«The Rio Times»

In 2023, half of Brazil’s municipalities faced severe fiscal challenges, as reported by the National Confederation of Municipalities (CNM). Their study, The Context of the Fiscal Crisis in Municipalities, revealed a staggering deficit of R$17.9 billion ($3.42 billion). Consequently, many municipalities struggled to generate enough revenue to provide essential public services. Major expenses included personnel […]

Tucked in Costa Rica’s verdant wilderness near superb thermomineral springs, the “Cave of Death” offers a deadly mystery fatal to any trespasser. This natural wonder is notorious for its deadly environment, where small animals and potentially humans die almost instantly upon entering. A foreboding skull and bones sign reinforces strict safety measures, warning everyone to […]

After seven years, Brazil is set to regain its position as the world’s eighth-largest economy in 2024. IBGE’s June 4th Q1 2024 data (0.8% growth) suggests Brazil will regain its position as the world’s 8th largest economy, according to São Paulo-based Austin Ratings. The rating agency cites IMF projections that estimate Brazil’s GDP at US$2.331 […]

In early 2024, Brazil’s agricultural sector experienced a significant surge, with its GDP increasing by 11.3% in the first quarter compared to the final quarter of 2023. The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) highlighted this significant growth. This occurred even as the sector faced a 3% year-on-year decline from the first quarter of […]

In the first three months of 2024, Brazil’s economic pulse quickened, achieving a notable 0.8% growth. This uplift, reported by the Brazilian stats agency IBGE, not only matched forecasts but also underscored the services sector’s vital role in national prosperity. Why is this significant? GDP measures a country’s economic health by summing up all goods […]

Cármen Lúcia, newly inaugurated as Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court (TSE) president, targets misinformation for the 2024 elections. Her strategy involves strict enforcement against fake news, which she identifies as a threat to democracy. Lúcia advocates breaking the “digital captivity” caused by lies on digital platforms. Her stance opposes the growing political skepticism about fake news […]

In the competitive healthcare landscape, Rede D’or’s stellar performance stands outs catching the eye of Goldman Sachs. Amidst a backdrop of struggling smaller hospitals, Rede D’or shines with impressive first-quarter results, indicating strength and resilience. Goldman Sachs acknowledges Rede D’or’s premium positioning, upgrading RDOR3 stock from neutral to buy, with a target increase to R$38. […]

The Dominican Republic has ramped up its military strength along the Haitian border, deploying over a thousand new troops to safeguard the area. Directed by Major General Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre, this strategic move targets the northern, central, and southern border zones. These regions have witnessed a recent boost in troop numbers at key infantry […]

In a groundbreaking study, researchers combined mRNA vaccines with immunotherapy to combat melanoma, a deadly skin cancer. Conducted over two and a half years, the trial included 157 mid-stage melanoma patients in a collaborative effort between Moderna and Merck. The results, recently published, reveal a significant increase in survival rates among participants. Keytruda, the immunotherapy […]

Indonesia’s plan to move its capital to Nusantara in Borneo faces serious challenges. Recently, the top two officials overseeing the $32 billion project resigned unexpectedly. This development casts doubt on the project’s future. Construction delays and a lack of private investment add to the problems. President Joko Widodo, known as Jokowi, has championed this relocation. […]