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. Header photo: Cora Unk
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Next Public Holidays: April 2026
2 April, Maundy Thursday
3 April, Good Friday
5 April, Easter Sunday
Thus, in April 2026, there is a long weekend break for Easter, DigameXtra will be closed: Thursday, 2 April thru Sunday, 5 April.
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Clock Changes in Andalucia 2026: Daylight Savings Time (DST)
Start DST: Sunday, 29 March 2026 = 1 hour forward
End DST: Sunday, 25 October 2026 = 1 hour backward
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MILESTONE – TODAY IS NAYTHAN’S 2300th ISSUE AS EDITOR OF DIGAMEXTRA
April 10th will be Naythan’s 8th anniversary as Editor, and 14th anniversary as Digame/DigameXtra webmaster.
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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~
March
– 27th – Trip to IKEA/Plaza Mayor & Guzmans Garden Centre €20pp. If you prefer to stay at IKEA or Plaza Mayor we will pick you up on the way home
April
– 7th – Easter trip to Gibraltar, €20pp
May
– 15th – Trip to the Baelo Claudia Roman Ruins with lunch in Tarifa. Price €35 pp excludes lunch
June
– 2nd – Trip to Gib €22pp
– 10th – Trip to Estepona on Market day and a visit to the Orchid House. Price €25. Entry to the Orchid House is 3€ pp not included
July
– 3rd – Visit to the Victoria Brewery AM, Car Museum PM. Lunch in the port area of Malaga not included in the price.
Price 32€pp includes entry to both Museums
For information call Gail on 951067723/626370695 (Whatsapp) email phoenixsocialclub@yahoo.co.uk.
We are DigameXtra sponsors and our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section.
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Guided Wisteria Tours: Jardin Botanico Historico La Concepcion
– These gardens in Malaga are situated about 8km north of the city centre.
– One of the highlights during the spring in Malaga is the wisteria pergola at the Botanical Gardens. The wrought-iron pergola literally groans with scented purple blooms for around 3 weeks between mid-March and mid-April.
– This year, the Botanics have organised guided tours that include the wisteria. They take place on Saturday 28 March at 10am and cost €8.05 per person. In addition, there’s an evening tour to enjoy the wisteria’s nocturnal scent on Sunday 29 March at 8pm.
– The tours are in Spanish, but if there are enough people, you can join a tour in English – let the gardens know you’re interested in this when you book.
– There are also family guided tours that include the wisteria. Join this on Sunday 29 March for €9 adults and €6.90 children.
– If you want to guarantee the tour in English, there must be at least 3 people in your group. The English tour will take place on Saturday 28 March (to be confirmed) and cost €18.95 pp for 3-4 people, €11.30 pp for 5-9 people or €9.10 pp for 10-14 people. Reduced rates are available for retirees.
– To book a place, call 951926180 or 639914055 or send an email to infojbotanicomalaga@gmail.com
– Info in English: https://laconcepcion.malaga.eu/en/index.html
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XIX Benalmádena Collector Plant Fair 2026:
April 3, 4, and 5, 2026. Hours on poster. Free.
Parque de la Paloma (Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena).
One of Andalusia’s most anticipated botanical events is back. The Parque de la Paloma in Benalmádena will host the nineteenth edition of its renowned Collector Plant Fair. This is an essential meeting point for enthusiasts, experts, and families who wish to discover unique plant species from around the world. Info:
https://www.benalmadena.es/plantasdecoleccion/ & Video Link
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Cirque du Soleil returns to Málaga- “Kurios, where imagination knows no bounds”
(Kurios’, donde la imaginación no tiene límites):
– From 4 June to 5 July with a show where anything is possible and curiosity and imagination lead the way. The venue is the Cortijo de Torres Exhibition Centre.
Info & tix (€49 to €69): https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/kurios/buy-tickets?country=spain&city=malaga & Video Link
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Lux Mundi Ecumenical Centre, Torre del Mar
Hours: Wednesday & Friday 10.00 – 13.00
Info tel. 952 543 334 Website: www.lux-mundi.org
*April events*
The Centre will be closed for Easter 1st, 2nd and 3rd April, except for religious services.
– Monday – Monday Club. Please contact the Centre. 11.30.
– Wednesday– Art group, with the crochet & craft group 10.00 – 13.00.
