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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DigameXtra Featured Sponsor
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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. 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: 86
Target, 4% of subscribers = 200 donations
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DigameXtra Holiday Schedule: DigameXtra will be closed for these holidays.
– 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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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~
January 2026
– 7th – Hit the sales at La Canada. 20€pp
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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Nerja’s San Silvestre Race Rescheduled:
Old date: Sun, 28 Dec.
New date: Sun, 4 Jan.
Start & finish: Plaza Espana, 10am. Approx 4km.
Info & reg: https://www.nerjaatletismo.com/
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New Year’s Eve Parties in Granada, Wed, 31/12:
– Noche Vieja en La Marida. 00:30 – 06:00
C/ Montalbán 13, Local 1, Centro, 18002 Granada
Info, map & tix (€12-15): https://www.conciertosengranada.es/conciertos/110081-fiesta-de-nochevieja
– Noche Vieja at Vogues.
Vogues Disco. C/ Duquesa 37, Granada. 00:00.
Info, map & tix (€15-20): https://www.conciertosengranada.es/conciertos/109735-fiesta-de-nochevieja
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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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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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REDWELL INFRARED HEATING SYSTEMS
Redwell Infrared Heaters for Inside
Manufacturer warranty 10 years
ONLY products from Germany and Austria
Product Range:
– Wall and ceiling infrared heaters
Mirror, Pictures, Glass, white & color
– Mobile Heaters, free standing on wheels
– Under table Heaters
– Analog & Digital Controlling Systems, Thermostats Systems
– LED Light Frames, 2 year warranty
For 20 years we have supported clients in Spain with the highest quality Infrared Heating Systems available on the market.
Request information without any obligation.
Location:
Axarquia Service-Center, Postbox 028
Dipl.-Ing. Svend Scharler
29793 Torrox Park, Malaga
E-mail: sscharler@gmx.de Web: https://redwell.com/
Office: 952539742 ; Mobil: 606423869
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MANDY’S PAINTBOX
Mandy’s Paintbox: Painter for 34 years in Nerja area. NEW JOB PHOTOS.
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 – Your Property Experts in Southern Spain:
The BluCee Real Estate team would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year.
We are open throughout the festive season, and if you are considering selling your property, now is an excellent time to get in touch. Demand remains strong, and we currently have both Spanish and international clients actively looking for properties in our area.
Over the coming months, members of the BluCee team will also be meeting buyers in key international locations:
– January: Belfast and Dublin
– February: A Place in the Sun Live, Manchester
– March: Dallas, USA
If you’re thinking of selling, please contact us to arrange a free, honest, no-obligation property valuation. There’s no pressure, just clear, professional advice to help you make the right decision.
Contact us:
Email: info@blucee.com ; Website: www.blucee.com
WhatsApp: +34 711 04 27 27 ; Office: +34 951 55 38 90
Visit us: Calle Timón 11b, Torre del Mar, 29738 Málaga
BluCee Real Estate – Helping You Sell with Confidence
Proud sponsors of DigameXtra — our contact details can be seen every day in the Sponsor’s Section.
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AXARQUIA SILVER & GOLD TRADE
Axarquia Silver & Gold Trade– Unique Handcrafted Coin Rings & Much More: The Holiday Season Is Here– Order Your Gifts Now!
***Services Offered***
– Buying all kind of Silver and Gold:
Silver coins and Gold coins, bullions and bars.
Jewellery and cutlery (no collector prices!).
– Selling handcrafted Coin Rings and Jewellery: Handcrafted rings, made from silver or gold.
There are many options possible– I will handcraft your individual silver or gold ring. Choose, for example: a coin from your year of birth; a custom present for a friend; choose a JFK ½ Dollar coin; or a $1 Dollar coin from 1921 is available. I have silver from Spain; 100 Pesetas coins from 1966 for something special; and many more. You can get it shiny or black or a mix. I look forward to creating something very special for you. You want big sizes for men? No problem!
– General Metals Markets Information:
I am trading now more than 10 years in physical silver and gold. If you are interested, make an appointment.
– Make an appointment by mail or phone.
Mail: sscharler@gmx.de
Call Svend Scharler: +34-606423869
I have my office and meeting point at the Axarquia Service Centre, local 101, 29793 Torrox Park.
