Welcome to DigameXtra !
The Most Popular English Language Daily Newsletter In Andalucia
Content in this newsletter blog site comes from its Editor, Sponsors & Supporters (Holiday Fundraiser Donors). Submissions are subject to editing and posting at the Editor’s discretion. If I don’t want to post something, I won’t, and I do not owe you an explanation. Content from other sources is credited. The Editor is Naythan, aka DoctorLaptop.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Your contacts can read DigameXtra on the website without a subscription. They may also subscribe for free to receive daily issues by email. Please note, subscribers must be a “DigameXtra Donor” in the current year to make posts. Newly subscribed readers since Jan 1st, 2025 and Ayuntamiento sponsored events, are exempt from this requirement. Refer to the top of the submission rules page for more info regarding how to post submissions: https://digamextra.com/about/
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WHAT’S ON
Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra!
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PHOENIX CLUB
Phoenix Club: The Phoenix Social Club is open to all nationalities but the lingua franca is English.
We offer an opportunity to make friends, help each other & share information but primarily to have fun in a friendly and inclusive association. You do not have to be a member to join us on our trips.
Our handmade greetings cards are for sale weekly with all proceeds to the Red Cross. We would be happy to accept any greeting cards you may have to re-cycle into fantastic cards.
We meet every Thursday between 12 and 2 pm at Chine in Caleta, just off the coast road to/from Algarrobo.
***Trips/Events***
~All trips/events include a driver’s gratuity~
October
– 7th – Trip to Gib €22pp
– 17th – Trip by train to El Chorro and then lunch at the Lakes. €25pp includes train & coach fare but excludes lunch at the famous El Kiosko restaurant
– 24th – Trip to Yunquera for their Chestnut and Wine Festival. €22pp
November
– 4th – Trip to Gib €22pp
– 16th – Remembrance Lunch at Lews in Torrox
– 20th – Craft Fair and Bake Sale
– 21st – A visit to an Olive Oil Plantation, Lunch at the WOK and IKEA/Plaza Mayor. €28 pp includes entry to the plantation with tasters, coach fare but excludes lunch at the Wok.
– 28th – Black Friday shopping at La Canada, Marbella with a dash around Iceland. €20pp
December
– 2nd – Trip to Gib €22pp
– 11th – Presentation to La Cruz Roja of children’s Christmas gifts. Call for gifting details.
– 12th – Malaga Christmas Lights €10pp.
For information call Gail on 951067723 / 626370695 (Whatsapp) email: phoenixsocialclub@yahoo.co.uk
Check out our FB page too.
We are DigameXtra sponsors and our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section.
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Ciclo de Jazz – Almunecar: Tues-Thurs, 16-18 Sept, 8pm
– Tuesday 16 Sept. Cristopher Pérez Quartet
Cristopher Pérez Quartet is made up of the double bass player David Muñoz Pérez, the pianist Guillaume Coulbois Bernardo, the drummer Daniel Pimenta Martín and Cristopher Pérez himself on saxophone.
– Wednesday, 17 Sept. Victor Carrascosa Quintet (Video Link)
Víctor Carrascosa, leader of the group, accompanied by Fernando Brox on flute, Toni Saigi on piano and keyboard, Ton felices on double bass and Christian Smith on drums.
– Thursday, 18 Sept. Ron Quartet
Info & tix (€11.50): https://bravoentradas.es/
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Salares’ XXIII Festival Árabe Andalusí: Fri-Sun, 19-21 Sept
More info: FB Link
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Taste of Competa [Sabor a Cómpeta]: Sat, 27 Sept, 14:00
Plaza Espana, Competa 29754
This special day combines gastronomy, culture, music and community spirit, transforming the town into a vibrant global stage where residents and visitors can savour dishes and rhythms from all over the world. The event is part of the Day of the Tourist and Residents.
But the most important thing is that El Sabor a Cómpeta is the biggest charity event of the year for our town. Every euro raised goes to local charities, making this day a day of joy, generosity and commitment to the community.
Info: https://turismocompeta.com/es/agenda/eventodetalle/218/-/sabor-a-competa
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Weather Forecast from https://weather.com/
Tap or click image for updated forecast
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NOTICE!
Submissions for posting in sections below
must be signed like this or they will be returned !!!
