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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. Top banner image: DigameXtra.

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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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Upcoming Holidays:
– Friday, 3 Oct, this is a local public holiday (Fiesta Local) in Torrox.
– Monday, 13 Oct, this is the Fiesta Nacional de España Holiday, a public holiday in Andalucia.
No issues are scheduled on these days.
Posts scheduled for Friday, 3/10, will appear one day early, on Thursday, 2/10. Posts scheduled for Monday, 13/10, will appear the following day, in the Tuesday, 14/10, issue. Time your submissions appropriately.
More info: https://publicholidays.es/
Links to your local holiday calendars are in the Useful Links, Info & Numbers section.

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WHAT’S ON

Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra!

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The Killer Rockets Band: Fri, 26 Sept, 00:00
La Cochera Club, La Herradura
Info: FB Link

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Classic and Sports Car Breakfast Meet in Almayate:
Sun, 28 Sep, 10am to 1pm
Sponsored by The Classic & Sports Car Club of Andalucia
There is a huge car park with room for owners to display their vehicles and spectators to gather. The restaurant has a huge terrace and indoor area where you can enjoy a coffee and breakfast. Everyone is welcome!
Location is Restaurante Asador “Lo Pepe Molina”
C/ Entrada de Almayate, in Almayate.
Info: https://csccspain.com/classic-and-sports-car-breakfast-meet/

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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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ARCHGROVE TRANSPORT SERVICES

Archgrove Services: A family run light haulage/transport company with bases in Archez, Spain and Cambridgeshire.
We are part of the ADH Storage and Transportation company and as such have storage available in Competa and Puente Don Manuel. Very reasonable rates.
We provide a one stop service for all your transport needs and pride ourselves on reliability, flexibility, good communication and a very much ‘can do’ approach. No job is too small and there is always a solution.
Our services include:
-Regular runs between UK and Spain
-Transport of personal property from full house moves to small single items
-Man & Van services
-Packing, including supply of packing materials
-UK Home shopping with UK delivery address
-Storage of property and vehicles in Spain
If we can be of service please contact Gail. We are on Facebook and always available to chat through your needs and provide a free no obligation quote if required.
UK: 0044 7846672013
Spain: 0034 951 066 093
Email: archgroveservices@gmail.com ; FB Link
Our contact info is also in the DigameXtra Sponsor’s Section everyday.

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SPW CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

SPW Construction Services: Professional high quality building service, fully qualified tradesmen to all trades.
Extensions, retaining walls, driveways, swimming pools, damp problems, roofs, blocked drains.
Replacement kitchens and bathrooms, Tiling and terraces. Plumbing, electrics and plastering, painting.
Architect service, building licence applications.
Handyman service now available for those smaller jobs.
Water Deposit Installations: Due to the ongoing drought and current water restrictions SPW Construction are currently offering the following service.
– Supply and installation of new above or below ground water deposits. 1000 litres up to 25000 litres. Delivered and installed, all relevant plumbing. All work warrantied.
– We can also advise you or help to organise water deliveries from local suppliers.
Selling Your House? SPW Construction can offer you a bespoke package to prepare your house for sale.
Through our extensive relationships with Agents, buyers and sellers we understand what is required to present your home to potential purchasers.
Interior & Exterior decoration / Replacement bathrooms and Kitchens
Pool Reforms / Garden tidy
DAFO Compliance, septic tanks, solar installations, etc.
Roof checks / Damp proofing
For free consultation and estimate contact us on 622938440
or email: scottparkwilson AT yahoo DOT co DOT uk
Scott/Arenas. Home Page and FB-Link
Our contact info is also in the DigameXtra Sponsor’s Section everyday.

