BROwnership & classification
Founded: 2011
Ownership
Agência Pública is a non-profit investigative journalism agency founded in 2011 by women reporters Marina Amaral, Natália Viana and Tatiana Merlino. It is the first Brazilian non-profit created specifically for investigative reporting and is run as an independent civil-society organization rather than by any commercial group, family or political party.
Funding
It is funded by philanthropic grants and donations, including from international foundations such as the Ford Foundation and Open Society Foundations, plus project sponsorships, reader donations and crowdfunding. It does not rely on a single owner or on state funding.
Affiliation & stance
Editorially it focuses on human rights, corruption and abuses of power, with a progressive/left-leaning orientation, but it has no party or government ties and freely investigates governments of all stripes. As a donor-funded non-profit free of party, state or corporate control, it is INDEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Left
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Leftbased on 55
83/100
Factual
78/100
Objective
69
Articles
69
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
Elon Musk: the extremist billionaire who wants to erase the stars from the sky
In the US, it will be difficult for Eduardo Bolsonaro to run again after conviction
The Master's case threatens Hugo Motta's mandate, but the protective net can prevent his overthrow
Os desafios de Teresa Leitão, primeira mulher líder do governo no Senado
Latin America: Trump's interventions affect the region and raise the alarm for elections in Brazil
Brazil leads engagement on Instagram among World Cup teams
Space startups begin talks with insurers to assess risks of data centers in space
Mario Frias recorded 'Dark Horse' and attended the session in the Chamber on the same day, indicate documents
Mental fog caused by platforms affects political perception, says Leticia Cesarino
Recent coverage
Brazil confirms sending third FAB plane to Venezuela after earthquake hit the country
Brazil has confirmed the dispatch of its third humanitarian flight by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) to Venezuela following a devastating earthquake that struck the northern part of the country. The KC-390 Millennium aircraft, departing from Galeão Airport in Rio de Janeiro, carries medical supplies, a mobile field hospital module, and a medical team to assist victims. This mission, authorized by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and coordinated by Brazil’s Agency for Cooperation (ABC), supports Venezuelan authorities and international relief efforts. The flight includes essential medicines such as antibiotics, analgesics, and wound care items, along with five disaster kits containing over 111,800 medications and supplies capable of serving approximately 1,500 people for a month. The first flight arrived in Venezuela on Friday, delivering search and rescue teams and equipment, while the second flight reinforces healthcare support with a mobile hospital, water purification units, and additional medical personnel.
I lost my son to the bets
The article discusses the growing issue of online gambling addiction in Brazil, focusing on the tragic case of Rafael, a 26-year-old who took his own life after becoming addicted to online betting. His mother, Vânia de Souza Borges, shares her grief and describes how she tried to save her son while facing relentless advertising by betting platforms on social media, sports broadcasts, and influencer profiles. The article highlights the financial burden and mental health impacts of this addiction, noting that the World Health Organization recognizes it as a public health concern. It also mentions that over 2 billion reais were spent on media advertising for the sector in 2024 alone, according to Kantar Ibope Media.
Mother loses son to bets and fights to see influencers in justice: they are drug dealers
This article reports on the tragic case of Vânia de Souza Borges, a 54-year-old teacher who lost her son, Rafael, to suicide linked to gambling addiction fueled by betting platforms. The article frames the issue as a broader societal crisis, highlighting how betting companies and influencers exploit vulnerable individuals through misleading advertising and the normalization of gambling. Vânia argues that these entities function like traffickers, manipulating people into financial ruin. She sought justice through Brazil’s Parliamentary Inquiry Commission (CPI) on betting in 2024 but was unsuccessful, as her case was among thousands archived and dismissed. The article cites data from the National Confederation of Commerce, Services and Tourism (CNC), which estimates betting revenue reached R$360 billion in 2023, underscoring the growing economic impact of the industry.
Blindagem ao cidadão ou arma eleitoral? O que está por trás de projeto para proibir bets
This investigation by Agência Pública explores the political dynamics surrounding proposals to ban sports betting in Brazil. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) has expressed opposition to betting, but his comments have sparked discussions in Congress rather than immediate legislative action. Two bills aiming to prohibit sports betting and similar games were introduced but remain stalled in the Chamber of Deputies, awaiting leadership decisions. The government's base claims these proposals aim to expose lawmakers who support betting, potentially revealing their alignment with private interests. However, critics argue the bills lack practical momentum, as they face resistance from centrist and right-wing factions. The article references investigations into potential ties between legislators and betting companies, including reports of undeclared luggage on flights involving prominent figures in the industry.
