<p>Just days after facing a deadly cyclone that killed at least 41 people in the southern region, Brazil is bracing for another storm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to officials, the extratropical cyclone that descended upon the state of Rio Grande do Sul, left behind a trail of destruction, with 25 people still unaccounted for.</p>

<p>What’s concerning is that the new storm is also expected to hit the country’s south only, which could very well exacerbate the crisis and drive the death toll higher.</p>

<p>Late Thursday, “a cold front will advance along the border with Uruguay and will reinforce instabilities in the southern regions of the state, expanding to northern areas between Thursday night and early Friday,” according to a warning from the state government, citing a meteorologist.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened last week?</strong></h2>

<p>A massive cyclone resulted in the unprecedented swelling of the Taquari river, which submerged whole neighbourhoods in Rio Grande do Sol, forcing many people to climb onto roofs while awaiting rescue.</p>

<p>According to local media, more than 10,000 people were forced to leave their homes from at least 83 municipalities.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;G20 Summit 2023: Summit concludes in New Delhi, Brazil handed over presidency</strong></p>

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<p>“Almost a thousand rescuers and a dozen helicopters were involved in rescue efforts that continued Thursday, complicated by the destruction of two bridges and 16 roads fully or partially blocked”, officials said.</p>

<h2><strong>What’s making cyclones in Brazil deadlier?</strong></h2>

<p>According to researchers, it’s a deadly combination of climate change and unplanned urbanisation that is making cyclones deadlier in Brazil.</p>

<p>Francis Lacerda, a researcher at the Pernambuco State Agronomy Institute’s Climate Change Laboratory, says that even though the country is not used to frequent cyclones, it is becoming “more and more frequent” for them to make landfall in the country.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-says-india-has-unwavering-faith-in-brazil-for-next-g20-presidency-holds-talks-with-president-lula-634642"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;PM Modi says India has `unwavering faith` in Brazil for next G20 presidency, holds talks with President Lula</strong></a></p>

<p>He added that irregular housing on hillsides and unchecked urbanisation were worsening the weather crisis in Brazil.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>Previous weather crises in Brazil</strong></p>

<p>Earlier in June, a similar cyclone left at least 13 dead in Rio Grande do Sul and forced thousands of people from their homes.</p>

<p>In February, massive landslides and record flooding in the southeastern resort town of Sao Sebastiao, on the coast of Sao Paulo state ended up killing 65 people.</p>

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Just days after facing a deadly cyclone that killed at least 41 people in the southern region, Brazil is bracing for another storm. According to officials, the extratropical cyclone that descended upon the state of Rio Grande do Sul, left behind a trail of destruction, with 25 people still unaccounted for.

Just days after facing a deadly cyclone that killed at least 41 people in the southern region, Brazil is bracing for another storm. According to officials, the extratropical cyclone that descended upon the state of Rio Grande do Sul, left behind a trail of destruction, with 25 people still unaccounted for. What’s concerning is that the new storm is also expected to hit the country’s south only, which could very well exacerbate the crisis and drive the death toll higher. Late Thursday, “a cold front will advance along the border with Uruguay and will reinforce instabilities in the southern regions of the state, expanding to northern areas between Thursday night and early Friday,” according to a warning from the state government, citing a meteorologist. What happened last week? A massive cyclone resulted in the unprecedented swelling of the Taquari river, which submerged whole neighbourhoods in Rio Grande do Sol, forcing many people to climb onto roofs while awaiting rescue. According to local media, more than 10,000 people were forced to leave their homes from at least 83 municipalities. Watch: G20 Summit 2023: Summit concludes in New Delhi, Brazil handed over presidency × “Almost a thousand rescuers and a dozen helicopters were involved in rescue efforts that continued Thursday, complicated by the destruction of two bridges and 16 roads fully or partially blocked”, officials said. What’s making cyclones in Brazil deadlier? According to researchers, it’s a deadly combination of climate change and unplanned urbanisation that is making cyclones deadlier in Brazil. Francis Lacerda, a researcher at the Pernambuco State Agronomy Institute’s Climate Change Laboratory, says that even though the country is not used to frequent cyclones, it is becoming “more and more frequent” for them to make landfall in the country. Also read: PM Modi says India has `unwavering faith` in Brazil for next G20 presidency, holds talks with President Lula He added that irregular housing on hillsides and unchecked urbanisation were worsening the weather crisis in Brazil. Previous weather crises in Brazil Earlier in June, a similar cyclone left at least 13 dead in Rio Grande do Sul and forced thousands of people from their homes. In February, massive landslides and record flooding in the southeastern resort town of Sao Sebastiao, on the coast of Sao Paulo state ended up killing 65 people. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Brazil’s south braces for another storm after facing deadly cyclone last week