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DOCTORLAPTOP’S COMPUTER REPAIRS

WINDOWS 10 GOES OBSOLETE IN 3 WEEKS! DoctorLaptop’s Computer Repairs- Torrox Costa: New offer & Win 11 Upgrade info below.
Windows & Linux computers only. I can refer you to an authorized Apple/Mac/iPad/iPhone/Android tech.
I don’t work on computers made before 2018 unless I have been servicing then annually.
Contact: doctorlaptop AT protonmail DOT com ; or call 675 993 069 (no calls before 12noon, missed calls returned asap). Always include the make & model number of the device when requesting assistance. REMINDER: Windows 10 goes obsolete in 3 weeks (14 Oct.). Your computer won’t quit working after 14 Oct., 2025, but it will no longer receive the security updates necessary to remain safe for use on the Internet. Supposedly you will soon receive a notice on your Windows 10 updates page, Settings>Updates, explaining how you may extend Windows 10 support for an additional year for about €30. If you waited till the last minute to do the upgrade, then there is a good chance you have also not been keeping your computer maintained properly. To do the Win 11 upgrade successfully, your device should already be fully updated. It is also a good idea to have all your hard disk bad sectors, and your operating system errors, patched and repaired. Building a new version of Windows on top of a damaged foundation system is just begging for future problems. Or let DoctorLaptop sort it out for you. OFFER: I will do a full maintenance service and then install and setup the Win 11 Upgrade, on your Win 11 eligible laptop or miniPC, for €70. Full size PCs add €15. Get it back in 2 to 3 days. Offer expires Thursday, 9 October. Some of you have already received messages that you are eligible for the upgrade, others will need to check if your hardware is Win 11 compatible. You must meet some minimum requirements. Many computers, especially those made before 2019, can’t install Win 11 (unreliable hacking tricks to force the install do exist, but are not recommended for the average user as you won’t receive security updates— you may as well stay on Win 10!). You can see if your device is Win 11 compatible by going to Settings>Windows Updates and clicking on “Check to see if this computer is Win 11 compatible” (or similar notice), and following the prompts that will direct you to download, install & run the Health Check Tool app; if you see no such message you may alternatively download the MS Health Check tool directly from this official MS link [https://aka.ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp]. Install it and run it, it will provide a summary and verdict. A step by step tutorial can be seen here [https://www.windowsmode.com/pc-health-check-app/]. A video tutorial can be seen here: [https://youtu.be/Qg-xIcjDHCw]

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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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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

Almost 40% of motorbikes on the roads in Spain don’t have valid ITV and nearly 30% are being ridden without insurance:
– According to the association of technical vehicle inspection test stations (AECA-ITV), some 37 per cent of the motorcycles on the roads in Spain do not have a valid vehicle certificate. In other words, out of the 4,369,990 registered motorcycles, at least 1,606,377 do not have an up-to-date ITV.
– But the figure is even more worrying when the data for mopeds is analysed. Of the 1,618,349 mopeds registered with the DGT, at least 1,231,397 do not have a valid ITV certificate.
– The data provided by the DGT also shows a high level of non-compliance in terms of insurance, although somewhat lower than in the case of the ITV. The official information shows that 27 per cent of motorbikes circulate without having the compulsory insurance in force and, in the case of mopeds, the figure reaches 69 per cent.
– {Editor’s note: In Spain, in the case of a vehicle with insurance causing an accident while having an expired ITV, third-party liability insurance (the minimum legal requirement in Spain) may still cover the damage to third parties, as this insurance is mandatory and focuses on covering the other party’s damages. However, there are cases where insurance companies have disputed coverage arguing that the vehicle must be legally compliant with all regulations (including a valid ITV) for the policy to remain in effect, or insurers might later try to recoup costs from you if they show your expired ITV was a contributory factor. Ref: https://parrillaabogados.es/accidentes-con-la-itv-caducada/}
Full article: https://www.surinenglish.com/spain/alert-the-twowheeler-sector-almost-motorbikes-circulate-20250918073818-nt.html

