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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*Send your submissions & subscription requests to digamextra@protonmail.com

Note: The submission deadline is 6pm for the next day’s issue.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Please share DigameXtra with your friends: Simply copy & paste this link into an email or message and send it to all your friends. https://digamextra.com/
Your contacts can read DigameXtra on the website without a subscription. They may also subscribe for free to receive daily issues by email. Subscribers must be a “DigameXtra Donor” of at least €20 in the current year to make posts. Refer to the submission rules page for more info regarding how to make donations & post submissions: https://digamextra.com/about/

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ANNUAL HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER

 I can only produce DigameXtra with the financial support of my readers. Once a year, during the year end holidays, I do an 8 week fundraiser to help pay production expenses throughout the whole year. This year’s goal is to receive donations from 4% of subscribers. This “4% Club” finances DigameXtra for the 96% group that don’t donate. Which group will you belong to? The generosity of the 4% Club members is greatly appreciated. 

Just like your morning coffee,
what would you do
without your morning DigameXtra?

– Holiday Donation Info, 2 Methods –

DigameXtra subscribers must donate at least €20 (39 cents per week) to gain annual submission posting privileges.

#1. You may drop cash donations off in person and say hello, by appointment, or place them in my mailbox beside my door anytime. Please be sure to include your name on the envelope so I can put you on the list of subscribers with submission posting privileges for 2025-2026! Due to health reasons, unannounced drop-ins are inconvenient for me. But if I am expecting you, no problem! My mailbox has the name HARRIS on it. Email me for map and directions. Cash donations are strongly preferred. 
#2. Alternatively, you may send me an Amazon ES (Spain) “eGift card” by email. You need to have an Amazon.es account. The only info you need is my email address and your name (the sender’s name). Remember, this is an “eGift card” you buy that Amazon.es emails directly to me, don’t buy a plain “gift card”. Use the link provided below to access the “eGift card” purchase page. 
PLEASE DO NOT SEND AMAZON UK eGIFT CARDS. NO BANK TRANSFERS OR PAYMENT APPS.
Here is the Amazon.es eGift Card Link, (NOTE: YOU CAN CHOOSE ANY AMOUNT YOU LIKE ON THE FORM, THE DEFAULT IS €60):
https://www.amazon.es/Cheques-Regalo-Amazon-es-mail-Amazon/dp/B07SS5PFJK/?th=1&gpo=60
On the eGift card purchase form, enter the DigameXtra email as the recipient, as shown below in Spanish and with English translation.
Para/For : digamextra@protonmail.com

 

Please do not ask me about gaining posting privileges by making small donations of under €20, several times a year. Several people promised to do that for each of the last two annual fundraisers, and not a single one followed up.

Total Donations Received As Of Today: 66

Target, 4% of subscribers = 200 donations

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DigameXtra Holiday Schedule: DigameXtra will be closed for these holidays. Posts scheduled for these days will be posted the day before, so time your submissions appropriately.
– Thursday & Friday, 25 & 26 Dec, Christmas break. (25 Dec is a Spanish Public Holiday)
– Thursday & Friday, 1 & 2 Jan 2026, New Years break. (1 Jan, 2026 is a Spanish Public Holiday)
– Tuesday, 6 Jan 2026, Epiphany (Spanish Public Holiday)

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WHAT’S ON

Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra! 

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Mezquitilla and Lagos Christmas programme:
– Friday 20 December. From 4pm
Location: Mezquitilla Deputy Mayor’s Office
Events: Visit from Father Christmas, children’s workshops, performances by the Lagos Choir, delivery of letters to Father Christmas
– Thursday 26 December. From 4pm
Location: Lagos, marquee in the Tanit car park, Cartero Real
Events: Visit from the Royal Postman, Christmas workshops, tasting of traditional sweets, musical entertainment by the choir, collection of letters for the Three Kings
– Sunday 5 January
Event: Three Kings Parade
Time and locations: 4pm, Mezquitilla; 5pm, Lagos
Note: Parade will take place even in case of rain, with covered areas available
– Saturday 11 January
Event: Amiga Solidaria. Details: To be presented in the coming weeks