Sender’s First Name / Nearest Town
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SERVICES WANTED / OFFERED
Check the DigameXtra Sponsor’s list whenever you need a service. By using these services you are helping support DigameXtra.
Landlords, tell your renters about DigameXtra, where they can get overnight answers to questions about local stuff without having to call you!
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HANNINGTONS KITCHENS & BATHROOMS
Hanningtons Kitchens and Bathrooms: We have been installing kitchens and bathrooms here on the Costa for 13 years. We pride ourselves on our professionalism, highest standards of work and customer service.
Whether you are thinking of updating an existing kitchen or bathroom, or whether you wish to create the kitchen or bathroom you have always dreamed of, we are here for you, every step of the way.
With an unrivalled knowledge of the best local materials and suppliers we are able to work to all tastes and budgets.
Our full range of services includes:
– Installations and Refurbs
– Wall & Floor tiling
– Full range of Plumbing work including radiators and underfloor heating
– Solar Installation
– Design & planning ideas to get the look you are after
– Electrical works
– Alter / Install walls, dropped ceilings and hang doors
– Plastering, woodwork and floor levelling
Visit our FB page on the link below to be inspired
https://www.facebook.com/hanningtons.kitchens.and.bathrooms/
Call us : 669 665 156
Email us: hanningtons.bathrooms@gmail.com ; Our contact details can be found in the Sponsor’s Section at the bottom of every issue.
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MANDY’S PAINTBOX
Mandy’s Paintbox: Painter for 34 years in Nerja area.
Painting work undertaken. Inside and outside, large or small. Furniture painted or sprayed. Kitchens, cabinets, wardrobes doors any colour any surface. Check out the before and after photos, all the furniture was spray painted. Call for advice. WhatsApp 680739577
Email: josiahamanda@gmail.com
My contact details can be found in the Sponsor’s Section at the bottom of every issue. Here are “before” (left) and “after” (right) pics from my latest job.
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BUY / SELL / TRADE / RENT / WANTED
Click on pics to enlarge
How to post more photos than the rules allow – use collages. The limit is one pic per item/event. You can combine several of your photos into a
single collage photo by using this free online collage creation tool. It’s very easy to use, give it a try! https://www.photocollage.com/
Are you still dealing with scammers on Fakebook Marketplace?
Sell your items here, to locals, for cash, without the shenanigans.
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BLUCEE REAL ESTATE
BluCee Real Estate: Thinking of Selling Your Property in Málaga, the Axarquía or the Costa Tropical?
What if your home could be showcased to thousands of motivated UK buyers in just one weekend?
This September, BluCee Real Estate will be at A Place in the Sun Live in Birmingham (19–21 September), presenting our properties directly to buyers ready to invest in Spain.
Our very own Michelle Conner will be live on stage every day with Jasmine Harman and Laura Hamilton, sharing expert advice on buying in Spain.
Every property listed with BluCee will be promoted at the event.
Exclusive listings will also feature on our official exhibition background artwork — giving your property even greater visibility!
Spaces are limited — don’t miss this opportunity to stand out!
We are competitive on price, proactive, approachable and dedicated to first-class customer service.
Contact us today for a free valuation:
Email: info@blucee.com ; Web: http://www.blucee.com/
WhatsApp +34 711 04 27 27
Office +34 951 553 890
Or visit us at our Torre del Mar office:
Calle Timón 11b, 29738 Málaga.
BluCee Real Estate – Helping You Sell with Confidence
(Proud sponsors of DigameXtra – find our contact details here daily in the Sponsor’s Section.)
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RECOMMENDATIONS, REQUESTS & COMMENTS
When making a recommendation always include the phone number or website of the biz, service, etc., so readers can reach them. Note: I can’t post third party email addresses.
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NEWS & ARTICLES
(Click the link to read the full article)
{ Translations by www.DeepL.com/Translator }
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SPAIN
Inflation on food items is out of control- coffee, eggs, chocolate & beef prices soar: {Translation}
– In the 8 months, January through August 2025, coffee, eggs, chocolate and cocoa saw the largest price rises in Spain, all exceeding double digits. Coffee rose 17.5%, eggs 15.7%, chocolate 13.1%, and cocoa and powdered chocolate 10%, according to the August Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the National Statistics Institute (INE). Other notable increases included beef (+9.3%), nuts (+5.7%), frozen fish (+5.2%), whole milk (+4%), pulses and vegetables (+4%), and canned fruit (+4%).