ANDALUCÍA

Andalusia welcomes autumn this week with up & down temperatures and minimums below 20 degrees: {Translation}
– With the arrival of autumn, Andalusia is experiencing a “slow” drop in temperatures until mid-week, with highs ranging between 29 and 33 degrees Celsius and lows below 20 degrees. This was stated by the regional representative of the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), Juan de Dios del Pino, to Europa Press, adding that this is “a significant change,” as the anticyclone is moving north-south, transporting a mass of cold air from the north, which on Monday “also reached Andalusia.”
– As Del Pino assured, the minimum temperatures have fallen to 14 degrees in municipalities such as Écija, Montoro, and Andújar compared to the previous day, and “will continue to fall,” although more moderately, over the next few days.
– Maximum temperatures in the Guadalquivir Valley will range between 29 and 33 degrees until Saturday, maintaining a “very gradual rise of temperatures after mid-week.” Minimum temperatures will be below 20 degrees, and will even reach 15-17 degrees in large areas, especially in inland and mountainous regions.
– The Almeria coast is under warning for heavy rain and storms on Monday and Tuesday, while occasional showers are not ruled out on Thursday on the Mediterranean coast, mainly in Almeria, Granada, and the Malaga coast. In addition, as confirmed by the delegate, rainfall could extend to the Campo de Gibraltar area.
– As for the wind, it will be from the north at the start of the week, shifting to the east in Alborán and the Strait from the middle of the week. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/andalucia/noticia…

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The Regional Government “hopes” that the electricity grid will be improved in light of Andalusia’s progress in renewable energy: {Translation followed by rebuttal}
– The Regional Government of Andalusia expects that its large-scale electricity production, with a very significant contribution from renewable energies to the national targets for the energy transition, will be matched by an improvement in the transmission network within the region. This was underlined yesterday by the Regional Minister for Industry, Energy and Mines, Jorge Paradela, after a meeting in Madrid with the Secretary of State for Energy, Joan Groyzard. The encounter was aimed at addressing the investments planned in the 2025–2030 electricity planning process, within the round of contacts that this department is holding with the autonomous communities.
– Paradela highlighted Andalusia’s energy growth driven by renewables, with the addition of seven new gigawatts of clean energy installed in the last three years in the region, “with a very strong progression” in the last year, stressing that it would be very difficult to meet the objectives of the National Plan without Andalusia’s contribution. According to the minister, “without Andalusia’s clean generation, the price of energy would be very different, while the region’s electricity transmission infrastructure is much weaker, as it is 40 per cent lower per inhabitant than the Spanish average.”
– For his part, the Secretary of State for Energy noted the growing interest in investing in Andalusia, especially in new industrial projects, thanks to the competitive electricity prices provided by the renewable energies being deployed in the territory. The Government’s proposal foresees growth in the capacity of Andalusia’s networks, making possible the realisation of large hydrogen projects, new railway projects and the electrification of ports, among other productive activities, alongside new housing and residential developments. It will also promote territorial cohesion, with new lines and meshed grids, such as in Jaén, from Baza to Manzanares, actions that will attract investment, businesses and employment to rural areas. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/andalucia/junta-espera-mejore-red-electrica-avance-renovables-20250919071937-nt_amp.html

