Buenos días! Here is your news update for Monday, 21 July.
Extreme Weather
Some heat relief is expected this week. Over the weekend, a major heatwave engulfed Valencia with temperatures reaching 40°C in some areas, exacerbating a large forest fire that broke out near Ibi.
“Aemet forecasts a change in temperature, more rain” – Las Provincias
“Ibi forest fire controlled after devouring nearly 180 hectares” – Las Provincias
Locals found ways to cool down, turning to fountains and pools across Valencia.
“Valencia battles the hottest day of the year” – Las Provincias
Politics in Valencia
Generalitat President Carlos Mazón was confronted by a citizen over his management of the October flood disaster during an impromptu public meeting in Alaquàs.
“You weren’t where you were supposed to be!” – El País
The tug-of-war over the accent in Valencia’s name resurfaced as the Culture Commission voted to change it from València to Valencia. Meanwhile, in a further concession to far-right parties, the regional government has removed a course on how to teach historical opposition to fascism in Spain, sparking concern among educators.
“Culture Commission approves name change with support of PP and Vox” – Levante-EMV
“Mazón orders withdrawal of anti-fascism course” – El País
Flood Recovery
Bonaire’s completely submerged underground parking lot was one of the most enduring images of the October flood disaster. Now, a partial reopening of the parking area offers hope for full recovery.
“A little more light for Bonaire” – Las Provincias
The Council of Biologists issued a report pleading for a reduction in urban development to prevent future disasters. Biologists urge resettling communities in safer areas rather than rebuilding in the floodplain.
“There is no hydraulic infrastructure that could withstand another storm,” biologists say – El País
Economy
CaixaBank has come to the rescue of the regional government, providing fresh funds to ease the liquidity crisis caused by a budget dispute with the national government.
“CaixaBank loans more than 1.6 billion to the Generalitat due to delay in FLA” – El País
Valencia is promoting itself as a tech hub. Microsoft plans to launch a branch of its sports-tech startup lab in September.
“Microsoft is coming in September, with 3 employees and a million to invest” – Las Provincias
Changing City
Valencia’s bus network is undergoing a major overhaul, with EMT expanding service to neighborhoods like Vara de Quart. A new citywide network is also in development. However, plans for a pedestrian promenade along Alameda have been shelved.
“EMT expands lines 70 and 73” – Levante-EMV
“More lines, electric vehicles and better neighborhood connections” – Valencia Extra
“EMT abandons plans for pedestrianization” – Valencia Plaza
Ambitious plans are underway for the port area. Valenciaport’s 2035 plan aims to control nearly half of Spain’s external port traffic, with trains transporting containers out of Sagunto and Valencia city.
“Valenciaport forecasts 45% of foreign port traffic by 2035” – El País
Big development plans for El Grau have been announced, though residents are skeptical after years of unfulfilled promises. Developers unveiled plans for skyscrapers on the former F1 racetrack.
“Valencia’s new Manhattan with 42-story towers and 3,200 new homes” – Valencia Plaza
“Third try for the F1 development plan to connect Valencia to the sea” – El País
In the wake of the Torre Pacheco unrest, Spain is taking a closer look at its shifting demographics. Second-generation immigrants now account for 30% of babies born in the country. Meanwhile, migrant communities in Valencia report “growing xenophobia” in the region.
“Three out of ten babies are born to foreigners” – Las Provincias
“One commits a crime and they blame all of us” – Las Provincias
Crime and Policing
Police carried out a series of major drug busts. More than 675 kilos of cocaine were seized from a truck on a ferry route from Ibiza.
“The new cocaine route from Ibiza” – Levante-EMV
“22 arrested with 90 kilos of cocaine and weapons” – Las Provincias
Investigations continue into how two inmates at Picassent prison escaped unnoticed. A security guard claimed prison cameras weren’t working at the time. The prisoners used knotted sheets to flee.
“Security guard claims cameras ‘weren’t working’ during escape” – Las Provincias
A robbery gang crashed a car into a storefront to hit a luxury boutique in the city center. The gang looted dozens of designer handbags and shoes in under 2.5 minutes.
“Gang robs luxury store in center of Valencia” – Las Provincias
Environment
More beach closures in Denia due to fecal contamination, adding to ongoing water quality concerns. Meanwhile, Malvarrosa beach has been criticized for trash buildup and poor maintenance during peak season.
“Another three beaches closed in Denia” – Las Provincias
“Valencia’s shame and indignation as trash piles up on Malvarrosa” – Las Provincias
Valencia’s coast teems with wildlife, but it’s under threat. Nearly 120 fin whales have been sighted along migration routes. Meanwhile, a large leatherback turtle washed ashore near El Saler with signs of entanglement in a ghost net.
“More and more whales in Denia” – Las Provincias
“Giant turtle washes up with signs of asphyxiation” – El País
Culture and History
An investigative feature on a mysterious Chinese sect spreading through WhatsApp groups in Valencia and nearby towns. It claims to be a Catholic Bible study group that believes the messiah will return as a Chinese woman.
“Three months in a Chinese religious sect” – Levante-EMV
A profile of one of the last clotxinera — a female mussel vendor and dockworker — whose family has traded mussels for generations.
“Amparin, the last clotxina” – Valencia Plaza
The Silk Road still connects Valencia to Samarkand in surprising ways.
“Valencia and Samarkand: A silk thread between different worlds” – Valencia Plaza