– In contrast, olive oil fell 34.5%, sugar and fresh fish dropped 6.3%, yoghurt decreased 2.3%, pasta and couscous 1%, and pizza 0.8%.
– On an annual basis from August 2024 to August 2025, coffee was the most expensive, up 20.2%, followed by non-olive oils (+18.9%), chocolate (+18.8%) and eggs (+17.8%). Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/economia/macroeconomia-00338/noticia-cafe-huevos-chocolate-carne-vacuno-disparan-precios-va-ano-alzas-mas-10-20250914112752.html
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PP Turns Up The Heat- PP leader Feijóo accuses Sánchez of “kidnapping” the nation and calls for “rebellion” against the government: {Translation, summary}
– At the opening of the Andalusian PP’s political year in Málaga, Alberto Núñez Feijóo accused Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of “kidnapping the nation” by ruling without budgets, without a parliamentary majority and by “attacking the judges”. He declared: “One must rebel when a Government commits anomalies,” insisting that governing in this way “kidnaps the democracy of the Spanish nation” and undermines nearly fifty years of the Rule of Law.
– Feijóo warned against normalising corruption scandals linked to the PSOE, the Government and Sánchez’s wife, Begoña Gómez. He cited examples, saying the Attorney General is “under bail”, former PSOE secretary Santos Cerdán is “in prison”, ex-minister José Luis Ábalos is “before the Supreme Court”, and that Moncloa has become a place “where business is done”. He urged Spaniards not to “get used to” such situations and called on the PP to “prepare Spain for change”, affirming: “If we change the government, we begin with the solution.”
– Andalusian president Juanma Moreno declared “no more injustices” and “no more abuses”, stressing that Sánchez’s policies always “harm Andalusia”. He denounced underfunding compared with other regions and vowed not to accept Andalusia being treated unequally, criticising Sánchez’s “propaganda machinery” and pacts with separatists. Source, Spanish: https://www.eldebate.com/espana/andalucia/malaga/20250912/feijoo-acusa-sanchez-secuestrar-nacion-llama-rebelarse-contra-gobierno_334010.html
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The Judiciary Fights Back- Judge Peinado sues journalists and politicians for libel and slander: {Translation, summary}
– The constant criticism of Judge Juan Carlos Peinado’s investigation into the Prime Minister’s wife, Begoña Gómez, has exasperated the magistrate and led him to file several lawsuits against journalists and politicians for libel and slander.
– The judge has acted now to prevent the possible statute of limitations on what he considers intolerable insults that attack his judicial work and independence. The lawsuits, already formalised, constitute a first step towards potential civil or criminal action in the future.
– Public announcements have accused the judge of acting with bias or pursuing a political and improper agenda. Peinado intends to take legal action against, among others, Minister of Transport Óscar Puente, former Second Deputy Prime Minister of Spain Pablo Iglesias, and journalists Antón Losada and Ernesto Ekaizer, according to sources cited by El Confidencial. Source, Spanish: https://www.libertaddigital.com/espana/politica/2025-09-13/el-juez-peinado-demanda-a-periodistas-y-politicos-por-injurias-y-calumnias-7295194/
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Second Deputy Prime Minister Díaz Weakened After Her Working Hours Bill Fails as Sánchez Courts the Junts Who Doomed It: {Translation, summary}
– Yolanda Díaz has suffered a serious setback after her flagship bill to reduce working hours was rejected in Congress, with Junts voting against it. The defeat exposed a deep rift between the Second Deputy Prime Minister and Catalan separatist Junts, leaving her politically weakened and fuelling doubts about her leadership within Sumar.
– Pedro Sánchez’s absence added to the blow: he went to the cinema with his wife instead of attending the vote. The gesture echoed April 2023, when he skipped the reform vote of Irene Montero’s “only yes means yes” law by visiting Doñana National Park, a decision that foreshadowed Montero’s fall. The parallel now raises questions over Díaz’s survival.
– To limit the damage, Díaz is promoting a decree to tighten the recording of working hours in companies, a measure that can be approved directly by the Cabinet without Congress. The idea is that if companies are forced to keep more accurate and transparent records, inspectors can better detect unpaid overtime or breaches of limits, indirectly improving work–life balance. Yet this salvages only a fraction of her project.
