Telejornal Madeira — 28 August 2026:

• **Over 300 arrested for drunk driving in Madeira** — Between January and August, PSP detained 320 people for drunk driving in Madeira — a decrease from the previous year — but authorities stress the need for greater awareness and responsibility.

• **Government adds 30 care-home beds, but families reject solutions** — The government added 30 more beds in care homes to ease delayed hospital discharges, but some families are refusing the placements, creating operational challenges.

• **Francisca Henriques wins silver at the Mediterranean Games** — Madeiran skater Francisca Henriques took silver in the marathon event at the Mediterranean Games in Italy, securing Portugal's 17th medal.

• **Fuel prices rise in Madeira from Monday** — Gasoline will go up by 3.8 cents/litre and diesel by 2.5 cents/litre next week.

• **New TVDE law includes taxis and divides associations** — A new law regulating ride-hailing (TVDE) now covers taxis as well, sparking mixed reactions from driver and industry associations over fair competition and pricing.

• **Regional study grants expanded to more students** — The regional government raised the income threshold for scholarships, allowing more families to qualify for higher-education financial aid.

• **University student health consultations at Centro de Saúde do Bom Jesus** — A dedicated healthcare service for university students in Madeira is seeing growing demand, especially for psychology and family-planning appointments.

• **Study shows widespread rise in internal school grades** — Internal grades are up across Portuguese schools, but researchers say more data is needed to determine whether learning quality has actually improved.

• **Government reserves 29,000 m² in São Martinho for public housing** — A site in São Martinho has been designated for future public housing projects to help address Madeira's housing crisis.

• **Santana refurbishes Miradouro da Vigia with suspended platform** — Over €1 million will be invested to upgrade the Vigia viewpoint, including a dramatic 280-metre-high suspended platform.

• **Noite dos Fachos in Machico draws thousands with fire and tradition** — Machico's annual Noite dos Fachos lit ten large bonfires prepared with two tons of cotton, part of the Festas do Santíssimo Sacramento.

• **São Vicente festival attracts thousands with music and tradition** — São Vicente's annual festas drew crowds with live music, including 80s band Alphaville, boosting local business and tourism.

• **Arraial da Ajuda in Funchal grows as a family-friendly community event** — Now in its 15th year, the Arraial da Ajuda has become a popular community gathering with music, food, and a strong family atmosphere.

• **Orlando Sousa steps down as Ponta Solense president after 14 years** — Sousa reduced the club's debt from €1 million to €12–15,000; Luís Chachá is the new presidential candidate.

• **Rui Pinto plans new car for 2027 Madeira Rally Championship** — The rally driver is considering a Ford Puma WRC for 2027 while preparing his current Ford Focus WRC for the Madeira Legend Rally.

• **Madeira Barman Association concerned about hospitality service quality** — The association is offering training to foreign hospitality workers and will compete in the World Cocktail Championship in Macau.

• **Marine Biology Station rescues five injured sea turtles** — Boat collisions and marine litter are the main threats; three turtles are currently being rehabilitated.

• **Weekend weather forecast for Madeira** — Cloudy skies, light rain in the north, temperatures up to 27°C, moderate northeast winds and calm seas.

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