– Shop Wednesdays and Fridays 10.00 – 13.00.
– Thursday – NA English 19.00 to 20.30.
– Friday – Conversation group 10.00 – 11.00.
– Friday – Coffee Morning 10.00- 13.00.
– Monday 13th April – Monthly Lunch. 1.30 for 14.00.
-Tuesday 7th & 21th April Axarquia Business Networking group 07.30 to 09.00 also on 14th April 18:00.
– Friday 24th April – Taizé Prayer for Unity at St Andrés Church Torre del Mar. Time 19.00 after the Mass.
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Weather Forecast from https://weather.com/
Tap or click image for updated forecast with more details
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Latest AEMET Weather Alerts & Advisories For Andalucia: https://www.aemet.es/es/eltiempo/prediccion/avisos?k=and
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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. Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra!
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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. We are DigameXtra sponsors and our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section.
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HANNINGTONS KITCHENS & BATHROOMS
Hanningtons Kitchens and Bathrooms: We have been installing kitchens and bathrooms here on the Costa for 13 years. We pride ourselves on our professionalism, highest standards of work and customer service.
Whether you are thinking of updating an existing kitchen or bathroom, or whether you wish to create the kitchen or bathroom you have always dreamed of, we are here for you, every step of the way.
With an unrivalled knowledge of the best local materials and suppliers we are able to work to all tastes and budgets.
Our full range of services includes:
– Installations and Refurbs
– Wall & Floor tiling
– Full range of Plumbing work including radiators and underfloor heating
– Solar Installation
– Design & planning ideas to get the look you are after
– Electrical works
– Alter / Install walls, dropped ceilings and hang doors
– Plastering, woodwork and floor levelling
Visit our FB page on the link below to be inspired
https://www.facebook.com/hanningtons.kitchens.and.bathrooms/
Call us : 669 665 156
Email us: hanningtons.bathrooms@gmail.com ; Our contact details can be found in the Sponsor’s Section at the bottom of every issue.
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MANDY’S PAINTBOX
Mandy’s Paintbox: Painter for 34 years in Nerja area. 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:
Why stay local when you can go…to Texas!
BluCee Real Estate
International buyers, local expertise.
We’re excited to announce that on 28th-29th March 2026, we’ll be in Texas, introducing local properties to a brand-new audience of American buyers.
Local homes. Global marketing.
Thinking of selling? Let’s talk. Contact us before 20th March 2026 and we’ll saddle up and promote your property in Texas.
A free, honest property valuation. No pressure, just professional advice.
Email: info@blucee.com Web: 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 everyday in the Sponsor’s Section.
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AXARQUIA SILVER & GOLD TRADE
Axarquia Silver & Gold Trade– Unique Handcrafted Coin Rings & Much More:
***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. We are DigameXtra sponsors and our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section.
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For Sale: New, Powerful Business Laptop
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Gen 8, Model 15AMN8
Windows 11 Pro in UK English; Keyboard is Spanish
Display- 15.6″ FHD, 1920×1080 (TN)
Processor- AMD Ryzen 5 7520U, 2.8 to 4.3 GHz, 8 core, 8 thread, Hyperthreading.
RAM- 16Gb high-speed LPDDR5 (soldered)
SSD- 512Gb
Card reader, HDMI, 2x USB 3.2, 1x USB-C 3.2, Wifi 6, Stereo Speakers.
Battery- 10 hour, supports Rapid Charge Boost (get 2 hours of runtime with a 15-minute charge).
1.62Kg, only 17.9 mm thick.
3 year factory warranty when registered online.
Fully setup, updated and ready to use.
Software- Chrome, Edge, VLC Player, Libre Office, WhatsApp, PDF Reader.
Will update to Windows 12, full version.
€480 cash, buyer collects.
Contact: DoctorLaptop, Torrox Costa
Email: doctorlaptop@protonmail.com
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For Sale, 2 items:
– Ikea two seat grey sofa 50€.
– Three seat flowery sofa 60€
Both in good condition. Buyer collects
Contact Madeleine, Arenas
tel/ whatsapp: +34 699757798
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For Sale: Paperback books
Large number of paperbacks all in very good condition to sell. Many authors Ian Rankin, Victoria Hislop, Michael Connolly & Santa Montefiore to name a few .