– The contradiction is clear: while Junts torpedoed Díaz’s reform, Sánchez and his ministers are actively courting them for budgets and judicial reform. This pursuit highlights the tension between coalition partners within the administration, and Junts’ pivotal role in parliamentary arithmetic. Source, Spanish: https://www.eldebate.com/espana/20250913/yolanda-diaz-paga-primeras-consecuencias-mayor-fracaso-gestion_333966.html
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The “exceptional favours” done for Begoña Gómez were 230 emails: {Translation, summary}
– The Prime Minister’s wife, Begoña Gómez, stated in her most recent testimony before Judge Peinado that the work of her adviser, Cristina Álvarez, was limited to “favours” carried out “exceptionally.” However, former Vice-Rector Juan Carlos Doadrio has provided more than 230 emails exchanged with the adviser—a volume hardly describable as an exceptional favour.
– Gómez testified with little inclination to provide further information regarding the allegation of embezzlement of public funds linked to her use of her husband’s office for private business matters. In reality, Cristina Álvarez is not formally an adviser to Begoña Gómez; she serves as Director of Programmes in the Secretariat General of the Prime Minister’s Office. Her involvement with Gómez appears to have been supplementary to her official duties, assisting with tasks related to Gómez’s academic and social projects.
– The large number of communications between Álvarez and Doadrio raises questions about the extent of her activity on behalf of Gómez, contrasting with the characterisation of her assistance as merely “exceptional favours.” Source, Spanish: https://www.libertaddigital.com/espana/2025-09-13/los-favores-excepcionales-a-begona-gomez-230-mails-entre-su-asesora-y-el-vicerrector-de-la-complutense-7294745/
ANDALUCÍA
The Junta de Andalucía confirms the existence of nine outbreaks of avian flu and asks citizens to respect the protocols: {Translation}
– The Andalusian Government confirmed on Friday the presence of nine outbreaks of avian influenza in the region and sent a message of reassurance to the public, urging caution and adherence to official recommendations. “At present, there are outbreaks that we can say are confirmed by the health-veterinary alert network of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food,” stated the Minister for Sustainability and Environment, Catalina García.
– According to the minister, three of the outbreaks are in wild birds, two in urban or peri-urban parks, two in agricultural farms, and another in a non-agricultural type of farm. “All people who have had contact are also under surveillance,” added García, noting that the various departments of the Andalusian Government are “carrying out all this monitoring thoroughly.”
– García called for calm, highlighting “perfect collaboration between the Spanish Government through the Ministry of Agriculture, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Sustainability and Environment, the Department of Health, and, of course, all local administrations.”
– Avian influenza in Spain mainly affects wild birds. Experts emphasise that it is unlikely to spread to humans, describing it as “an animal health problem.” She reminded citizens of the importance of following established protocols with municipalities and in parks, such as “not approaching the birds at present and not feeding them.” Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/andalucia/junta-andalucia-confirma-existencia-nueve-focos-gripe-aviar-pide-ciudadania-respetar-los-protocolos_6325695_0.html
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Sanchez Proudly Announces 8,000+ Unregistered Tourist Accommodations in Malaga Province to be Eliminated Monday From Online Platforms such as Booking or Airbnb: {Translation, summary}
– The President of the Government {pic} has indicated that the Ministry of Housing will remove 8,014 flats from the single registry this Monday for not complying with the requirements, mandatory since last July 1.
– Now it must be the platforms that proceed to remove them, so if they continue to rent, they must do so without advertising online. The President of the Government has announced that they will withdraw them “so that they become social rents”, although there is no guarantee that these will go on to the long-term market. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/malaga/gobierno-baja-pisos-turisticos-malaga_0_2004761530.html
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Vox Captures Andalusian ‘Under-45’ Vote, Shaking Political Balance as Dissatisfaction with Failed Socialist Policies Spikes: {Translation, summary}
– Vox is rapidly expanding its support in Andalusia, driven above all by younger voters who feel disconnected from traditional politics after watching the failure of socialist policies. Polling shows Vox is now the preferred party among Spanish men under 44, with the latest CIS survey revealing that 13.2% of all PP voters have shifted to Vox. PSOE is also losing ground. A July survey by the Andalusian Study Centre (Centra) found Vox benefitting both from PP defections and a parallel decline in socialist backing. That trend was reinforced by a later 40dB poll for Cadena Ser, which projected Vox as the leading party in Andalusia in a general election, ahead of both PSOE and PP!