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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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DigameXtra Hits The BIG TIME– ChatGPT is now using DigameXtra as a prime source of news & information:
– Having the industry-leading AI (Artificial Intelligence) ChatGPT include DigameXtra as a trusted news source puts us in the big leagues– global exposure. See the example below, where I asked ChatGPT “Find articles that specifically say rent control is needed in Andalucia”. A DigameXtra article appears at the top of the list, above industry leaders Europa Press and Cadenaser! -Ed.
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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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SPAIN
The Government freezes self-employed quotas in 2026 due to the lack of agreement with the associations: {Translation, summary}
– Self-employed contributions in Spain will remain frozen in 2026, with the Government confirming the same contribution bases as 2025. The Ministry of Social Security had initially proposed substantial increases across the fifteen income brackets from the 2023 reform, prompting strong opposition from the main sector association, ATA, and political obstacles from Junts. Faced with resistance, Social Security proposed freezing contributions for lower-income workers and limiting increases to 2.5 per cent, below inflation. No consensus was reached among unions and other sector organisations demanding higher increases for top earners.
– Minister Elma Saiz, newly appointed Government spokesperson, emphasised the ongoing need to align self-employed contributions with social benefits, highlighting the existing gap with salaried workers. ATA president Lorenzo Amor welcomed the extension, noting workers can voluntarily contribute more within their income bracket. The original aim of the 2023 reform, to equalise contributions with salaried workers by 2032, now appears increasingly difficult to achieve given political and sectoral resistance. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/lainformacion/economia-y-finanzas/gobierno-congela-las-cuotas-autonomos-2026-ante-falta-acuerdo-con-las-asociaciones_6914105_0.html
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Sánchez the invisible man– has not attended a single Senate plenary session in 2025, has not attended any sessions where he could be questioned by parliamentarians for 21 months: {Translation, summary}
– Pedro Sánchez has avoided participating in Senate scrutiny sessions in 2025, marking over 21 months since he last answered questions from the opposition. Despite the PP (People’s Party) using its majority to amend Senate regulations, forcing him to attend at least once a month, Sánchez has not complied. His only appearance during this legislature was on 12th March 2024, when he responded to questions on the ‘Koldo case’ and various issues related to his government, including his wife being linked to an investigation.
– Sánchez has cited scheduling conflicts as reasons for his absence, while Moncloa sources suggest he feels poorly treated by the Senate, where the PP holds a strong majority. Despite formal complaints from the PP, Sánchez has no intention of attending the regular scrutiny sessions, though he has attended under duress for specific investigations, such as the Koldo case. The PP has hinted they may call him again before the inquiry ends. Source, Spanish: https://www.larazon.es/espana/sanchez-ido-ningun-pleno-senado-2025-lleva-21-meses-someterse-control_20251228695106b622f0db7dafff7ac7.html
ANDALUCÍA
Andalusia sets all-time highs in the price of housing, both for purchase and rent– The Andalusian real estate market closes the third quarter of 2025 with prices increase of 19.8% in sales and 12.1% in rentals: {Translation, summary}
– Andalusia’s housing market is under severe pressure, with both sales and rental prices reaching all-time highs. Coastal provinces such as Malaga lead in cost, but inland provinces including Seville, Granada, Huelva, Cordoba and Jaén have also experienced substantial increases. Tourist and seasonal rentals have further reduced the supply of primary residences in urban and popular areas, intensifying affordability challenges. The Bank of Spain estimates that, in tourist areas, the conversion of residential homes to holiday use can absorb up to 50% of the available stock.
– Although wages and pensions have risen and weekly working hours have declined, housing costs continue to outpace household income, placing significant strain on young people and the middle class. Unexia recommends public-private partnerships and build-to-rent schemes to provide stable, affordable housing, alongside mandatory registration of real estate agents to ensure professionalism, transparency and social cohesion, aiming to prevent speculation and support long-term access to housing. Full article: https://www.elconciso.es/construccion-e-inmobiliario/andalucia-marca-maximos-historicos-precio_0_2005489661.html
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Rewarding Themselves A Decrease In Accountability– Public officials who do not provide information will no longer have to pay fines out of pocket: {Translation, summary}
– Andalusian politicians are effectively giving themselves more freedom to delay or withhold public information with minimal consequences. From January, officials will no longer pay fines from their own pockets for failing to provide requested data or for unjustified delays, a sharp reversal from the 2014 Transparency Law, which imposed strict fines, dismissal, and a three-year ban for serious offences.
