Topsy-turvy weather in Brazil is pushing up the cost of commodities in your breakfast drink.

A giant snake measuring 10.5m long has been discovered on a building site in northern Brazil.

Thoughts are already turning to life after the Olympics, with plans to capitalise on Brazil's worldwide exposure.

Venezuela, Ecuador and Bolivia have recalled their ambassadors to protest what they call a "coup" in the wake of the dismissal of Brazil's President.

COMMENT: Brazilians waited for the final round of the presidential impeachment process more anxiously than any Olympic competition.

Brazil's Senate has begun the impeachment trial of President Dilma Rousseff and could permanently oust her as soon as next week.

Sao Paulo's just a 60-minute flight from the Olympic host city, but worlds apart in spirit and style.

Zac Efron has revealed he felt compelled to fly all the way to Rio to meet US gymnast Simone Biles as soon as he heard she was a fan of his.

As well as a gold medal, this North Korean athlete has picked up another title in Rio - the saddest medal winner at the Games.

Yet another mishap to hit the Olympic games - this time a man is reported to have been impaled on a fence outside media accommodation in Rio.

Brazil won the right to host the Olympics when times were good. But locals are now not so sure the city is up to the task.

The Russian vice-consul in Rio de Janeiro shot dead an armed mugger who had tried to hold him up in his car.

Former helicopter pilot has been arrested in connection with the kidnapping of Ecclestone's mother-in-law, who was rescued by Brazilian police.

A dire hotel accommodation shortage has opened the city's poorest favelas to tourists.

The Kiwi sportsman allegedly kidnapped by military police in Brazil says there's more to come in the bizarre tale.

The NZ sportsman kidnapped by men in police uniform in Rio de Janeiro this week is now safely in Toronto.

Kiwi sportsman Jason Lee, who alleged he was kidnapped by police in Rio this week, is safe after a second scare in the Olympics host city.

On NZ Herald Focus - Get up close to a golden lion tamarin in Rio de Janeiro.

COMMENT: Polynesian communities will be hopelessly under-represented in the New Zealand Olympic team in Brazil. Dylan Cleaver explains why.

Across town in crumbling, working-class areas, there are few signs that the Rio de Janeiro Olympics open in just a month.

COMMENT: With less than a month to go until Rio, serious concerns have been raised about the safety of tourists and teams arriving in the city.

Rio is polluted, dangerous and often downright overwhelming. Alexis Carey recommends you don't miss it.

With the Olympics only a month away, the spotlight is on Brazil as it prepares for half a million tourists from around the world to arrive.

COMMENT: Today Brazil can say with confidence: we are ready to host the first Olympic and Paralympic Games to take place in South America.

What's in the basement of his hotel? Nicholas Jones knows, but will he be allowed to go there?

The ashes of Australian man Rye Hunt have returned home to Tasmania after he was cremated in Brazil.

The family and partner of Australian backpacker Rye Hunt, who has been confirmed dead in Brazil, have spoken of their grief.

A body has been found in the search for missing Australian backpacker Rye Hunt, his family said today. They now await DNA testing results.

Seventeen days since going missing, Brazilian authorities are convinced Australian backpacker Rye Hunt drowned at sea.

Michel Temer, is a career politician with a reputation as a skilled negotiator and smooth behind-the-scenes operator.