– In Andalusia, Vox’s surge is strongest along the coast, from Almería to Huelva and the Costa del Sol, where it increasingly challenges the PP’s hold. While the PP President of the Andalusian Government Juanma Moreno’s personal popularity still provides a buffer in regional contests, the combined losses of PP and PSOE mean Vox could become the dominant party in Andalusia in national elections.
– The party’s rise is amplified by its commanding presence on TikTok, where it has 735,900 followers compared with 148,700 for PSOE and just 68,700 for the PP. The under-45 vote, fuelled by housing pressures, weak job prospects and identity politics, has become the engine of Vox’s advance. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/andalucia/vox-aprieta-costa-andaluza_0_2004757478.html
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Organic Farming in Andalusia Surges Over 30% in Four Years: {Translation, summary}
– Organic farming in Andalusia has surged over 30 per cent in four years, now covering 1.4 million hectares across more than 22,000 operations. Over 66 per cent of farms specialise in permanent crops, mainly nuts and olives, contributing 41 per cent of total organic output, while extensive herbivore farms, especially beef cattle, account for the largest areas.
– Economically, smaller farms under 50,000 euros represent 67 per cent of operations but only 16 per cent of output, whereas larger farms over 100,000 euros contribute more than 67 per cent. Nineteen per cent of farms are owned by legal entities, producing over half of all organic output, while 81 per cent are individually owned. Among these, 29 per cent are women’s holdings and 52 per cent men’s, with women’s farms generally smaller. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/andalucia/noticia-aumenta-mas-30-explotaciones-produccion-ecologica-andalucia-ultimos-cuatro-anos-20250914120053.html
MALAGA CITY
Authorities blame Newcastle Disease, not avian flu, for recent birds deaths: {Translation}
– The Andalusian Wildlife Analysis and Diagnosis Centre has confirmed that the death of the specimens collected in Malaga’s Huelin Park was caused by the Newcastle disease virus, thus ruling out a possible outbreak of avian flu in this area.
– The Regional Ministry of Sustainability and Environment has provided SUR with the results of the analyses carried out on these specimens at the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Algete, determining that this is a common mild disease, which has already affected other urban parks in Andalusia.
– In previous years, the Newcastle disease virus has affected wild birds throughout Andalusia, although in most cases it has affected Eurasian collared doves. On this occasion, four specimens were analysed, specifically two yellow-legged gulls, a Eurasian collared dove, and a mallard. This disease is a highly contagious infection caused by a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family and can affect all birds, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. Not surprisingly, as it is a disease that is naturally endemic in wild birds, it can affect domestic birds anywhere in the world, which is why most countries have decided to implement a vaccination policy for them.
– The Regional Ministry of Sustainability and Environment assures that the risk to humans from handling a dead bird with this disease is minimal. For example, it can cause keratoconjunctivitis if a person rubs their eyes after touching the bird. Therefore, the public is advised not to touch any dead or dying birds they find.
– Once the results of the tests were known, Malaga City Council, through its Department of Environmental Sustainability, announced that Huelin Park would reopen this Saturday after being closed on September 3 as a preventive measure. The City Council emphasizes that no new suspected cases have been reported in Huelin Park or any other public park with lakes or ponds, but municipal sources stress that precautions will continue to be maintained and surveillance will be reinforced in all wetlands. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/malaga-capital/descartan-foco-gripe-aviar-parque-huelin-malaga-20250912150035-nt_amp.html
TORROX
Yes, Friday, October 3rd, 2025, is a local public holiday in Torrox:
– It is a local public holiday (festivo local) as part of the Feria de Torrox, a traditional annual festival honouring the town’s patrons, the Virgen de las Nieves and San Roque. This fair typically takes place in the first week of October; this year it is October 1st thru 5th.
– According to Spain’s labour calendar regulations, each municipality like Torrox can designate up to two local holidays per year, in addition to national and regional ones. The official 2025 calendar for Torrox, published by the Andalusian regional government, lists October 3rd as one of these 2 local festival days. The other was August 5th
– On this day, public offices, schools, and many businesses close, with festivities including music, parades, and cultural events centered around folklore and local traditions. The fair’s timing aligns with the end of the grape harvest season, allowing residents to participate after agricultural work.
– This is distinct from national holidays (like Spain’s National Day on October 12th) or regional ones in Andalusia, and it’s specific to Torrox.