<p>A blackout hit large parts of Brazil Tuesday (Aug 15) which left people without power in at least 19 states of the country, reported local media. The outage was first reported at 8:31 AM local time, causing a blackout in the north and northeast regions.</p>

<p>The massive outage disrupted public transportation and health services in some areas. Passengers had to be evacuated from subway lines in major cities, including Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte and Salvador. Traffic on the roads was also disrupted as traffic lights stopped working in major cities.</p>

<h2><strong>What was the cause of the blackout?</strong></h2>

<p>Brazil’s National System Operator (ONS) is yet to disclose the cause of the problem. However, G1 news website quoted an official as saying that the cause of the blackout must be “operational” as no drought alert could impact energy production and distribution.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Brazil's economic revival plan | World Business Watch</strong></p>

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<p>“The causes of the occurrence are still being investigated. The recomposition has already started in all regions and by 9:16 AM, 6 thousand MW have already been recomposed”, informed the ONS early this morning.</p>

<h2><strong>Energy minister returns from Paraguay</strong></h2>

<p>Brazil’s Mines and Energy Minister Alexandre Silveira returned to the country promptly after he was informed about the outage. He was accompanying President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on a trip to Paraguay for the inauguration of Santiago Pena.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the National Electric Energy Agency director Sandoval Feitosa said that the blackout was a “major event”.</p>

<h2><strong>Roraima: The only state that escaped the blackout</strong></h2>

<p>Roraima managed to avoid the power outage as it relies on local diesel-powered thermoelectric plants for its electricity, unlike the other areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-police-raid-bolsonaro-aides-over-jewels-probe-624805"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Brazil: Police raid Bolsonaro aides over jewels probe</strong></a></p>

<p>Prior to 2019, a significant portion of its power came from Venezuela, but this arrangement was disrupted due to system issues and was not reinstated due to strained relations between Nicolás Maduro's government and former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Lula administration has expressed its intention to engage in negotiations with the neighbouring country regarding this matter.</p>

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A blackout hit large parts of Brazil Tuesday (Aug 15) which left people without power in at least 19 states of the country, reported local media. The outage was first reported at 8:31 AM local time, causing a blackout in the north and northeast regions.

A blackout hit large parts of Brazil Tuesday (Aug 15) which left people without power in at least 19 states of the country, reported local media. The outage was first reported at 8:31 AM local time, causing a blackout in the north and northeast regions. The massive outage disrupted public transportation and health services in some areas. Passengers had to be evacuated from subway lines in major cities, including Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte and Salvador. Traffic on the roads was also disrupted as traffic lights stopped working in major cities. What was the cause of the blackout? Brazil’s National System Operator (ONS) is yet to disclose the cause of the problem. However, G1 news website quoted an official as saying that the cause of the blackout must be “operational” as no drought alert could impact energy production and distribution. Watch: Brazil's economic revival plan | World Business Watch × “The causes of the occurrence are still being investigated. The recomposition has already started in all regions and by 9:16 AM, 6 thousand MW have already been recomposed”, informed the ONS early this morning. Energy minister returns from Paraguay Brazil’s Mines and Energy Minister Alexandre Silveira returned to the country promptly after he was informed about the outage. He was accompanying President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on a trip to Paraguay for the inauguration of Santiago Pena. Meanwhile, the National Electric Energy Agency director Sandoval Feitosa said that the blackout was a “major event”. Roraima: The only state that escaped the blackout Roraima managed to avoid the power outage as it relies on local diesel-powered thermoelectric plants for its electricity, unlike the other areas. Also read: Brazil: Police raid Bolsonaro aides over jewels probe Prior to 2019, a significant portion of its power came from Venezuela, but this arrangement was disrupted due to system issues and was not reinstated due to strained relations between Nicolás Maduro's government and former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro. The Lula administration has expressed its intention to engage in negotiations with the neighbouring country regarding this matter. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Mysterious blackout in Brazil leaves people without power in 19 states

