January 3, 2026 – Brazil Headlines

Story gist: Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court upheld the arrest of Filipe Martins, former advisor to ex-President Jair Bolsonaro, after a custody hearing. Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the Federal Police to detain him for accessing LinkedIn.

Bias summary: Left-leaning UOL emphasizes STF upholding arrest of Bolsonaro’s ex-assessor, spotlighting political ties. Center Migalhas details Moraes’ order and PF action for LinkedIn access, focusing on specifics without partisan links. Right-leaning coverage absent, omitting defenses of the advisor or critiques of judicial overreach.

Story gist: A fire broke out at Shopping Tijuca in Rio de Janeiro’s Tijuca neighborhood, injuring four people with one in serious condition.

Bias summary: Left-leaning CNN Brasil frames the incident as four injuries, one serious, emphasizing lesser severity without mentioning deaths. Center O Globo escalates with two deaths and three injuries, highlighting fatalities. Right-leaning outlets absent, leaving conservative framing and potential emphasis on response or negligence unrepresented.

Story gist: Brazil’s Central Bank requested the Federal Public Ministry to freeze R$11.5 billion in funds used by Banco Master. The bank faces liquidation amid fraud allegations.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Folha emphasizes Central Bank’s proactive freeze request on bank funds, highlighting regulatory action. Center G1 offers neutral explainer on key players and roles without emphasis. Right-leaning Gazeta stresses fraud and pressure on the Central Bank, focusing on scandal and institutional strain. No major omissions across lanes.

Story gist: During New Year’s Eve in Copacabana, Brazil, friends gathering for a photo were swept away by a wave. The Brazilian Navy issued a swell alert for waves up to 3 meters between Santa Catarina and Rio de Janeiro.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets absent, leaving that perspective unrepresented. Center sources like UOL frame around the Navy’s official alert, emphasizing preventive warnings and regional wave risks. Right-leaning Jovem Pan spotlights the human drama of friends dragged by a wave during photo session, highlighting personal peril and revelry gone wrong.