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Christmas 2025 in Frigiliana, programme:

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Fiesta de las Migas de Torrox, Sun, 21 Dec: {Translation}
– “The Fiesta de las Migas is the ‘most important’ food fair in Spain, and we invite residents and visitors to come to the historic centre of Torrox on the Sunday before Christmas Eve – 21 December – to enjoy and sample this dish, the arriera salad and the local wine for free at Llano de la Almazara.” 
– At the Fiesta de las Migas there will be performances in Plaza de la Constitución by the municipality’s choirs and dance groups, a Christmas zambomba by the group Candela and a “super tardeo” (a super-sized afternoon party with music & dancing, part of modern Spanish festive culture). See programme on poster. Source, Spanish: https://cadenaser.com/andalucia/2025/12/04/fiesta-de-las-migas-de-torrox-la-feria-gastronomica-mas-importante-de-espana-ser-malaga/ & Video Link

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“Mad Dogs”– A Tribute to Joe Cocker: Fri, 26 Dec, 9pm
La Cochera Cabaret, Av. de los Guindos 19, 29004 Málaga
Led by Pepe Salas (vocals) and this great rock band, you will be able to relive the great songs that the brilliant Joe Cocker performed with his unique and unrivalled style. Two hours of an intense show in which you will take a journey through the legendary hits that made this great singer famous. A unique occasion, don’t miss it.
Info & tix (€15}: https://lacocheraentradas.com/shows/details/2241/mad-dogs & Video Link

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Weather Forecast from https://weather.com/

Tap or click image for updated forecast with more details

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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.

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COMPARE FUNERALS

Compare Funerals cover the whole of Spain:
ruthforder@comparefuneral.org
* Direct Cremation €2,250
* Collection of deceased and conveyance to Funeral Home
* Supply of coffin
* Preparation and care of deceased
* Registration of death and certification of all legal documentation
* Cremation and any doctor’s fees
* Supply of Urn
* Delivery of Urn and associated paperwork to family (death certificate, cremation certificate etc)
This plan is exclusive to a number of provinces, please ask advisor for more information.
Contact Ruth Forder on 0034 693 715 718 ; funeralplansbyruthforder.com
Your questions answered by Ruth from Compare Funerals Spain
– Why should I have a funeral plan? Having been funeral planning for over 10 year I’ve experienced some very sad and upset families when nothing is in place. A Spanish funeral plans will ensure that all costs are covered for your funeral service. Getting a prepaid plan will help you feel assured that your family will not be under any financial strain when it comes to paying for your funeral. A plan also means you can have peace of mind that everything has been organised in advance, so your loved ones do not have to make any difficult decisions.
– Why choose Compare Funerals? There seems to be a gap in Spain between independent funeral directors, offering plans at a good price but lacking the security of an established Trust or ability to cover a client overseas and Providers who seem to charge more than necessary. We want to be right in the middle and offer the best of both worlds. Our best-priced plan is only 2,250€ and does the essentials.
– Can I do a payment plan? All our plans are payable in full or over up to 5 years interest FREE. The interest free periods are based on initial deposit. The higher the deposit the less your monthly repayments will be.
– Can I transfer the plan? The answer is YES. You could name 2 people on one plan however if you had a friend/family member pass away we can transfer the plan into a 3rd party’s name.
– What happens if I move? All our plans offer the equivalent service in Spain (including the islands), Portugal, Republic of Ireland and the UK. If you moved to the UK, we would transfer the plan to one of our many partners at no extra cost to you.
– Is paperwork included? Yes, your family will receive a death certificate in Spanish and an international certification in English. We also provide a cremation certificate that allows the ashes on board a plane.