€10 for 5 books, offers considered for bulk purchases. Ian, Torrox Park, Tel. 605361279
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For Sale: 2 Used Turntables
Bang & Olufsen record players €50 each
BEOGRAM 7000 and BEOGRAM 2200
Ann, Caleta
annsobyjensen@gmail.com
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RECOMMENDATIONS, REQUESTS, COMMENTS & SUBSCRIBER SOAPBOX
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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News Note: Interesting how there is little news about Palestine or Ukraine anymore…it’s all about Iran & Lebanon at the moment. -Ed.
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SPAIN
Rent Increase Caps Return For Another 2 Years Unless Congress Nullifies Them Next Month: {Translation, summary}
– The Sanchez administration has approved a second Royal Decree in response to the war in the Middle East, introducing a two-year freeze on rents as demanded by its junior coalition partner Sumar.
– However, under Spanish law (Artículo 86 of the Constitución Española and Ley 39/2015), Royal Decree-Laws must be submitted to Congress for ratification within 30 days of their publication. If Congress does not validate it (by a simple majority vote), the decree-lose loses its validity retroactively, and its effects cease. The Government separated this housing measure into a second, standalone decree precisely to isolate it from the broader fiscal package, reducing the risk of the entire anti-crisis plan being rejected en bloc. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/lainformacion/economia-y-finanzas/gobierno-aprobara-limitar-precio-los-alquileres-un-decreto-separado-resto-medidas-guerra_6948616_0.html
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The government will cut VAT on petrol and electricity to 10% and reinstate part of the social safety net: {Translation, summary}
– The government has approved a reduction in the VAT on fuels, from the current 21% to 10%. This measure, which will provide relief at the pump, is also accompanied by a reduction of the hydrocarbon tax to the legal minimum.
– The package of measures also includes a significant 60% tax cut on electricity bills, mirroring the formula implemented after the invasion of Ukraine. The government has decided to reduce the VAT on electricity bills from 21% to 10%, cut the special electricity tax from 5% to 0.5% (the legal minimum), and suspend the production tax paid by electricity generating companies. Along the same lines, the government has also approved a freeze on the maximum price of butane and propane gas and reduced the VAT on natural gas, pellets, and firewood from 21% to 10%.
– Beyond fiscal matters, the government plans to reinstate some of the social safety net measures that lapsed after failing to secure parliamentary approval at the end of last month. Specifically, the ban on cutting off basic utilities to vulnerable individuals will be reinstated, and the social electricity voucher, which provides discounts on electricity bills for low-income consumers, will be expanded.
– Furthermore, the government has approved a Royal Decree agreeing to freeze rent prices for the next two years. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/lainformacion/economia-y-finanzas/gobierno-bajara-impuestos-las-gasolinas-factura-luz-recupera-parte-escudo-social_6948451_0.html
ANDALUCÍA
The regional government describes the central government as the “Government of delays” and points out that Malaga has been “abandoned”: {Trans., summary}
– Carolina España {pic}, the Regional Minister for the Economy and spokesperson for the Regional Government of Andalusia, described the Spanish Government on Sunday in Málaga as the “Government of Delays”, referring to the General State Budget (PGE) and the problems with the rail network that are particularly affecting the province of Málaga, whilst expressing the view that she feels Málaga ‘has, to a large degree, been abandoned’.
