Brazil

Brazil celebrated its first Oscar win ever for "I'm Still Here" - awarded for best international film - with nationwide parties; the city of Rio will buy the film’s house to turn into a museum, and hopes are high for a brighter future for Brazilian cinema

Brazil's government is intensifying raids against illegal gold mining in Indigenous territories, destroying equipment and enforcing new regulations, as President Lula is pushing to eliminate the practice

Oil exploration near the Amazon has received support by President Lula, who argued it can fund green energy projects; widespread environmental concerns and criticism fears it could undermines Brazil’s role as a climate leader ahead of hosting COP30

Any US tariffs on Brazilian products would be met with reciprocal measures, President Lula da Silva warned, emphasizing a relationship based on mutual respect; US President Donald Trump had previously threatened new trade restrictions

Government condemned the US for deporting 88 Brazilians in handcuffs on a flight lacking water and AC, calling it a "flagrant disregard" for human rights, and demanded an explanation from the Trump administration

Brazil’s Supreme Court has denied former president Jair Bolsonaro’s request to travel to Donald Trump’s inauguration, ruling that he remains a flight risk due to ongoing investigations into his alleged coup and other charges

Brazil recorded its hottest year ever in 2024, with an average temperature of 25,02°C (77,04°F), surpassing 2023's record, as climate change drives increased disasters like droughts and floods, according to Brazil's weather agency

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro's iconic statue, is at the center of a debate as a bill proposes transferring its management from federal oversight to the Catholic Church, raising concerns over governance while aiming to improve its revenues

President Lula will undergo a second surgery - a “complementary” procedure - to address a brain bleed caused by an October fall; as Brazil's oldest sitting president, Lula has inspired his followers, leading to several gatherings in Brasília for support

Federal Police accused ex-President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 others of plotting a coup after his 2022 election loss, with charges sent to the Supreme Court for potential trial, while Bolsonaro denies wrongdoing

The Pan American Health Organization has re-verified Brazil as measles-free, marking the Americas' return to endemic measles-free status; this follows Brazil’s intense efforts in vaccination, surveillance, and rapid response to cases

Brazil has vetoed Venezuela's bid to join BRICS, with Venezuela's foreign ministry criticizing this decision; relations have been strained since Venezuela's disputed July 18 elections, which many Latin American countries have refused to recognize