Editor’s Analysis- Andalusia’s Renewable Energy Expansion and the Reliability Challenge for AI & EV Demand, in Light of the Current Barely Sufficient Power Supply:
– While Andalusia’s rapid growth in renewable energy capacity is commendable, it faces significant challenges in meeting the reliability demands of emerging sectors like AI data centres, widespread electric vehicle (EV) charging, and proposed new train lines.
– Intermittency of Renewable Energy –
Renewable sources such as solar and wind are inherently intermittent. AI data centres require a consistent and high-quality power supply to operate effectively. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that electricity demand from AI-optimised data centres will more than quadruple by 2030, underscoring the need for reliable power sources. [1]
– Transmission Infrastructure Deficits –
Andalusia’s electricity transmission infrastructure is notably underdeveloped. The region has approximately 742 kilometres of grid per million inhabitants, compared to the Spanish average of 1,242 kilometres. This disparity hampers the ability to efficiently distribute electricity from renewable sources to areas with high demand, such as AI data centres and EV charging stations. [2]
– Increasing Demand from AI and EVs –
The energy demands from AI data centres and EV charging are escalating. Goldman Sachs reports that global AI data centres will surge electricity consumption by 165%, driven by firms like AWS and Microsoft Azure. [3] Additionally, the IEA notes that the growth of EVs and the adoption of AI rely heavily on the availability of electric power. [5]
– Reliability Concerns with EV Charging –
EV charging infrastructure also faces reliability challenges. A study highlighted by Nature Communications indicates that charging reliability significantly influences user experience and is critical for the adoption and sustained use of EVs.
Without a reliable power supply, the effectiveness of EV charging stations diminishes, potentially deterring users. [4]
– Conclusion –
While Andalusia’s renewable energy initiatives are a step towards sustainability, the region must address its transmission infrastructure deficits and ensure a reliable power supply to meet the growing demands of AI data centres and EV charging, not to mention maintaining supplies to all the other users of the power supply. Without these enhancements, the full potential of renewable energy may not be realised, and the reliability of critical services could be compromised.
Refs:
1. https://www.iea.org/news/ai-is-set-to-drive-surging-electricity-demand-from-data-centres-while-offering-the-potential-to-transform-how-the-energy-sector-works
2. https://www.surinenglish.com/andalucia/the-transmission-electricity-andalucia-requires-investments-more-20250505081608-nt.html
3. https://aimagazine.com/news/ai-data-centres-will-drive-a-165-power-demand-explained
4. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-60091-y
5. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/private-capital/our-insights/how-data-centers-and-the-energy-sector-can-sate-ais-hunger-for-power

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Juanma Moreno announces a “revolution” of regions and cities against EU budget disbursement focused on the state level: {Translation, summary}
– Juanma Moreno, president of Andalusia and co-president of the European Committee of the Regions alongside socialist Hungarian Kata Tutto, is spearheading a political initiative to block EU budgets for 2028-2034 that centralise cohesion funds at the state level, excluding regional governments from their design and execution. At a conference in Copenhagen, Moreno highlighted unanimous support among autonomous community leaders from both major parties against this centralisation, which threatens the direct link between the EU and its regions and cities. He expressed concern over proposed cuts to the Common Agricultural Policy, which could undermine rural development and food security across Europe.
– Moreno warned this shift would damage the fundamental principle of cohesion, crucial for advancing solidarity and convergence between wealthier and poorer regions. He and Tutto are mobilising mayors and regional presidents to rally citizen and national government backing to obstruct and suspend these budgets. The European Committee of the Regions and Cities will adopt a firm stance defending these essential EU principles. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/andalucia/juanma-moreno-anuncia-revolucion-regiones-ciudades-centralizacion-20250919191124-nt_amp.html

AXARQUÍA

Record-sized mangoes in the Axarquía: {Translation, summary}
– The Axarquía region is witnessing historic mango harvests, with record-breaking sizes mainly from Keitt and Osteen varieties. Social media posts by locals show Osteen mangos weighing up to 2,253 grams and Keitt mangos as heavy as 2,823.5 grams, far above their usual averages of 400 to 700 grams and 450 to 1,000 grams respectively. These impressive sizes have sparked excitement, with suggestions for official contests to reward the largest mangoes, similar to the tomato auctions in the Guadalhorce Valley.
– The Guinness World Record for the heaviest mango is 4,250 grams, set in Colombia in 2020.
– Despite this remarkable production, farmers face economic difficulties as they receive only around 80 cents per kilo at source, while supermarket prices reach two euros or more. This price gap threatens the viability of small producers, who struggle to cover costs even with a larger and better-quality harvest. The generous size and yield demonstrate the region’s fertile conditions and farmers’ care, but economic challenges remain a serious issue. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/axarquia/mangos-tamano-record-axarquia-20250918134919-nt_amp.html

