Brazil

Tail-costumed swimmers in the South American nation say they will not bend despite official safety warnings.

Three judges unanimously voted Wednesday to uphold former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's graft conviction. The ruling likely derails the popular politician's renewed presidential hopes.

Authorities are closing a dump on the outskirts of Brasilia. Some 2,000 trash-pickers, who sort and sell recyclables, depend on the dump for their livelihoods — despite the risk of disease and injury.

Brazil has long faced outbreaks of dengue fever. But Acre State was immune — until very recently. Now there's a possible explanation.

A study looks at the rate of miscarriage — and of babies born with the birth defect — among a group of pregnant women in Brazil. Researchers were surprised by what they found.

Former Brazilian Olympic Committee President Carlos Nuzman is charged with helping to run a criminal organization. The evidence includes undeclared assets in the form of 16 gold bars.

Scientists worldwide have watched Brazil's budget cuts in shock. We, too, could see trouble ahead if flat U.S. federal spending without additional corporate funding continues, says Marcelo Gleiser.

About a month ago, the Brazilian government said miners would get access to an expanse of rain forest larger than Denmark. After public resistance and a legal setback, it reversed course Monday.

The operation was prompted by an apparent war among drug lords. Residents were forced to dive for cover on the floors of their homes as several hundred well-armed gangsters roamed the streets.