 

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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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CAMPO AGAVE GLAMPING 

For Sale: good quality, reduced prices. 
– glass side table, iron frame, Price €50
– outdoor tables (3), grey, 80x42x183H. Price €25 each
– sewing machine table vintage, wood, iron frame, 80x65x75H. Price €110
Contact Wouter in Sayalonga +34 656561697 / info@campoagave.es / https://campoagave.es/en/sale/ 

   

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RECOMMENDATIONS & REQUESTS

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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Christmas Night Dinner, Thursday 25/12: Anyone interested in joining some Digamites for a Christmas “Orphan’s Supper”? Nothing formal, just place to go for those of us without local family affairs to attend. It will be at the Greek Casita, BLK 80, Torrox Costa. From 7pm. They are one of the few places that will be open along the Paseo Maritimo. Email me this week if you are interested. If enough people respond I will reserve tables, and send you an update/confirmation this coming weekend. Grilled octopus, Moussaka & tzatziki plate for me! After supper, if they are open, a nightcap or 3 at the smoker friendly enclosed terrace bar next door, Pablo’s Bar. -Ed. 

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NEW FEATURE – Readers asked for it, so here it is. Use it or lose it!

READER’S SOAPBOX

Posts in this section are reader submissions. Being posted is not an indication of endorsement by your Editor or the DigameXtra sponsors, it’s simply the opinion of the reader who submits it. 

Have your say: Submit up to 200 words. Keep it civil– personal opinions & reasonable criticism are fine, but name calling & verbal attacks are not. I must respect the EU Internet anti-defamation laws in what gets posted. You may include supporting webpage links to add validity to your post. You may include your first name and location, but simply signing with your initials is sufficient, however, they must be the initials of the name of the sending email account. I won’t post your email address unless you specifically ask me to. 

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NEWS & ARTICLES

(Click the link to read the full article) 
{ Translations by www.DeepL.com/Translator }

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News Note- Why DigameXtra News Is Better:
– Readers need to be aware that almost all the articles in Spanish news websites are now created by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Everyday I sift thru articles on 50 to 100 websites, and constantly encounter articles with bad info, contradictions, and distortions; fairly reasonable articles on the surface, but with incorrect information mixed in. Sometimes they make up their own “facts”, quoting sources that don’t exist.
– AI cannot be trusted, and they admit that. For instance, ChatGPT posts this on every page, “ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.” {pic}
– Irresponsible newsrooms, in their desperate attempts at cost cutting, have fired most human reporters. Instead, bare-bones newsroom staff & AI editors use AI generated articles, often copied from each other’s news websites. Usually the human written source is Europa Press, ABC.es or elDiario, and AI is used to do a quick re-write to avoid the obvious duplication. Then the re-write shows up everywhere, word-for-word, clear duplicates with the same photos. No fact checks, just blind copy/paste. That’s why all the local news outlets have the same articles and headlines– AI written articles assembled by AI editors. Yet they all claim to have an author on staff who wrote it! When I post articles from, for example, MalagaHoy or AndaluciaInformacion, it is because their AI written re-write was clearer and shorter than the original. But I still fact check it.
– I do not accept this foolishness, I take great pride in my editorial tasks. I check all articles I post for accuracy, and write compact summaries to save readers from having to sift thru superfluous filler. I use {editorial comments with references} to alert readers to falsehoods and distortions. I verify sources quoted in articles to be sure they are genuine & trusworthy. And I always provide a link to the Spanish source, so you can verify the translation & content are accurate. Editorial opinions, when I wander from the hard facts, are clearly marked as such.
– This is a lot of extra work for me: research & fact checking are far more time consuming than a simple copy/paste; dealing with complex issues AND translations at the same time is tricky. However, I believe DigameXtra is certainly an improvement over the common dreck. I feel that a well informed community is best for all. If you agree, please donate generously to the DigameXtra Holiday Fundraiser, so I can continue to provide this community service in years to come. I can only do this with reader support. Thank you. -Ed.

