Local (Benalmádena & Málaga)

  • Unicaja Bank has reported a profit increase of 7.1%, earning 361 million euros up to June, while elevating their first dividend. Diario SUR
  • Work has officially begun on the second expansion phase of Málaga’s Parque Tecnológico. Diario SUR
  • A severe heatwave is hitting Málaga, prompting an amber warning for inland temperatures reaching up to 40°C this weekend. SUR in English
  • Six thousand car dealership and garage workers in the region have initiated strike action. SUR in English
  • Tragically, two siblings aged 10 and 15 have died following a house fire in Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena. SUR in English

Spain (Independent & Transparency)

  • The Spanish government has deployed the army in Ceuta as thousands of migrants attempt to cross from Morocco, resulting in a severe border crisis. elDiario.es
  • Amidst the ongoing crossings, at least 18 bodies have been found during the early morning arrival attempts in Ceuta and Melilla. elDiario.es
  • Sources report that over 20,000 individuals crossed into Ceuta on Thursday, marking the largest entry since the 2021 crisis. elDiario.es
  • Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has suggested closing the Schengen area with Spain in response to the migration surge, prompting diplomatic protests. elDiario.es
  • Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has officially announced the end of the national emergency triggered by major fires in Madrid and Ávila. SUR in English

World & Independent Investigations

  • Claims by Donald Trump and the NYT that there is an active Russian spy base in Cuba have been debunked; investigators found it is a school. Dropsite News
  • ICE continues to funnel millions into private prison firms, enriching developers behind multibillion-dollar detention facility deals. The Lever
  • Germany has deported the frontman of the punk band Bob Vylan over anti-Israel chants, claiming his presence could radicalize the population. The Intercept
  • A MAGA influencer running a charity ostensibly meant to teach kids civics is allegedly diverting a significant portion of the funds to himself. ProPublica
  • Federal judges have heavily criticized Donald Trump’s Justice Department for conducting itself in an “unlawful” and “unethical” manner. ProPublica

Iran War (Independent Sources Only)

  • Recent U.S.-Saudi strikes have reportedly killed 20 Iraqi fighters amidst rising regional tensions. Dropsite News
  • Leaked Saudi cables show a secretive Special Committee overseeing the kingdom’s engineered interventions in Yemen against Ansarallah. Dropsite News
  • Iran has reportedly found ways to overwhelm U.S. air defenses by utilizing a sophisticated mix of attack drones and advanced ballistic missiles. The Intercept
  • Analysts argue that Donald Trump’s approach toward military engagement in Iran remains rooted in his egocentric, “wars of choice” mentality. The Intercept

Tech

  • Some drivers are going to extreme lengths to avoid adopting new car technology, actively seeking older models. WSJ
  • Amazon has announced it will boost spending on AI and related tech by an enormous $20 billion following strong Q2 results. ABC News
  • Anthropic’s new AI model has become incredibly proficient at identifying software bugs, to the point that Microsoft is struggling to patch them all. ProPublica
  • After a 50-year run, a prominent and long-standing Bay Area tech conference is officially leaving San Francisco. San Francisco Chronicle

Entertainment (House Music Events)

  • The Dreambeach Festival makes its Costa del Sol debut in Vélez-Málaga this weekend, from July 31st to August 2nd, featuring headliner David Guetta. Dreambeach Festival
  • Bossa Playa in Torrox will be hosting “LOST IN THE GROOVE” events focusing heavily on underground, tech-house, and afro-house vibes. Bossa Playa
  • A massive Ibiza-style “Fiesta Blanca” (White Party) is slated for August on Playa de El Salón in Nerja. Fiesta Blanca
  • Nerja will also be hosting “Disco Sin Resaca” on August 8th, promising more electronic dance music. Disco Sin Resaca