– The minister stated that the people of Málaga are set to experience an ‘unusual’ Holy Week, during which shops ‘will see a drop in sales’ and ‘will not be hiring staff’, whilst the hospitality sector ‘will suffer’ because ‘the Sánchez-Montero-Puente government has let Málaga down’ during this key period. She specified that this ‘rail chaos’ in ‘Andalusia and the rest of Spain’ is not limited to the high-speed network, but also affects local commuter services, such as the ‘numerous delays’ recorded in Seville ‘due to speed restrictions’ and the rail limitations between the cities of Córdoba and Málaga. For these reasons, the minister has called on the government to ‘acknowledge its mistakes’ and to “apologise” in relation to the AVE case in Málaga. She has also urged them to ‘pull together’ and implement measures ‘to compensate for the losses and damage caused’ with ‘speed’. She suggested that the central government should “reflect” on the matter, as she believes that “we are paying more taxes than ever and have the worst services”. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/andalucia/malaga-00356/noticia-junta-define-ejecutivo-gobierno-retrasos-apunta-malaga-sido-abandonada-20260322135318.html
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Andalusian government assures that Andalusians will have water “without any restrictions” given the stability of the river basins: {Translation, summary}
– The Regional Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Ramón Fernández-Pacheco {pic}, highlighted on Saturday that all of Andalusia’s river basins are in a normal state, as part of the celebrations for World Water Day, and therefore assured that all Andalusians will be able to access water “without any restrictions whatsoever”. Nevertheless, the Minister warned that this situation “must not lead to any complacency” regarding the responsible use of water. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/esandalucia/almeria/noticia-junta-asegura-andaluces-tendran-agua-ninguna-restriccion-estabilidad-cuencas-hidrologicas-20260322153534.html
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Andalusia capitals work to eliminate burka: {Trans., summary}
– The debate has spilled into the plenary halls of local councils on an issue that neither the central nor the regional government seems willing to address. Two Andalusian capitals, Granada and Córdoba, have banned the burka or niqab in municipal buildings. Seville has joined this measure, which, although supported by a majority of the council (PP and Vox), remains uncertain given doubts about its legal framework. Municipalities in Almería, such as Níjar, have also taken similar steps, while El Ejido and Roquetas de Mar have followed Seville’s lead, requesting that the central government regulate the issue. However, it was the town of Coín in Málaga that first took this action 16 years ago .
– The head of Social Inclusion for the Andalusian Regional Government, Loles López, stated a few days ago that “I can’t understand how, hiding behind religious freedom, anyone can say yes to the burka. Gender violence and the burka represent the subjugation of women, and in Spain, we must work every day for women’s freedom and equality.” The People’s Party (PP) is seeking a national Organic Law to ban both garments. It wants to follow the example set in France and continued in Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Switzerland. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/andalucia/andalucia-quita-burka_0_2006252895.html
VÉLEZ-MÁLAGA
Vélez-Málaga will become part of the Metropolitan Transport Consortium from May 1st: {Trans., summary}
– The municipality of Vélez-Málaga will become a full member of the Málaga Metropolitan Area Transport Consortium (CTMAM) on May 1st. Thanks to this integration into the Consortium, it is expected that a total of 33,000 people in Vélez-Málaga will benefit from the green transport card .
– The integration of the municipality of Vélez-Málaga into the Consortium will significantly reduce the fares paid by travelers for their journeys, with the savings being greater for groups that have additional discounts, such as travelers who are part of large families, those under 30 years of age and those under 15 years of age, adding the bonuses of the Junta de Andalucía with the aid of the State.
– Thus, taking into account the current discounts, the fare for a trip from Vélez-Málaga to Málaga will drop from €3.96 to €0.95, allowing the average user to save more than €1,500 per year. Meanwhile, a trip to Rincón de la Victoria will see its fare decrease from €2.37 to €0.71, resulting in annual savings of over €850. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/velez-malaga-pasara-a-formar-parte-del-consorcio-de-transporte-metropolitano-a-partir-del-1-de-mayo/
EUROPE
Rutte defends the US’s ‘crucial’ offensive against Iran because Trump ‘is making the world a safer place’: {Trans., summary}
– NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte defended on Sunday the “crucial” operation launched by the United States and Israel against Iran, despite the doubts it has raised even among the American public, arguing that it is making the world a “safer” place against the “existential threat” posed, in his view, by Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes. “I know there is a lot of debate in the US and Europe about whether the President’s campaign against Iran was necessary, and let me tell you that it is: it is crucial that the President and the US do this to eliminate Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, because they pose a threat,” he said in an interview with Fox News.
– Rutte did not address Trump’s criticism of the Atlantic Alliance, whose member states the US president described this week as “cowards” for refusing to support a naval mission to unblock the Strait of Hormuz, and he defended the ‘element of surprise’ employed by the US and Israel in attacking Iran in the midst of nuclear negotiations with the Islamic Republic. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/internacional/noticia-rutte-defiende-crucial-ofensiva-eeuu-contra-iran-porque-trump-haciendo-mundo-mas-seguro-20260322171406.html
MIDDLE EAST
Trump threatens to attack Iran’s power plants if it does not open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours: {Translation, summary}
– US President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran on Saturday via Truth Social, threatening to destroy the country’s power stations, beginning with the largest, unless the Strait of Hormuz is fully opened without threats. This follows recent US strikes that weakened Iran’s ability to disrupt navigation in the strait, including an attack on an underground arsenal storing anti-ship missiles.
