DigameXtra No. 3356 LONG WEEKEND EDITION Friday, Oct. 30th, 2026

 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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Next Public Holidays:
– Monday, 2 Nov, All Saints Day is celebrated. It is a national and regional holiday, established by the transfer of All Saints’ Day, which falls on November 1st.
The upcoming holiday calendar:
– Monday, December 7: Constitution Day holiday celebrated, moved from 6 Dec.
– Tuesday, December 8: Immaculate Conception.
{Thus a 4 day weekend, Sat-Tues, 5-8 Dec}
– December 25: Christmas

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DigameXtra will be closed Mon, 2 Nov, for the public holiday.

Next issue is Tuesday, 3 November

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WHAT’S ON

Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra! 

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The municipalities of the region suspend and postpone Halloween festivities as a sign of mourning for the Urda train accident

– The town councils in the region have adjusted their Halloween festivities scheduled for these days. This measure is in compliance with the three days of official mourning decreed by the Spanish Government as a sign of condolence and solidarity with the victims of the train accident in Urda (Toledo). The institutional response ranges from outright cancellation to the rescheduling of activities for November 1st and 2nd.
– Regarding postponements, Almáchar has decided to move its “Dark Camp” festival to Monday, November 2nd. Similarly, in Maro (Nerja), the Town Hall has scheduled the Maroween celebration for Sunday, November 1st, while Alcaucín has also postponed its events until after the mourning period.
– On the other hand, towns such as Canillas de Aceituno, Vélez-Málaga (including the towns of Torre del Mar and Caleta de Vélez ), Rincón de la Victoria, Torrox, and Algarrobo have completely suspended their municipal Halloween events in public spaces. Similarly, municipalities such as Frigiliana, Sayalonga, Iznate, Moclinejo, and El Borge have cancelled all leisure activities planned by their festival departments. Source, Spanish: https://axarquia-news.es/los-municipios-de-la-comarca-suspenden-y-aplazan-las-fiestas-de-halloween-en-senal-de-luto-por-el-accidente-ferroviario-de-urda/ 

   

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Tix Still Available– Vélez flamenco performance- “Breva: Pasado y Presente”: Flamenco music & dance
Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 8:30 PM.
Teatro Lope de Vega in Vélez-Málaga, C/ Lope de Vega 9, Vélez-Málaga
By the Compañía Flamenca de Antonio Guerra.
Tickets (€25): https://www.giglon.com/todos?idEvent=breva-pasado-y-presente-homenaje-artista-eterno-compania-antonio-guerra

More shows at Teatro Lope de Vega, Velez Malaga- on sale now:
Info & tix: https://velezmalaga.es/teatrolopedevega

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One For The FOODIES– Jubrique hosts live cooking and beer tasting at ‘Hashtag Castañas’: Fri & Sat, November 13th and 14th
– These events aim to promote the gastronomy and products of the Genal Valley, with the chestnut as the star attraction. This year’s activities will include live cooking demonstrations, beer tastings, cooking workshops, hiking trails, a tapas route, mushroom picking, activities for children, a food market, and live music. See full programme: https://www.jubrique.es/8299/com1_md3_cd-83741/del-castanar-a-la-mesa-jubrique… 

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Weather Forecast from https://weather.com/

Tap or click image for updated forecast with more details

Conditions = Chance of rain % | Color bar is temp range where the temps will be for the majority of that day.

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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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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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GREEK CASITA RESTAURANT & BAR

The Greek House – Greek Casita Restaurant & Bar –Torrox Costa: Back from holiday & NOW OPEN !
Located on the sea promenade, between the Safari bar and Picadero restaurants, BLQ 80 bajo. We offer you a little piece of Greece with our Greek home made specialities. You can choose meat specialties (Gyros, Souvlaki, Bifteki, Sutsukaki, Moussaka), cheese (Feta Psiti, Feta Saganaki, Hallumi), vegetables (Greek salad, Hummus, Eggplant cream, Mezze, Tzatziki) or sea fruits (prawns or octopus), all of this accompanied with our special Greek pita bread. For dessert…HOMEMADE BAKLAVA! We offer a lovely meal time in a quiet and exquisite atmosphere, accompanied with the best Greek music. See you soon! Hours: 6:30pm to close, Wednesday thru Sunday. Closed Monday & Tuesday. For reservations call 642585049. We are DigameXtra sponsors, so our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section. 

