🇧🇷 Brazil — Saturday, April 11, 2026
Highlights through the eyes of a long-term local resident.
Published — Apr 12, 6:13 AM (local) · Apr 12, 9:13 AM (UTC)
Editor · An entrepreneur based in São Paulo for 5 years
São Paulo
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Tax burden reaches 15-year high
Brazil's tax burden hit 32.4% of GDP in 2025, the highest level in the current historical series. The Treasury attributes this largely to increased federal tax collection, particularly from income tax withheld at the source and the IOF on credit and foreign exchange operations.
Editor's note
It feels like we're being squeezed from every angle. While the government claims this is necessary to balance the books, it's frustrating to see that the corresponding quality of public services remains largely unchanged. Investors and residents alike are watching this closely as it inevitably dampens household consumption and fuels concerns over fiscal sustainability.
Brazil-US task force targets arms smuggling
Brazil and the United States have signed an intelligence-sharing agreement to combat organized crime, focusing on real-time data exchange regarding cargo shipments. Over the last year, 500kg of illicit weapons—mostly broken down into parts—were seized, largely originating from Florida. The data will integrate with the Brazilian 'Desarma' program to track serial numbers and logistics.
Editor's note
Honestly, this is more progress than I expected. For years, we’ve talked about the flow of weapons from abroad, but having a direct channel with US customs might actually put a dent in the logistics of these cartels. If you are involved in logistics or import/export here, expect tighter scrutiny on documentation in the coming months.
Artemis II returns to Earth safely
The Artemis II mission successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on April 10, concluding a 10-day trip around the Moon. The Orion capsule endured extreme re-entry conditions, with temperatures exceeding 2,700°C, before landing near the coast of San Diego.
Editor's note
It’s been incredible watching the coverage here. Despite all our local challenges, seeing humanity take this step toward a permanent lunar presence makes the future feel a lot more tangible. It’s not just a technical victory; it’s a massive psychological win for global space exploration.
Rio school girl writes book on autism
Noah Faria, a 7-year-old boy diagnosed with autism and ADHD, is launching his book 'Uma Mente Borbulhante' (A Bubbling Mind) this Saturday in Rio de Janeiro. The book details his daily life, challenges with sensory processing, and how he navigates a neurotypical world.
Editor's note
This is a beautiful project. Seeing a child articulate his own experience with such honesty is powerful, especially in a country where neurodiversity is often still met with ignorance rather than empathy.
Army arrests golpista plot members
The Brazilian Army arrested three military officers on April 10, part of the group convicted for their involvement in a plot to overthrow the government following the 2022 elections. Some sentences reach 17 years in prison, and two other suspects remain at large, reportedly in the UK and the US.
Editor's note
The long, slow gears of justice are finally turning on these coup plotters. It’s a sobering reminder of how close the institutions came to breaking during that transition period.
STF moves to overturn anti-quota law in SC
The Supreme Court (STF) has three initial votes in favor of declaring the Santa Catarina law—which banned racial quotas in state-funded higher education—unconstitutional. The judgment is ongoing in the virtual chamber.
Editor's note
Still piecing this together, but the short version is that the Court is signaling a firm stance against the state’s attempt to roll back affirmative action. Expect this to remain a heated point of contention in SC politics.
Tragedy in Bahia: child killed in attack
A 1-year-old baby was killed and two adults were injured in a shooting in Miraíma, Ceará, early Friday. Police arrested a 16-year-old suspect, but the investigation into the motivations continues.
Editor's note
It is absolutely heartbreaking to read about such senseless violence targeting the most vulnerable. It makes the daily routine in some parts of the country feel incredibly precarious.