Refs: https://www.malagahoy.es/provincia/todos-festivos-locales-municipios-provincia-malaga_0_2002863547.html &
https://www.facebook.com/fiestastorrox/posts/feria-de-torrox-2025-del-1-al-5-de-octubre/1198931128946076/
RIOGORDO
An accident in Riogordo claims the life of Iván, a 41-year-old motorcyclist and resident of Los Romanes: {Translation}
– The village of Los Romanes, in the Axarquía municipality of La Viñuela, is in mourning this Sunday following the death of one of its residents, Iván López Gallego, aged 41, in a traffic accident at midday on the A-356 highway, near the municipality of Riogordo. The accident occurred at kilometer 23 of the aforementioned road, when the motorcycle he was riding collided with a car driven by a resident of Riogordo.
– Iván lived in rented accommodation in the El Puente de Don Manuel area of Alcaucín and leaves behind an eight-year-old daughter. He had worked as a heavy machinery operator in the region and was passionate about motorcycles. The tragedy adds to a painful family history, as a few years ago one of his brothers lost his life in an accident involving a quad bike. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/un-accidente-en-riogordo-se-cobra-la-vida-de-ivan-motorista-de-41-anos-y-vecino-de-los-romanes/
UK
Tommy Robinson Shocks UK With Record-Breaking London March Against Immigration:
– Central London on Saturday witnessed one of the biggest right-wing demonstrations in recent UK history, led by anti-immigration activist Tommy Robinson. Branded as the “Unite the Kingdom” march, police estimated the turnout at around 110,000 participants, while Robinson claimed the crowd numbered in the millions. A counter-demonstration by “Stand Up to Racism” drew about 5,000 people nearby.
– Authorities reported several incidents of disorder, including assaults on police officers. Reinforcements were called in, with mounted units and officers in protective gear deployed to manage the situation. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that demonstrators attempted to breach cordons, enter restricted areas, and approach rival groups, prompting multiple interventions.
– On Saturday, an estimated 110,000 people attended a right-wing demonstration in Central London, led by Tommy Robinson and branded as the Unite the Kingdom march, while a counter-demonstration by Stand Up to Racism drew about 5,000 people; the Metropolitan Police reported various incidents of disorder, including assaults on police officers. No reports of burning cars nor businesses looted.
Aerial visuals showed long stretches of Central London roads filled with protesters, sparking suggestions that police figures might underestimate the actual turnout. Full article: https://www.oneindia.com/international/tommy-robinson-shocks-uk-with-record-breaking-london-march-against-immigration-7859507.html & Video Link
UKRAINE WAR
Rutte reveals that Russian drones flew over up to five countries and points to Spain as a possible target: {Translation}
– NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has raised the tone against Moscow by confirming that Russian drones not only violated Polish airspace this week, but also that of Romania, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. “This is not an isolated incident,” the Dutch leader stressed from Brussels, accompanied by the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Alexus Grynkewich.
– The revelation comes after several drones were shot down in Poland, whose alleged target was a key logistics base for supplying aid to Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk went so far as to describe the episode as “the greatest risk of conflict since World War II.”
– In response, the Atlantic Alliance has launched a new air defence system called Eastern Sentinel, which will include assets from countries such as Denmark, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany. According to Rutte, its deployment will be immediate and seeks to reinforce the eastern flank in the face of “increasingly frequent and unacceptable recklessness” on the part of Russia.
– But the secretary general’s warning was not limited to countries bordering Russia. In a direct reference, he mentioned Spain and the United Kingdom as examples of states that cannot rely on geographical distance to feel safer. “It gives the impression that if I live in Madrid or London, I am safer than if I live in Tallinn. And that is not true, because the latest Russian missiles descend at five times the speed of sound and take only five or ten minutes longer to reach Madrid or London than they do to reach Tallinn or Vilnius,” he said.
– The reference to Madrid did not go unnoticed. Spain, despite being the fourth largest economy in the European Union, is one of the countries that has made the least progress in increasing defence spending as required by the Alliance. Pedro Sánchez’s government remains committed to reaching 2% of GDP in 2029, but has rejected pressure from the United States and other allies to go further. The contrast was also visible in the handling of the incident itself, as while leaders such as Emmanuel Macron, Giorgia Meloni, and Friedrich Merz participated in high-level talks after the attack on Poland, Sánchez was not present.