   

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ASSISTED LIVING SERVICES & JUBILEE HOUSE

ASSISTED LIVING SERVICES IN THE AXARQUIA REGION:
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We are DigameXtra sponsors, so our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section. 

 

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RECOMMENDATIONS, REQUESTS, COMMENTS & SUBSCRIBER SOAPBOX

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NEWS & ARTICLES

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

Click/tap on images to enlarge, or right click and choose “Open Link” (not “Open Image”).

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News Note: Most of the current Spanish news is about the Toledo train wreck. And there is a lot of it. So I am going to cover the main points, and this includes some rather long articles. I just don’t have enough time to summarize it all. Scroll down to the next section if you are in a hurry.

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TOLEDO TRAIN WRECK

Sánchez promises to clarify “every last detail” of the Urda case and to reinforce security (just like you promised for Ceuta, and failed to do?): {Trans, summary}
– {This is classic Sanchez double-talk. He claims to clarify “every last detail”, but does not say he will make the results public. As with his broken promise to release “all documents” in the Ceuta investigation, critical evidence will be withheld from the public. -Ed.}
– The central government and regional authorities have joined forces to address the consequences of the accident. The Cecopi (Civil Protection Coordination Center), coordinated by Pedro Sánchez and Emiliano García-Page, is leading the planning and implementation of emergency measures, along with providing support to those affected and their families. The priority is to clarify “every last detail” of the causes of the collision between high-speed trains, a fundamental aspect for improving railway safety in the future.
– The Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has announced a thorough investigation into the train accident in Urda (Toledo), where a collision between two high-speed trains resulted in at least 69 deaths.
– He also emphasized that measures will be implemented to strengthen safety and prevent similar incidents from happening again. {Sorry Pedro, you already used that excuse this year after the Adamuz rail disaster, got any fresh excuses? -Ed.} Source, Spanish: https://www.andaluciainformacion.es/articulo/espana/sanchez-promete-esclarecer… 

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An Iryo executive had already warned the Senate that trains were taking a long time to reconnect after an LZB failure: {Trans}
– Iryo’s CEO, Fabrizio Favara {pic}, explained three weeks ago in the Senate that the company’s train drivers had been warning Adif that, on the Madrid-Seville line, when their trains stop as a result of the disconnection of the ground signal – caused, for example, by a failure of the LZB system – it then takes them “quite a long time to reconnect and start the service again”.
– On Wednesday morning such a failure occurred in the LZB system that left six trains stopped, including the two that collided on Wednesday near Urda (Toledo), causing an accident that has cost the lives of at least 69 people. Specifically, a Renfe AVE train, which resumed its normal speed after the stop when instructed by the Adif control centre, collided with an Iryo train that was still stopped on the track further ahead because it had not been able to resume its journey, as reported by its driver to the same control centre.
– During his appearance on October 5 before the commission of inquiry into the state of the railway network that was created in the Senate after the railway accidents that occurred in January in Adamuz and Gelida (Barcelona), the CEO of Iryo was asked what incidents related to the track or the infrastructure in the Madrid-Andalusia Corridor were reported by the train drivers or the technical services of Iryo to Adif last year.
– Favara replied that most of the communications from Iryo train drivers in 2025 were related to the Madrid-Barcelona line, but that on the Madrid-Seville line the “most frequent issue” had to do with the LZB signaling system. “Regarding the Madrid-Seville line, the most frequent issue, apart from any extraordinary event such as a fire, is that the state of the railway network in Spain is connected to the LZB signaling system, which is a safe but quite old system, and every time the train signal disconnects from the ground signal, the train stops. It cannot move and it takes quite a while to reconnect and start service again,” states the Senate’s Journal of Proceedings, as reported by Europa Press.
– Favara also pointed out that the rules stipulate that the train driver, upon noticing any issue affecting the train’s operation, must notify Adif’s Traffic Control Center. This is precisely what the driver of the Iryo train involved in the accident in Urda did, informing Adif that the train was not allowing her to restart the LZB system and was therefore still stopped on the track. Source, Spanish: https://www.teleprensa.com/nacional-3/directivo-iryo-aviso… 