<p>A police operation targeting criminal gangs in slums areas in Rio de Janeiro killed at least nine people on Wednesday (August 2), authorities said. This is the latest in a series of deadly security force raids across Brazil in which at least 45&nbsp;have been killed, including 14 in Sao Paulo state and 19 in the northeastern state of Bahia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Rio state police, officers had returned fire after coming under attack during a raid on a meeting by organised crime leaders. The meeting was apparently in the Complexo da Penha group of favelas, which is on the city's north side.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police said in a statement that during the operation, one officer was wounded but is stable in hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They said in a statement: "A clash occurred when police teams came under attack by gunmen at the scene. Eleven suspects were wounded" and taken to the hospital. Nine of them died of their injuries."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police said that Fiel and Du Leme are among those who were killed. They were the leaders of the impoverished Juramento and Chatuba neighbourhoods, known locally as 'favelas'.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-2018-pittsburgh-synagogue-shooter-gets-death-sentence-621785">2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooter gets death sentence for killing 11 worshippers</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;The authorities said that seven rifles, ammunition and grenades have been seized from the suspects' possession.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dani Monteiro, who is a Rio state legislator, said that the operation came just over a year after a May 2022 raid in a nearby favela that left 23 dead, which is dubbed as the second-deadliest police operation in the city's history.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She criticised Rio state Governor Claudio Castro, a security hardliner and ally of far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro and called that raid a "massacre".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Castro's (in)security policy must stop!" Monteiro, a lawmaker for the left-wing PSOL party, wrote on X.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="pt">Há cerca de 1 ano ocorreu a 2ª maior chacina da história do RJ no Complexo da Penha, na Vila Cruzeiro, que deixou 23 mortos.<br />
<br />
Hoje, este mesmo território amanheceu com nova operação, que já deixa 10 mortos.<br />
<br />
A política de (in)segurança do governador Cláudio Castro precisa parar!</p>
— Dani Monteiro (@danimontpsol) <a href="https://twitter.com/danimontpsol/status/1686760175812665344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-arrests-muslim-preacher-on-charges-including-blasphemy-and-hate-speech-621782">Indonesia arrests Muslim preacher on charges including blasphemy and hate speech</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Police launched a massive anti-gang operation after a 30-year-old special forces officer was shot dead Thursday last week in Sao Paulo. The officer was on patrol in the port city of Guaruja.</p>

<p>Sao Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas, another Bolsonaro ally, said that the police have killed 14 alleged criminals so far during the operation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the northeastern state of Bahia, officials meanwhile said 19 suspects in three different cities had been killed since Friday in clashes with police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The authorities have claimed that police had returned fire after coming under attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A police operation targeting criminal gangs in slums areas in Rio de Janeiro killed at least nine people on Wednesday (August 2), authorities said. This is the latest in a series of deadly security force raids across Brazil in which at least 45 have been killed, including 14 in Sao Paulo state and 19 in the northeastern state of Bahia.

A police operation targeting criminal gangs in slums areas in Rio de Janeiro killed at least nine people on Wednesday (August 2), authorities said. This is the latest in a series of deadly security force raids across Brazil in which at least 45 have been killed, including 14 in Sao Paulo state and 19 in the northeastern state of Bahia. According to Rio state police, officers had returned fire after coming under attack during a raid on a meeting by organised crime leaders. The meeting was apparently in the Complexo da Penha group of favelas, which is on the city's north side. The police said in a statement that during the operation, one officer was wounded but is stable in hospital. They said in a statement: "A clash occurred when police teams came under attack by gunmen at the scene. Eleven suspects were wounded" and taken to the hospital. Nine of them died of their injuries." Police said that Fiel and Du Leme are among those who were killed. They were the leaders of the impoverished Juramento and Chatuba neighbourhoods, known locally as 'favelas'. Also read: 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooter gets death sentence for killing 11 worshippers The authorities said that seven rifles, ammunition and grenades have been seized from the suspects' possession. Dani Monteiro, who is a Rio state legislator, said that the operation came just over a year after a May 2022 raid in a nearby favela that left 23 dead, which is dubbed as the second-deadliest police operation in the city's history. She criticised Rio state Governor Claudio Castro, a security hardliner and ally of far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro and called that raid a "massacre". "Castro's (in)security policy must stop!" Monteiro, a lawmaker for the left-wing PSOL party, wrote on X. Há cerca de 1 ano ocorreu a 2ª maior chacina da história do RJ no Complexo da Penha, na Vila Cruzeiro, que deixou 23 mortos. Hoje, este mesmo território amanheceu com nova operação, que já deixa 10 mortos. A política de (in)segurança do governador Cláudio Castro precisa parar! — Dani Monteiro (@danimontpsol) August 2, 2023 × Also read: Indonesia arrests Muslim preacher on charges including blasphemy and hate speech Police launched a massive anti-gang operation after a 30-year-old special forces officer was shot dead Thursday last week in Sao Paulo. The officer was on patrol in the port city of Guaruja. Sao Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas, another Bolsonaro ally, said that the police have killed 14 alleged criminals so far during the operation. In the northeastern state of Bahia, officials meanwhile said 19 suspects in three different cities had been killed since Friday in clashes with police. The authorities have claimed that police had returned fire after coming under attack. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Brazil's Operation Shield: At least nine killed in new clash between police and gangs