– The PP’s controversial “stray amendment” has been widely criticised as a way to reduce accountability and protect officials from immediate sanctions. Financial penalties now only apply when public finances are harmed and must pass through slow, general administrative procedures, allowing officials to evade personal responsibility for lesser but still significant transparency failures. Dismissal and long bans are limited to very serious offences that threaten citizens or public funds. Oversight powers of the Transparency Council’s director are curtailed, returning disciplinary authority to slower procedures. Criminal offences remain subject to prosecution, but everyday transparency lapses now carry minimal risk. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/andalucia/cargos-publicos-no-den-informacion_0_2005513337.html
AXARQUÍA
The rains leave moderate and well-distributed accumulations in the Axarquía: {Translation, summary}
– Axarquía has recorded a period of moderate and fairly even rainfall over the past 24 hours, according to measurements taken by rain gauges in the Hidrosur Network. The precipitation, while not particularly heavy, has proved beneficial for agriculture and has helped restore soil moisture after a long period of water scarcity.
– The highest totals were recorded in Colmenar, reaching 22.8 litres per square metre, followed by Torrox with 20.8 l/m² and Alcaucín with 19.1 l/m². These areas were the greatest beneficiaries of the rainfall period.
– At key water management locations, including the La Viñuela reservoir, accumulated rainfall measured 13.7 l/m² in 24 hours. This is considered a positive contribution, though not sufficient on its own to deliver a major rise in reservoir levels. Technical teams note that continued episodes of this kind are essential for gradual improvement of water reserves.
– Meanwhile, stations at Alfarnatejo and the El Trapiche treatment facility recorded the lowest totals, close to 9 litres per square metre, reflecting the local variation typical of short rainfall events.
– Technical services emphasise that most rainfall occurred within a period of under 12 hours, confirming a short but effective weather episode. Although this rainfall does not represent a structural change in regional water conditions, it offers temporary relief and a useful contribution to crops and surface level aquifers. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/las-lluvias-dejan-acumulados-moderados-y-bien-repartidos-en-la-axarquia/
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MALAGA PROVINCE
The interior of Malaga recovers from the storm– “You couldn’t walk in the streets and the electricity went out at times”: {Translation, summary}
– The storm that struck inland Málaga from 27 to 28 December caused intense rainfall and hail across towns including Tolox, Coín, Alhaurín el Grande, Guaro, Carratraca and Monda. Tolox, in the Sierra de las Nieves, saw rivers surge rapidly, causing a riverside pavement section to collapse, though residents reported calm overall due to steep terrain preventing overflow into homes.
– In Coín, 80 to 90 litres per square metre fell within 12 hours under a red alert, with no injuries and only light road damage. A river bridge was closed temporarily for safety but reopened, and debris was cleared from main avenues. Alhaurín el Grande faced heavy hail that dented vehicles and covered avocado crops, prompting one family’s evacuation and relocation to a local apartahotel. Guaro experienced blocked rural paths, flickering power and water outages linked to electrical faults, later partially restored. Carratraca had an underpass obstructed by a large branch and water ingress in municipal buildings, while Monda recorded 120 litres per square metre, leaving some rural areas cut off. Damage was mostly minor infrastructure impacts, with no personal harm reported. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/interior/interior-malaga-repone-temporal-andar-calles-luz-20251228141454-nt_amp.html
MALAGA CITY
Verdiales- Malaga celebrated its roots Sunday, photo gallery by Carlos Guerrero: See the full photo gallery here–
https://www.malagahoy.es/malaga/verdiales-malaga-celebra-raices_3_2005520657.html#slide-1
ALHAURÍN EL GRANDE
Hailstorm in Alhaurín el Grande with flooded streets: {Translation}
– Alhaurín el Grande was another municipality that saw its streets flooded with water and hail during the red alert, which dumped almost 100 litres of rain in some parts of the province of Málaga, especially late on Saturday, exceeding that amount in Casarabonela. Alhaurín el Grande was one of the municipalities that received the Es-Alert message sent by the Regional Ministry of Health and the Town Council on their mobile phones at 9.16 p.m. Before the message, it did not hesitate to activate the Territorial Emergency Plan. There have been no major incidents in this town, apart from the flooded streets.
Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/videos/video-granizada-alhaurin-grande-calles-anegadas_8_2005519167.html Click video to play, or visit the website.
UK
Social Media Posts & Silent Prayer to be Decriminalized– “Common Sense” is Back, UK to Scrap Non-Crime Hate Incident (NCHI) Laws Nationwide: {Summary}
– Police chiefs will reportedly seek to scrap non-crime hate incidents in plans they will present to the Home Secretary next month.
