5.BriefingBook

=﻿Briefing Book - Spain News= media type="custom" key="9483158"

=﻿Article Summaries=

Spain: Toward a Change -
This event was one of the articles that I included from the past--the year 1982. The end of the Franco era is coming to an end. It has been almost a quarter of a century since El Cuadillo defeated the Republicans in their bloody civil war. The week before this Friday in June, four bombs were exploded just in that week. People were afraid of the government switch. More than a hundred unhappy Spanish polititians gathered about 900 miles out in West Germany to discuss the freedom that the citizens in Franco fear. The article represents what some leaders and polititians think of the change; their worries, concerns, or hope.

Double Earthquake Strikes Spain, 10 Dead -
Two separate earthquakes struck Spain on a Wednesday, May 11, 2011. 10 or so deaths, dozens injured, and damaged or destroyed buildings. It was the worst death-rate quake in Spain for over 50 years. Close to 270 patients were fled to a hospital in Lorca to be treated. The administration stated that the deaths took place in the second occuring, strong quake. Spanish TV showed smashed cars from falling rubble, and large cracks along buildings. Most Spanish residents camped out in parks and open spaces; in fear of dangerous after shocks. The earthquake occured in an active area near a large fault underneath the Mediterranean Sea; where the European and African continents brush against eachother. Victims of the quake give their opinion.

Thousands Protest Economic Crisis -
In Madrid on May 18 of 2011, protesters fill the streets before the local elections a few days away. Hundreds camped out over night, while others were held in Barcelona and other cities. The demonstrators are protesting Spain's 21% unemployment rate. Opinion polls predict a major gain over Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez. On Tuesday night, thousands more met at the central plaza of Spain. The social media called for renewed protests, hoping to last until Friday night. It was reported that authorities planned to have sufficient police officers on hand to prevent the protesting demonstration. Quotes from protesters and officals are given.

U.S. Student Missing Body Found in Spain -
Police in Spain find the college student, Austin Taylor Bice, early Tuesday morning of March 8, 2011. The body was found once they drained a portion of the Manzanares River--where Bice was last seen after a night out with friends over a week earlier. A team of California-based investigators was due to arrive in Madrid the next Tuesday to help search for him. Students from the university had quickly put to together posters with his picture and information. No evidence of kidnapping was received. Bice was intoxicated and decided to walk home alone, friends say. Also, the phone calls went unanswered. Bice's father and friends thank everyone for helping, and provide all the information they have for the case.

22 Missing off Spanish Coast -
In Madrid, May of 2011, Spain sea rescuers pulled 29 African migrants from a capsized boat early Friday; off the coast of southern Spain. 22 others aboard were reported missing. The 22 included 19 men, a woman, a 5-year-old boy, and a baby. Special authorities are still searching for the missing that were lost in the Meditteranean waters with a temperature of about 17 degrees. The survivors were taken to the port of Motril. The boat of migrants was headed to Spain, according to unofficial contacts from Morocco. The overall flow of migrants to the Spanish coast has decreased 80 percent in the last decade.