Teachers could be allowed to work four-day weeks under Government proposals to relax rules on the number of days a year that full-time teachers must be available.
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Smart TVs will be forced to power up more slowly under plans to align Britain with the EU's Net Zero rules capping the power usage of devices on standby.
The post Smart TVs to Switch on More Slowly Under EU Net Zero Rules appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.
Shopkeepers and terrified civilians are arming themselves in Paris fearing more far-Left riots and looting ahead of fresh protests scheduled for this weekend.
The post France Braces for Day of Far-Left Chaos: Shopkeepers and Civilians Arm Themselves Ahead of Rioting and Looting Expected in Paris Today appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.
A summary of the most interesting stories in the past 24 hours that challenge the prevailing orthodoxy about the 'climate emergency', public health 'crises' and the supposed moral defects of Western civilisation.
The post News Round-Up appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.
O presidente do Instituto da Habitação e Reabilitação Urbana (IHRU) disse, esta quinta-feira, não saber “se a sociedade atual está disponível para o nível de sacrifício” da anterior, recordando que os seus próprios avós emigraram “para poderem ter uma casa”.
“Já fomos todos jovens, não é? (…) E percebemos essa dificuldade. Eu não sei se a sociedade atual está disponível para o nível de sacrifício que os nossos pais e os nossos avós fizeram para ter uma casa”, disse aos jornalistas Benjamim Pereira, em Vila Nova de Gaia.
Falando acerca das manifestações pela habitação que têm ocorrido sobretudo no Porto e em Lisboa, e questionado sobre se a geração atual está a ter menos sacrifício do que a geração anterior, o responsável do IHRU disse não querer ir “por esse caminho”.
“Só estou a dizer que os meus avós emigraram para o Brasil e para a Argentina para poderem ter uma casa. O meu pai emigrou durante 20 anos, sacrificou a vida”, prosseguiu, e perante as questões dos jornalistas sobre se os jovens também devem emigrar, afirmou que não estava “a dizer isso”.
Pedindo para “concluir o raciocínio”, Benjamim Pereira disse que os seus familiares emigraram “porque a casa era, efetivamente, uma coisa muito importante para a sua vida, a sua base logística, como é hoje”.
Frisando que fazia “um apelo” e não “uma crítica”, Benjamim Pereira pediu “a todos que se possam unir” pois “é um problema que tem de ser resolvido por todos e os jovens também fazem parte desta equação”.
“É preciso que haja um compromisso de todos. Reparem, os jovens podem organizar-se, fazer cooperativas. Eu já recebi pessoas no IHRU que agora, com os seus 60 e 70 anos, que quando eram da idade dos jovens que agora se estão a manifestar organizaram-se, fizeram cooperativas e fizeram as suas próprias casas”, afirmou.
JN/MS
The Church of England is "heading for financial disaster" because of its Net Zero targets and the £100 million slavery reparations fund, a damning report has warned.
The post Church of England is Facing “Financial Disaster” Because of Net Zero Targets and its Plan to Spend £100 Million on Slavery Reparations, Report Warns appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.
Andy Burnham's doomsday prepping campaign descended into farce today as he was forced to play down Angela Rayner's joke about stockpiling wine amid questions of why a Government skimping on defence is lecturing the public.
The post Burnham’s Doomsday Guide Descends into Farce as he is Forced to Play Down Rayner’s Joke About Stockpiling Wine appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.
Grandparents should ask for consent before hugging their grandchildren, a "demeaning" new Government-funded Irish advert from the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has said.
The post Grandparents Should Ask for Consent to Hug Their Grandchildren, Irish Advert Says appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.
A summary of the most interesting stories in the past 24 hours that challenge the prevailing orthodoxy about the 'climate emergency', public health 'crises' and the supposed moral defects of Western civilisation.
The post News Round-Up appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.
Fotos: Cindy Da Ponte
Organized by the Barcelos Migrant Association, the exhibition celebrates the art, craftsmanship and traditions of Barcelos, strengthening the ties between Portugal and the Portuguese-Canadian community. Inaugurated on October 17 with a Porto de Honrareception marking the organization’s 28th anniversary, the exhibition will remain open until November 20, promoting the region’s cultural identity internationally and preserving its traditions for future generations.
For Vítor Santos, president of the Barcelos Migrant Association, promoting Portuguese culture was one of the main motivations behind the initiative. Pleased with the exhibition’s journey, which travelled to different locations over the course of approximately one year, he highlighted the quality of the pieces and the creativity of the artisans.
He also emphasized the importance of showcasing Portugal’s heritage and preserving traditions within emigrant communities, arguing that associations should also invest in cultural promotion.
“This is what promoting Portuguese culture and keeping our traditions alive is all about,” he stated.
Handicrafts, Pottery and the Camino de Santiago in Promoting Barcelos
The appreciation of handicrafts and traditional pottery was at the heart of the initiative, highlighting the importance of preserving and showcasing a distinctive part of Barcelos’ heritage.
In an interview with Camões TV+, Vítor Santos also emphasized the association’s intention to promote the Camino de Santiago among Canadian audiences, sparking interest in the city, its history and its traditions.
