Portugal

Local businessman reportedly diverted tens of millions of euros from ‘golden visa' investors, selling apartments that didn't exist and promising sky-high return; among those defrauded is a company owned by Howard Lutnik, US secretary of state for commerce

Claims that ‘Casa da Moeda’, the Portuguese mint, is to start manufacturing two million coins for Israel has sparked a wave of protest; NGOs and political parties blame Portugal of complicity with Israel and people demonstrated outside the mint in Lisbon

The construction of a 120 million Euros desalination plant in Sines, on one of the country’s busiest shipping routes and a major European container port, has been announced; it will start in 2027 and is expected to be completed by 2031

As part of the AI Nation Portugal program business associations Enterprise Confederation of Portugal will launch Artificial Intelligence training for 50.000 for 500.000 executives, employees, students in partnership with universities and research centers

Another sailing boat was sunk yesterday, around 90 kms southwest of Peniche, as a result of an ‘orca attack’, the latest occurrence in a series of episodes across summer months; all crew was saved from their life raft following their Mayday message

Acoustic tests on the public warning towers will be conducted today by Loulé City Council; following the installation of the warning system for tsunami and other collective risks, such as heat waves or rough seas

The derailment of Gloria funicular, one of Lisbon landmarks, at evening's rush hour, resulted in at least 15 casualties and a number of injured, including locals and foreigners; the city's other funicular railways have been shut for inspections

Eduardo Serra, the most international of Portuguese cinematographers, reportedly died at 81 on 19 August; as a director of photography he collected two Oscar nominations, collaborated with Leconte, Chabrol and worked on the final two Harry Potter films

A firefighter in Ourém was arrested for fires he is believed to have started with devices set with timers between June and July this year out of the money he would received to combat them; the episode exposes a suspected plague affecting other countries

Octopus fishing vessels must remain in port during fishing seasons, starting from the northern border on July 17 down to 14 October; vessels licensed for shelter traps, cage traps, spearfishing that intend to suspend activities must notify the DGRM

The Algarve, Faro district, will begin public discussion to ban caravans and motor homes spending the night in urban areas, as is already the case in natural parks, except for designated places, with locals lamenting traffic and hygiene problems

A reusable cup iniziative will be inaugurated in Lisbon starting today; in historic kiosks consumers will receive their drinks in reusable cups, upon payment of a 0,60 cents deposit refunded upon return by tapping card or smartphone at collection point