In Covilhã, an association is developing a psychosocial support project for populations of localities affected by the 2022 Serra da Estrela fire. The project, named 'MentAldeias', aims to improve mental health, especially among the elderly. It has been over two years since the fire, and the difficult experiences still haunt the residents. The psychologist works with a group of residents from the parish of Orjais to help them cope with these memories. The support is delivered by a multidisciplinary team and includes various psychosocial development and well-being activities across six localities, occurring weekly for a year, which may not be sufficient but is currently possible.

In Alcaide, a village in the municipality of Fundão, Portugal, the tradition of singing the January songs remains strong, overcoming the cold night and bringing together not only locals but also visitors. The event includes customary stops throughout the village streets, where food and drink are plentiful.

As the New Year's celebration approaches, traditional dishes are being prepared in the villages of Portugal's interior. In Sobral de São Miguel, Covilhã, the community oven is still in use, where Maria da Conceição Paiva, with her long-standing experience, prepares the typical cod dish 'pica de bacalhau' with extra help. The tradition thrives through those who forgo modern manufacturing techniques, and the community oven serves as a place for reunion and learning. The festive days in this village emphasize traditional gastronomy and sharing, ensuring that no one goes hungry.

The Portuguese film 'Alma de Lã', shot in an old wool factory in Covilhã, was named the best tourism film in the world. It was evaluated by ten different juries at major festivals over a year and won the top award in the services category in Valencia. Telmo Martins sourced the material from New Hand Lab, a creative lab in the same location. Francisco, who inherited the factory, transformed it into an artistic space. At the Valencia festival, the Covilhã team also won third prize for 'A um palmo do céu', filmed in Pampilhosa da Serra, Góis, and Arganil. Three more Portuguese films were recognized: 'Remote Workers in Cascais' took second place in the city category, 'Our Story in Every Bottle' about Quinta da Pacheca in Lamego ranked third in tourist services, and 'Monção Leaves a Mark' by director Leonel Vieira won the audience choice.

Brazil's Ministry of Transportation, led by Renan Filho, plans to use the Amazon Fund to pave BR319, a road through the Amazon rainforest. Environmentalists and fund creators like Tasso Azevedo oppose the plan, arguing it contradicts the fund's purpose of preventing deforestation. The Amazon Fund, with over $1.2 billion for conservation projects, was frozen during Jair Bolsonaro's presidency but revived by President Lula, attracting new international donors. The Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) manages the fund and states no road projects have been financed to date. The Ministry claims the project will create the 'most sustainable highway' and aid in deforestation monitoring, but environmentalists and indigenous communities express concerns about the potential for increased deforestation.

The EU's deforestation law, approved by the European Parliament, mandates producers of beef, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soy, rubber, coal, paper, and timber to prove their products do not contribute to deforestation. While European consumers prioritize transparency in product sourcing, concerns arise about the law's financial burden on small businesses and its effectiveness in reducing global deforestation. Brazilian farmers must now provide detailed product origin data, including GPS coordinates. Brazil's Minister of Agriculture criticized the law, and experts fear it may only benefit large farmers, potentially harming vulnerable social groups. Brazilian ecologists suggest the law covers protected areas inadequately, risking deforestation in less protected ecosystems. The coffee industry is confident about meeting the law's requirements, but small producers may face new costs.

Having internet on a cell phone is a necessity for travelers, and there are various options available for staying connected abroad without relying solely on Wi-Fi. Traditional methods like international roaming and local prepaid SIM cards have become more accessible and economical. Newer options include online-purchased international SIM cards delivered to one's home and the e-SIM, a virtual chip compatible with modern smartphones. Each option has its pros and cons, varying by cost, destination country, and trip duration. Major telecom operators like Claro, Vivo, and Tim offer different plans and packages for international roaming. The European Union's rule for free roaming within its member countries has made traveling with a single SIM card more convenient in Europe. International prepaid SIMs and e-SIMs provide alternatives with benefits like customer service in Portuguese and easy setup, with companies like America Chip, EasySim4U, and Airalo being key players.

Digital banks and fintechs like BS2, C6, Inter, Nomad, and Wise are revolutionizing how Brazilians spend abroad by offering foreign currency debit cards with lower IOF taxes and exchange rates closer to the commercial dollar. These cards offer various benefits, such as avoiding currency exchange houses and planning expenses more accurately. Each service has its own set of advantages and fees, and they generally provide a more economical option compared to credit cards and cash exchanges.