“Barcelos is an incredible, beautiful city, rich in handicrafts, pottery and so many other areas. It is a wealth of heritage that we need to showcase,” he said.
The president also highlighted the potential of the Camino de Santiago to attract visitors of different nationalities and introduce them to the region’s cultural and artistic richness.
“We want to bring Canadians to Barcelos and show them what belongs to us,” summarized Vítor Santos.
Peach Gallery: A Space for Portuguese Memory and Identity
Manuel Da Costa, a Commander of the Order of Merit, businessman, philanthropist and owner of the gallery, advocates preserving Portuguese identity in Toronto and encouraging greater community participation in promoting the country’s culture and traditions.
Reflecting on reconnecting with his roots approximately 30 years ago, he emphasized the importance of engaging younger people, citizens and associations.
“I would like to see more young people, more people getting involved and more clubs participating,” he said, highlighting the role of the entire community in passing Portuguese heritage on to future generations.
For the businessman, preserving Portuguese identity requires participation, commitment and concrete initiatives capable of engaging more young people, citizens and associations.
Unity and Collaboration in Preserving Traditions
Vítor Santos thanked the volunteers, institutions and partners who support the Barcelos Migrant Association, highlighting the contributions of Commander Manuel Da Costa, the Portuguese Association of Canada, ACAPO, Peach Gallery and the Barcelos City Council, specifically in relation to this exhibition.
He also emphasized the importance of the media, alongside other sponsors, in promoting cultural initiatives and shared a message of appreciation for the Portuguese community in Canada:
“Thank you to the Portuguese community in Canada, because we are very united, and united we are stronger.”
“It Is Through Action That We Get Things Done,” Insists Manuel Da Costa
Manuel Da Costa’s message is based on a clear conviction: the future of Portuguese culture in Canada depends on the community’s ability to unite, participate actively and support projects that address its needs.
For businessman Da Costa, preserving Portuguese identity requires more than words, speeches or occasional displays of solidarity. It requires “commitment, dedication and, above all, concrete actions that contribute to collective well-being and ensure that traditions continue to be passed on to younger generations.”
“Empty words, spoken just to fill time, do nothing for anyone. It is through action that we get things done,” he stated, delivering a message that calls on everyone who believes in the future of the Portuguese community to participate and get involved.
This appeal takes on particular significance when it comes to Lar Magalhães, a project intended to strengthen social support services for Portuguese seniors.
From Manuel Da Costa’s perspective, supporting this initiative means investing not only in the present but also in the future of the community, ensuring better conditions for those who have devoted much of their lives to work, family and building a strong Portuguese presence in Canada.
For Manuel Da Costa, the November 7 gala is an opportunity to unite efforts and turn solidarity into concrete action. The businessman is calling on everyone to participate in bringing projects to life that promote seniors’ well-being, preserve Portuguese culture and strengthen community ties.
More than a gesture of solidarity, this is a shared responsibility, essential to keeping Portuguese roots alive in Canada and passing this legacy on to future generations.
The exhibition “Expressões de Barcelos – Arte e Criatividade” (Expressions of Barcelos – Art and Creativity) brought the heritage of Portugal’s Minho region to Toronto, celebrating local artisans and strengthening the ties between Barcelos and the Portuguese-Canadian community.
It was an initiative that celebrated Portuguese identity and highlighted the importance of preserving traditions beyond national borders. Congratulations to our beloved Barcelos!
Romulo Ávila/MS
The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.
Fotos: Cindy Da Ponte
Approximately 500 people attended the anniversary gala of the Association of Friends of the Village of Rabo de Peixe of Ontario, held on Saturday, October 17, at Renaissance by the Creek in Mississauga. The evening was marked by music, tributes and a spirit of solidarity, with the goal of supporting families in need in the Azores and across Portugal, particularly during the Christmas season.
The event was attended by Carlos Dias, president of the Parish Council of Rabo de Peixe, whose participation strengthened the ties between the Portuguese emigrant community in Canada and its place of origin on the island of São Miguel. The celebration also highlighted the importance of Portuguese culture, friendship and unity in support of charitable causes.
The gala offered opportunities for socializing and musical entertainment, featuring a lineup that included Jorge Guerreiro, an artist from Portugal, the Starlight Band, Tony Câmara and DJ Jason Branco. The programme also included a performance by the Bailinho dos Amigos de Rabo de Peixe, celebrating Azorean folk traditions and the community’s cultural identity.
Tributes and Recognition
One of the evening’s highlights was the tribute presented to Hélio Moniz, who was recognized for his merit and outstanding contributions. Hélio is regarded as a dedicated and hardworking member of the community and received the award from Paulo Távora.
The organization also presented a recognition award to Joe Rebelo, the association’s president, in appreciation of his involvement and contributions to community association life. These distinctions provided an opportunity to recognize the hard work, dedication and spirit of participation that help keep Portuguese associations in Canada thriving.
Bringing Christmas Support to Families in Need
Beyond its festive atmosphere, the gala had a charitable purpose. The funds raised during the event will go towards helping families facing significant financial hardship in the Azores and throughout Portugal, with particular emphasis on providing assistance in time for Christmas.