<p>At least eight people were killed and a dozen others injured following a silo blast at an agricultural co-operative in southern Brazil. At least one person is missing, the administration of Parana state said in a statement on Thursday (July 27).</p>

<p>The blast in the grain silo occurred at C.Vale co-operative in the small town of Palotina, about 600 kilometres (373 miles) away from the state's capital Curitiba.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Brazilian space officer Rodrigo Leonardi speaks to WION</strong></p>

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<p>“There was an explosion in one of the silos that triggered a second and a third,” Parana fire brigade spokesman Tiago Zajac was quoted as saying by AFP.</p>

<h2><strong>What caused the explosion?</strong></h2>

<p>A statement released by C.Vale didn’t mention the cause of the accident but said an investigation was going on to determine what caused the blast.</p>

<p>Rescue workers were still searching for the missing person. A spokesperson for the company said seven of those who died were foreign workers and one was Brazilian.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-battered-by-tropical-cyclone-13-dead-thousands-displaced-605894"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Brazil battered by tropical cyclone, 13 dead, thousands displaced</strong></a></p>

<p>The company said the silo which blew up stored about 12,000 metric tonnes of soybeans and 40,000 metric tonnes of corn.</p>

<p>Jose Ricken, president of Parana's farm cooperative group OCEPAR, affirmed that this was an isolated accident and no such incident was reported from the area for a “very long time.”</p>

<p>C.Vale confirmed a similar explosion took place in the area back in 1993.</p>

<h2><strong>Why do grain silos stand the risk of explosion?</strong></h2>

<p>The incident has again highlighted the potential dangers posed by highly combustible grain dust particles, which can lead to fires or explosions in enclosed spaces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Grain dust particles, originating from various grains such as wheat, oats, barley, and others, have the potential to form layers or become airborne within confined spaces like storage facilities. Among these particles, corn starch stands out as particularly hazardous and volatile.</p>

<p>Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on X, formerly Twitter, that they were deeply saddened. They conveyed their condolences and concerns regarding the incident in the message.</p>

<p>Acting Parana Governor Darci Piana promptly travelled to Palotina, a city of approximately 35,000 people, along with state secretaries. Their primary objective is to oversee the ongoing rescue operations and extend support to the affected families.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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At least eight people were killed and a dozen others injured following a silo blast at an agricultural co-operative in southern Brazil. At least one person is missing, the administration of Parana state said in a statement on Thursday (July 27).

At least eight people were killed and a dozen others injured following a silo blast at an agricultural co-operative in southern Brazil. At least one person is missing, the administration of Parana state said in a statement on Thursday (July 27). The blast in the grain silo occurred at C.Vale co-operative in the small town of Palotina, about 600 kilometres (373 miles) away from the state's capital Curitiba. Watch: Brazilian space officer Rodrigo Leonardi speaks to WION × “There was an explosion in one of the silos that triggered a second and a third,” Parana fire brigade spokesman Tiago Zajac was quoted as saying by AFP. What caused the explosion? A statement released by C.Vale didn’t mention the cause of the accident but said an investigation was going on to determine what caused the blast. Rescue workers were still searching for the missing person. A spokesperson for the company said seven of those who died were foreign workers and one was Brazilian. Also read: Brazil battered by tropical cyclone, 13 dead, thousands displaced The company said the silo which blew up stored about 12,000 metric tonnes of soybeans and 40,000 metric tonnes of corn. Jose Ricken, president of Parana's farm cooperative group OCEPAR, affirmed that this was an isolated accident and no such incident was reported from the area for a “very long time.” C.Vale confirmed a similar explosion took place in the area back in 1993. Why do grain silos stand the risk of explosion? The incident has again highlighted the potential dangers posed by highly combustible grain dust particles, which can lead to fires or explosions in enclosed spaces. Grain dust particles, originating from various grains such as wheat, oats, barley, and others, have the potential to form layers or become airborne within confined spaces like storage facilities. Among these particles, corn starch stands out as particularly hazardous and volatile. Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on X, formerly Twitter, that they were deeply saddened. They conveyed their condolences and concerns regarding the incident in the message. Acting Parana Governor Darci Piana promptly travelled to Palotina, a city of approximately 35,000 people, along with state secretaries. Their primary objective is to oversee the ongoing rescue operations and extend support to the affected families. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Grain silo blast kills at least eight in Brazil, dozens left injured

Local authorities in the city of Cambe have reported that a 16-year-old girl was killed and another teen was injured in a school shooting in the southern Brazilian state of Parana. According to a representative for the school, Thiago Mossini, the gunman, a former student who is thought to be 20 or 21 years old, entered Professora Helena Kolody on Monday with the intention of retrieving certain documents.

