Catalonia Scraps Independence Vote

Spain is definitely staying in one piece, for now: The government of Catalonia has decided to call off a vote on independence for the wealthy region that was scheduled for Nov. 9, reports AFP. The Spanish government declared the non-binding referendum unconstitutional last month, and Catalan leaders, who plan to unveil alternative plans today to consult citizens on the issue, say they want to pursue independence "through legal and peaceful means." The smaller of two pro-independence groups in the Catalan parliament in Barcelona says it supports plans for further consultations with citizens, but it wants the parliament to declare independence immediately, reports Reuters. Last month, Scottish voters rejected independence 55% to 45%. (More Catalonia stories.)