Joe Rebelo, the organization’s president, gave a positive assessment of the event, describing it as a great celebration marked by fellowship and strong participation. He emphasized the importance of turning the anniversary celebration into a meaningful opportunity to help those most in need, noting that the funds raised will serve a charitable purpose and provide some relief to families facing the greatest hardships.
The aim is to ensure that assistance reaches families in Portugal at a particularly sensitive time of year, when expenses increase and financial difficulties can become even more burdensome.
The gala reaffirmed the Association of Friends of the Village of Rabo de Peixe of Ontario’s commitment to preserving its Azorean roots and promoting solidarity, keeping the bonds alive between the Portuguese community in Canada and families in the Azores and throughout Portugal.
Romulo Ávila/MS
The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.
Fotos: (DR)
Three Portuguese associations marked significant milestones in Mississauga, Brampton and Toronto, celebrating music, folklore and Portuguese heritage that continue to unite generations.
39th Anniversary of the PCCM Folklore Dance Group
Last Saturday, October 17, was marked by an evening of celebration, tradition and fellowship as the Folklore Dance Group of the Portuguese Cultural Centre of Mississauga (PCCM) celebrated its 39th anniversary. The event brought the community together through music, culture and Portuguese heritage.
Adding to the festivities was Duo DT, whose performance helped enliven an evening dedicated to preserving and promoting Portuguese traditions, creating moments of joy and camaraderie among those in attendance.
The celebration provided another opportunity to honour the journey of the PCCM folklore group, which, over the years, has played an important role in promoting Portuguese folklore and passing on traditions to younger generations. The group continues to keep the community’s connection to Portuguese culture and national identity alive among Portuguese Canadians.
The dinner menu also received special recognition for its quality and excellence, making it one of the highlights of the evening. The care and attention devoted to the food reflected the importance of the occasion, offering participants an experience that also celebrated the richness of Portuguese cuisine.
It was an evening of music, flavours and tradition, where pride in Portuguese heritage brought generations together and strengthened community ties in Mississauga.
Brampton’s Banda Lira Portuguesa Celebrates 50 Years of History and Tradition
Banda Lira Portuguesa de Brampton celebrated its 50th anniversary on October 17 with a gala at the Pearson Convention Center in Canada, bringing together musicians, family members and political representatives.
Founded in 1976 by Portuguese immigrants, particularly those from São Miguel in the Azores, the band currently has approximately 60 members, ranging in age from 10 to 90. Its founding conductor, António da Silva Moreira, continues to lead the ensemble at the age of 90.
Over five decades, the band has preserved Portuguese music and traditions, participating in festivals, religious processions, parades and concerts across Canada, the United States and the Azores.
Attracting young musicians remains one of its main challenges. The organization has its own facilities and offers music instruction, seeking to ensure that the tradition continues among younger generations.
The gala was attended by Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and city councillors Martin Medeiros and Paul Vicente, who recognized the band’s cultural contribution. António da Silva Moreira was also honoured for his musical career and lifelong dedication.
With its sights set on the future and the ambition of celebrating its centennial in 2076, Banda Lira Portuguesa de Brampton remains committed to keeping Portugal’s musical heritage alive in Canada.
Associação Migrante de Barcelos Celebrates 28th Anniversary in Toronto
Associação Migrante de Barcelos C.C. celebrated its 28th anniversary last Saturday, October 17, with a gala dinner at the LiUNA Local 183 banquet hall in Toronto, under the motto “Proud of Our Roots — Our Story Continues… Our Tradition Lives On!”
The evening featured performances by artists David Antunes, Emanuel Moura, Carolina Ligeiro and Karma Banda, as well as a special performance by the association’s junior and adult folklore dance groups, which celebrated the richness of Portuguese folklore.
One of the evening’s highlights was the traditional singing of “Happy Birthday” to the association, marking another year of dedication to the Portuguese community.
Vítor Santos, president of the organization, took the opportunity to praise the work and commitment of the volunteers, while also thanking the community for its support and cooperation over the years.
The celebration was marked by fellowship, music and pride in Portuguese heritage, reaffirming the association’s commitment to preserving traditions and strengthening unity within the Portuguese-Canadian community.
Romulo Ávila/MS
The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.
Foto: Francisco Pegado
The Azormyth Music Festival returns in February 2027 for its second edition, featuring a lineup that brings together cinema, music, theater, photography, and Azorean memory, promoting the culture of the islands within the Luso-Canadian community.
The event was presented on October 20 during a press conference at the Consulate General of Portugal in Toronto, attended by Consul General Ana Luísa Riquito, organizer Sara Vieira da Costa, representatives from partner associations, and invited guests.
Integrated into the “Azorean Cultural Weekend 2027,” the festival aims to give visibility to Azorean artists in North America and bring different generations closer to their cultural roots.
“Azormyth was created with the goal of giving Azorean artists a stage in North America,” stated organizer Sara Vieira da Costa.
The lineup kicks off on February 19 at the Portuguese Cultural Centre of Mississauga with a day dedicated to cinema, which includes a “Conversation with Lúcia Moniz” session.
