Each of the 94 state deputies in the São Paulo Legislative Assembly costs the public coffers approximately R$ 219,000 per month, totaling R$ 247 million annually. Despite the high expenses, nearly half of the legislative projects from 2015 to 2018 were of low significance, such as naming streets and commemorative dates. The PSL, led by President Jair Bolsonaro, has the largest number of deputies, with Janaina Paschoal as a prominent candidate for the Assembly's presidency. The article highlights the high costs associated with deputies' salaries, office rentals, and promotional materials, raising questions about the Assembly's effectiveness and the motivations behind seeking such positions.

The São Paulo State Assembly has approved 70% of government proposals and only 20% of proposals made by the deputies themselves over the past 12 months. The data, collected by Volt Data Lab, reflects the dominance of the Executive branch in the legislative process since the 1988 Constitution. The current governor, Márcio França, has struggled to pass legislation due to a divided base. Many deputy proposals are of low impact, such as establishing commemorative dates. Experts like Ana Paula Massonetto and Leonardo Quintiliano suggest that the limited legislative output of state deputies is a result of the federalist system and is not necessarily negative.

The article investigates the extensive involvement of military, police, and political figures in the private security sector in Rio de Janeiro. It reveals that a significant portion of security companies are owned by active and retired security agents, often operating without proper authorization, leading to conflicts of interest and potential corruption. The report highlights the growth of the private security industry alongside increasing violence, and the lack of effective oversight by authorities. Key figures such as Eduardo Cunha and Eunício Oliveira are implicated in these operations, raising concerns about the intersection of public duty and private profit.

Business lobbyists from banking, industry, and transportation sectors are the true authors behind one in three proposed amendments by lawmakers in the discussion of Brazil's Labor Reform. These amendments, which defend employer interests without worker consensus, were submitted by 20 deputies as if they were crafted by their offices. Over half of these proposals were incorporated into the substitute text supported by the Palácio do Planalto and are set to be voted on by the Chamber of Deputies. The general tone of the reform is that agreements between employers and employees will prevail over the law, with the original government text being significantly altered to include these lobbyist-drafted amendments. The article also discusses the informal lobbying practices in Brazil, the potential conflicts of interest among lawmakers, and the broader implications for transparency and the legislative process.

The article discusses the release of the latest edition of the Verification Handbook, a resource aimed at equipping journalists with the necessary skills to tackle modern challenges such as social media account verification, bot detection, analysis of private messaging apps, and identification of information operations and deep fakes. It emphasizes the chaotic nature of today's information environment and the ease with which it can be manipulated. The handbook is an update to previous editions and is published by the European Journalism Centre with support from Craig Newmark Philanthropies.

In winter, certain sectors such as aesthetic clinics, fashion consulting, and laundries experience increased demand due to seasonal needs. Aesthetic treatments that require less sun exposure see a rise in clientele, while fashion consultants help clients adapt to colder weather. Laundries benefit from the need to clean heavier clothing and bedding. Businesses are advised to adapt their services and marketing strategies to capitalize on these seasonal trends, ensuring they remain relevant and appealing to customers during colder months.

Cost control is crucial for any business, but it is especially important for companies operating in seasonal markets. Renan Damasceno from 4blue emphasizes the need to maintain low costs throughout the year to ensure the company's health. He suggests detailed management of working capital and reserving part of the revenue to cover potential downturns. Adriano Augusto Campos from Sebrae-SP advises that changing products or services between seasons can be beneficial if done with proper planning and without altering the company's core essence. Key strategies include controlling operational costs, reserving revenue, avoiding extra withdrawals, and considering weather forecasts before making investments.

In an era where everything can be done with a touch on the phone, calling to book a beauty salon appointment or not knowing where the nearest manicurist is seems outdated. Marcel Gewerc created Trinks, a platform for online booking of services at around 7,000 registered salons, which also offers marketing services and website creation for business owners. Easylook, another app, focuses on booking and evaluating beauty treatments, aiming to overcome user resistance in a sector heavily reliant on recommendations. Both apps are free for consumers, with Trinks generating revenue from subscriptions paid by salon owners and Easylook planning to introduce paid additional services.

The convenience of ready-made meals appeals to children, attracting small entrepreneurs to the market of healthy and organic snacks and lunches for kids. Mariangela Tranchesi opened Small Bites in São Paulo, offering dishes with organic ingredients online. Amanda Caroline de Souza founded Merenda Natural in Belo Horizonte, providing healthy snacks and processed fruits. Papinhas Alimentação Infantil caters to São Paulo schools, selling around 11,000 meals monthly. These businesses emphasize the importance of healthy eating habits for children and take additional precautions, such as ensuring suppliers comply with Anvisa regulations and the National Register of Organic Producers.

The National Center for Research in Energy and Materials is partnering with small and medium-sized businesses for the Sirius project, a 1.3 billion Brazilian real particle accelerator in Campinas, São Paulo. Companies like Equatorial Sistemas, Brasil Ozônio, and Femto Ciências Aplicadas are developing 'off-the-shelf' technologies with support from research centers and funding from Fapesp and Finep. These partnerships provide access to high-tech labs, qualified personnel, and financial support, fostering innovation and reducing risks. The collaborations are seen as beneficial for societal advancement and the development of domestic technology. New funding opportunities are being made available, and the new Legal Framework for Science may further improve these relationships.