Architect João Otávio, son of Leonel Brizola, dies at 64

Architect João Otávio Brizola, son of former governor Leonel Brizola, passed away at 64 after battling melanoma. He was the last surviving child of Brizola, with his siblings Neusinha and José Vicente having died in previous years. João Otávio was close to his father and authored a biographical book detailing significant events in Leonel Brizola's life, including his opposition to the 1964 military coup and the family's years in exile. The book also covers Brizola's political endeavors and his contentious relationship with the Marinho family of Grupo Globo.

Syrian immigrant harassed in Rio for selling esfihas

A Syrian immigrant named Mohamed Ali, who has been living in Brazil for three years, was harassed by local Brazilian men while selling Arabic snacks in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro. The aggressors, believed to be local food vendors upset by competition, verbally attacked Ali and destroyed his goods. The incident, captured on video, shows bystanders defending Ali and calling the aggressors racist. Ali expressed his disappointment and gratitude for the support he received, emphasizing his peaceful intentions and hope for a better life in Brazil.

Lula: ‘Proof of my honesty is that I did not deposit in Switzerland’

Former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva claims his lack of foreign bank accounts proves his innocence in corruption charges. He criticizes Judge Sergio Moro and the media for pressuring his conviction. Lula plans a campaign tour in the Northeast to bolster his presidential candidacy, despite ongoing legal battles. He defends his financial transparency and criticizes the media and judicial system for targeting him and his party, PT, in corruption scandals.

Fiesp's Duck Returns to Paulista Avenue After Fuel Price Hike

Following the government's announcement of increased fuel taxes, the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (Fiesp) reintroduced its five-meter inflatable yellow duck mascot on Paulista Avenue. The protest, reminiscent of actions during Dilma Rousseff's presidency, included distributing 300 small ducks to pedestrians. Fiesp's president, Paulo Skaf, criticized Finance Minister Henrique Meirelles' tax measures, arguing they would worsen the economic crisis. The government aims to raise an additional 10.4 billion reais through the tax hike, significantly increasing the gasoline tax.

Who is the heiress of the former Swiss banker who gave R$ 500,000 to Lula

Roberta Luchsinger, the granddaughter of the late Swiss banker Peter Paul Arnold Luchsinger, made headlines by donating valuable items worth R$ 500,000 to former Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The donation, which includes a Rolex watch, a Dolce & Gabbana dress, and a diamond ring, was intended to support Lula, whose assets were blocked due to corruption charges. Roberta, a declared socialist and aspiring state deputy for PCdoB, aims to show her support for Lula despite her affluent background. She is active on social media, often sharing content critical of Lula's opposition and the media. Roberta's political engagement is deeply rooted in her family history, with connections to both Swiss and Brazilian political figures.

Operation arrests businessmen and politicians linked to cargo theft

A task force comprising the Federal Police, Highway Police, Military Police of Goiás, and the Public Ministry of Goiás launched an operation to halt the activities of businessmen and politicians financing cargo theft across Brazil. The operation, Hicsos II, executed 91 judicial orders, including 40 arrest warrants in multiple states. The scheme, which has moved around 30 million reais, involved false barriers to hijack high-value cargo. Authorities have already arrested 30 individuals, seized firearms, stolen vehicles, and recovered significant stolen cargo. One suspect remains at large, believed to be in England, prompting international cooperation for his capture.

Cash and Relationship with Socialite: Bendine's Controversies

Aldemir Bendine, former head of Banco do Brasil, is embroiled in multiple controversies, including unauthorized loans to socialite Val Marchiori and suspicious cash transactions. Investigations by the Ministério Público Federal and fines from Receita Federal highlight financial misconduct and potential fraud. Bendine's relationship with Marchiori and his handling of large sums of cash have raised significant legal and ethical questions.

STJ denies habeas corpus to Luana Don, accused of being part of PCC

The Superior Tribunal de Justiça (STJ) denied a habeas corpus request for Luana de Almeida Domingos, a lawyer and former reporter, who is accused of being involved with the criminal organization Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC). The court's president, Laurita Vaz, rejected the request, citing the need to maintain public order and the seriousness of the crime. The Tribunal de Justiça de São Paulo had previously denied a similar request, noting Luana's deep involvement with the PCC. The case will be further reviewed by the Fifth Panel, with Minister Joel Ilan Paciornik as the rapporteur.

Accident with Twister ride leaves 11 injured in Goiânia

An accident involving the Twister ride at Mutirama amusement park in Goiânia resulted in 11 injuries, including three severe cases. The incident occurred in the afternoon, and the cause of the malfunction is still unknown. The injured were attended to by the fire department and emergency medical services, with the most serious cases taken to the Hospital de Urgências de Goiânia. The park, managed by the Goiânia city government, will remain closed until it can provide new documentation proving it is safe to operate. The park, which has 32 attractions, was recently expanded and typically sees high visitor numbers during school holidays.

Rio de Janeiro Court Maintains Imprisonment of Only Convicted in Protests

The Rio de Janeiro Court has decided to maintain the imprisonment of Rafael Braga Vieira, the only person convicted during the 2013 protests. Despite a favorable vote for habeas corpus by Judge Luiz Zveiter, the majority decision by Judges Katya Monnerat and Antônio Boente keeps Vieira in prison. Vieira, initially detained during the 2013 protests with bottles of disinfectant and bleach, was later accused of drug trafficking in 2016. His conviction, based on police testimony, has been criticized by human rights organizations.