– The Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 per cent of global crude exports pass, has seen sharply reduced traffic due to Iranian Revolutionary Guard actions targeting vessels benefiting the US and Israel, causing oil prices to surge. Trump called on NATO allies and Asian partners like Japan and South Korea to provide military support, though none has yet agreed. Iran responded through its Armed Forces spokesman, warning of retaliatory strikes on US energy infrastructure, desalination plants, and IT facilities linked to the US and Israel if its power stations are hit. The ongoing US-Israel war against Iran, triggered by the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on 28 February, nears its one-month mark with no clear end in sight. Source, Spanish: https://www.larazon.es/internacional/trump-amenaza-atacar-centrales-electricas-iran-abre-estrecho-ormuz-48-horas_2026032269bfc9bee89622081d471472.html
In response…
Iran threatens to shut down the Strait of Hormuz and punish the region after Trump’s ultimatum: {Translation, summary}
– Iran has threatened to “completely” close this strategic waterway and destroy US economic interests in the region, after Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to open the Strait of Hormuz to traffic, warning that otherwise he could order attacks on Iranian power plants.
– Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesman for the Joint Command of the Iranian Armed Forces, warned that if Washington follows through on its threat, they will adopt a series of immediate “punitive measures ,” including the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz, as well as attacks on energy and information technology infrastructure in Israel, companies in the region with US participation, and power plants in countries hosting US military bases. “Everything is prepared for a major jihad with the objective of completely destroying all US economic interests in the region,” he declared. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/internacional/guerra-iran-directo-ultima-hora-israel-trump-eeuu-nuclear-ormuz_6949068_6.html
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Israel orders IDF to ‘immediately destroy’ all Litani River bridges to curb Hezbollah terrorists:
– Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, after an assessment of the situation in Lebanon with top-ranking Israel Défense Forces staff on Sunday, said he and the prime minister have ordered the IDF to “immediately destroy all the bridges over the Litani river” to prevent the movement of Hezbollah terrorists and weapons to the south. On March 18, the IDF destroyed two bridges over the Litani after destroying one on March 13, reportedly the first targeting of Lebanese state-owned infrastructure since the start of hostilities.
– Katz also ordered the IDF to speed up the destruction of homes in southern Lebanese villages to eliminate terrorist infrastructure, following a similar model used by the Israeli army in Rafah and Beit Hanoun in the Gaza Strip. Full article: https://nypost.com/2026/03/22/world-news/israel-orders-idf-to-immediately-destroy-all-litani-river-bridges-to-curb-hezbollah-terrorists/
SPORTS
Tennis News- Sebastian Korda stuns Carlos Alcaraz in Miami:
– World no. 1 Carlos Alcaraz experienced another early loss at the Miami Masters. The Spaniard fell to Sebastian Korda {pic} 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 in two hours and 18 minutes in the third round. Full article: https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/…
HEALTH
News Note: Sorry, this Agenda 2030 foolishness is one of my pet peeves, thus the long article and explainer comment.