MALAGA CITY

Albanian burglars specialized in thefts while the occupants sleep:
– Officers from the robbery unit of the National Police force in Malaga have arrested two Albanians, aged 22 and 23, who, despite their young ages, are regarded as specialists in breaking into homes. The suspects had been caught on security cameras with a curious feature in their disguise: striking white gloves instead of the usual black ones favoured by burglars.
– The burglaries always took place in the early hours of the morning, in a very specific area, taking advantage of the fact that the residents were asleep, which generated even more alarm among the victims.
– The thieves’ modus operandi involved scaling the perimeter fences of the properties to gain access to the interior. They would walk along the roofline to evade security cameras and to find the weakest point of the house’s doors or windows, which they forced open with screwdrivers and even with their bare hands. Finally, once inside the house, they would creep around using torches and without the inhabitants realising that, while they slept, their homes were being burgled. In fact, most of the victims discovered the burglary the next morning when they saw the interior in disarray and saw on the security cameras that they had been visited by intruders.
– Police investigations have so far attributed 11 burglaries from villas in the areas of El Candado, Guadalmar and Cortijo de Mazas, in Churriana to them. However, the sources consulted said that many other reports are still being analysed in the belief that they have committed more crimes in other parts of Malaga city and probably in the province. The case remains open. Full article: https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/the-white-glove-thieves-fall-they-robbed-20250919074344-nt.html

TORROX

Torrox is looking for its elders over 90 years of age to pay tribute to them: {Translation, summary}
– The City Council of Torrox is looking for its seniors aged 90 or over, that is, those who were born before 1935, to pay tribute to them. The mayor, Óscar Medina, and the councillor of the area and provincial deputy Sandra Extremera, have advanced that these residents of the municipality will be protagonists in the month of November of the next Gala del Mayor 2025 as recognition “to those who represent the living memory of our people”. Registration for people or families interested in participating will be open until October 17. Thus, the councillor and deputy encourages “all families to register their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents so that they can be the protagonists of an unforgettable day full of affection and recognition”.
– Registrations can be made at the Mayor’s Office of the City of Torrox, the Deputy Mayor’s Office of El Morche, and the Multipurpose building of Torrox Costa, explained Extremera. In the form prepared for this purpose, all the data of the elderly person to be honoured, as well as their personal circumstances, must be completed to facilitate public recognition, in case they need special accompaniment, if they can attend the gala in person or if they have any type of pathology related to mobility, sight or hearing. It will also be necessary to fill in the details of the responsible family member as the main contact, as well as the relevant authorisations and confirmations for the celebration of the Senior’s Gala. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/torrox-busca-a-sus-mayores-de-mas-de-90-anos-para-rendirles-homenaje/

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The Local Police of Torrox increases its staff, 150 applicants for six positions: {Translation, summary}
– Torrox is significantly increasing its Local Police force in response to a population now exceeding 22,000, aiming to reach a total of 36 officers soon. This week marked the first of five examination processes to fill six new police positions, with over 150 applicants, double previous numbers.
– The mayor, Óscar Medina, emphasised that this growth reflects Torrox’s expansion and its rise as a notable medium-sized city in Andalusia. Alongside these six new posts, a seventh position will be filled through mobility transfers from officers across Andalusia, assessed by their professional merit. The recruitment responds to the growing demands for effective responses to security and traffic issues linked to the population boom. Training for the current candidates is taking place in Seville at the Andalusian Emergency and Public Security Institute, while a further recruitment phase will start in January 2026. This sustained increase forms part of the local government’s firm commitment to reinforce and enhance the police presence in Torrox. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/axarquia/policia-local-detorrox-aumenta-plantilla-150-aspirantes-20250921180823-nt_amp.html

VÉLEZ-MÁLAGA

“We were scammed almost 25,000 euros in 2021 for the down payment on a house in Almayate and we have not yet recovered the money”: {Translation, summary}
– A Málaga couple, Vanesa Guerrero and Raúl Díaz, invested nearly 45,000 euros in 2021 to buy a house in a new development in Los Toscanos, Almayate (Vélez-Málaga), when Guerrero was pregnant with their first child. Initially, they paid 24,800 euros as a deposit, followed by another 20,000 in 2022.
– While they later recovered the second payment, the original deposit remains unpaid. Promises by developers and agents were broken, and after four years they still lack both the home and 24,800 euros. The housing project consists of about 55 units, of which 30 have been finished and occupied, while others remain under construction or halted.
– Guerrero, now living with her mother and two daughters, has taken the case to the courts of Vélez-Málaga, represented by lawyer Patricia Cid. The court opened proceedings in March 2024, but recovery of funds remains uncertain. Another family has reported similar problems.
Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/axarquia/estafaron-25000-euros-2021-entrada-casa-recuperado-20250918145706-nt_amp.html