At least one dead, one critically injured after school shooting in southern Brazil

The geology of brazil's volcanic trindade island has fascinated scientists for years. But the discovery of rocks made from plastic debris in this remote turtle refuge is sparking alarm as researchers say it's evidence that humans are influencing earth's geological cycle.

Brazilian researchers find 'terrifying' plastic rocks

<p>An operation by Brazilian authorities succeeded in destroying an illegal mining area in Yanomami indigenous territory on Saturday (February 11).&nbsp;Images captured by Reuters showed helicopters intercepting a raft of illegal miners and revealing the area where they were working.&nbsp;The area had been discovered the day before (February 10) during a flyover by agents of the operation coordinated by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples, the Ministry of the Environment, the government's indigenous affairs agency (FUNAI), the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA), the National Force and the Federal Police.</p>

<p>The Brazilian government is fighting wildcat mining on Yanomami land in the&nbsp;Amazon, its largest indigenous reservation, amid a humanitarian crisis blamed on illegal gold miners.</p>

<p>More than 20,000 miners invaded the reservation, bringing disease, sexual abuse, and armed violence that has terrified the Yanomamis, estimated to be about 28,000 in number, and led to severe malnutrition and deaths.</p>

<p>The Yanomami have long lived in isolation on a vast reservation the size of Portugal on the border with Venezuela. Their mineral-rich lands have attracted wildcat miners for decades, especially after a military government built a road through the&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;rainforest in the 1970s.</p>

<p>Ex-president Jair Bolsonaro advocated mining on protected indigenous lands, and his government turned a blind eye to a renewed surge in invasions of reservations by wildcat miners and illegal loggers.</p>

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An operation by Brazilian authorities succeeded in destroying an illegal mining area in Yanomami indigenous territory on Saturday (February 11). Images captured by Reuters showed helicopters intercepting a raft of illegal miners and revealing the area where they were working.

An operation by Brazilian authorities succeeded in destroying an illegal mining area in Yanomami indigenous territory on Saturday (February 11). Images captured by Reuters showed helicopters intercepting a raft of illegal miners and revealing the area where they were working. The area had been discovered the day before (February 10) during a flyover by agents of the operation coordinated by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples, the Ministry of the Environment, the government's indigenous affairs agency (FUNAI), the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA), the National Force and the Federal Police. The Brazilian government is fighting wildcat mining on Yanomami land in the Amazon, its largest indigenous reservation, amid a humanitarian crisis blamed on illegal gold miners. More than 20,000 miners invaded the reservation, bringing disease, sexual abuse, and armed violence that has terrified the Yanomamis, estimated to be about 28,000 in number, and led to severe malnutrition and deaths. The Yanomami have long lived in isolation on a vast reservation the size of Portugal on the border with Venezuela. Their mineral-rich lands have attracted wildcat miners for decades, especially after a military government built a road through the Amazon rainforest in the 1970s. Ex-president Jair Bolsonaro advocated mining on protected indigenous lands, and his government turned a blind eye to a renewed surge in invasions of reservations by wildcat miners and illegal loggers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Brazilian authorities drive away illegal miners from Yanomami land in the Amazon

Brazil's President "Lula" da Silva has publicly accused the country's security forces of negligence and collusion with far-right protesters.

Brazil Riots: President Lula da Silva accuses security forces of complicity

The parts of Brazil are underwater after weeks of heavy rainfall and complicating matters further two dams have developed some cracks and resulted in swamping in the already inundated areas in several parts of Brazil.

Several parts of Brazil are under water after weeks of heavy rainfall

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has was stopped from attending a football match between Santos and Grêmio yesterday because he is not vaccinated against COVID-19.

Unvaccinated Brazil president Bolsonaro denied entry into the stadium

Brazil has become the second country to pass 400,000 Covid deaths after the United States, as experts warned the daily toll could remain high for several mont

Brazil reaches grim milestone of 400,000 Covid deaths

Growth in Latin America's biggest economy looks on track for completing a V-shaped pickup in the second quarter

Brazil's economy at crunch time for recovery

According to the Brazilian ICU Project, the number of people aged 39 or below rose drastically to more than 11,000, which is 52.2 per cent of the total in the month of March

COVID-19: Brazil now has more young than old patients in ICUs

A girl born without arms is now a ballerina in Brazil. Her indomitable spirit has resonated with many and turned her social media star.

