Telejornal Madeira — 24 August 2026:

• **Madeira 2030 reprogrammed to prioritise social and affordable housing** — The Madeira 2030 programme has been adjusted to focus on social housing and affordable rents, especially in Câmara de Lobos and Santa Cruz, using EU funds.

• **Grape harvest begins with forecast of 10% production increase** — The wine harvest season kicked off with an expected 10% rise in production, backed by government subsidies for key grape varieties.

• **Second phase of higher-education applications opens** — The second phase of university applications has started; students are seeking guidance, some excited, others nervous about their paths.

• **Aerospace Engineering tops entry-grade rankings** — Aerospace Engineering remains the most competitive degree in Portugal, with high entry grades and strong career prospects highlighted by universities.

• **DECO launches platform to help students find housing** — Consumer association DECO launched QueroCasa.pt, a digital platform to help students find university accommodation and access financial support.

• **Funchal Municipal Police could become reality by 2028** — Plans are advancing to create a Funchal Municipal Police force by 2028, aligning its powers with Lisbon and Porto, though opposition parties question its scope and cost.

• **New single circuit for visitors at Fanal Forest Park** — The Regional Government will implement a controlled visitor circuit at Parque Florestal do Fanal next year to manage footfall and protect the environment.

• **Forest Police reinforced with 40 new officers** — Madeira's Forest Police gained 40 new agents, who highlight the appeal of a stable career in nature conservation.

• **Car rental sector grows in Madeira** — Car rentals saw a 2.6% increase in contracts and a 7% revenue rise in Q2 2026, with growth in hybrid and electric vehicles.

• **Residents don't feel price drops in essentials** — Despite official figures showing price drops in 26 essential products, many Madeirans say costs remain high and household budgets are still strained.

• **Francisco Gomes denies misuse of mobility subsidy** — CHEGA MP Francisco Gomes rejected allegations of misusing mobility subsidies for Madeira–mainland flights, calling them false and politically motivated.

• **Juntos pelo Povo demands solution for Lazareto odours** — The Juntos pelo Povo party pressed Funchal council to tackle persistent bad smells near the Lazareto wastewater treatment plant, affecting residents' quality of life.

• **Patrícia Perregil wins European Speed Skating Cup** — Madeiran skater Patrícia Perregil won the European Speed Skating Cup in the cadets category; Jéssica Rodrigues returned to competition after recovering from injuries.

• **Calheta Beach draws thousands despite parking difficulties** — Praia da Calheta remains hugely popular with locals and tourists, praised for its infrastructure but criticised for limited parking.

• **Funchal Summerfest — free entry at Parque de Santa Catarina** — This Saturday's Summerfest features rapper Valas and DJs Oxy & Zinco, with free entry to attract young people and families.

• **22nd European Folklore Week in Funchal** — The 22nd European Folklore Week at Jardim Municipal showcases traditional dances and costumes from across Europe, though organisers worry about the lack of young participants.

• **Weather forecast: light rain and mild temperatures** — Tuesday's forecast predicts light rain, up to 26 °C in Funchal, moderate winds, and varying sea conditions by coast.

📺 Watch the full bulletin: RTP Play — Telejornal Madeira

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