Olive Press Round-Up: The biggest stories in Spain

Dear Olive Press readers,

I am finally back after my much-needed holiday last month and your weekly message from me will now return to its usual schedule.

This week has seen two urgent missing persons cases involving a British and American expat.

Brit Mark Russel Ward, 67, vanished from the San Fulgencio area of Alicante a week ago.

Cyclist Matt Opperman, 50, originally from the States, disappeared from the Segura de la Sierra region of Jaen two weeks ago. Details on searches happening this weekend are here.

It comes after an arrest was made this week following the shocking murder of US priest Father Gross inside a Malaga tourist flat.

Meanwhile, Marbella mourned the loss of Nikki Beach founder Jack Penrod, who died at the age of 85. Read here how he got his start as a McDonald’s worker before building his global beach club empire.

In property news, a legal expert has given three top tips for anyone worried about squatters, after reports that the number of so-called ‘okupas’ has soared.

And for those living in Spain and paying for things in cash, this is how much you can withdraw without coming under scrutiny from the taxman.

In travel news, The Guardian has highlighted this medieval fishing village as a must visit for 2025.

And the picturesque inland region of Aragon saw a record spike in tourists last year, and unlike some saturated resorts, is hoping for more in 2025.

In politics, Donald Trump has already begun ruffling feathers in Spain after setting up office in the White House.

King Felipe slammed the US president for removing Spanish from the White House website, while Spain’s foreign minister openly criticised his controversial plans for the Gaza strip.

That’s all from me this week, have a great weekend.
Laurence

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