On February 20, the same venue will host the musical evening “Vozes dos Açores, Ritmos do Mundo” (Voices of the Azores, Rhythms of the World), featuring performances by Lúcia Moniz, Cristóvam, Filipa Lima, João Pedro Santos, Briana Espínola, and Rafael Ourique, among other artists. The showcase aims to blend different musical styles and generations, highlighting the diversity of Azorean artistic creation.
The program concludes on February 21 at Casa do Alentejo in Toronto, featuring an initiative dedicated to theater and photography, including the presentation of “O Chão Começou-me a Faltar” (The Ground Began to Give Way Beneath Me), directed by Lúcia Moniz.
The Consul General of Portugal in Toronto, Ana Luísa Riquito, highlighted the importance of valuing contemporary Azorean identity within a cross-cultural context, bringing different generations together and recognizing the diversity of the Luso-Canadian community.
The involvement of partner organizations is equally significant. Jorge Mouselo, representing the Portuguese Cultural Centre of Mississauga, emphasized the importance of continuing the collaboration launched during the first edition, promoting Azorean culture alongside that of other regions of Portugal in Canada.
Andreia Pereira, sociocultural coordinator at Casa do Alentejo, underscored the institution’s openness to the broader community. “Even though this is a story of the Azores, it is also our story, because we are all Portuguese,” she noted.
Memories of the 1980 Earthquake
The program also features a podcast series proposal titled “Quando o Chão Começou-me a Faltar” (When the Ground Began to Give Way Beneath Me), dedicated to the earthquake that struck the Azores on January 1 of that year. Media outlets were invited to participate in the project, which seeks to gather testimonies from survivors who emigrated to Canada, preserving their memories for future generations.
The Azorean Cultural Weekend 2027 is organized in collaboration with the Portuguese Cultural Centre of Mississauga, Casa do Alentejo in Toronto, Casa dos Açores, and LEVE Group, with institutional support from the Consulate General of Portugal in Toronto and the Regional Directorate for Culture of the Azores.
Francisco Pegado/MS
As próximas eleições autárquicas de Toronto são muito mais do que escolher um presidente de câmara. Trata-se de um referendo sobre o rumo da maior cidade do Canadá: como deve crescer, como deve gastar o dinheiro dos contribuintes, como deve enfrentar a crise de acessibilidade à habitação e o congestionamento, e como deve equilibrar as necessidades de automobilistas, ciclistas, empresas e bairros. A disputa entre a atual presidente da câmara, Olivia Chow, e o vereador Brad Bradford levanta uma questão fundamental: quer Toronto continuar pelo caminho atual ou deseja uma abordagem diferente na governação da cidade?
As sondagens vão, inevitavelmente, moldar a discussão. Contudo, existe uma distinção importante entre o que uma sondagem mede hoje e o que os eleitores vão decidir no dia das eleições. As últimas sondagens disponíveis até 19 de outubro sugerem uma corrida competitiva entre dois candidatos, com Olivia Chow na liderança, mas com Brad Bradford a ganhar terreno. Olivia Chow 52%… Brad Bradford 46%. Os números contam uma história interessante. Em setembro, uma sondagem da Ipsos para o Toronto Star dava a Chow uma vantagem de 15% sobre Bradford. Não se trata de estudos idênticos, pelo que não devem ser tratados como uma linha de tendência perfeitamente consistente. No entanto, mostram que Bradford se tornou um opositor de peso e que a dimensão da vantagem de Chow depende da sondagem e do momento em que foi realizada. A margem de erro também importa. Uma diferença de seis pontos numa sondagem não é garantia do resultado, e a margem de erro declarada não contabiliza todas as fontes possíveis de erro amostral.
Por que motivo a corrida se tornou tão importante…
Olivia Chow procura um segundo mandato após ter assumido o cargo em 2023. O seu registo inclui decisões orçamentais difíceis, aumentos do imposto imobiliário (property tax), iniciativas de habitação e esforços para expandir os serviços públicos. Os seus apoiantes podem apontar para a continuidade e para a sua experiência no cargo; já os críticos podem questionar o custo do governo municipal e se os residentes estão a ver melhorias suficientes na sua vida quotidiana. Brad Bradford, vereador de Toronto e urbanista, construiu a sua campanha com base na segurança pública, no trânsito e no custo de vida. A sua candidatura argumenta que Toronto precisa de uma abordagem diferente para apresentar resultados aos residentes. O contraste não é simplesmente entre duas personalidades: é entre abordagens distintas às prioridades, aos gastos e à gestão da cidade.
Para os eleitores, as questões centrais são práticas…
Estas perguntas ajudarão a determinar a forma como os eleitores vão julgar ambos os candidatos.
As sondagens influenciam os eleitores?
Completamente. As sondagens podem influenciar o ambiente político, embora não determinem necessariamente o voto das pessoas. Há quatro efeitos importantes a considerar:
A votação antecipada (advance polls) tem assumido uma enorme importância hoje em dia para determinar o desfecho das eleições. Nas últimas eleições autárquicas, houve uma afluência significativa nesses dias e esses votos foram decisivos para atribuir a vitória a Olivia Chow. Este é um dado relevante. Significa que muitos eleitores já tomaram a sua decisão antes do dia 26 de outubro. A reta final da campanha tem, por isso, de se focar nos eleitores que ainda não votaram, bem como nos cidadãos com capacidade eleitoral ativa que não participaram na votação antecipada.