BENAJARAFE

A man evacuated to the Regional Hospital of Malaga after suffering an accident with a powered paraglider on the beach of Benajarafe: {Translation}
– A 48-year-old man had to be evacuated late Sunday afternoon to Malaga Regional Hospital after suffering an accident while attempting to take off with a powered paraglider on Benajarafe beach in Vélez-Málaga. The incident took place at 7:20 p.m. when witnesses reported that the man had suffered an accident while attempting to take off with his powered paraglider from the sand, colliding with some boats on the beach.
– He suffered serious injuries to one leg, so the medical services dispatched to the scene proceeded to transfer him immediately to the Regional Hospital in the capital of Malaga. No further details have been released about the injured man’s condition. Local and national police officers also arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area to attend to the injured paraglider. The incident caused quite a stir in this area of the western coast of Vélez-Málaga, which was still very busy with people at that time of day. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/sucesos/evacuado-hospital-regional-malaga-hombre-tras-sufrir-accidente-paramotor-benajarafe-20250922100857-nt_amp.html

EUROPE

France will only recognise Palestine if Hamas ceases to rule the Strip and says that it will be The Hague that decides if there is a “genocide”: {Translation, summary}
– The recognition of Palestine as a State by the United Kingdom, France, Portugal, Canada and Australia has dealt a blow to Israel, which has warned that it will take reprisals and has insisted that a Palestinian State will never exist.
– In any case, France has conditioned recognition on Hamas disarming and ceasing to control Gaza, and its Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, has stated that it is not the French Government’s role to use the term genocide to describe Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip, but “that this falls to the international jurisdictions, to the International Court of Justice, to the International Criminal Court”. This Monday marks the beginning of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, in which President Emmanuel Macron {pic} plans to specify details of the French recognition of Palestine. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/internacional/guerra-israel-gaza-directo-francia-reconocimiento-palestina-hamas-franja-haya-genocidio-onu_6370075_6.html

TRAVEL

EU cybersecurity agency says European airports targeted with ransomware:
– As a cyberattack that plunged European air passengers into chaos stretched into a third day, the European Union said Monday that it wasn’t an isolated incident and criminal gangs were using ransomware to disrupt airport IT around the world. Malicious ransomware was used to infect software used in airport automatic check-in and boarding systems, the EU Agency for Cybersecurity told the BBC, although it made no mention of any ransom being demanded in exchange for unfreezing the systems.
– The gang behind the attack is, as yet, unidentified.
– European airports, including Brussels, Berlin, and Dublin were continuing efforts to return to normal, with London Heathrow requesting airlines continue to check in and board their passengers manually, leaked international communications showed. Full article: https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2025/09/22/EU-ransomware-blamed-for-European-flight-chaos/5851758537924/

SPORTS

Tennis News- Carlos Alcaraz misses out on Laver Cup final, Taylor Fritz topples Zverev and the Rest of the World beats Europe: {Translation}
– Carlos Alcaraz’s win over Francisco Cerúndolo gave Team Europe hope in the Laver Cup, but Alexander Zverev failed to capitalise, losing the final match to Taylor Fritz (6-3, 7-6(4)). Fritz, who had beaten Alcaraz two days earlier, secured the Rest of the World’s victory (15-9), their third Laver Cup title. Fritz’s powerful play overwhelmed Zverev, who had also lost to Alex De Miñaur earlier, despite fighting back to force a tiebreak. Fritz dominated the event, losing only once in doubles. Alcaraz contributed six points for Europe, winning singles and doubles matches, including a strong win over Cerúndolo (6-2, 6-1). However, Zverev’s defeat meant Europe could not force a decisive doubles set. The Rest of the World team, led by Andre Agassi, reclaimed the trophy after losing to Europe in 2023, marking their third win in the last four tournaments. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/deportes/tenis/carlos-alcaraz-se-queda-sin-laver-cup-taylor-fritz-tumba-zverev-resto-mundo-se-impone-europa_6369941_0.html

