'Mermaids' And 'Mermen' Of Brazil Refuse To Be Tamed
Tail-costumed swimmers in the South American nation say they will not bend despite official safety warnings.
Rio de Janeiro
Soldiers Descend On Rio 'Favela' As Shootouts Erupt
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.
Maracanã, Jewel Of Rio's Olympics, Now Languishes In Disrepair
The iconic stadium has hosted decades of Brazil's most important sporting events. Now, abandonment and looting have left it an eyesore — and no one is accepting all the blame.
For Blind Long Jumper At Paralympics, Success Depends On Teamwork
Lex Gillette, blind since childhood, competes with help from guide Wesley Williams. "Jumping into the air, it's like someone opens up this cage door and I'm able to go out and be free," Gillette says.
Reporter's Notebook: The View From Rio
As a resident of Rio, NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro says the question isn't whether Brazil can throw a good Olympics. It's whether the Olympics are good for Brazil.
Far From Olympics, Violence Rises In Rio's Poorest Neighborhoods
Gunfire and armed conflicts are a near-daily occurrence in some low-income neighborhoods. Residents in those favelas rely on the WhatsApp messaging service for guidance on where it's safe to travel.
For Olympic Sailors And Fishermen Alike, Rio's Dirty Bay Sets Off Alarms
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.
Does The Olympics In Rio Put The World In Danger Of Zika?
There's a heated battle about the Olympics in Rio. Some health experts are calling for the games to be moved because of Zika. Others say attending the games doesn't pose a threat.
As Olympics Near, Violence Grips Rio's 'Pacified' Favelas
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.
In Rio, The Samba Parade Goes On Despite A Wardrobe Malfunction
NPR's Lourdes Garcia-Navarro donned an elaborate, colorful costume to samba her way through Rio's Carnival parade competition — and recovered quickly after forgetting to tie a crucial double knot.