As diferenças entre os candidatos tornam-se muito claras quando se analisam as suas propostas ponto por ponto. É possível consultar todas as posições nos seus sites oficiais. Trata-se de propostas de campanha e não de resultados garantidos. Os candidatos têm contestado mutuamente os registos, os custos, a exequibilidade e os efeitos das propostas do adversário. Por exemplo, o congelamento de impostos proposto por Bradford levanta a dúvida sobre como a cidade manteria os serviços e financiaria as infraestruturas sem aumentar a receita do imposto imobiliário. A abordagem de Chow levanta uma questão diferente: se manter os futuros aumentos próximos da taxa de inflação garantirá receita suficiente, tornando ao mesmo tempo a vida mais acessível.
Poderá esta eleição ser um ponto de viragem na história de Toronto? Sim, poderá assinalar um momento de mudança política importante, embora a dimensão dessa transformação vá depender do resultado eleitoral e do que o próximo executivo conseguir concretizar. Se Olivia Chow vencer um segundo mandato, a vitória dar-lhe-á um mandato para continuar a sua linha de governação. Se Brad Bradford vencer, essa vitória representará uma mudança na liderança municipal e um mandato para avançar com as suas prioridades de campanha.
O presidente da câmara de Toronto não governa sozinho: o conselho municipal, o governo provincial e o governo federal influenciam todos o que pode ser alcançado. Uma mudança no cargo de presidente da câmara não resolverá automaticamente a crise da habitação, o congestionamento do trânsito ou as pressões financeiras da cidade. As eleições autárquicas de 26 de outubro são um teste decisivo à confiança do público na liderança de Toronto.
O verdadeiro ponto de viragem não será apenas saber quem vence a corrida à câmara municipal. Será saber se o próximo presidente da câmara consegue transformar as promessas de campanha em melhorias visíveis na vida dos habitantes de Toronto. No dia 26 de outubro, os eleitores escolherão o rumo. Os próximos quatro anos determinarão se essa escolha trará a mudança que esperam.
Vincent Black/MS
O conteúdo do website do Milénio Stadium é traduzido automaticamente através do Google Tradutor.
More than one in four Ontario students report having been a victim of cyberbullying in the past year. This statistic places schools at the center of a debate that extends beyond the classroom and enters the campaign for the October 26 school board elections.
Jonathan Santos is running for trustee in Ward 9 of the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB). School board trustees represent families on the board and participate in decisions regarding budgets, priorities, and policies that affect thousands of students.
In an interview with Milénio Stadium, the candidate advocates for a two-pronged response. On one hand, he wants to understand what drives bullies to act. On the other, he wants to strengthen support for victims through more workshops for parents, students, and teachers, additional child and youth workers, and clear consequences, including suspensions. Regarding cellphones in classrooms, he describes himself as “old school”: he calls for a return to pen, paper, and handwriting, viewing technology as a supplement rather than a “crutch.”
He also draws attention to immigrant families who do not speak fluent English and consequently face greater difficulties in keeping up with their children—both in their academic progress and in their ventures through an online world that is as fascinating as it is dark and dangerous.
Milénio Stadium: More than one in four Ontario students report having been a victim of cyberbullying in the past year. What concrete measures do you advocate for to prevent and respond to these cases in schools?
Jonathan Santos: It’s a very terrible problem that we’re dealing with right now. As community advocates—because that’s what school board trustees are—what we need to be doing is organizing more workshops for parents, students, and teachers so we can see how we can work together to solve this problem from two standpoints.
First, regarding those who commit these acts: let’s try to understand why they are doing this. Why do they feel the need to harm others? Sometimes words are worse than physical violence; mental abuse can be more devastating than an actual physical assault. So we need to work on two fronts: understanding why people do this and how we can stop and prevent them from doing it; and on the other hand, supporting those affected. What kind of programs do we need?
Everybody knows there are so many cuts to education right now. There are even cuts planned for my position as a prospective trustee. But while my hands are tied in certain respects, what I would like to see happen first and foremost is ensuring this doesn’t happen at all and that proper repercussions are in place.
The other problem lies with the Ministry of Education. They don’t like to penalize children or talk about expulsions or suspensions. But I think that needs to happen, because if you don’t do that, how are students going to learn that this is unacceptable behavior? We definitely need to educate people on this and hold more community workshops, especially from an educational standpoint, to address the root of the problem. We need proper repercussions in place and to be truly there to support those who are suffering—the victims.
MS: Is the cellphone ban in classrooms working? Should it be expanded, maintained, or revised?
JS: I’ve been hearing mixed responses from the parents I speak to at different schools. Some say it’s working: some teachers set aside a phone-free time, students put them in a box, and they can’t use them. Other teachers simply don’t enforce it, and they see kids getting distracted.
My opinion is that we can’t avoid technology; it’s everywhere. However, it shouldn’t be used as the primary method of instruction—especially phones. There should be clear criteria: if we’re working on a topic for the next hour, no phones. If there’s an emergency, there are always other ways to get in touch, whether with a parent or through the school, which has all records up to date.