In São Paulo, Brazil, the famous Paulista Avenue was closed to cars on Sundays starting in 2016, despite initial resistance from residents and business owners. The move aimed to reduce noise pollution and was feared to decrease sales. However, the car ban, known as Paulista Aberta, has been well-received, with a report showing 86% of store owners favoring the program and noting a positive impact on business. The avenue has transformed into a cultural hub, with new cultural centers like Japan House and Sesc Avenida Paulista, and the Itaú Cultural museum attracting tourists and locals. The street closure has led to increased pedestrian activity and is now considered the city's main tourist attraction. The program's success has led to calls for its expansion to other major streets and times, with 97% of visitors and 71% of residents supporting the initiative. The mayor at the time, Fernando Haddad, faced legal challenges but was vindicated as traffic studies showed minimal impact. The avenue's history and transformation are also discussed, highlighting its evolution from a residential area for coffee farmers to a bustling urban and financial center.

With the departure of Jair Bolsonaro from the Brazilian presidency, there has been renewed European interest in the Amazon Fund, a key tool for investing in the Brazilian Amazon forest projects. Norway and Germany have announced they will resume donations, and countries like France, Switzerland, and the UK are considering support. The fund, primarily financed by Norway, was frozen under Bolsonaro's government but has been re-established by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The fund aims to finance projects for forest preservation and sustainable development, with governance provided by the BNDES. It has funded 102 projects benefiting 207,000 people, mostly Amazon residents. European countries recognize the importance of tropical forests in combating climate change and biodiversity collapse, and the fund's governance allows for measurable project impacts, attracting potential new donors.

Developed in the 1970s for hypertension, minoxidil is also used since the 1980s as a lotion for androgenetic alopecia, known as baldness. A recent controversy arose over its oral use for hair growth, sparked by a New York Times report and differing views from Brazilian medical societies. The Brazilian Society of Trichology (SBTri) contraindicated oral minoxidil for baldness, while the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD) defended its use in selected patients. Both societies agree on the risks of self-medication and the importance of medical supervision. Side effects can include heart-related issues and excessive hair growth, but dermatologists argue that low dosages minimize these risks. The debate continues over the safety and efficacy of oral minoxidil for treating baldness.

Students, teachers, and staff from an educational institution in Portugal joined an international campaign that challenges people around the world to move their bodies in a demonstration against violent behavior. The activities were organized to mark Valentine's Day, but the school has been focusing on the issue of dating violence throughout the year.

European Christmas markets are a long-standing tradition, with the oldest known market, Vienna's Krippenmarkt, dating back to 1298. These markets are not only festive attractions but also celebrations of local cultures, offering unique experiences and regional specialties. Germany is home to many renowned markets, including those in Munich, Berlin, Cologne, Nuremberg, Dresden, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Esslingen, and Rothenburg ob der Tauber. France's Alsace region, particularly Strasbourg and Colmar, is famous for its Christmas markets. Austria's Vienna and Salzburg, Switzerland's Lausanne and Zurich, and the Eastern European cities of Prague, Zagreb, Cesky Krumlov, and Budapest also host notable Christmas markets. Scandinavia's Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland offer their own festive experiences. Other notable markets can be found in Amsterdam, London, and Vilnius. These markets are not only shopping destinations but also offer a variety of traditional foods, drinks, and cultural experiences.

A man in São Paulo was hospitalized after attempting a home rhinoplasty inspired by internet videos. YouTube removed the video that influenced him and restricted similar content to users over 18. Medical professionals warned against the dangers of such procedures, emphasizing the risks of necrosis, infections, nasal obstruction, and anaphylactic shock. The São Paulo city government confirmed the man received medical and psychological treatment. The Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery provided insights on the complexity of rhinoplasty and its global statistics.

Wenceslas Kolela, a Congolese priest working at the São Judas Tadeu Parish in São Paulo, left the church citing psychological pressure and prejudice from other parish priests. Despite informing his departure via text and taking most of his belongings, his disappearance was reported by the congregation's leader, who filed a police report. The Congregation of the Augustinians of the Assumption and the Archdiocese of São Paulo have stated they are unaware of the facts surrounding his disappearance. The case is being investigated by the police in Rio de Janeiro, with the São Paulo authorities taking over the investigation. The community has expressed concern and hopes for Kolela's safe return.

