm response from lawmakers, reports Reuters.
Read more
History and Heritage
Squatters have occupied a historic chalet in Rocafort once used by poet Antonio Machado, Levante reports. The municipality purchased the building years ago, but restoration efforts stalled, leaving it abandoned. After learning of the home’s historical significance, the occupants agreed to leave, according to Las Provincias.
Levante report | Las Provincias report
Meanwhile, residents of the Abastos neighborhood have voiced concerns over the neglected state of the historic Abastos Market Hall, citing structural damage and general deterioration.
Read more
For those practicing Spanish listening skills, Las Provincias features a podcast interview with José Miguel Martínez, the last fisherman of Benidorm. Amidst the high-rise tourist developments, his fishing boat is the only one still docked in Benidorm’s port.
Listen here
Crime and Corruption
Authorities have dismantled a drug trafficking and money laundering operation run by a matriarch in L’Horta Nord. The gang maintained a network of lookouts to evade law enforcement.
Read more
In an unusual case, police have uncovered an illegal gambling ring involving stolen prize pigeons. The operation, which netted over €50,000, has been shut down.
Read more
Changing City
The number of American citizens buying property in Valencia has surged by 40% in the past year, according to Levante.
Read more
Las Provincias has mapped out Valencia’s most and least expensive neighborhoods, with property prices ranging from €50,000 to €4 million.
See the map
As homelessness rises in the Turia park, police are investigating the death of a young man found inside an encampment in the old riverbed.
Read more
Food News
Mussel season has officially begun in Valencia’s port! Producers estimate that around 1,000 tons of these prized shellfish will be harvested this year. The season typically runs until August.
Read more
Meanwhile, Denia has hosted its annual red shrimp competition, where Michelin-starred chef Ana Lázaro won top honors for her creative dish featuring the prized local seafood.
Read more
That’s all for this Thursday! Check back tomorrow for the weekend highlights.