Additionally, we have to consider that while one student is trying to learn, another might be on their phone—and besides not paying attention, they are distracting their classmates. That’s not what we want. So I think during certain hours and in certain classes, phone use should be banned. If they have a 5- or 10-minute break, then sure, allow it.
Even though I’m young, I’m very “old school” in this regard. I see the benefits of technology, but I don’t think it should be the primary resource; it should be supplemental. I advocate for a return to basic reading, handwriting, and penmanship. You see some of these younger children who don’t know how to write properly. We need to go back to the basics and the fundamentals. Absolutely.
MS: What role should digital literacy and online safety play in the curriculum, and starting at what age?
JS: As I mentioned, regarding technology, online environments, and access, I believe there need to be limits for the child’s own safety. Today, everything is digital and you can find out everything about someone with just the click of a mouse. Because of this, we need much stronger reinforcement and discipline.
Technology shouldn’t be used as a “crutch,” which is how it’s currently being used in the education system. It shouldn’t be the only resource we use; it should be viewed as a supplement. We have to get back to the fundamentals of pen and paper.
On the other hand, I think parents should be a little more involved. Speaking with some parents, I know many don’t fully understand the system because they are recent immigrants and haven’t mastered the English language. When their child comes home and says, “This is what we’re doing, this is what the teacher said,” they accept it and don’t question it. I think we also need to do more to advocate for and empower these parents whose first language isn’t English so they can understand the process. That’s why I believe these workshops are so beneficial for families.
MS: Are school guidance counselors and mental health services sufficient to support students affected by cyberbullying? If elected, what will you do about this issue?
JS: I don’t think they’re doing enough, and that comes back to the budget cuts from the Ministry of Education. There isn’t enough support for students or parents. Workshops are one tool, but we need more child and youth workers, as well as more guidance counselors.
If we don’t solve this problem in childhood, it can drag on into adulthood. When you reach adulthood without overcoming this bullying, the consequences in your personal and professional life can be severe. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to have more programs and more support for students.
If elected, that will be one of my priorities. Although my power as a trustee is limited, our role is to relentlessly advocate for these causes. Mental health is, unfortunately, a very prevalent issue today. If young people don’t get the support they need at an early age, it will haunt them for the rest of their lives. In today’s society, where social media and cyberbullying are just a click away, we 100% must support our youth. Absolutely.
Madalena Balça/MS
Oxfam pays white staff 33% less on average than ethnic minority colleagues while Cancer Research UK and the British Red Cross aren't far behind, despite commitments to equality and fairness.
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Her son is 16 years old, plays soccer and basketball with his friends, and spends many hours on his phone and playing video games. He is a teenager like so many others. His mother confesses that she lives with constant anxiety, fueled above all by her son’s silence. “My fear is that, because he is very reserved, he might be suffering from some form of humiliation and not telling me. That he might be a victim of bullying or under some pressure, because I think there is a lot of competitiveness among teenagers.”
The fear does not come out of nowhere. The teenager was bullied in the past, and that experience left marks on how his mother views every sign of sadness. “I feel that, at times, he is very downcast. And I think: could something be happening on his phone? Is someone hurting him? And is he not telling me?”
For years, she had access to her son’s phone. Today, she no longer does. “He tells me that I have no business looking at his phone, that he is a grown boy now.” The mother tries to engage in dialogue, but the answers are scarce. “I push him, but he gives me the bare minimum. He gives me almost no information about what is going on with him. And I immediately start imagining the worst.”
She assures that she talks to her son about the dangers of the internet. His response, however, is always the same: “Don’t worry, I have everything under control. You don’t have to be afraid of anything because I’m big now.” It is precisely this confidence that worries her. “He always thinks he is not a target, that it only happens to others, that nothing will happen to him. That scares me.”
Even so, she refuses the temptation to protect him by locking him up at home. She even admits to feeling relieved when he goes out to play sports with his friends and leaves screens behind. “The world out there scares me, but I am aware that I cannot keep him trapped inside the house—though the truth is that I only rest easy when he walks through the door.”
The app that tallys intimacy
Recently, the moment that struck her most did not come from her son, but from a 15-year-old friend of his who talks to her frequently. It was this teenager who told her about an application where teenagers record episodes of their intimate lives. “For example: if my son kisses a girl, he goes to the app and says he kissed a girl that day. And it stays registered there that Boy X has already kissed six girls.”
The record, the teenager explained, does not stop at kisses: it also includes counting sexual relationships, with details that left this mother speechless—after all, this is an app whose content is entered by youth aged 13, 14, 15, 16… “I was looking at her and didn’t even know what to say. I just said: ‘I’m shocked.'” When she asked what the goal was, she simply heard that it served “so we know how many people we’ve kissed.” And, as a response to her reservations, the “accusation” arrived quickly: she was an “old school” mother, someone “from the 90s” who “doesn’t understand anything.”
That day, she remembers calling her own mother to vent. “In my time, I didn’t even want anyone to know if I had kissed someone. To me, this is a completely different world.” More than the exposure itself, the naïveté disturbs her. “They don’t even realize that people could join that app pretending to be young when they aren’t. They have no fears. They think they live in La La Land.”