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La Razon: Sánchez must dismiss Puente– 115 deaths in nine months and no political accountability: {Trans}
– Sánchez must dismiss Puente: 115 dead in nine months and still no political responsibility. Yesterday Óscar Puente chose not to resign. Today Pedro Sánchez has a duty to sack him. He can no longer treat successive railway tragedies as events somehow detached from the management of his own government.
– One hundred and fifteen deaths in just nine months — 46 in Adamuz and a provisional 69 in Toledo — is more than enough reason to demand political accountability from the minister responsible for Transport. The safety and proper functioning of a critical national infrastructure fall squarely under his remit. The prime minister cannot hide behind technical inquiries to dodge a decision that is his alone to make.
– Sánchez himself admitted yesterday that it is unacceptable for Spain to have suffered two high-speed rail accidents in a single year. Yet that statement contains a glaring contradiction: if the situation is unacceptable, why has the government accepted no political consequences? How many more tragedies are required before the prime minister decides to replace the minister in charge?
– Institutional mourning, solidarity with the families and promises to get to the bottom of the matter are the bare minimum. They cannot serve as an excuse to postpone real accountability.
– Blaming human error is an unworthy explanation that insults both the victims and the public. The account provided by the Transport ministry itself points to a chain of anomalies that goes far beyond the actions of a single controller. Equally unacceptable is the selective leaking of conversations involving the professionals involved, released on the very night when bodies were still being recovered from the wreckage. Transport and Adif must explain how those recordings were handled and why the first official response was to use them to construct a hasty narrative of individual guilt that diverts attention from higher responsibility.
– The CSIF union has already called for Puente’s resignation and denounced the attempt to turn an Adif worker into a scapegoat while the investigation has barely begun. The independent authority examining the accident has also warned that it is far too early to draw definitive conclusions. Those two clear signals should be enough for the government to stop presenting a provisional explanation as if it were a settled verdict.
– Puente had the chance to resign yesterday and declined. What is even harder to justify today is Sánchez’s position. This morning the prime minister appeared to announce that his government will “strengthen safety so that this never happens again.” The obvious questions follow: why was safety not strengthened earlier? What had to occur for the head of the executive finally to recognise the need for tighter guarantees on a rail network that had already suffered a major catastrophe at Adamuz nine months ago?
– Sánchez speaks of investigating, clarifying and reinforcing safety as though he had only just arrived in office — as though the management of the railways were not the responsibility of his government and as though Óscar Puente were not the minister he continues to keep in post.
– Political responsibility is not limited to visiting the scene, offering condolences and announcing measures once it is already too late for the victims. It means answering for what was done and what was left undone to prevent the tragedy. After at least 115 deaths it is unacceptable for the prime minister to try to manage the crisis with yet another promise about the future while demanding no political accountability whatsoever within his own government. Sánchez cannot keep promising to do tomorrow what he had a duty to guarantee yesterday.
Source, Spanish: https://www.larazon.es/espana/sanchez-debe-cesar-puente… 

  

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A Ouigo train gets stuck inside a tunnel in Toledo just 24 hours after the train tragedy: {Trans, summary}
– The affected train, Ouigo 6775 travelling from Murcia to Valladolid and bound for Madrid-Chamartín, came to an abrupt halt at kilometre point 65.200, between Valdemoro and Villarrubia de Santiago (near Ontígola). The incident occurred after a loud impact and a sharp snapping sound caused by the overhead power line becoming snagged and breaking, leaving the train without electricity.
Source, Spanish: https://www.larazon.es/sociedad/tren-ouigo-queda… 

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Andalusia can’t take it any more- it demands an immediate review of the high-speed rail line to Madrid: {Trans}
– From a measured yet firm position, Andalusian regional president Juanma Moreno has demanded that the central government carry out a full review of the high-speed AVE line between Madrid and Andalusia. The tragic accident this morning in Toledo province is added to the recent crash at Adamuz. He has therefore insisted on “transparency, rigour and truth” and called for an immediate review of all railway tracks in Andalusia, especially the high-speed link to Madrid.
– In an institutional statement, Moreno said the tragedy once again strikes at the heart of Andalusia, which already suffered the Adamuz crash in Cordoba in January. The consequences have been severe: the loss of human life above all, followed by a drop in passengers and damage to a system vital for a region that relies heavily on tourism. High-speed rail across Spain recorded a 12.3 per cent fall in travellers between January and August 2026, equal to 3.6 million fewer passengers than the same period in 2025, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE).
– “As president of the Andalusian government I promise prudence and seriousness in the part of this drama that falls to us, and I also demand from the Spanish government transparency, rigour and truth; what is not normal cannot be normalised,” he said. The repetition of such tragedies, he added, requires the utmost firmness. The Spanish government, responsible for the country’s rail infrastructure, must provide clear, transparent and truthful information and guarantee passenger safety. “The Madrid-Andalusia AVE is no longer a safe means of transport,” Moreno stated. “Andalusians want to travel with peace of mind and not live with our hearts in our mouths until our children or loved ones telephone from Madrid to say they have arrived safely.” Source, Spanish: https://www.larazon.es/andalucia/andalucia-aguanta-mas-solicita… 

