Author: Adele Cardin
At 82, Brazilian music legend Gilberto Gil has announced his retirement from live performances, marking the end of an era. With a career spanning over six decades, Gil is a pioneer of the Tropicalismo movement and has produced a vast catalog of music, selling millions of records worldwide. His farewell tour will include a final show in Curitiba, Paraná, on November 9th, showcasing his iconic hits like “Aquele Abraço” and “Refazenda.” Aside from his musical accomplishments, Gil has also been recognized for his humanitarian efforts, serving as Brazil’s Minister of Culture and receiving numerous accolades, including nine Grammy Awards. His…
In Africa, nations like Nigeria are taking a stand against environmental degradation through regulatory action. A recent milestone in Nigeria is the ban on single-use plastics in government offices, setting the stage for a nationwide ban in January. This proactive stance mirrors global efforts, such as France’s incremental bans on various single-use plastic items. With a shared recognition of the need to reduce plastic waste and its environmental impact, nations worldwide are aligning to combat this issue. Sub-Saharan Africa, where waste disposal is largely uncontrolled, stands to benefit greatly from these policies, as unmanaged waste contributes to pollution and health…
Discover the incredible journey of Painted Lady butterflies as they travel over 4,200 kilometers from Africa to French Guiana in just five to eight days, breaking records for insect migration. The Spanish National Research Council meticulously documented this amazing feat, shedding light on the butterflies’ remarkable adaptability. In 2013, Gerard Talavera found non-native Painted Lady butterflies in French Guiana, sparking a multidisciplinary study to trace their origins. Through genetic studies and wind pattern analysis, researchers confirmed an Atlantic crossing from West Africa, dismissing a North American origin. DNA analysis of pollen on the butterflies revealed pre-flight visits to tropical Africa.…
In the United States, the Supreme Court is set to review bans on gender-affirming care for transgender minors, challenged by the Biden administration to protect the rights of these youths. States like Tennessee and Kentucky have enacted restrictions on vital treatments like puberty blockers and hormone therapy, supported by medical bodies for their efficacy. Alongside this pivotal case, the Court faces pressing legal issues ranging from presidential immunity to digital platform regulation and federal agency powers. The debate over Trump’s legal defenses and obstruction charges post the Capitol riot adds complexity to ongoing legal battles. Simultaneously, the scrutiny extends to…
As France gears up for its legislative elections in late June and early July 2024, Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) is taking the lead by a significant margin. Recent polls show RN with a commanding 36% of voter intentions, surpassing President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance at 20%. This shift in French politics follows RN’s strong performance in the European Parliament elections, prompting President Macron to call for snap legislative elections amidst a turbulent political landscape. With public dissatisfaction towards the government and a broader European trend towards nationalist movements, RN’s rise is palpable. Le Pen has promised to prioritize…
In Brazil, the alarming rate of young girls under 14 giving birth daily has sparked a debate on whether victims of sexual abuse should have access to abortion. This controversial issue has divided people based on ethical and religious beliefs, with some advocating for the right to protect the health and well-being of these young girls. The proposed legislation in Brazil, equating post-22 week abortions to homicide with a severe penalty, has drawn criticism from medical experts who argue that it unfairly targets abuse victims, especially young girls who may not even realize they are pregnant until it is too…
Barcelona, the top tourist destination in Spain, has made a bold move by banning short-term apartment rentals until 2028. The ban primarily targets listings on Airbnb, where high prices and substandard apartments have become common for long-term stays. Mayor Jaume Collboni is committed to addressing the city’s skyrocketing housing market, citing a 68% increase in rental prices and a 38% surge in home buying costs over the past decade. This initiative aims to make housing more accessible to city residents, addressing Barcelona’s greatest challenge according to the mayor. Similar restrictions have been implemented in European cities like Lisbon, Berlin, and…
Russia is strategically pivoting towards nuclear power as global oil and gas revenues decline, utilizing Rosatom, the state-run nuclear agency, to lead the charge. With $12 billion in projects worldwide, including a massive power plant in Bangladesh, Russia aims to solidify alliances and influence through nuclear initiatives. Currently, 20% of Russia’s domestic electricity is generated from nuclear reactors, with plans to increase this to 25% by 2045, showcasing a significant shift in energy strategy. The export of nuclear technology to countries like Egypt, India, Turkey, and Bolivia further cements Russia’s nuclear dominance. Notably, partnerships with Bolivia extend into nuclear applications…
Brazil is facing a surge in urban violence, leading cities like São Paulo to prioritize private security measures. With over 3,000 registered security firms and a thriving industry of professionals, communities are taking proactive steps to enhance safety. In Pinheiros, São Paulo, local merchants are engaging in projects like “Vigilância Solidária” to bolster surveillance. Despite alarming crime statistics, there is a resilient response from both citizens and the state. The crackdown on offenders and firearms reflects a forceful approach to curb crime. However, the use of high-tech surveillance poses challenges around privacy and discrimination. Balancing Security and Public Policy While…
Discover the shocking reality of Brazil’s crime hotspots in 2022, where 166 towns bear the brunt of 46,400 homicides, with just 3% of municipalities accounting for half of these violent acts. This data comes from the annual Violence Atlas by the Institute for Applied Economic Research and the Brazilian Forum on Public Security. Surprisingly, cities like Santo Antônio de Jesus, Jequié, and Camaçari in Bahia stand out as the five worst affected, highlighting the state’s alarming contribution to Brazil’s negative reputation. According to Samira Bueno, a key coordinator of the Atlas, these cities are crucial nodes in drug trafficking routes,…