When her sister, a mother of two young children, complains about being tired, her response comes with a bitter smile: “You are in the best phase; you have no idea what awaits you.” For this mother, the hardest part of adolescence is not the rebellion, nor the typical isolation of that age. “It is more the fear of the world, of the way things are.”
In the face of all this, she holds on to one certainty: keeping the door open is the solution. “For me, the important thing is to always keep some channel of dialogue open. He says I’m annoying, but I don’t care. He can say whatever he wants—one day he will thank me.”
Note: For reasons that seem obvious to us (safeguarding the privacy of the family and particularly the young people involved), we have kept all participants completely anonymous.
Madalena Balça/MS
Sempre existiram sem-abrigo. As razões são variadas; uma grande parte sofre de perturbações mentais, o que os leva a evitar a sociedade e as suas regras.
A redução de financiamento dos cuidados de saúde mental subsidiados contribuiu certamente para estes números. Sem dúvida, o nosso sistema económico foi sempre um dos grandes responsáveis pelo sem-abriguismo. O próprio sistema gera tanto pobreza como riqueza.
Como todos estamos a testemunhar, as pessoas saíram à rua em Paris, Lisboa e Barcelona para exigir o direito a uma habitação digna e acessível, protestando contra os preços de arrendamento especulativos, orientados maioritariamente para a indústria do turismo. Em Lisboa e no Porto, os manifestantes têm vindo a armar tendas nas praças principais para vincar a sua posição. Os estudantes estão a ser especialmente afetados. Ambas as principais cidades tornaram-se completamente incomportáveis, e outras estão a seguir-lhes o caminho. Os jovens estão revoltados por todo o lado e já era sem tempo. Surpreendentemente, a nossa polícia respondeu com violência no primeiro dia; as imagens perturbadoras faziam parecer que tudo acontecia noutro país. Felizmente, isso não os demoveu; os acampamentos e os cânticos continuam. O nosso atual governo conservador parece estar em negação, desvalorizando os protestos, com o Primeiro-Ministro até a chamar-lhes “egoístas”.
Em França, os protestos parecem assumir sempre um tom quase bélico. Os franceses estão fartos e demonstram-no. Os lamentáveis saques e incêndios já são marcas registadas de um povo que exige ação imediata. Sem dúvida que há muitos envolvidos apenas pela oportunidade de deitar a mão a coisas grátis, enquanto outros participam para descarregar as suas frustrações em montras de vidro e veículos estacionados.
Em Barcelona, milhares de pessoas saíram à rua para impedir que um senhorio despejasse uma senhora idosa do apartamento onde vivia há décadas. Ela foi despejada na mesma, acabando por morrer num par de dias depois. É evidente que isto não é sobre saques. As pessoas estão a ser levadas ao seu limite.
Em Toronto, os residentes sentem o aperto do imobiliário há mais tempo. Os preços das casas e das rendas subiram para níveis inacreditáveis nos últimos 20 anos. Viver e trabalhar perto de uma grande cidade exige mais sacrifícios do que nunca, e a situação continua a piorar. Há hoje muitas pessoas que, mesmo com todo o esforço que conseguem fazer, simplesmente não se orientam. É exatamente assim que as coisas estão para muitas pessoas aqui na Europa também.
Tudo isto me leva a perguntar como chegámos até aqui. Não fomos nós que fizemos isto a nós próprios, porque não somos nós que estamos ao volante. Todos os políticos, todos os atores corporativos que sempre afirmaram agir no nosso melhor interesse, trouxeram-nos até aqui. É a única explicação. Aconteceu em todos os países do mundo ocidental. Países com governos e culturas diferentes acabam, com poucas exceções, com os mesmos problemas sociais. Não é coincidência, é intencional.
Para a maioria das pessoas, viver exige esforço, mas muitos dos que estão vivos hoje lembram-se de conseguir pagar muitas coisas no passado que agora estão fora do seu alcance e fora do alcance da geração seguinte. Foi para aqui que fomos encaminhados, sem qualquer culpa nossa, a não ser pela confiança cega naqueles que deveriam ter os nossos melhores interesses em primeiro lugar. Que grande treta.
Fiquem bem,
Raul Freitas/MS
O conteúdo do website do Milénio Stadium é traduzido automaticamente através do Google Tradutor.
The Council of Ministers’ recent decision to select the Lufthansa Group for the acquisition of a stake of up to 49.9% in TAP’s capital for 1.2 billion euros is not merely an excellent financial deal; it is clear proof of the success of the restructuring plan designed in the past and the recognition of Pedro Nuno Santos’s unequivocal merit.
As we well remember, this sale to the German giant was only made possible because there was the political courage to rescue and save the airline when its survival was severely threatened. Looking back, the actions of the previous government led by António Costa were consistently guided by a stance of responsibility, acceptance of consequences, and defense of the public interest, standing in stark contrast to the legacy and completely flawed approach of the PSD. When the Inspectorate-General of Finance concluded that Alexandra Reis’s severance agreement was invalid, the Socialist executive’s response was immediate, rigorous, and transparent. The government acted correctly by demanding the return of the compensation and removing the company’s leadership, whose roles were manifestly compromised by severe management failings. Contrary to what the opposition attempted to project onto public opinion, political accountability occurred in due time, materialized in the resignation of government officials from both the Infrastructure and Finance Ministries. The PS demonstrated that it does not waver when it comes to safeguarding public funds and respecting institutions.