SPAIN

Wind and Solar Farms Face Delays in Real-Time Grid Voltage Control: {Translation, summary}
– The rollout of dynamic (sun & wind) voltage control by wind and photovoltaic parks in Spain will be slower than Red Eléctrica expects. Dynamic voltage control is a system in which power plants adjust the flow of reactive electricity in real time to stabilise the grid, prevent overvoltages, and maintain a reliable electricity supply. It is particularly important as more renewable energy enters the grid, since wind and solar generation can fluctuate rapidly, unlike traditional nuclear, hydroelectric, or combined-cycle power plants, which provide a stable output.
– The Association of Wind Energy Companies (AEE) warned that beginning this process on 1 January is premature. Besides the technical adjustments required, the sector seeks assurance that providing voltage control will be profitable and will not cost more than the payments received, as is the case with nuclear or hydroelectric plants. Twenty installations totalling 1,800 MW are entering testing and could operate in real time before 2026. Red Eléctrica’s procedure requires plants to apply for authorisation and modify software and processes to absorb reactive energy.
– The AEE also highlights uncertainties over compensation, penalties, and prioritisation of regions with fewer traditional power plants, meaning full readiness will take longer than initially expected. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/nacional/eolica-descarta-estar-lista-tiempo-para-controlar-tension-electrica-pide-garantias-ree-para-reforzar-sistema-contra-apagones_6911268_0.html 

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Judge Peinado instructs the UCO to investigate whether there is ‘new’ evidence regarding Air Europa following another complaint against Begoña Gómez: {Translation, summary}
– Judge Juan Carlos Peinado has asked the Civil Guard’s Central Operational Unit to report whether new evidence has emerged regarding the Air Europa bailout, following a fresh complaint filed by an unnamed private individual against Begoña Gómez {pic}, the wife of the Prime Minister.
– The complainant claims there may be bank accounts or deposits linked to Gómez, possibly in the Dominican Republic, relating to an alleged role in securing the airline rescue. He argues these elements justify an intelligence inquiry and could point to money laundering, warranting deeper judicial investigation. Peinado has forwarded the 52 page complaint to the UCO and requested clarification on any new indicators arising during the pandemic. This step follows the Madrid Provincial Court blocking, for the fourth time, attempts to investigate Gómez over the bailout, finding earlier requests insufficiently grounded and based on press reports. The case remains focused on alleged influence peddling, business corruption, misuse of a brand, professional misconduct and embezzlement linked to her activities at the Complutense University and the work of her adviser. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-juez-caso-begona-gomez-pregunta-uco-si-aparecido-nuevos-indicios-rescate-air-europa-20251216113626.html
Update: The complaint was filed by the lawyer Eduardo Martín Duarte, who also requests to appear as a popular prosecutor. The lawyer cites several journalistic reports, including the interviews given before entering prison by former minister José Luis Ábalos and his former adviser, Koldo García, in which they suggested that the wife of the President of the Government could mediate in the rescue. In an interview with the newspaper El Mundo, Ábalos said that “of course Javier Hidalgo spoke with her,” in reference to the then CEO of the airline, who was looking for the government to approve the bailout. These possible contacts with Begoña Gómez lead the author of the letter to affirm that “her alleged intervention must be assumed to be remunerated or compensated in one way or another”. The document cites alleged bank accounts of Sánchez’s wife in the Dominican Republic and Turkey. Martín-Duarte has previously submitted other documents to the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office and the Supreme Court, with various accusations against the PSOE, which have so far been rejected. Source, Spanish: https://www.antena3.com/noticias/espana/peinado-insiste-investigar-via-air-europa-pide-nuevo-informe-uco_20251216694148b622f0db7daff31540.html 