~Forcing Agenda 2030 On The Public By Not Mentioning Available Alternatives! You do have other options if you insist!~
SAS will exchange text messages for Whatsapp notifications– a private company and a notoriously insecure service the gov’t CANNOT REQUIRE you to use!: {Trans., summary, explainer}
– The Andalusian Health Service (SAS) is replacing traditional SMS with WhatsApp as the main channel for communicating with citizens. Text messages previously used to arrange appointments and send health alerts will now be delivered via WhatsApp. This change, announced by Health Councillor Antonio Sanz, forms part of the SAS digital transformation process and represents one of its most visible updates. The Junta is choosing WhatsApp because it offers a more direct, immediate, and modern method of communication that better matches current user habits. The new system will progressively replace SMS in all interactions with health service users, enabling faster and more user-friendly delivery of appointment reminders, health notifications, and other essential messages.This initiative sits within the Andalusian Government’s wider strategy of digital transformation and administrative simplification. The councillor emphasised that technology serves as a tool to make healthcare more accessible and efficient, rather than an end in itself. WhatsApp communications are one-way from the SAS to patients and do not include interactive features such as virtual waiting rooms or other advanced functionalities mentioned in the broader plan. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/andalucia/sas-dara-salto-whatsapp_0_2006239975.html
– {The decision by the Servicio Andaluz de Salud (SAS) to replace traditional SMS with WhatsApp for sending appointment reminders and health alerts raises serious concerns about patient autonomy, privacy, and security. The government cannot force any citizen to use WhatsApp, a private app owned by Meta, as acceptance must remain voluntary according to national data laws; many older people, those without smartphones, or individuals wary of big tech may prefer or require alternative channels like plain SMS or email to avoid exclusion from essential public health communications. WhatsApp, despite end-to-end encryption claims for messages, remains inherently insecure for sensitive medical notifications: it is vulnerable to account hijacking, phishing scams (as repeatedly warned about by the SAS itself in recent fraud alerts), metadata collection by Meta, and potential future policy changes that could compromise user data. Relying on a commercial platform controlled by a foreign corporation for official government healthcare interactions risks creating dependencies, amplifying privacy breaches under the GDPR, and exposing vulnerable patients to heightened fraud attempts in an environment already plagued by impersonation scams mimicking the SAS. This move prioritises convenience and cost savings over robust, impartial, and truly secure public infrastructure, potentially eroding trust in the health system rather than enhancing it.
– CAN SAS DO This?: The Servicio Andaluz de Salud (SAS), as a public body under the Junta de Andalucía, possesses the administrative authority to implement changes in its communication methods, including transitioning from SMS to WhatsApp for sending appointment reminders and health notifications. This forms part of the approved Estrategia de Salud Digital de Andalucía 2030 (ESDA), backed by regional government decisions, protocols with the Agencia Digital de Andalucía, and an initial budget of over 316 million euros. Public health services in Spain’s autonomous communities have broad discretion in modernising administrative processes, provided they comply with data protection laws (GDPR/Ley Orgánica de Protección de Datos) and ensure accessibility. Ref: https://www.sspa.juntadeandalucia.es/servicioandaluzdesalud/todas-noticia/los-andaluces-podran-utilizar-su-tarjeta-sanitaria-virtual-en-el-telefono-movil-desde-el-26-de-marzo
– HOWEVER: Under Spanish national law, no one can be forced to own a smartphone or use specific digital services (such as WhatsApp) to access public services, including healthcare from the Servicio Andaluz de Salud (SAS). The key legal framework is Ley 39/2015, de 1 de Octubre, del Procedimiento Administrativo Común de las Administraciones Públicas (LPACAP), particularly Artículo 14. This principle extends to healthcare notifications and access.
– The SAS’s shift to WhatsApp for appointment reminders and alerts is actually a progressive, OPTIONAL enhancement, with alternatives like phone calls, the ClicSalud+ portal, email, or in-person services remaining available if you insist– they won’t volunteer this info and may even deny it exists until you ask for the manager. Official announcements (e.g., from March 2026) confirm the Tarjeta Sanitaria Virtual and WhatsApp are tools for convenience, explicitly noting compatibility with the physical card and making no indication of mandatory smartphone use. -Ed.}
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Andalusia has the lowest rating for the public healthcare system, with 38.8% of positive reviews: {Trans., summary}
– According to the Ministry of Health, the results of the 2025 Health Barometer, prepared by the Ministry and the Centre for Sociological Research, confirm that public opinion of the health system is deeply linked to the performance of each autonomous community
– Andalucía emerges as the weakest performing region in Spain’s public health system, with only 38.8% of residents expressing a positive assessment, far below the national average of 51.6% and sharply behind leaders such as Cantabria. The data underline significant territorial inequality linked to devolved healthcare management.
