### **Request for Consultation**  
The request for the scheduling of the first consultation for the twins was made by **Carla Silva**, who was the secretary of the then Secretary of State for Health, **António Lacerda Sales**. This was stated by the director of the pediatrics department at **Hospital de Santa Maria** during the parliamentary inquiry committee (CPI) regarding the twins' case.  
Prior to this, **Dr. Ana Sofia Sá** confirmed that the request for the appointment did not follow the usual procedures, as it was not submitted through the standard computer system.

Ana Isabel Lopes recebeu um telefonema da secretária de António Lacerda Sales a solicitar, “em nome do secretário de Estado”, o agendamento de uma consulta para as gémeas. 



Controversy Surrounds Pediatric Appointment Request for Twins Linked to Government Official

### Ukraine Faces Christmas Missile Barrage

Ukrainian authorities reported on Wednesday that **a massive wave of Russian missiles** has severely damaged energy facilities, resulting in one death and at least six injuries, marking the second consecutive year Ukraine celebrates Christmas on December 25th.

President **Volodymyr Zelensky** condemned the assault, stating, "Today Putin consciously chose Christmas for his attack. What could be more inhumane?" Over **50 missiles** and several **drones** were intercepted, but some strikes led to **power outages across multiple regions**. Zelensky characterized this "Christmas terror" as Putin's response to discussions of a **mythical 'Christmas ceasefire'** between Kyiv and Moscow.

Regional Governor **Sergii Lyssak** emphasized, "The enemy is trying to destroy the power grid in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Since this morning, the Russian army has been **massively attacking** Dnipropetrovsk."

Ukrainian electricity provider **Ukrenergo** announced supply restrictions, with the Energy Minister stating that the transmission operator is taking necessary measures to limit consumption and minimize negative impacts on the energy system. **German Galushchenko**, the Energy Minister, noted that energy workers would assess damage once security conditions allow.

**DTEK**, Ukraine's largest private energy supplier, reported significant damage to its thermal power plants due to this latest attack, marking the **13th major assault** on Ukraine's energy infrastructure this year. **Maxim Timchenko**, DTEK's CEO, described the act of depriving millions of peaceful people of light and heat on Christmas as a **depraved and malicious** act that must be countered, urging allies for more air defenses.

### Ukraine on High Alert

Since the war began in February 2022, Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's electricity infrastructure, causing regular power outages. An air alert is currently in effect across Ukraine as the Air Force reports launches of **Russian Kalibr cruise missiles** from the Black Sea.

**Igor Terekhov**, the mayor of Kharkiv, reported a **massive missile attack** on the city, confirming that at least three people were injured and material damage occurred. The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed launches targeting regions including **Vinnytsia, Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk, Kirovograd,** and **Cherkassy**.

These attacks coincide with Ukraine's **celebration of Christmas** on December 25th for the second time in modern history, a shift from the traditional January 7th date followed by the Russian Orthodox Church. This change was formalized in the summer of 2023 through legislation signed by President Zelensky as a defiant gesture against Russia.

Rússia é acusada de “tentar destruir” a rede eléctrica de Dnipropetrovsk. Ucrânia está a celebrar o Natal a 25 de Dezembro pela segunda vez.

Russia Launches Massive Christmas Missile Attack on Ukraine's Power Grid

### Major Transport Savings for Alentejo Coast Residents

Travel between the five municipalities on the **Alentejo coast** and to **Setúbal** and **Lisbon** will see a significant price drop, as the cost of monthly transport passes will be reduced to **€20** starting from **January 2025**. This is a **50% reduction** from the current price of **€40**.

![Alcácer do Sal](https://d1mnxluw9mpf9w.cloudfront.net/media/1726674818/4x3/1200.jpg)
*Credits: Lusa*

In a recent statement, the **Intermunicipal Community of Alentejo Litoral (CIMAL)** announced this decision, which was unanimously approved by the mayors of **Alcácer do Sal**, **Grândola**, **Santiago do Cacém**, **Sines**, and **Odemira**. According to CIMAL, this reduction means users can save **€240 per year**, and it applies automatically to those currently using the €40 pass, with no further action required.

Users not yet subscribed to the fare reduction can do so through a form available on the **CIMAL website**. This initiative follows a series of investments in public transport aimed at making it more accessible and affordable for local communities.

CIMAL President **Vítor Proença** emphasized the importance of providing **affordable public transport** to enhance mobility across the five municipalities. The next steps include leveraging new technologies for real-time transport information and improving the **tariff system**.