HEALTH

The Next Step In Making All Your Healthcare Data Public- The Ministry of Health prepares a digital health law to make medical records available in the rest of the EU and extend to the private sector: {Translation, summary}
– The Ministry of Health is preparing a digital health law to ensure clinical records are accessible across all Spanish provinces, autonomous communities and European Union countries. Published for public consultation, the law aims to guarantee healthcare access regardless of location or whether care is public or private. It aligns with European Regulation 2025/327 on the European Health Data Space, providing a common legal framework for secure, ethical interoperability of health data.
– The law will share responsibility between Spain’s autonomous communities and the Ministry of Health, integrating private providers to address current inequality in access to patient records. It will regulate use of big data for research, innovation and public health, while introducing clear rules on digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and biometrics, governing patient and professional rights. The law also sets conditions for financing digital health products like apps and monitoring systems. The consultation period runs until 20 October, inviting public input on the regulation’s development.
– {This proposed law centralises and shares sensitive health data across multiple regions and private providers, significantly increasing the attack surface for cybercriminals, especially given the involvement of digital tools and big data. If the data is managed by a group with a poor history of safeguarding data confidentiality, as has been the case in Spain, this could lead to large-scale breaches, exposing personal medical information and undermining public trust in the healthcare system. The period for public remarks is open until 20 Oct., let them know what you think. For this specific law, comments would likely be submitted via the Ministry of Health’s official website or the Spanish government’s central public consultation platform at [https://digital.gob.es/ministerio/participacion-proyectos-normativos/consulta-publica-previa]. However, I looked and couldn’t find a way to submit an opinion on this controversial topic, the website does not appear to be recently updated. So typical of this administration. -Ed.}
EU comment link, as part of the Digital Fairness Act, registration required and no VPNs allowed: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14622-Digital-Fairness-Act/public-consultation_en
Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/nacional/sanidad-prepara-una-ley-salud-digital-para-que-historial-clinico-este-disponible-resto-ue-se-extienda-privada_6370091_0.html

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Andalusia starts the flu vaccination campaign next week + other vax info: {Translation}
– Andalusia’s vaccination campaign will start on Tuesday 30 September, beginning with children aged 6 to 59 months, pregnant women, and teachers of children under 5 to protect the most vulnerable and their contacts. A new feature this year permits household members of children under 5, those over 60, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses to vaccinate together, enhancing family protection. For the fourth consecutive year, children under 5 will be vaccinated against flu. The nasal flu vaccine will again be administered in schools to 3 and 4-year-olds, reaching 65 per cent of this group last year.
– From 6 October, vaccination will extend to nursing homes, disability centres, healthcare and social care workers. From 14 October, people aged 80 and over and highly dependent individuals at home will be vaccinated. On 20 October, those over 70 and children aged 5 or older with chronic illnesses will receive doses. The campaign opens 27 October for those 60 and over, key professionals including police, firefighters, civil protection, those exposed to animals, and prison workers.
– Regarding Covid vaccination, the recommendation has been raised to 70 years and over, with younger people at risk also eligible. The goal is to prevent serious illness in high-risk groups.
– Also beginning this Monday is the third campaign to immunise children under six months against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with 73,000 doses purchased. Newborns from 22 September to 31 March 2026 will be immunised in hospital. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/andalucia/andalucia-inicia-proxima-semana-campana-vacunacion-contra-gripe-estos-seran-los-primeros-grupos-recibir-dosis_6370131_0.html