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The government gave €247 million to trains in Morocco and Uzbekistan but is delaying the safety of the Madrid-Seville AVE high-speed train after the two mega-accidents: {Trans, summary}
– In 2019 the Pedro Sanchez government approved 247 million euros in repayable credits for train and tram upgrades in Morocco and Uzbekistan, while safety modernisation on Spain’s own Madrid-Seville high-speed line has faced repeated delays. That line, opened in 1992 and still largely reliant on its original LZB system, has now suffered two catastrophic accidents in nine months, claiming around a hundred lives: 46 at Adamuz in January and a provisional 69 at Urda in Toledo.
– The loans – 190 million euros for Casablanca trams conditional on Spanish firms winning the work, and 57.4 million for Talgo trains in Uzbekistan – were tied to exports by companies such as Alstom Espana and Talgo and must be repaid.
– By contrast, replacement of the outdated LZB system with European ERTMS Level 2 was tendered in 2020, awarded in 2021 for about 94 million euros with a 52-month deadline, yet remained incomplete on the affected section by late October 2026. A broader renewal package exceeding 136 million euros, awarded to Thales Espana, should already have been delivering improved signalling, train protection and object-fall detectors.
– The contrast is stark: Spanish public funds advanced foreign rail projects while critical domestic safety upgrades lagged, leaving the country’s oldest high-speed route exposed. Source, Spanish: https://okdiario.com/espana/gobierno-dio-247-millones-trenes… 

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SPAIN

Police track WhatsApp groups as Blocus promotes new Barcelona protests: {Trans, summary}
– Despite Telegram closing Blocus BCN channels at police request, numerous WhatsApp groups continue calling for protests in central Barcelona this Saturday, 31 October. Police are tracking the groups to assess risks and plan security.
– Messages remain highly aggressive, aiming for high turnout with calls to invite mates as “we need to be 700”. Instructions include dressing fully in black with gloves and balaclavas to leave no evidence, and carrying petrol, paint, alcohol or other flammables. Targets are large shops such as Apple, JD and Nike rather than small businesses.
– Blocus urges participants not to snitch if arrested, promising help by breaking cars or hitting police. Materials against officers, including extinguishers, flares, petrol and pepper spray, are encouraged.
– A meeting location will be shared around 18.00 hours, followed by instructions for rapid shop assaults to loot the rich, with burnt containers used to distract police. Some discuss reselling stolen goods.
– The Mossos d’Esquadra and local police are preparing a rapid response operation to prevent looting similar to that of the previous weekend, when 132 people were detained. Investigations are reviewing security footage and social media videos to pursue charges of criminal damage, theft and resisting arrest, while seeking the channel administrators and any links to extremists.
Source, Spanish: https://www.laopiniondemalaga.es/sucesos/2026/10/29/blocus-disturbios-barcelona… 

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TORROX

The renewal of the water supply and sanitation networks has begun in C/ Refinos in Torrox, C/ El Portón is next: {Trans, summary}
– FCC Aqualia, the company that manages the drinking water service in the municipality of Torrox, has started the renovation of the water supply and sanitation networks on C/ Refinos, in the historic center of the town.
The main water pipes are being replaced along this road, including residential connections and existing manholes in the affected section.
– Soon, the redevelopment of C/ El Portón will also begin in the same area. The existing pavement will be replaced with clay tiles, sidewalks will be created, and new drains will be installed and connected to the stormwater drainage network. The water supply and sewage systems will also be renewed. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/iniciada-en-torrox… 