– The Telegraph reports that police leaders have decided that NCHIs are no longer “fit for purpose” after warnings that recording them undermines freedom of speech and diverts officers away from fighting crime. Under the plans, NCHIs will be replaced with a new “common sense” system, where only a fraction of such incidents will be recorded under the most serious category of anti-social behaviour.
– An NCHI falls short of being criminal but is perceived to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person with a particular characteristic. They stay on police records indefinitely and can come up in background checks.
– The move to scrap them follows high-profile cases such as that of Graham Linehan, the Father Ted co-creator, whose arrest for a series of posts on X was criticized by the Trump administration as a “departure from democracy”.
– The plans will be published next month by the College of Policing and National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and are expected to be backed by Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary.
– Their exclusion from crime databases means any incidents will no longer have to be declared as part of checks in job applications. Police forces would be instructed not to log “hate” incidents on crime databases, instead treating them as “intelligence” reports.
– Police guidance on the recording of NCHIs was first published in 2005, following recommendations by an inquiry into the murder of Stephen Lawrence – the London teenager who was stabbed to death in a racist attack in 1993. As The BBC reports, Lord Herbert said “an explosion of social media” in the years since they were introduced has meant police had been drawn into monitoring “mere disputes” online.
Officers do not want to be “policing tweets”, he told BBC Radio 4’s Today program.
– Last year, The Telegraph reported that 43 police forces in England and Wales had recorded more than 133,000 NCHIs since 2014.
Full article: https://www.zerohedge.com/political/common-sense-back-uk-finally-scraps-non-crime-hate-incident-laws-nationwide
Longer, original article in The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/12/22/non-crime-hate-incidents-to-be-scrapped/
WORLD
US says it struck Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria:
– The United States carried out a strike against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria at the request of Nigeria’s government, President Donald Trump and the U.S. military said on Thursday, claiming the group had been targeting Christians in the region.
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
– The strike comes after Trump in late October began warning that Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria and threatened to militarily intervene in the West African country over what he says is its failure to stop violence targeting Christian communities. Nigeria’s foreign ministry said the strike was carried out as part of ongoing security cooperation with the United States, involving intelligence sharing and strategic coordination to target militant groups.
Full article: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/us-launches-strikes-against-islamic-state-militants-northwest-nigeria-trump-says-2025-12-25/
HEALTH
A mobile application will replace the SAS health card: {Translation, summary}
– The breast cancer screening crisis has exposed both healthcare and internal management weaknesses in the Andalusian public health system, along with a “communication problem” between patients and primary care doctors. To address this, the SAS will implement a digital health strategy with a 316 million euro budget, affecting all Andalusians. Physical health cards will be replaced by a mobile application containing appointment management, medical history, and test results, with training provided to prevent digital exclusion among older users.
– The four current access systems will be replaced by the single Salud Responde platform, aiming to consolidate data, maintain accurate contact information, and prevent reliance on relatives for care. Minister Antonio Sanz emphasises improved accessibility, digital security, and greater use of telemedicine and telecare. Internally, the 380 current applications will be merged into a single system to simplify operations, accommodate new therapies, and update management for emerging diseases, modernising the previously cumbersome system.
– Those who wish to keep a physical card may do so, and the SAS plans to launch a training plan through “puntos vuela” to prevent digital exclusion among older people. The goal is for the application to be available in the first quarter of next year. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/andalucia/aplicacion-movil-sustituira-tarjeta-sanitaria_0_2005510398.html
SPORTS
Tennis News- Nick Kyrgios sweeps Aryna Sabalenka in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ with controversy and disparate rules: {Translation}
– The controversial tennis exhibition, dubbed the ‘Battle of the Sexes’, ended with Nick Kyrgios defeating Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets (6-3, 6-3). Ranked 671 in the ATP, Kyrgios only faced difficulties in sections of the match where Sabalenka exploited the advantages given to her by the organisers, but she ultimately fell short. To compensate for physical differences, Sabalenka defended a court half nine percent smaller than Kyrgios’s and had only one serve per point.