ANDALUCÍA

Andalucia increases its supplement to non-contributory and welfare pensions by 3% in 2026: {Translation, summary}
– The Andalusian Government has approved a 3 percent increase in the regional supplement for non-contributory retirement and disability pensions, Social Assistance Fund (FAS) aid, and the Minimum Income Guarantee Subsidy for 2026. Nearly 98,000 vulnerable residents will benefit. Non-contributory pension recipients will receive a single automatic payment in the first quarter of 2026, while FAS and Minimum Income Guarantee recipients will receive aid in four instalments throughout the year. Eligibility requires holding the pension or subsidy at the time of payment and residing in Andalusia.
– These measures, already incorporated into the social assistance system, reflect the government’s commitment to supporting low-income groups and complement Social Security and State benefits. The FAS and Minimum Income Guarantee are historic schemes, now limited to existing beneficiaries. The aid addresses insufficient resources among vulnerable residents, ensuring basic subsistence and improving socioeconomic conditions. Payments are automatic and aim to maintain support for those at risk of social exclusion. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/esandalucia/sevilla/noticia-junta-sube-ciento-complemento-pensiones-no-contributivas-asistenciales-2026-20251216151615.html 

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Andalucia views the Government’s single transport pass “with caution”– “They invite us without saying how it will be financed”: {Translation, summary}
– The Andalucian Government has reacted cautiously to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s announcement of a single transport pass costing 60 euros per month, or 30 for young people. The pass, effective from 19 January, will cover Renfe Cercanías and Medium Distance trains as well as long-distance buses, without replacing existing tickets or passes.
– Andalucía has raised concerns over missing details, including the legal framework, technological implementation, funding, and compensation for operators, and has called on Transport Minister Óscar Puente to convene the Transport Sectorial Conference to coordinate with the regions. The Junta confirmed it will maintain its own 2026 transport discounts through the Consortium and Youth Cards.
– While the measure aims to simplify travel, uncertainties remain regarding its implementation, financing, and integration with regional transport schemes, leaving communities and operators waiting for clearer guidance.
Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/esandalucia/sevilla/noticia-andalucia-ve-cautela-abono-unico-transporte-nos-invitan-incorporarnos-decir-financiara-20251216125321.html 

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Video Surveillance In Workplace Warning– Data Protection fines a dental clinic in Vélez-Málaga for excessive labour control with 11 cameras in offices, corridors and consultations: {Translation, summary}
– A dental clinic in Vélez-Málaga has been fined five thousand euros by the Spanish Data Protection Agency for excessive use of video surveillance.
– The clinic had installed up to eleven cameras inside its premises, covering most areas and without displaying mandatory warning signs. Cameras were located in reception, treatment rooms, storeroom, laboratory, corridor and management office.
– The company argued that the system was intended to ensure the safety of patients, staff, property and facilities, and that a separate alarm system was operated by a security firm. It claimed that images from treatment rooms were not used during patient care, that recordings contained no sound, were kept for seven days, and were accessible only to the clinic director. The firm also maintained that recording areas were carefully limited, did not capture private spaces, and did not involve constant monitoring of fixed workstations.
– The authority nevertheless concluded that the surveillance was excessive and affected the privacy of patients and employees. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/economia/mibolsillo/proteccion-datos-multa-clinica-dental-velezmalaga-exceso-20251216141206-nt_amp.html 

MALAGA PROVINCE

Summary of reservoir levels: 16 Dec, 2025
Source: https://www.redhidrosurmedioambiente.es/saih/parte/diario/embalses

CANILLAS DE ACEITUNO

An intense hailstorm covers Canillas de Aceituno in white and stains the summit of La Maroma with winter, Almáchar suffers rain damages: {Translation, summary}
– A sudden hailstorm overnight left Canillas de Aceituno covered in white, creating winter-like scenes in streets, roofs and fields, and on La Maroma mountain. Early morning, hail remained visible in shaded town areas and rural paths. The town hall described the village as particularly magical and advised caution on walks. The town hall reported no injuries or major incidents but continues monitoring rural paths and runoff areas, urging prudence in case of further storms.
– In Almáchar, intense rain from the Dana caused significant damage, especially to the municipal football pitch and Jardines El Forfe street, posing risks to pedestrians and homes. Authorities closed affected roads temporarily, activated the Municipal Emergency Plan and advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel. Photo: Remedios Ruiz. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/axarquia/intensa-granizada-cubre-blanco-canillas-aceituno-tine-20251216095915-nt_amp.html