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NERJA

The National Police will return to Nerja on December 2nd for the issuance and renewal of ID cards and passports- Novenber fully booked: {Trans, summary}
– The Nerja Town Hall informs that the National Police mobile unit continues to travel to the municipality monthly to provide the service of issuing and renewing the National Identity Document (DNI) and the passport, making it easier for residents to carry out these procedures without having to travel to other towns.
– Appointments for November are already booked. The next visit is scheduled for December 2nd, so those interested can request an appointment for that date at the Citizen Services Office.
– People with disabilities or reduced mobility who are unable to travel can request that the mobile unit come to their homes, with the aim of facilitating their access to the service and offering care adapted to their needs. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/la-policia-nacional-volvera… 

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ALMÁCHAR

The centuries-old tradition of the Holy Christ of the Green Band returns to the streets of Almáchar this Sunday, November 1st: {Trans}
– The municipality of Almáchar will celebrate All Saints’ Day with religious services next Sunday, November 1st, a day on which the town renews its historic promise to the Holy Christ of the Green Sash. The commemoration will begin at 12:00 noon with the celebration of Holy Eucharist in the Church of San Mateo.
– At the end of the mass, around 1:00 pm, the image of the Holy Christ will process through the streets of the town, starting from the parish church, located in the Plaza de España, until reaching the Paseo de la Axarquía.
– Unlike patron saint festivities, this procession is a strictly symbolic act of thanksgiving. The tradition dates back to 1755 , when the citizens of Almáchar made a solemn vow after escaping unharmed from the devastating effects of the Lisbon earthquake, which occurred on November 1st of that year and caused severe damage in the Axarquía region and much of the Iberian Peninsula. This centuries-old event represents a manifestation of faith, history, and local identity that the residents of the municipality continue to pass on from generation to generation to keep the memory of the town alive. Source, Spanish: https://axarquia-news.es/la-tradicion-centenaria-del-santo-cristo-de-la-banda-verde-vuelve-a-recorrer-las-calles-de-almachar-este-1-de-noviembre/ 

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EUROPE

European Central Bank head resigns, allowing EU leaders to choose successor before French election:
– European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde will resign nine months before the end of her term, a move that opens the way for European leaders to choose a successor ahead of France’s presidential election next year. Lagarde, 70, will leave Feb. 7, 2027, the ECB said Thursday. Her eight-year term was to end Oct. 31, 2027.
Full article: https://apnews.com/article/ecb-lagarde… 

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TRAVEL

The strike called by the Spanish Union of Railway Drivers (Semaf), plus new cancellations for Ouigo: {Trans, summary}
– The strike called by the Spanish Union of Railway Drivers (Semaf) has had “significant impacts” Thursday in Andalusia, with 29.41% of services cancelled and 7.84% of trains cancelled. Extremadura registered the second highest percentage of cancelled services, at 22.22%.
– In a statement, Renfe expressed its respect, “as it could not be otherwise,” for the right of its employees to strike, but regretted “the disruption this day may cause to passengers.” Nationwide, the strike saw a 2.19% participation rate during the night shift and 15.16% during the morning shift among eligible workers.
– UPDATE: Ouigo has decided to cancel all its high-speed train services for this Friday, October 30, and next Monday, November 2, after the National Court ruled in favor of the Train Drivers’ Union and overturned the minimum services approved by the Ministry of Transport to maintain 71% of its service during these two days of strike. “We cannot guarantee which trains will run and are forced to cancel all our trains on 30/10 and 2/11 to avoid confusion at stations,” the French operator informed passengers via social media after the court ruling that leaves it uncertain whether the drivers of 71% of the trains that were initially scheduled to run as part of the minimum services will go to work or stop. Source, Spanish: https://www.teleprensa.com/andalucia/sevilla/huelga-maquinistas-afecta…
Update source: https://www.20minutos.es/nacional/ouigo-cancela-todos…

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ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Alphabet, who owns Google, sheds record $500B in market value in single day as AI bubble fears hit fever pitch:
– Alphabet’s market capitalization plunged by $500 billion on Thursday as the stock dropped more than 12% – its worst loss ever as AI chatbots eat into Google’s Search business. The stock closed at $283.82 and was the second-largest single-day loss of any stock. Nvidia currently holds the record with a roughly $589 billion loss on Jan. 27, 2025.
– In the third quarter, Alphabet reported its first double miss for both earnings per share and revenue since the end of 2022 amid a surge in chatbot searches, which are less profitable than traditional search engines. The company also disclosed that it has been burning through cash faster than expected. Chief Financial Officer Anat Ashkenazi announced that capital expenditures will increase significantly next year, largely driven by the AI race – even as the tech giant revealed it has been flying through its cash reserves.
– “This may be the quarter we feared,” Gil Luria, head of technology research at D.A. Davidson, told CNBC, nodding to concerns that AI agents will steal business from traditional search engines.
Full article: https://nypost.com/2026/10/29/business/alphabet-sheds-record-500b…