Additionally, since **2023**, CIMAL has provided **free transport to beaches** in the area during July and August, which has now become a daily service connecting residents to **12 beaches** in the region.

Travel between the five municipalities on the Alentejo coast and to Setúbal and Lisbon will cost €20 from 2025, with the maximum price of passes reduced by...

Big Savings Ahead: Transport Passes to Cost Just €20 in 2025!

### Incident Overview
On Saturday evening, **seven men were arrested in Parque das Nações, Lisbon**, after one member of their group threatened a man on the street with a **firearm**.

### Details of the Arrest
The **Public Security Police (PSP)** apprehended the suspects following a detailed description provided by the victim, which led to their swift capture. 

### Background of the Suspects
All detainees, aged between **20 and 24 years**, have prior records for **assault** or **vandalism** and reside in various municipalities across the greater Lisbon area. 

### Legal Consequences
As part of their release conditions, the suspects are required to report to authorities **every 15 days**.

<p><span>Um dos elementos do grupo ameaçou um homem na rua com uma arma de fogo este sábado.</span></p>

Seven Arrested in Lisbon with Weapons: Shocking Threats Unveiled

### Lisbon Police Operations Uncover Counterfeit Goods

On **Monday**, the **PSP** (Public Security Police) and **Municipal Police** of Lisbon conducted a significant **enforcement operation** in **Largo de São Domingos**, seizing various materials suspected of being **counterfeit** and issuing **22 violation reports**.

In a statement released on **Tuesday**, the **Lisbon Metropolitan Command** of the PSP highlighted that this operation was part of their ongoing efforts to **prevent illicit activities**, supported by mapping criminal occurrences such as minor **drug trafficking**. 

The operation also took into account **illegal activities** such as unlicensed street vending and drug use, factoring in not only formally recorded incidents but also numerous **complaints and reports of insecurity** in the area.

As a result, the PSP and the **Municipal Police** conducted **22 reports** for violations, seizing food, clothing, and footwear, alongside **24 articles suspected of being stolen**, estimated to be worth around **€1,000**, and **46 counterfeit sports items**, valued at approximately **€2,000**. 

Additionally, a mobile phone and items worth about **€220** were confiscated, along with nearly **€1,600** in various cash. Two foreign nationals were also notified for **voluntary departure** from the country due to their illegal status in Portugal.

Na ação, realizada esta segunda-feira, foram levantados 22 autos de contraordenação com apreensões de comida, vestuário e calçado.

Lisbon Police Crack Down on Counterfeit Goods in Major Operation

### **Christmas Strikes to Impact Multiple Sectors**

The festive season in Portugal is set to be disrupted by **18 announced strikes** across various sectors, ranging from **aviation** to **waste collection** in Lisbon, as reported by Lusa.

#### **Aviation Sector Disruptions**
In the **aviation** sector, travelers may face **delays and cancellations** at national airports due to strikes by **ground handling services** provided by Menzies, which began Sunday and will last for five days. Additionally, Portway has planned a strike during the Christmas and New Year period, including a **24-hour strike** on December 24 and 31.

#### **Retail and Temporary Workers Affected**
Workers in **large retail** chains have also issued strike notices for December 24 and 31. Similarly, employees from **temporary employment agencies**, particularly those working in **call centers** and **telecommunication stores**, began their strike on Monday and will continue until January 5.

#### **Public Services Hit Hard**
Public services like the **Citizen Shops** and the **Institute of Registries and Notary** will be impacted due to the strike by registry workers, which started on Monday and will last for two weeks.

#### **Waste Collection in Lisbon**
The **waste collection** services in Lisbon will be affected by a strike called for December 26 and 27 by urban hygiene workers from the Lisbon City Council. This will include a strike against overtime work from December 25 to 31, with minimum services decreed for this period.

#### **Ongoing Strikes in Other Sectors**
Several other strikes are ongoing, including those by **primary care doctors**, which began on July 23, and the **Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum** (AIMA) since August 22. Strikes by **prison guards** and **fishing inspectors** are also scheduled to conclude by year-end.

Moreover, workers affiliated with the **Fiequimetal Federation** and those from the **SATA ground staff** are also on strike until the year's end. Workers from **Silopor**, responsible for unloading and storing over half of Portugal's imported cereals, will strike on December 26 and 27, along with **Navigator paper production workers** in Aveiro starting a three-day strike on Thursday.

Additional strikes are anticipated from **Naveprinter** workers on December 25 and **Resinorte** employees on December 26 and 27, as well as **Zara workers in Rossio, Lisbon**, on December 27.