Ballerina Vitoria Bueno without arms becomes a role model for many

The Military Police of Santa Catarina — a state office with various brigades — were brought in and were looking for fortifications to face the gathering, as indicated by neighborhood reports.

Another Bank robbery like Money Heist executed by thieves in Brazil

<p>State prosecutors in Rio de Janeiro said late on Tuesday they have formally pressed charges against Flavio&nbsp;Bolsonaro, President Jair&nbsp;Bolsonaro's eldest son, over his alleged participation in a scheme to siphon off public funds.</p>

<p>The charges are the first to be brought in a series of investigations involving the president's family and could prove damaging for the far-right leader, who ran on an anti-corruption platform.</p>

<p>Rio state prosecutors accuse Flavio Bolsonaro, 39, of embezzlement, money laundering and operating a criminal enterprise from 2007 to 2018.</p>

<p>His former driver and fixer, Fabricio Queiroz, is also accused in the alleged scheme.</p>

<p>Queiroz, a former police officer, was arrested in June, leading to speculation he could cut a plea deal with prosecutors in exchange for information on his former boss' role.</p>

<p>Fifteen other people are also accused.</p>

<p>"I did nothing illegal. The Rio state prosecutor's office made a series of strange mistakes in its 'accusation,' which just happens to come on the eve of local elections" on November 15, Flavio Bolsonaro wrote on Instagram.</p>

<p>"I don't even think (the court) will accept the charges."</p>

<p>The case began in 2018, when auditors identified a series of unusual transfers to an account held by Queiroz for a total of 1.2 million reais (around $375,000 at the time).</p>

<p>Investigators say they detected a scheme commonly known in Brazil as "rachadinha," in which politicians pack their public payrolls with fake staff and pocket or otherwise divert part of the money.</p>

<p>Prosecutors accuse Flavio Bolsonaro, who was elected to the Senate in the same election that swept his father to power in 2018,&nbsp;of embezzling 2.7 million reais in all.</p>

<p>He denies the accusations and says he is the victim of "political persecution."</p>

<p>The case drew intense scrutiny when reports emerged in August that First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro had received 21 unexplained bank deposits from Queiroz from 2011 to 2016.</p>

<p>Asked about those allegations by a journalist, the president replied, "I so want to pound your mouth with punches."</p>


State prosecutors in Rio de Janeiro said late on Tuesday they have formally pressed charges against Flavio Bolsonaro, President Jair Bolsonaro's eldest son, over his alleged participation in a scheme to siphon off public funds.

State prosecutors in Rio de Janeiro said late on Tuesday they have formally pressed charges against Flavio Bolsonaro, President Jair Bolsonaro's eldest son, over his alleged participation in a scheme to siphon off public funds. The charges are the first to be brought in a series of investigations involving the president's family and could prove damaging for the far-right leader, who ran on an anti-corruption platform. Rio state prosecutors accuse Flavio Bolsonaro, 39, of embezzlement, money laundering and operating a criminal enterprise from 2007 to 2018. His former driver and fixer, Fabricio Queiroz, is also accused in the alleged scheme. Queiroz, a former police officer, was arrested in June, leading to speculation he could cut a plea deal with prosecutors in exchange for information on his former boss' role. Fifteen other people are also accused. "I did nothing illegal. The Rio state prosecutor's office made a series of strange mistakes in its 'accusation,' which just happens to come on the eve of local elections" on November 15, Flavio Bolsonaro wrote on Instagram. "I don't even think (the court) will accept the charges." The case began in 2018, when auditors identified a series of unusual transfers to an account held by Queiroz for a total of 1.2 million reais (around $375,000 at the time). Investigators say they detected a scheme commonly known in Brazil as "rachadinha," in which politicians pack their public payrolls with fake staff and pocket or otherwise divert part of the money. Prosecutors accuse Flavio Bolsonaro, who was elected to the Senate in the same election that swept his father to power in 2018, of embezzling 2.7 million reais in all. He denies the accusations and says he is the victim of "political persecution." The case drew intense scrutiny when reports emerged in August that First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro had received 21 unexplained bank deposits from Queiroz from 2011 to 2016. Asked about those allegations by a journalist, the president replied, "I so want to pound your mouth with punches."

