Brazil: A Cellphone Carrier Is Thwarted (New York Times)
For the second time in four months, prison guards foiled an attempt to smuggle a cellphone into a prison by carrier pigeon, the authorities said Friday.
Brazil prison guards nab pigeon with cell phone (AP via Yahoo! News)
Prison guards foiled a new attempt to smuggle a cell phone into a Brazilian prison by carrier pigeon — this one wearing a tiny backpack — and said Friday that the practice is becoming almost commonplace.
Venezuela assumes control of bank (BBC News)
Venezuela’s government formally takes control of the country’s third largest bank – the Spanish-owned Banco de Venezuela.
Brazil Real Gains Against Dollar on Signs of Economic Recovery (Bloomberg)
July 3 (Bloomberg) — Brazil’s real rose, paring losses for the week, on speculation the economy is recovering after reports this week that industrial production expanded for a fifth month and exports grew more than expected.
Brazilian Stocks Fall, led by Petrobras, Usiminas; Ipsa Gains (Bloomberg)
Petrobras , as Brazil’s state-controlled oil company is known, dropped for a fourth day as crude slumped for a third week of declines. Usiminas, as Brazil’s second-biggest steelmaker is known, fell 1.4 percent as metals dropped in London. The two stocks made up the entire drop in the Bovespa index.
Venezuela: Radio Stations Threatened (New York Times)
Diosdado Cabello, a top aide to President Hugo Chávez, said the government would revoke the licenses of 240 radio stations across the country.
Venezuela eyes 49 pct stake in Dominican refinery (AP via Yahoo! Finance)
The Dominican Republic is selling a large share of its oil refinery to Venezuela. Diario Libre newspaper says Venezuela will pay $130 million for a 49 percent stake in Refineria Dominicana de Petroleo SA.
Brazil May Take Argentina to WTO If Trade Talks Fail (Update2) (Bloomberg)
July 3 (Bloomberg) — Brazil may file a complaint at the World Trade Organization against Argentina because of its delays in issuing import licenses for Brazilian goods, Foreign Trade Chamber Secretary Lytha Spindola said.
