Highly reliant on oil imports, Spain's government is encouraging oil exploration off the coast of the Canary Islands. But locals say the drilling threatens the natural attractions that draw tourists.
People in the wealthy northeastern region of Spain, many of whom harbor ambitions of independence, cast ballots in a symbolic statement. The majority voted for independence, but turnout wasn't high.
Catalonia's President Artur Mas is seen as a savvy leader who has appealed far beyond his home borders for Catalan independence. But Spain says there's no way it will cut Catalonia free.
The call for Catalan independence was long led by those who suffered under Spanish dictator Francisco Franco. Younger Catalans are now championing the cause.
The 18th century Catalan tradition of castelling, the building of human towers, or castles, is undergoing a renaissance today. This has accompanied a rise in Catalan nationalism.
The hospital declined to elaborate on details of Teresa Romero Ramos, 44, who was admitted earlier this week after apparently contracting the disease from a patient she was treating.