TECH

DoctorLaptop’s Tips #118
What is the difference between a Hyphen (-), the double long En dash (–), and the triple long Em dash (—)?
– The difference in the length of these dashes reflects a difference in meaning. The hyphen (-) joins words, the en dash (–) shows ranges or connections, and the em dash or long dash (—) adds emphasis or separates ideas. Using the wrong one while typing can affect clarity or even change the meaning of your sentence. That’s why it’s important to know how to insert each dash correctly when working on documents. However, you won’t find these longer dashes on most keyboards.
– You can use the classic Alt Codes to type these dashes. This method requires a full keyboard with the numeric keypad on the right side. Alt Codes let you insert special characters by holding the Alt key and typing a specific number code on the numeric keypad (but not the numbers along the top row of keys). It works in most Windows applications that support text input.
– Place the cursor where you want to insert the dash. Hold down the Alt key. On the numeric keypad, press:
For hyphen: 45
For en dash: 0150
For em dash: 0151
Release the Alt key, and the character will appear.
– If your keyboard has no separate number pad, there are 2 main options.
1. Copy and paste the em dash and en dash from a webpage into a text file and save it. When you need them, copy/paste them from this file.
2. Use the Emoji menu to insert the em dash and en dash characters.
Place the cursor where you want to insert the dash.
Press the 2 key combination of “Windows key + . (period)” or “Windows key + ; (semicolon)” to open the emoji panel.
Click the Symbols tab in the upper toolbar, see red square in image.

Select the symbol you want to insert from the General Punctuation tab, see yellow circles below. Info on this method: https://pureinfotech.com/insert-symbols-windows-11/

OTHER

Sophia Loren pictured with her mother, Romilda Villani, in a 1964 file photo:
– Sophia turned 91 on Sept. 20, 2025. UPI Photo

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Cinesur El Ingenio Films schedule: You can find the film schedule at this link. Films tagged as (VOSE) are in the original language with Spanish subtitles.
https://www.cinesur.com/es/cine/mk2-cinesur-el-ingenio

Petrol Prices – Updated daily: These are the fuel stations in Malaga province with the lowest prices. The price data for 95 and 98-octane petrol and diesel fuel is updated every day. See it here:
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/updated-daily-these-20220314114157-nt.html

Weekly Markets
Monday: Torrox Costa
Tuesday: Nerja, Salobrena
Wednesday: Rincon de la Victoria, Algarrobo Costa
Thursday: Velez Malaga, Torre del Mar, Frigiliana
Friday: Almunecar, Salobrena, La Herradura- Summers only, Mercadillo de La Cala del Moral- Rincon de la Victoria.
Saturday: Competa, Mezquitilla@Algarrobo behind the Sala Ottowa
Sunday: Nerja Car Boot

Taxi
Nerja 952 524 519
Torrox: 952 531 030
Frigiliana: 952 533 231

Phone numbers for emergencies
Emergency Services.: 112
National Police: 091
Guardia Civil: 062
Ambulance: 061
Fire Station (Bomberos): 080
Emergency English Help Line: 902 102 112

Local Police
Torrox: 952 539 828
Nerja: 952 521 545
Frigiliana: 952 533 126
Torre del Mar: 952 549 238

Local/National News in English, The Sur: http://www.surinenglish.com/
Local Weather: https://www.accuweather.com/en/es/torre-del-mar/306652/weather-forecast/306652
Bus Info: https://www.alsa.com/en/web/bus/our-destinations/regional
Currency Converter: https://www.x-rates.com/calculator/?from=EUR&to=GBP&amount=1
Internet Speed Test: http://beta.speedtest.net/
Local Bank Holidays: http://www.officeholidays.com/countries/spain/index.php UK Newspaper Front Pages and Worldwide Newspapers All On One Site: https://www.thepaperboy.com/uk/front-pages.cfm

Check All Lottery Results Here: Updated daily.
https://www.20minutos.es/loterias/

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings in Malaga Province: New, updated link (Aug, 2023). Info in English with list of English speaking meetings. https://aacostadelsol.com/

DoctorLaptop’s Homepage: https://doctorlaptop-repairs.webnode.com/

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