MDB leaders from 11 states have declared their support for Lula's presidential candidacy in the first round of elections, diverging from the national party president Baleia Rossi's endorsement of Simone Tebet. The announcement was made during a meeting in São Paulo, which included prominent figures such as Eduardo Braga and Renan Calheiros. Despite the internal differences, the group plans to discuss their stance with former president Michel Temer and other party leaders ahead of the official party convention. The PT, along with other left-wing parties, continues to rally support for Lula, emphasizing the need for democratic unity.

Legal abortion in Brazil is a procedure authorized by law and provided for free by the Unified Health System (SUS). It is allowed in cases of pregnancy resulting from rape, risk to the pregnant woman's life, or diagnosis of fetal anencephaly. Despite being legally recognized for over 80 years, women often face difficulties accessing abortion services, sometimes traveling over 1,000 kilometers for a legal procedure. The article discusses the conditions under which legal abortion is permitted, the process, and the challenges faced by women in exercising this right. It also provides statistics on the number of legal abortions performed in Brazil and highlights the role of the Ministry of Health and the Supreme Federal Court in regulating and legalizing aspects of abortion.

A 33-year-old woman from Pará, identified as Lúcia*, was forced to travel nearly 3,000 kilometers to São Paulo to access a legal abortion after being raped. Despite the sexual relationship starting consensually, her partner removed the condom during intercourse and assaulted her. Her request for an abortion was initially denied in Belém, Pará, leading her to seek help from the NGO Milhas Pela Vida das Mulheres. Data shows that 51.2% of legal abortions in Brazil occur in just seven cities, highlighting the service's inaccessibility for many women. The Ministry of Health's controversial stance and the concentration of services in few cities are criticized, as they limit access to legal abortion, a right guaranteed since 1940.

Mitre Realty purchased the rights to the luxury brand Daslu for R$ 10 million at an auction in São Paulo, with plans to use the name for high-end real estate developments. The acquisition aims to strengthen the company's position in the luxury market. However, the use of the Daslu name is pending a legal decision by the TJ-SP due to a dispute over the initial auction value. The auction is part of a legal process to pay off debts from Daslu's bankruptcy. Antônio Carlos Piva de Albuquerque, associated with Daslu's past tax evasion issues, was recently arrested.

A young man was stabbed during an attempted robbery at the Trianon-Masp Metro station on São Paulo's Avenida Paulista. The victim was approached by two individuals and was injured while defending himself. He received first aid at the station and further medical treatment at UPA Vergueiro. The incident was reported to the 16th Police District and is under investigation by the 78th Police District. The Metro and the Secretariat of Public Security (SSP) have responded by increasing security measures in the area. This event is part of a series of recent crimes reported in the vicinity of Avenida Paulista.

During São Paulo's street carnival on April 23, 2022, attendees favored costumes featuring swimsuits, lingerie tops, cropped tops, and floral shirts, which are versatile for both the event and everyday wear. Accessories such as capes and tights were popular, along with tiaras, wigs, and hats from social movements and political parties. Despite the lack of logistical support from the city, the carnival went on with smaller-scale block parties. Children and babies also joined in, dressed in various costumes. Political criticism was present but less prevalent, with one attendee dressing as a Viagra package, referencing recent criticism of the Armed Forces' purchase of the medication.

UN Special Rapporteur Clément Voule, after a 12-day visit to Brazil, highlighted the challenges to the rights of peaceful assembly and association in the country, emphasizing the need to restore 650 national councils that were extinguished or weakened under President Jair Bolsonaro's administration. A study by Cebrap indicated that 75% of Brazil's key national councils and committees were dismantled, affecting areas such as the environment, human rights, and violence. Voule's full report will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2023. The article also touches on the case of Marielle Franco, using it to stress the importance of security for the 2022 elections, especially for marginalized groups.

A social media trend of students sniffing powdered liquid paper as a simulation of cocaine has emerged in Brazilian schools, causing concern among parents and educators. Videos of the act have gone viral, leading to expulsions and police involvement in schools across São Paulo, Paraná, and Santa Catarina. Health experts, including otorhinolaryngologist Eduardo Macoto, warn that inhaling the substance can damage nasal mucosa and lead to health issues such as rinitis, sinusitis, and potential intoxication. Schools have issued warnings, and educational authorities have taken steps to address the trend and educate students about the risks.