– The serve became a central issue, leaving her uncomfortable, while after the serve play quickly shifted to Kyrgios’s advantage. Despite taking an early lead in the second set, Sabalenka’s lack of confidence on serve and Kyrgios’s power and tactical use of drop shots and underhand serves allowed the Australian to win five consecutive games. The result continues the historical tradition of mixed-gender exhibitions, following precedents such as Billie Jean King versus Bobby Riggs and the Williams sisters versus Karsten Braach. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/deportes/tenis/nick-kyrgios-aryna-sabalenka-batalla-los-sexos-directo-resultado-ultima-hora_6915161_6.html & Video Link
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
The Real War Of The Century- Artificial Intelligence: {Summary}
– Debates about determinism and free will once felt like safe academic fun, interesting but without real-world impact. That period has ended. Artificial intelligence has shifted determinism from an abstract philosophical topic to a practical foundation shaping institutions, governance, and accountability. Unlike human reasoning, AI systems are built to follow deterministic mathematical structures, operating through statistical inference, optimisation, and probability. These systems do not deliberate, reflect, interpret, or accept responsibility. Even when outputs seem unexpected, they remain mathematically constrained and fundamentally non-judgmental.
– Institutions increasingly treat algorithmic outputs as decisions rather than tools, creating a quiet but powerful change. Predictability appeals to bureaucracies because humans are variable, emotional, slow, and accountable, whereas algorithms promise standardised outputs at scale, without fatigue or dissent. However, this creates a critical confusion: prediction differs from judgment, optimisation from wisdom, and consistency from legitimacy. Human decisions rely on interpretation, context, memory, experience, and moral reasoning, all tied to personal responsibility.
– Algorithms, when denying loans, reprioritising care, or moderating speech, shift blame to systems and data, allowing determinism to serve as an institutional alibi. AI alters the balance by converting probabilities into policies and recommendations into mandates, limiting challenge by framing outputs as objective science. The central risk is not machine consciousness but reduced human accountability disguised as efficiency. The coming conflict is between deterministic optimisation and interpretive reasoning under uncertainty. The choice ahead is between scalable systems and accountable ones, and AI compels society to determine which governs life. Full article: https://www.zerohedge.com/ai/real-war-century-artificial-intelligence
RELIGION
Last group of Nigerian schoolchildren kidnapped from a Catholic boarding school reunited with their families:
– After weeks of uncertainty a moment of joy as the last group of Nigerian schoolchildren kidnapped from their school in Niger state were reunited with their parents. Authorities now say 230 students and teachers were abducted in November from a Catholic boarding school in Papiri. One of the largest mass abductions in Nigeria’s history, it’s been an ordeal for parents and children alike.
– When they were first released on Sunday, some children appeared malnourished or in shock. Most of those seized in the attack were aged between 10 and 17, the school said.
Officials did not say whether a ransom had been paid to secure their release. Full article: https://www.africanews.com/2025/12/24/last-group-of-kidnapped-nigerian-schoolchildren-reunited-with-their-families/
OBITUARIES
Perry Bamonte, guitarist and keyboardist for The Cure, dies at 65:
– The Cure guitarist/keyboardist Perry Bamonte, who played on such iconic albums as 1992’s Wish and was onstage with the U.K. band for nearly 500 shows over the past 35 years, has died at the age of 65 after a short illness. Full article: https://www.spin.com/2025/12/perry-bamonte-the-cure-obit/ & Video Link
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Brigitte Bardot, French actress and animal rights activist, dies at 91:
– Brigitte Bardot, the French actor and singer who became an international sex symbol before turning her back on the film industry and later in life embracing the cause of animal rights activism, has died aged 91.
– Bardot’s death was announced on Sunday by her foundation in a statement sent to Agence France-Presse, which did not say when or where she had died. “The Brigitte Bardot foundation announces with immense sadness the death of its founder and president, Madame Brigitte Bardot, a world-renowned actress and singer, who chose to abandon her prestigious career to dedicate her life and energy to animal welfare and her foundation,” it said. Full article: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/dec/28/brigitte-bardot-french-screen-legend-and-animal-rights-activist-dies
SUR in ENGLISH HEADLINES
*Click links to read the English language articles*
– DGT clarifies obligation to register electric scooters in Spain in 2026; personal mobility vehicles (PMVs) weighing more than 25 kilos and with a speed that exceeds 14 km/h must be insured before 26 January 2026
https://www.surinenglish.com/spain/dgt-clarifies-registration-obligation-for-scooters-2026-20251226072254-nt.html
– Residents take cover as youths armed with axes, curved swords and metal chains clash in Malaga neighbourhood
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/malaga-city/residents-take-cover-youths-armed-with-axes-swords-clash-20251224071429-nt.html
– Alleged squatters kill two men sent by owner of a luxury villa in Elche (Alicante) to evict them
https://www.surinenglish.com/spain/two-squatters-villa-elche-violently-kill-two-20251226072259-nt.html {pic}
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Fun & Games
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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
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/
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