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SPORTS

Tennis News- Carlos Alcaraz defeats Nikoloz Basilashvili in ATP 500 Vienna, after a grueling tie-break and will face Tommy Paul in the Vienna quarterfinals: {Trans, summary}
– Carlos Alcaraz reached the quarterfinals of the Vienna tournament on Thursday, October 29, after defeating Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili in two sets (6-1, 7-6) . The Murcian dominated the first set but struggled to close it out in the second, having to overcome three set points against him in an agonizing tiebreak. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/deportes/tenis/carlos-alcaraz-vence-…

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Tennis News- Rafa Jódar says goodbye to Basel after losing to Vacherot, complicating his chances at the ATP Finals: {Trans, summary}
– A setback for Rafa Jódar. Spanish tennis player Rafa Jódar was eliminated this Thursday in the second round of the Basel tournament, an ATP 500 event played indoors, after losing in three sets to Valentin Vacherot (7-6(4), 2-6 7-6(5)).
– Rafa Jódar’s ATP 500 Basel tournament ended earlier than expected. The Madrid native was unable to overcome Vacherot in the second round, who capitalized on the tiebreaks in the first and third sets to secure the victory. This defeat means Jódar will not be able to accumulate any more points until the Paris Masters 1000 in his quest to qualify for the ATP Finals, where he could be overtaken by Australian Alex de Minaur. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/deportes/tenis/rafa-jodar-se-despide…

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FINANCIAL

An Alternative to Typical Mortgages, Without Interest: {Trans, summary}
– Spain’s housing prices continued to rise in 2026, increasing by 12.2% year on year in the second quarter. High prices and mortgage costs are making home ownership increasingly difficult.
– CoopHalal, founded in Barcelona in 2015, offers an alternative to conventional interest-bearing mortgages. It operates as an Islamic financial services cooperative, following principles that prohibit interest (riba) and promote shared participation and ethical finance. Membership is open to adults regardless of religion or nationality.
– Joining requires a one-off payment of €350, of which €300 is credited to the member’s personal savings account and €50 covers administration.
– For property purchases, CoopHalal works through its property subsidiary, Manzili Halal. The arrangement involves shared ownership, with the member making payments described as rent with a promise to purchase. Once the financed capital has been repaid, the remaining ownership share is transferred to the member.
– Applicants must contribute at least 30% of the property’s value. Financing is capped at €100,000. The member must also pay all purchase-related costs, including taxes, notary fees, registration, valuation and legal or administrative fees. Although interest-free, this model requires substantial initial savings and does not eliminate the other costs of buying a home.
– A conventional bank typically earns interest on mortgage lending. CoopHalal instead uses a shared-ownership and rent-to-purchase structure intended to comply with Islamic principles prohibiting interest. That does not necessarily mean the financing is free of economic cost to the buyer. Rent, fees and other contractual payments can still have a financial cost, even when they are not called interest. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/lainformacion/economia-y-finanzas/organizacion-que-concede…

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OBITUARIES

Sir Patrick Stewart’s cause of death revealed after actor died at 86:
– Patrick Stewart died after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia. In a statement from the late actor’s Instagram account Thursday, his family shared he died at his home in Los Angeles after a “brief and poignant journey” with the diseases. He was 86 years old.
– According to the Mayo Clinic, Lewy body dementia causes a decline in mental abilities that gradually gets worse over time. Hallucinations might be one of the first symptoms of Lewy body dementia. Symptoms are similar to those with Parkinson’s Disease, and may also include rigid muscles, slow movement, trouble walking and tremors. It’s the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease, for which there is no cure.
– Other prominent figures who struggled with Lewy body dementia include Robin Williams, who died by suicide in 2015 at age 63, as well as CNN founder Ted Turner, who died in May at age 87. “Golden Girls” star Estelle Getty, “Happy Together” singer Mark Volman and legendary New York Mets pitcher Tom Seaver also all battled the devastating disease. Full article: https://pagesix.com/2026/10/29/celebrity-news/patrick-stewarts-cause… 