The choice of Luís Silva Rodrigues to assume the leadership of TAP was a wise move of undeniable merit. Coming from a track record of excellence at SATA, where he proved his management capabilities in complex island environments, the executive brought to TAP the technical competence and operational composure the company so desperately needed. His tenure proved that stability and financial rigor, including common sense regarding top executive salaries, are the only path to restoring confidence among markets, clients, and the Portuguese people, who were the legitimate investors in the airline’s restructuring plan.
To understand TAP’s present, it is imperative to remember its past. The PSD government designed a ruinous privatization process, where an attempt was made to purchase the company using the airline’s own money through questionable capitalization schemes. It was the PS, largely thanks to the merit of Pedro Nuno Santos, that stabilized the company and secured a deep restructuring whose positive impact is reflected today in the fleet’s modernization and the strength of its routes. It is this modern fleet and this highly attractive route network, especially its leadership in the transatlantic market and connections to South America, that today lead Lufthansa to describe TAP as an “unmissable opportunity” for European consolidation.
Today, time completely proves Pedro Nuno Santos’s stance right. The current outcome of the deal, won by Lufthansa after a fierce competition, is the definitive validation that the billions injected were a strategic and profitable investment for Portugal, not a waste. The current Prime Minister’s evident discomfort when announcing these impressive figures only demonstrates that the right-wing narrative has collapsed in the face of reality.
TAP needs time, rigorous management, and stability to fulfill its strategic role in the national economy and in connecting with the Diaspora. Accountability was taken, management was professionalized, and the country now recognizes that the value generated by TAP is the direct fruit of Pedro Nuno Santos’s resilient vision and merit.
Vitor M. Silva/MS
The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.
The matter has been treated with utmost seriousness. There was allegedly a burglary at an office belonging to a member of parliament—André Ventura, leader of Chega—and the Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária – PJ) are investigating. Even the PJ’s Counterterrorism Unit has been brought in. The matter is serious, therefore. It is unthinkable for the office of a political leader, any MP, or parliamentary staff member to be targeted by intruders, burglarized, spied upon, or vandalized.
What is curious is that all those who have spoken with restraint regarding the alleged burglary cannot hide the underlying suspicion that the whole thing might be nothing more than another theatrical stunt. Now, however, it is the Judicial Police themselves who are not ruling out that hypothesis, as revealed by Sábado magazine. But prudence dictates that, until there is concrete evidence, it is best not to make hasty claims.
The truth is that this case is strange. It is one of two things: either the intruder was careless and prone to disorder, or they deliberately wanted to draw attention, as papers and other items were strewn everywhere. If the objective was to steal allegedly sensitive documents compromising the Prime Minister and the Minister of Internal Administration, as Ventura claimed, there was no need to throw everything onto the floor, scattering paperwork across the room, and even opening the photocopier’s paper tray.
Curiously, the prospective vandal must have suffered a crisis of conscience because, in the middle of the mess, they chose to leave a personal message of respect and religious devotion—carefully placing a crucifix attached to the picture frame containing a photograph of Our Lady. Naturally, such meticulous care amidst the chaos of scattered papers makes the entire scene seem highly implausible.
Resembling this act of alleged office vandalism is that unique moment on stage during Ventura’s presidential campaign, when he addressed the crowd covered in bandages shortly after leaving the hospital due to gastric reflux. The photo posted to social media remains legendary: the leader bedridden in a hospital gown, with a dull gaze and a thumbs-up, social-media-style.
Much like Trump said when he was grazed by a bullet, Ventura also claimed that divine intervention spared him for his crusades—even if, in those crusades, he distinguishes himself primarily by spreading hatred against immigrants. Once on stage, he feels a sudden sharp pain, as if something were coming over him, places his hand on his chest (the stomach is further down), and doubles over with a faint look of suffering, only to quickly compose himself and reassure his acolytes. Everything is fine!
Therefore, this could simply be another theatrical scene, convenient for leaving a mark to echo throughout the summer break. What is also strange is that neither Ventura nor any MP or party official is talking about the matter; whenever there is a crime story, they never tire of denouncing it, yet now everyone remains silent when they themselves are burglarized in the sacred House of Democracy. They do not even express indignation at the fact that the Judicial Police admit there may have been a staged setup.
Let us see where this leads. For now, according to press reports, the Judicial Police—in their own peculiar way of communicating—have floated the idea that everything might just be a staged performance. This would hardly be surprising, as André Ventura operates as if he were perpetually on stage, fulfilling his role as a great actor, though many also view him as a master charlatan.
However, unlike what is customary with Ventura and his followers, one should not jump to conclusions or drop malicious insinuations, even if it is the Judicial Police themselves floating the hypothesis of a staged event. Let us await the conclusions of the investigations so we can judge whether the episode starring Ventura should be taken seriously and, above all, what will happen next.
Paulo Pisco – Director of the PS Department of Communities
The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.
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