Brazilian President Bolsonaro's son charged over corruption scheme

Coronavirus cases in Brazil cross the 5 million mark with the country being the third most affected nation. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: Brazilian economy reeling under the pandemic, unemployment  at high

Brazil records nearly 150,000 deaths: Brazilians flocks crowded beach, bars

<p>Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's government on Monday revoked regulations protecting mangroves and other fragile coastal ecosystems, despite them being&nbsp;on the front line of climate change.</p>

<p>The decision eliminated so-called "permanent protection zones" created in 2002 to preserve Brazil's many tropical mangroves and the sand-dune scrublands known as "restinga" along its Atlantic coast.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-fires-burn-bolsonaro-says-brazil-should-be-congratulated-for-its-environment-work-328408">As fires burn, Bolsonaro says Brazil should be congratulated for its 'environment work'</a></strong></p>

<p>Environmentalists condemned the measure&nbsp;as a "crime" that would lead to their destruction and&nbsp;warned that rolling back the regulations would open such lands up to development, with possibly catastrophic impact on their ecosystems.</p>

<p>"These areas are already under intense pressure from real-estate development," said Mario Mantovani, head of environmental group SOS Mata Atlantica.</p>

<p><strong>Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-and-his-non-normal-antics-314020">Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics</a></strong></p>

<p>Mangroves cover 13,989 square kilometers along Brazil’s coast, an area larger than the US&nbsp;state of Maryland, and are a vital protection against climate change, according to biologist Renato de Almeida with the nearby Federal University of Reconcavo da Bahia.</p>

<p>It is the latest in a series of environmental controversies for the far-right president, who has presided over a surge in deforestation and fires in the Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands since taking office in January 2019.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilian-mayor-asks-bolsonaro-to-resign-shut-up-and-stay-at-home-as-death-toll-mounts-300982">Brazilian mayor asks Bolsonaro to 'resign, shut up, and stay at home' as death toll mounts</a></strong></p>

<p>The decision was made at a meeting of the National Environmental Council (Conama), which is presided over by controversial Environment Minister Ricardo Salles.</p>

<p>The council brings together government officials, environmental groups and business associations, but the administration has dramatically changed its composition.</p>

<p>Last year, the government issued a decree reducing the number of council members from 96 to 23, giving its own members more weight.</p>

<p>In other decisions, the council also repealed a measure requiring environmental permits for irrigation projects and authorized cement companies to burn empty pesticide containers to recycle them in concrete, a practice environmentalists say is highly polluting.</p>

<p>"Even as we witness record environmental devastation and Brazil is in flames, Salles dedicates his time to promoting even more destruction," environmental group Greenpeace said in a statement on the measures.</p>

<p>Salles has a knack for stirring up controversy.</p>

<p>In April, a video recording was made public of a Bolsonaro cabinet meeting at which the environment minister said the coronavirus pandemic was an opportunity to roll back regulations "now that the media's only talking about Covid."</p>


Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's government on Monday revoked regulations protecting mangroves and other fragile coastal ecosystems, despite them being on the front line of climate change.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's government on Monday revoked regulations protecting mangroves and other fragile coastal ecosystems, despite them being on the front line of climate change. The decision eliminated so-called "permanent protection zones" created in 2002 to preserve Brazil's many tropical mangroves and the sand-dune scrublands known as "restinga" along its Atlantic coast. Also read: As fires burn, Bolsonaro says Brazil should be congratulated for its 'environment work' Environmentalists condemned the measure as a "crime" that would lead to their destruction and warned that rolling back the regulations would open such lands up to development, with possibly catastrophic impact on their ecosystems. "These areas are already under intense pressure from real-estate development," said Mario Mantovani, head of environmental group SOS Mata Atlantica. Also see: Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics Mangroves cover 13,989 square kilometers along Brazil’s coast, an area larger than the US state of Maryland, and are a vital protection against climate change, according to biologist Renato de Almeida with the nearby Federal University of Reconcavo da Bahia. It is the latest in a series of environmental controversies for the far-right president, who has presided over a surge in deforestation and fires in the Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands since taking office in January 2019. Also read: Brazilian mayor asks Bolsonaro to 'resign, shut up, and stay at home' as death toll mounts The decision was made at a meeting of the National Environmental Council (Conama), which is presided over by controversial Environment Minister Ricardo Salles. The council brings together government officials, environmental groups and business associations, but the administration has dramatically changed its composition. Last year, the government issued a decree reducing the number of council members from 96 to 23, giving its own members more weight. In other decisions, the council also repealed a measure requiring environmental permits for irrigation projects and authorized cement companies to burn empty pesticide containers to recycle them in concrete, a practice environmentalists say is highly polluting. "Even as we witness record environmental devastation and Brazil is in flames, Salles dedicates his time to promoting even more destruction," environmental group Greenpeace said in a statement on the measures. Salles has a knack for stirring up controversy. In April, a video recording was made public of a Bolsonaro cabinet meeting at which the environment minister said the coronavirus pandemic was an opportunity to roll back regulations "now that the media's only talking about Covid."