Quadra natalícia vai ser marcada por paralisações em vários sectores, desde a aviação à distribuição, passando pelos registos e notariado, até à higiene urbana em Lisboa.

18 Strikes Loom Over Christmas in Portugal: What You Need to Know

### Night Market Tradition Continues Despite Warnings
The **tradition of the Night Market** took place on Monday night, despite warnings of rain and thunderstorms that could have dampened the festivities. However, the evening was marked by several incidents of **falls in public spaces** and cases of **alcohol excess**.

### Emergency Response by Local Firefighters
The **Madeiran Volunteer Firefighters** were alerted to around **12 incidents** related to the Night Market throughout the downtown area of Funchal. In total, there were **10 emergency calls** made directly to the firefighters' station regarding the festive night.

### Notable Incident
One significant incident occurred on **Rua da Infância** around 3 AM, where a woman suffered a **deep chin injury** after falling. The firefighters dispatched an ambulance to provide assistance to the victim. After receiving first aid, she was transported to **Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital** for further medical treatment.

A tradição da Noite do Mercado cumpriu-se este segunda-feira, mesmo com os avisos de precipitação e trovoada que podiam ameaçar a animação. Ainda assim, a noite foi marcada por várias situações de quedas na via pública, mas também por excesso de álcool.&nbsp;

Night Market Chaos: Falls and Alcohol Excess Lead to Emergency Calls in Madeira

## Exciting Partnership in AI and Innovation

A significant partnership has emerged between **Quidgest**, a Portuguese company, and **SPOT Nordic**, an association of Portuguese professionals and researchers in Nordic countries. This collaboration exemplifies Portugal's increasing role in global innovation, particularly in **artificial intelligence (AI)** and **digital transformation**. 

The partnership aims to strengthen ties between Portugal and Nordic countries like **Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden**. The vision behind this initiative is to merge the **technical expertise** and **innovation ecosystems** of both regions for mutual growth. For Portugal, this is a chance to showcase its strengths in **generative AI** and **automated software development**, while the Nordics can leverage Portuguese ingenuity to advance their digital transformation agendas.

## Funding and Support for Research

One of the standout features of this partnership is its commitment to scientific research and professional development. Quidgest is offering **€7,000 research grants** to support innovative projects in fields such as **computer science, AI**, and **software development**. This investment not only seeks to produce groundbreaking technologies but also aims to foster enduring collaborations between Portuguese and Nordic researchers.

## Knowledge Sharing and Networking Opportunities

The partnership also emphasizes knowledge sharing, with plans for **annual events** and networking opportunities to connect academics, businesses, and institutions from both regions. This exchange is crucial in today's interconnected world, demonstrating a shared understanding of the importance of global collaboration in addressing challenges like **digital transformation** and **sustainability**.

## Bridging Physical and Cultural Divides

SPOT Nordic's network will facilitate logistical support for Portuguese researchers and professionals in Nordic countries, while Quidgest will provide access to its facilities in **Lisbon**. These practical measures are designed to create a seamless flow of **talent**, **resources**, and **ideas** between the two regions.

## A Vision for the Future

The underlying message of this initiative is clear: **innovation thrives when borders become bridges**. By investing in shared goals, Portugal and the Nordic countries exemplify how nations with complementary strengths can collaborate to drive **technological** and **societal progress**. This partnership is not merely about advancing AI or software; it is about crafting a future where **knowledge**, **sustainability**, and **innovation** transcend national boundaries. 

As we witness this unfolding collaboration, it’s evident that Portugal’s proactive role in this initiative is pivotal for addressing the challenges of the modern world, combining **boldness** and **collaboration** in navigating the future of innovation.

I recently came across an intriguing announcement about a partnership between a Portuguese company, Quidgest, and SPOT Nordic, an association of Portuguese...

Controversy Surrounds Pediatric Appointment Request for Twins Linked to Government Official

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Russia Launches Massive Christmas Missile Attack on Ukraine's Power Grid

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Other Latest News

Russia Launches Massive Christmas Missile Attack on Ukraine's Power Grid

Big Savings Ahead: Transport Passes to Cost Just €20 in 2025!

Seven Arrested in Lisbon with Weapons: Shocking Threats Unveiled

Lisbon Police Crack Down on Counterfeit Goods in Major Operation

18 Strikes Loom Over Christmas in Portugal: What You Need to Know

Night Market Chaos: Falls and Alcohol Excess Lead to Emergency Calls in Madeira

Portugal Teams Up with Nordic Countries for AI Innovation: A Game-Changer in Global Tech