– Furthermore, Rutte is aware of the political sensitivity in Spain, where part of the executive, the Sumar (communist) 2nd Vice President, openly questions NATO membership.
Source, Spanish: https://www.eldebate.com/internacional/20250912/otan-crea-sistema-centinela-oriental-blindar-flanco-este-invasion-drones-rusos-polonia_334083.html
TRAVEL
IMSERSO Update:
– Retirees in Málaga who applied for trips under the Imserso 2025-2026 Tourism Programme will gradually receive confirmation so they can enjoy their trips. On Wednesday, 8 October, residents of Málaga, as well as all pensioners across Andalusia, will be able to book their destinations. One of the new features is a fixed rate of 50 euros for pensioners with limited resources, with 7,400 places reserved. Other retirees can consult the updated price table for these trips, which vary depending on the destination, the number of days, and the months selected for the getaway:
https://imserso.es/espacio-mayores/envejecimiento-activo/programa-turismo-imserso/prevision-precios-temporada
Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/sociedad/viajes-imserso-fecha-reserva-compras-comunidad-20250914201456-nt_amp.html
FASHION
Emmys 2025 red carpet- see all the celebrity looks:
– Full photo gallery at: https://pagesix.com/2025/09/14/style/emmys-2025-red-carpet-live-updates-see-all-the-celebrity-looks/
SPORTS
Golf News- John Daly suffers epic meltdown for worst hole of his career with embarrassing score:
– John Daly really outdid himself this time – no, he really did.
The former major winner bested his personal record for worst score on a single hole while competing in the first round of the Sanford International at Minnehaha Country Club in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
– It took the 59-year-old Daly 19 strokes to finish the par-5 12th hole on the Champions Tour after already being four-over par for the round on Friday. The 12th is not an easy hole, as the players must clear a significantly long creek running along the fairway. But it was not just the water that did Daly. After sending his tee shot into the rough, the former PGA and British Open champion hit his ball out of bounds and astounding seven times in a row. That included shots into the water and surrounding woods.
– Even more amazingly, he needed just one putt to close out the hole after finally putting his ball on the green. He finished 18-over for the round and 24 strokes off the lead heading into Day 2. Angel Cabrera leads the tournament at 6-under.
– The meltdown bested Daly’s previous single-hole high score of 18 strokes on the sixth hole at the 1998 Bay Hill Invitational in 1998.
– Scores like this are nothing new to Daly. He needed 14 strokes to complete the 18th hole at the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach and 13 for the fourth hole at the 2011 John Deer Classic at TPC Dear Run in 2011.
– His 19 strokes, however, would not come close to breaking the PGA Tour’s futility mark. Tommy Armour, a three-time major winner, used a whopping 23 strokes to finish the 17th hole at the Shawnee Open in 1927. He hit 10 shots out of bounds during his effort. Full article: https://nypost.com/2025/09/13/sports/john-daly-suffers-epic-single-hole-meltdown-with-embarrassing-score/
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Tennis News- Spain reach Davis Cup Final 8 with dramatic fightback, Belgium edge Australia:
– Spain fought back from a 2-0 deficit to qualify for the Davis Cup Final 8 with a 3-2 win over Denmark in their qualifying tie, while Australia’s comeback attempt fell short as Belgium took victory in the decisive match on Sunday. Spain and Belgium joined Argentina, Austria, France, Germany, Czech Republic and defending champions Italy in the Final 8, which will take place in Bologna in November.
– Denmark, who won both the matches on Saturday in Marbella, were one win away from winning the tie, but the pair of Pedro Martinez and Jaume Munar won the doubles tie to keep the hosts in contention.
– Martinez, in singles, then saved a match point and forced a tiebreak in the third set to beat world number 11 Holger Rune 6-1 4-6 7-6(3) to level the tie for Spain in front of a loud home crowd.
– Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta dominated Elmer Moller in the decisive match, winning 6-2 6-3.
– It was the first time Spain won a Davis Cup tie from 2-0 down.
– Australia, however, failed to complete a comeback after losing their first two matches the previous day, with Belgium’s Raphael Collignon beating Aleksandar Vukic in the decisive fifth match to win the tie in Sydney.