– In Primary Care, although national satisfaction is high, Andalucía ranks among the lowest performing regions, alongside Valencia and Galicia. It also records the longest waiting times to see a family doctor, averaging 11.16 days, well above the national figure and more than double that of the Basque Country. Source, Spanish: https://www.laopiniondemalaga.es/andalucia/2026/03/20/andalucia-andalucia-registra-valoracion-baja-sanidad-publica-128219705.html
TECH
DIGI Internet Users Alert: DIGI released new router updates this weekend. Your internet speed may be slow until you re-boot your router. Turn off your router using the power button, and also the additional ‘router power supply’ box if you have one, wait 2 minutes, then restart them to install the updates. Be patient, it may take a few minutes for the updates to install before you can again connect to your wifi. -Ed.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
AI is notoriously unreliable, yet Spanish doctors are being encouraged to adopt it in managing patient cases– what could go wrong?: {Translation, summary}
– César Dilú Sorzano, a member of the Digital Health Group of the Spanish Society of General Practitioners and Family Physicians (SEMG), has highlighted that generative artificial intelligence (AI) can save between one and two hours of administrative work per day for the family doctor, who can use that time to offer more personalized care to the patient.
– “Artificial intelligence will not replace doctors, but doctors who use AI will have a clear competitive advantage,” said the expert, who is participating this Friday and Saturday.
– Dilú will give a plenary lecture and a practical workshop focused on the application of generative AI and telemedicine in primary care consultations, with the aim of “evolving from a specific use of AI towards its integration as an assistant in the consultation, a change already possible with accessible tools and basic training in clinical ‘prompting’.”
– To this end, data from a national survey conducted by SEMG of 652 physicians will be presented, revealing a significant training gap. While 97 percent of family physicians consider AI training a priority, 82 percent have not received any training in the last five years, and 73.7 percent identify this lack of training as the main barrier to its adoption.
– In this upcoming workshop, Dilú will guide participants in using AI tools applied to daily practice. Participants will learn to use ChatGPT, Google NotebookLM, Perplexity, and Claude for tasks such as supporting differential diagnosis, writing clinical reports, providing patient health education, consulting updated guidelines, and preparing clinical sessions. Source, Spanish: https://www.andaluciainformacion.es/articulo/viruji/ia-puede-reducir-dos-horas-diarias-trabajo-administrativo-medico-familia/202603210939423231631.html
– {I test all the popular AIs regularly, and those listed above are among the least reliable! All AIs have well documented histories of suffering hallucinations and providing flawed responses; in some documented cases they have even encouraged users to commit suicide! Their websites all include warnings that the results may be incorrect and all results need to be checked for accuracy! If a doctor takes the time to verify AI results, this will be more time consuming than if they didn’t use it at all! So many doctors will skip this critical stage of its deployment. Who will be held responsible when a doctor gives a patient AI advice that leads to significant harm, the doctor or the AI? If they want to introduce AI into the providing of medical services it needs to be a dedicated specialty that the doctor specialist is thoroughly trained to utilize safely, not something every over-worked family practice doctor defers to, or supposedly masters in a 2hr workshop. If you want to try a reasonably accurate health related AI, check this out: https://science.naturalnews.com/AI.html -Ed.}
NATURE
Giant ‘praying mantises’, capable of devouring lizards and frogs, have arrived in Spain: {Trans., summary}
– Andalusia and the Costa del Sol are particularly exposed to the spread of two invasive Asian mantis species, Hierodula tenuidentata and Hierodula patellifera. Their expansion across Mediterranean climates is accelerating due to warming temperatures and dense urban development, both of which are characteristic of southern Spain.
– These large and highly fertile predators pose a serious threat to local biodiversity by preying on native mantises, essential pollinators such as bees, and even small vertebrates like lizards and frogs common in the region. These larger mantis species have the ability to thrive in gardens, parks, and coastal urban areas allowing them to establish quickly along the southern coastline. Although feral cats may reduce their numbers, they also harm native species, worsening ecological imbalance. Experts warn that biodiversity-rich areas in Andalusia are especially vulnerable and call for public involvement in identifying and removing egg cases during winter to slow their spread and protect fragile ecosystems. Source, Spanish: https://www.laopiniondemalaga.es/medio-ambiente/2026/03/22/llegan-espana-mantis-gigantes-capaces-127196940.html
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HUMOUR & DIVERSIONS SECTION
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Useful Links, Info & Numbers
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: The direct link to the old familiar chart page no longer works. Here is the new way to access it. This link takes you to the map version.
https://www.redhidrosurmedioambiente.es/saih/visor/visorE ; to see the chart version click this link, then in the menu bar click Data (Datos) > Reservoirs (Embalses) > Breaking News (Datos de ultima hora)
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