Brazil: Bolsonaro's government triggers alarm after revoking mangrove protections

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is under renewed criticism over widespread wildfires in the country's Amazon rainforest.

Jair Bolsonaro calls reports of Amazon's fires a 'Lie'

Your Story: Animals forced to flee amid raging fires in Amazon

<p>Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro continued his attack on journalists during a public event on Monday, describing reporters as "wimps" and saying they have a heightened chance of dying of COVID-19 because they are not athletic.</p>

<p>The right-wing leader has long had a fractious relationship with the media, frequently singling out specific newspapers and journalists for his ire. His followers have also attacked journalists at rallies and other public events.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-president-bolsonaro-threatens-to-punch-reporter-in-the-mouth-322626">Brazil President Bolsonaro threatens to punch reporter in the mouth</a></strong></p>

<p>On Sunday, Bolsonaro told a reporter, "I want to punch you in the face," after the reporter asked about thousands of dollars that were transferred into a bank account of the president's wife by a former aide who is now the target of a corruption probe.</p>

<p>During the Monday event, titled "Defeating COVID-19," Bolsonaro described his own experience battling the virus in July, crediting his use of unproven drug hydroxychloroquine and his self-described history as an athlete for his mild symptoms. He has previously said he believed his athletic past made him immune to the worst of the coronavirus.</p>

<p><strong>Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-and-his-non-normal-antics-314020">Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics</a></strong></p>

<p>"That history of an athlete, the press feasted on it, but when (COVID-19) gets one of you wimps, your chance of surviving is quite a bit lower," Bolsonaro told reporters on Monday, using the Portuguese colloquial word 'bundao'.</p>

<p>"You only know how to do evil, to use a pen largely for evil. Your chance of surviving is quite a bit lower."</p>

<p>Earlier this month, local media reported that the aide, Fabricio Queiroz, deposited $12,900&nbsp;in checks into Michelle Bolsonaro's account between 2011 and 2018.</p>

<p>Queiroz was an aide to now Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the president's eldest son, when he was a Rio de Janeiro state legislator. The former aide has been arrested in an investigation into bank deposits made at the time, amounting to $2,13,835.</p>


Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro continued his attack on journalists during a public event on Monday, describing reporters as "wimps" and saying they have a heightened chance of dying of COVID-19 because they are not athletic.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro continued his attack on journalists during a public event on Monday, describing reporters as "wimps" and saying they have a heightened chance of dying of COVID-19 because they are not athletic. The right-wing leader has long had a fractious relationship with the media, frequently singling out specific newspapers and journalists for his ire. His followers have also attacked journalists at rallies and other public events. Also read: Brazil President Bolsonaro threatens to punch reporter in the mouth On Sunday, Bolsonaro told a reporter, "I want to punch you in the face," after the reporter asked about thousands of dollars that were transferred into a bank account of the president's wife by a former aide who is now the target of a corruption probe. During the Monday event, titled "Defeating COVID-19," Bolsonaro described his own experience battling the virus in July, crediting his use of unproven drug hydroxychloroquine and his self-described history as an athlete for his mild symptoms. He has previously said he believed his athletic past made him immune to the worst of the coronavirus. Also see: Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics "That history of an athlete, the press feasted on it, but when (COVID-19) gets one of you wimps, your chance of surviving is quite a bit lower," Bolsonaro told reporters on Monday, using the Portuguese colloquial word 'bundao'. "You only know how to do evil, to use a pen largely for evil. Your chance of surviving is quite a bit lower." Earlier this month, local media reported that the aide, Fabricio Queiroz, deposited $12,900 in checks into Michelle Bolsonaro's account between 2011 and 2018. Queiroz was an aide to now Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the president's eldest son, when he was a Rio de Janeiro state legislator. The former aide has been arrested in an investigation into bank deposits made at the time, amounting to $2,13,835.

Journalists are 'wimps'; more likely to die of coronavirus, says Brazil's Bolsonaro

In Brazil, rape of a 10-year-old girl has stirred the abortion debate once again. While a section of society has supported the termination rights of a girl, religious extremists have now taken to the streets demanding a stop to the abortion process. Watch report.

Anti-abortion protests in Brazil: 10-year-old raped, undergoes  abortion

Two of Brazil's best known tourist attractions -- the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain -- have reopened after being shut for five months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Brazil reopens Christ the Redeemer amid spike in Coronavirus cases

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