Official Davis Cup Updates & Scores: https://www.daviscup.com/en/news.aspx
Full article: https://www.reuters.com/sports/tennis/spain-reach-davis-cup-final-8-with-dramatic-fightback-belgium-edge-australia-2025-09-14/
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Bicycle Racing News- The last stage of the Vuelta a España and the podium cancelled due to pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the centre of Madrid: {Translation, summary}
– The 2025 Vuelta a España ended unexpectedly due to pro-Palestinian protests and opposition to Israel-Premier Tech’s participation. Demonstrators disrupted central Madrid, particularly near the final stage, forcing police intervention and the diversion of the race to the Royal Palace Gardens. The peloton was halted 56 km from the finish, and the race was ultimately stopped after safety concerns. Cyclists were escorted to team vehicles or hotels, meaning there was no traditional podium or celebration in Madrid.
– Despite the abrupt ending, the classification results are final. Jonas Vingegaard of Denmark (Visma-Lease a bike) claimed the overall victory and final red jersey, with Mads Pedersen (Lid-Trek) winning the green jersey, Jay Vine (UAE) the mountain classification, Matthew Riccitello (Israel-Premier Tech) the best young rider, and UAE Emirates securing the team classification. The podium celebration that would have featured Vingegaard alongside Joao Almeida (UAE) and Tom Pidcock (Q36.5) did not take place due to the disruptions. The incident marked a dramatic conclusion to the 80th edition of Spain’s grand tour, highlighting tensions spilling into sport. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/deportes/manifestantes-propalestinos-ocupan-recorrido-vuelta_0_2004763150.html
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Bicycle Racing News- Sánchez’s Admiration for pro-Palestinian Protesters Draws International Condemnation After Violent End to La Vuelta: {Translation}
– The international press has reported on the violent protests by pro-Palestinian demonstrators that forced the cancellation of the final stage of the Vuelta a España as it reached Madrid.
– For example, the British public broadcaster BBC headlined: “Final Stage of the Vuelta Suspended Due to Protests”. Inside, the report noted that “the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, said he admired the demonstrators”.
– The progressive newspaper The Guardian headlined: “Vingegaard Wins Vuelta After Final Stage Cancelled Amid Pro-Palestinian Protests in Madrid” and highlighted that “Demonstrators threw barricades into the streets on the Gran Vía”. The London paper also stated that “the clashes occurred hours after the Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, expressed his admiration for the pro-Palestinian protesters”.
– Italy’s main sports daily, La Gazzetta Dello Sport, heavily involved in cycling, headlined: “Vuelta: the ‘Pro-Pal’ Invade the Course, Final Stage Cancelled. Vingegaard’s Victory a Sure Bet”. Inside it said: “The Vuelta a España ended in the worst possible way, with no finish” and described it as “an absurd, violent, sad and scandalous end for the Vuelta”.
– The Parisian paper Le Figaro wrote: “In a country where the Palestinian cause is very popular, these demonstrations occur at a time of high tension between the government of socialist Pedro Sánchez and that of Benjamin Netanyahu” and reminded readers that Sánchez “expressed his admiration for the protesters”.
– French sports daily L’Equipe noted: “The Dane Jonas Vingegaard officially won his first Vuelta; however, there was no stage winner, as it was stopped 60 km from the finish due to a new pro-Palestinian demonstration”. It described the conclusion as “unprecedented in the history of the grand tours”.
– “L’Equipe” added: “Police charges, rubber bullets, barriers transformed into instruments of violence, the centre of Madrid collapsed like the end of this frantic Vuelta a España 2025. The Vuelta ended in the worst possible way, without a finish.”
– Belgian sports portal Sporza reported: “The Vuelta ends on a sombre note: mass protests in Madrid forced organisers to cancel the final stage and the podium ceremony”. “The chaos reigned in the streets of Madrid, where the barriers were reduced to rubble. The Vuelta organisation tried everything to allow Vingegaard to don the red jersey in Madrid, but the numerous demonstrators decided otherwise,” it added.
– In the United States, coverage was limited, but CNN reported: “Sunday’s clashes occurred hours after the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, said he applauded the pro-Palestinian protesters who had interrupted the race”.
– In Israel, The Jerusalem Post wrote: “The clashes occurred hours after the socialist Prime Minister of the country, Pedro Sánchez, said he admired the pro-Palestinian demonstrators”. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/internacional/reacciones-prensa-internacional-protestas-propalestinas_6325949_0.html
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