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SUR in ENGLISH HEADLINES

*Click links to read the English language articles*

– Malaga-Madrid high-speed rail suspended for at least two weeks: alternative transport, Andalusian network working conditions and tickets
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/malagamadrid-highspeed-rail…
– Urda accident AVE train driver received instructions to ‘resume at normal speed’ despite stationary Iryo train
https://www.surinenglish.com/spain/audio-recordings-from-20261029000500-nt.html
– New Malaga amusement park to open next to Plaza Mayor just in time for Christmas
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/malaga-city/sould-park-open-20261029000500-nt.html
– Malaga province police on high alert over calls for Halloween youth riots {pic}
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/police-high-alert-20261028000500-nt.html

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CHURCHES & WORSHIP

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

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NEW LIFE CHURCH

New Life Church
– Sunday Service:
Whether you live in Nerja or are visiting our area, you are very welcome to come and join us on Sundays at 11.00am. Join us for a time of Holy Spirit led worship and experience the presence of our God. Our teaching is Bible based as we honour God and obey His Word. During this time of uncertainty, God’s Word reminds us that the Gospel shines brightest in times of darkness. Our service lasts for about 1 hour and 30 mins. With Tea and Coffee afterwards.
– Prayer Meeting:
You are also welcome to join our prayer meetings on Wednesday mornings at 11.00am for 1 hour, where we meet for prayer and worship.
– Jesus said: “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me”. (John 14:6)
Pasaje San Miguel, Nerja, 29780. Directions: Click Here
Email: info@nlcnerja.com
Website: www.nlcnerja.com ; Facebook 

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EL PUENTE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

El Puente Christian Fellowship (Vélez-Málaga): We are a friendly, multi-national, Bible believing community of Christ. We meet each Sunday at 11am to worship the Lord. We enjoy a time of worship with contemporary songs and traditional hymns, and a message brought to us by our Pastor, one of our members or a visiting speaker.
The church meeting hall is situated at: Res: El Olivar 5, 8 Bajo 1, Calle Arbequin, Velez Malaga 29700.
Full directions and further information can be found on our Facebook page, or you can contact us by email on elpuentechristianfellowship@gmail.com or by phone on 665626342.
For those who cannot join us in person, we aim to stream Sunday services via the Facebook page (subject to a good internet connection).

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DOG ADOPTIONS

Axarquia Animal Rescue – Voluntary Charity – non profit organisation:
CIF G93245116 ; Charity Number 10567 (Spain)
Email: axarquia-rescue@hotmail.com
Website: www.axarquiaanimalrescue.com
– Paco & Chico are 2 young pups that have recently come into our care, both are very friendly outgoing pups, expected to be medium in size. Both dogs have started their vaccinations and are available for adoption here in Spain. Email us for more information.
Please take a look at our website, where you will find more information and photos, plus details of other dogs and pups that we have in our care. Our adoption costs are 110e for pups that have been fully vaccinated, rabies, chip and passport. 180e for older dogs that have all vaccinations, neutered and passport. This contributes towards their vet and care costs, and helps us to continue rescuing abandoned dogs and cats.

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HUMOUR & DIVERSIONS SECTION

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

Click on videos to play, or click the Video Link

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15 Forgotten Cockney Sayings Nobody Uses Any More:
Rare footage + Cherished photographs + Forgotten stories behind the sayings. Video Link

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EXCHANGE QUOTES FROM Xe.com

Click here to see updated quotes & more currencies

Last updated Oct 29, 2026, 22:00 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
Quote of the Day: Click Here
Fact of the Day: Click Here
Born Today: Click Here
Today in History: Click Here
Today’s Front Pages (New Link), worldwide: Click Here
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

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

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Andalucia Reservoir Data, updated daily, NEW LINK: https://www.redhidrosurmedioambiente.es/saih/resumen/embalses

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How to check your town’s holiday calendar for 2026:
Visit this website, and click on your town to see your town’s 2026 holiday calendar
https://calendariolaboral.lavanguardia.com/andalucia/malaga/

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Earthquake Map for Spain with real-time updates: https://visualizadores.ign.es/tproximos

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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/home
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 Worldwide Newspaper Frontpages 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://torrox-computer-pc-repair-service-by-doctorlaptop.webnode.page/

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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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