 

MIJAS

A tornado on the coast of Mijas knocks down part of the Christmas lighting, uproots trees and drags boats: {Translation, summary}
– A waterspout or tornado struck the coast of Mijas, Málaga, in the early hours of Tuesday, bringing winds of up to 130 kilometres per hour. The storm caused significant damage, particularly in the La Cala area, with Christmas lights destroyed, numerous trees uprooted, branches fallen, and boats pulled ashore.
– Municipal staff and services have been working since dawn to assess and repair the damage. Mijas firefighters carried out seven interventions during the night, mainly removing fallen trees and fences, with two operations still pending. The Local Police have continuously assisted, secured affected areas, managed traffic, and coordinated response efforts. Several roads, including parts of Avenida Andalucía, Calle Azalea, and Calle Walter Bayer, remain closed due to fallen trees and streetlights. At least eight vehicles have been damaged, with further assessments ongoing. The Street Cleaning Service continues clearing debris across La Cala and other affected parts of the municipality. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/andalucia/malaga-00356/noticia-tornado-litoral-mijas-malaga-derriba-parte-alumbrado-navideno-arranca-arboles-arrastra-barcos-20251216104028.html 

     

EUROPE

EU may drop 2035 combustion engine ban as global EV shift faces reset:
– The European Commission unveiled a plan on Tuesday to drop the EU’s effective ban on new combustion-engine cars from 2035 after pressure from the region’s auto sector, marking the bloc’s biggest retreat from its green policies in recent years. The move, which still needs approval from EU governments and the European Parliament, would allow continued sales of some non-electric vehicles. Carmakers in regional industrial powerhouse Germany and in Italy had sought easing of the rules.
– The EU move follows on the heels of U.S. carmaker Ford Motors announcing on Monday a $19.5 billion writedown as it axes several EV models, in response to the Trump administration’s policies and weakening EV demand in the United States.
– Brokerage Jefferies, however, said that the EU picture was more complex even if there was a global “reset” for EVs.
“The reality is more nuanced: we are likely to see a shift from a clean, all or nothing cut-off, to a more flexible compliance system, marking a turning point in Europe’s transition story,” it said. “It’s clear the global auto sector is entering a reset moment rather than a straight line to electrification.”
European carmakers including Volkswagen and Fiat owner Stellantis (STLAM.MI), have also flagged soft EV demand and urged looser targets and lower fines for missing them. Full article: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/eu-relent-combustion-engines-ban-after-auto-industry-pressure-2025-12-16/ 

AUSTRALIA

Bondi gunmen were inspired by Islamic State, had travelled to the Philippines, Australia police say:
– Two alleged gunmen who attacked a Hanukkah event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach had travelled to the Philippines before the assault, which killed 15 people, and appeared to be inspired by Islamic State, police said on Tuesday. The attack on Sunday was Australia’s worst mass shooting in nearly 30 years, and is being investigated as an act of terrorism targeting the Jewish community.
– The death toll stands at 16, including one of the alleged gunmen, identified by police as Sajid Akram, 50, who was shot by police. The man’s 24-year-old son and alleged accomplice, identified by local media as Naveed Akram, was in critical condition in hospital after also being shot.
– Australian police said on Tuesday both men had travelled to the Philippines last month and the purpose of the trip is under investigation. Islamic state-linked networks are known to operate in the Philippines and have wielded some influence in the south of the country. “Early indications point to a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State, allegedly committed by a father and son,” Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said at a news conference.
“These are the alleged actions of those who have aligned themselves with a terrorist organisation, not a religion,” she stated. Full article: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/sydney-mourns-15-killed-australias-worst-mass-shooting-nearly-30-years-2025-12-15/ 

