Brazil

An aerial view shows Christ the Redeemer with Maracana Stadium in the background on July 4 in Rio de Janeiro.

10 Brazilians Arrested, Accused Of Plotting Terrorist Attack On Rio Olympics

3:26pm July 21, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

Brazil's justice minister says the group was disorganized and amateur. The members pledged allegiance to ISIS but had no direct contact with the group, authorities say.

Civil police officers in Rio de Janeiro threaten to go on strike during a June 27 demonstration against the government for arrears in their salary payments.

With 5 Weeks To Go Until The Olympics, How Prepared Is Rio?

2:09am July 02, 2016

by Lulu Garcia-Navarro

Every week seems to bring unwelcome news in the run-up to the Olympics. This week, dismembered body parts washed up on a Rio beach. But how bad are things, really?

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Health & Safety

Has Zika Pushed More Women Toward Illegal Abortions?

2:50pm June 23, 2016

by Nurith Aizenman

A new study offers some intriguing clues.

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Brazilian physiotherapist Igor Simoes Andrade poses for a picture next to jaguar Juma as he takes part in the Olympic torch relay in Manaus, Brazil, on Monday.

World News

Jaguar Used In Olympic Torch Ceremony Escapes, Is Shot Dead

12:31pm June 22, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

The Brazilian army says a soldier fatally shot the jaguar, which had slipped out of its leash shortly after it was displayed as part of an Olympic torch relay event in the Amazonian city of Manaus.

Marcelo Barreto holds the Olympic torch in Bicas, Brazil, as part of the Olympic flame relay on May 16. The first-ever Summer Games in South America begin Aug. 5 in Rio de Janeiro.

Lighting Our Way To The Summer Olympics

11:36am June 22, 2016

by Bill Chappell

Brazil has a flair for both spectacle and athletic excellence. But the country also faces questions about its preparations and its political stability.

Cleaners in Rio de Janeiro collect debris from Guanabara Bay that washed up onto the beach last December. The bay, which will host sailing events at the Olympics in August, is heavily polluted.

For Olympic Sailors And Fishermen Alike, Rio's Dirty Bay Sets Off Alarms

4:49pm June 17, 2016

by Lulu Garcia-Navarro

Guanabara Bay will host the Olympic sailing competition in August. But it's so heavily polluted, it threatens the livelihoods of those who depend on its waters.

People walk past graffiti art in the Providencia community of Rio, a favela that dates back to 1897.

Health & Safety

Is The Risk Of Catching Zika Greater In Poor Neighborhoods?

7:00pm June 16, 2016

by Lourdes Garcia-Navarro

A statement of advice for visitors to the Olympics, from WHO, initially said to avoid impoverished areas to reduce the risk of Zika. Does research back it up?

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Popole Misenga (right) trains at Rio's Instituto Reacao on April 14.

For The First Time, A Team Of Refugees Will Compete At The Olympics

7:17pm June 03, 2016

Ten refugees — swimmers, runners and judo athletes — have been named to the first-ever Olympics refugee team. They'll compete this August in Rio, where two of the refugee athletes already live.

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A man performs yoga in the Babilonia favela overlooking Rio de Janeiro in 2014. The Brazilian government made a big push to impose order on the shantytowns in advance of the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics this summer. Babilonia was once considered a m

As Olympics Near, Violence Grips Rio's 'Pacified' Favelas

7:41pm May 31, 2016

by Lulu Garcia-Navarro

Rio de Janeiro made a big push to provide security in its shantytowns. But some, which were touted as models, are again plagued by gang violence that has terrified residents.

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The Paralynpic Athlete, Marcelo Collet, on Tuesday in Salvador, Brazil.

World Health Organization Dismisses Calls To Move Or Postpone Rio Olympics

4:33pm May 28, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

"[C]ancelling or changing the location of the 2016 Olympics will not significantly alter the international spread of Zika virus," WHO says, after scientists called for the Games to be moved.