| Dear Olive Press readers, | | Alessio here, taking over from your favourite digital editor, Walt. | | Let's not beat about the bush – this week has been an absolute disaster for Andalucia. The devastating wildfire in Almeria dominated our headlines throughout last weekend, with Ben Pawlowski and myself doing our best to bring you the latest reporting from the frontline. | | Tributes poured in as officials revealed the identities of the 13 victims who lost their lives in the blaze – most of them expats, including seven Britons and one American. | | It was heartbreaking news all round. And just as we were hoping to turn our attention to something less tragic, one of the summer's worst wildfires erupted in northern Spain, forcing 700 people to evacuate and scorching 12,000 hectares of forest and farmland. | | It's shaping up to be a tough summer, especially after authorities announced on Friday that an "exceptionally long" heatwave would grip Andalucia for 20 days from Saturday, sending temperatures soaring to a sweltering 44C across large parts of the region. | | But it's not my intention to dampen your mood ahead of the weekend. I think you deserve a break from all the bad news, so I've done my best to pick out a few stories from this week that might lift your spirits after all the horror and sadness. | | Thankfully, Gibraltar has come to my rescue. On Wednesday, the border fence between the Rock and La Línea de la Concepcion was finally removed after years of political wrangling and uncertainty. | | The move is set to make life easier for the thousands of people who cross the frontier every day, including around 15,000 Spanish workers who make up roughly half of Gibraltar's workforce. | | Reporters captured scenes of celebration just after midnight on Wednesday as hundreds of people crossed the border without having to show their passports for the first time. Gibraltar's streets were filled with cheerful revellers marking the historic occasion. | | Two of our journalists headed there the following day to speak to residents. Here's what they had to say. | | If that's not enough of a distraction, I'd also recommend taking a look at our handy guide to the best places to watch the total solar eclipse on August 12. | | This time, a Spanish researcher from the European Space Agency shares expert advice on how to make the most of the event – and some of the tips may surprise you. | | Speaking of helpful guides, as we brace for a sweltering weekend, our reporter Alex has put together some practical advice on how to stay safe during the incoming heatwave. Make sure you give it a read before heading out this Saturday. | | That's all from me, folks. Walt will be back next week, but I hope to speak to you again soon – hopefully with better news to share. | | Take care, and see you next week. | | | | Edificio Centro Comercial El Duque, first floor, Carretera N340, km 144.5 | | San Luis de Sabinillas, Malaga 29692, Spain | | Copyright © 2026 The Olive Press, All rights reserved. | | | |
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