Brazilian city, capital of its state, famed for its beaches, culture, and growth
Brazil has named a 26-man World Cup squad, with Neymar included after fitness improvements. Joao Pedro is omitted, drawing reaction from fans and clubs as Brazil prepare for group-stage matches in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
A Paris Court of Appeal has ruled Air France and Airbus liable for the 2009 AF447 crash, imposing the maximum corporate-manslaughter fines of €225,000 on each company. Relatives of victims describe the ruling as a milestone in a 17-year legal battle; prosecutors anticipate further appeals, prolonging the process.
Airlines face higher fuel bills as Middle East tensions push jet fuel prices up. IATA forecasts profits will halve in 2026 while fares rise to cover costs; some carriers warn of tougher times ahead as demand stays resilient.
The IATA predicts a sharp drop in airline profits for 2026 as fuel prices soar and airspace restrictions persist amid Middle East tensions. Airlines are raising fares, cutting routes and trimming schedules while demand remains resilient for now.
Iraq has earned its place at the 2026 World Cup under Australian coach Graham Arnold, marking the country’s return to the tournament after 40 years. Arnold has steered the team through a lengthy qualifying campaign, with travel disruptions and geopolitical tensions shaping the road to the tournament.
Two helicopters crashed mid-air over Rio de Janeiro’s Recreio dos Bandeirantes, killing all six people aboard and igniting a fire in a car dealership parking lot. One chopper carried five people, including Oliver Tree. Investigators are examining the cause amid lithium-ion battery fire risks.
Oliver Tree Nickell has died in a helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, while on a world tour. His team confirms a foundation named after him will carry on his legacy, including a grant for artists. The crash also claimed several others on board and is under investigation by Brazilian authorities.
Brazil’s anti-racism framework, embedded in the 1988 constitution, carries prison terms and fines for racial insults. Recent incidents involve nationals from Argentina, Spain and Chile accused of racially charged actions on flights. The cases underscore the legal protections for workers and ongoing public scrutiny of racism in Latin America.
A series of court rulings restricts high-profile political figures as Lula’s government pushes anti-deforestation efforts. Bolsonaro remains under house arrest for a 2022 coup attempt, while Bolsonaro’s political allies face ongoing legal actions amid a tense presidential race.
Humpback whales have surged from about 2,000 to 35,000 in roughly 40 years, drawing them into Rio’s Guanabara Bay. Tours with biologists onboard have grown, while researchers study migration patterns and the Abrolhos Bank habitat. A scientific expedition runs June 26–July 9 to map behavior and routes.
The International Olympic Committee has provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, restoring Russian athletes' access to many international qualifiers ahead of Los Angeles 2028 while leaving decisions on flags, anthems and full national symbols unresolved. Several international federations, including World Athletics, are maintaining bans and legal challenges are being signalled.
The Royal Canadian Geographical Society has released the first high‑resolution 3D digital models of Shackleton’s Quest and Scott’s Terra Nova, created from Voyis imaging as part of an international expedition. The effort maps the wrecks with new detail, using Alvin and other deep‑submergence tech to preserve these historic ships for study and display.
British gymnast Max Whitlock has withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow due to an injury. The 33-year-old, who had aimed for a 2028 Olympic spot, says he is incredibly disappointed and will focus on recovery and supporting the team.
South Africa’s Chad Le Clos has extended his Commonwealth Games medal tally to 19 with a recent bronze and gold, as he pivots toward butterfly events and a fifth Olympic bid in Los Angeles.
At AIDS 2026 in Rio, a State Department slide showing Africa mislabels countries, carrying an AI watermark. Reuters and others report the error, with the State Department taking responsibility. The issue comes as donor funding for global HIV programs has fallen, prompting questions about sustained commitments and effective aid delivery.