GASTRONOMIA

An establishment from Malaga, among the finalists of the National Indoor Steak Tartar Championship: {Translation, summary}
– This competition seeks to highlight and reward Spanish restaurant professionals who excel in the preparation of steak tartare at the table, a practice that demands precision and true mastery.
– Joaquín Moya, from the Marbella Club, will defend one of the most distinctive and highly regarded dishes of the Marbella hotel, prepared and finished in the dining room in front of diners, giving a central role to the waiter’s technical skill and presentation. In this category, he will compete against Héctor López of Restaurante España in Lugo, Antonio Romero of Suculent in Barcelona (menu below), and the Madrid based chefs Jorge Velasco and Joaquín Serrano from Varra, Víctor Gonzalo of Brassafina, and Adrián Collantes of La Barra de la Tasquería.
– As explained by the organisers at Madrid Fusión, each contestant must demonstrate their skill through live preparation, adding their own personal touch. The aim is to showcase a tradition that continues to captivate diners, while underlining the importance of table service as an integral part of the gastronomic experience. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/malagaenlamesa/establecimiento-malaga-finalistas-campeonato-nacional-steak-tartar-20251215170724-nt_amp.html 

SUR in ENGLISH HEADLINES

*Click links to read the English language articles*

– Waterspout lifts up boats and destroys Christmas decorations in La Cala de Mijas
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/mijas-fuengirola/waterspout-lifts-up-boats-and-destroys-christmas-20251216101656-nt.html
– Slump in sales of new and pre-owned homes in October in Malaga province
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/slump-sales-new-and-preowned-homes-october-20251215193741-nt.html
– Around 30 incidents reported as tail end of Storm Emilia sweeps across Malaga province
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/storm-emilia-damage-20251216100341-nt.html
– Alice’s Christmas: all you need to know about the new festive light show at Malaga’s botanical garden {pic}
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/malaga-city/alice-christmas-all-you-need-know-about-20251202142135-nt.html 

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CHURCHES & WORSHIP

Churches: Please submit your posts on Thursdays only, before 6pm.

Come join us for a Carol Service of 9 lessons & carols.
11am on 21st December.
The Christmas story told through Bible readings & well-loved Carols.

HUMOUR & DIVERSIONS SECTION

Free Comic Strips provided by https://www.arcamax.com/comics

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National Dog Show 2025: Best in Show (Full Judging)
– Saturday 15 November and Sunday 16 November 2025 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania. Video Link 

Click on video to play, or use Video Link

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EXCHANGE QUOTES FROM Xe.com

Click here to see updated quotes & more currencies

Last updated Dec 16, 2025, 21:12 UTC

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Fun & Games

National Geographic Photo of the Day: Click Here
NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day: Click Here
Word of the Day: Click Here
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Daily Mail UK- Daily Sudoku: Click Here

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

Useful Links, Info & Numbers

2025 Holiday Calendars by town, click/tap to view:
Algarrobo 
Competa 
Malaga 
Nerja 
Rincon 
Torrox 
Velez-Málaga 
For other towns in Malaga Province, visit this website, click your town, then look for the post named “Calendario Laboral de ‘Your Town‘ 2025 “, click that to see calendar.
https://www.foro-ciudad.com/malaga.html

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

Andalucia Reservoir Data, updated daily:
https://www.redhidrosurmedioambiente.es/saih/parte/diario/embalses 

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/

DigameXtra is now on X (formerly Twitter) at @DigameXtra. I also post articles there that are too controversial for the daily newsletter. However, you need a free X account to visit the @DigameXtra page on X. 

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Mandy’s Tel: 680739577

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Axarquia Silver & Gold Trade +34-606423869

Home Page – Based in Torrox Costa, near the bus station.

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