Violência policial contra negros matou mais de 8 pessoas por dia em 2025, aponta estudo
In 2025, more than 8 Black individuals were killed by police violence daily across nine Brazilian states, according to the 'Pele Alvo' report by the Rede de Observatórios da Segurança. Out of 4,330 victims of police lethality in these states, 3,104 were Black, representing 71.7% of the total. The data highlights a significant increase compared to 2024, where 4,068 deaths were recorded overall. The majority of victims were young men aged between 18 and 39, with a concentration among those aged 18 to 29. The report emphasizes that the pattern of police violence against Black youth in peripheral areas has persisted over seven editions of the study, totaling 28,799 deaths. In 2025, 312 children and adolescents under 18 were affected by police violence, showing an increase from 298 in 2024. The report calls for urgent changes in Brazil’s security model and policing practices.
Indigenous peoples prepare to counterattack
The article discusses the ongoing legal battle over 'marco temporal' (temporal marker), which requires indigenous communities to prove their occupation of land by 1988 to claim territorial rights. The Supreme Federal Court recently ruled the law unconstitutional, marking a partial victory for indigenous groups. However, the National Congress, aligned with agribusiness interests, continues to push forward with legislative efforts. Indigenous peoples are preparing a counterattack by launching dozens of pre-candidate initiatives for upcoming elections. The piece highlights the broader struggle over indigenous rights and land sovereignty amid political pressures.
Desembargador Flávio Jardim: como um juiz do TRF-1 tem decidido o futuro da Amazônia
In February 2026, Judge Flávio Jardim of the First Regional Federal Court (TRF-1) made a controversial decision to reinstate the environmental license for the Volta Grande gold mine project by Canadian company Belo Sun along the Xingu River. This decision reversed a January ruling by the Federal Justice of Altamira, which had determined that the mining company had not met all legal requirements set by TRF-1, including proper consultation with indigenous communities and completion of an Indigenous Component Study (ECI). The National Foundation for Indigenous Peoples (FUNAI) and the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPF) had previously criticized the company’s environmental assessments, pointing out significant gaps such as the exclusion of self-declared indigenous people from evaluations and lack of data on affected communities like the Juruna tribe. Despite these concerns, Judge Jardim ruled that the conditions had been fulfilled, citing previous recognition by FUNAI of the study’s validity. Local indigenous leaders and civil society organizations viewed this as a setback, while APIB argued that administrative revisions are part of normal governance and should not automatically影响
Alcolumbre postpones PEC vote considered a bombshell by the Lula government
The president of the Senate, Davi Alcolumbre (União-AP), has postponed the vote on a proposed constitutional amendment (PEC) that would establish special retirement rules for community health agents and disease control agents. The proposal allows women to retire at 57 and men at 60, provided they have 25 years of service and active work in the field. The government under President Lula (PT) views this as a 'bomb' issue, with economic advisors arguing it could cost around R$30 billion over ten years, potentially exceeding R$54 billion in the long term. The PEC also includes transitional rules for existing professionals, lowers the minimum age for those who contribute beyond required time, extends the rules to indigenous health and sanitation agents, and mandates regularization of their employment contracts, restricting temporary and outsourced hires except in exceptional public health emergencies. Alcolumbre criticized ongoing attacks against him related to pending legislative matters and plans to expedite the voting process by skipping additional sessions if approved in the first round.
Confidential: F.B.I. prints from the car wash.
The article discusses the Operation Lava Jato, a major anti-corruption investigation launched in Brazil in 2013, which significantly impacted Brazilian politics but has been surrounded by controversies and irregularities. It highlights suspicions regarding the operation's connection with the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice, based on leaked communications from the MPF's Telegram channel, known as 'Vaza Jato.' The report investigates whether the FBI was involved in the Lava Jato operation or if this is merely a conspiracy theory. Given the current geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Brazil, understanding the extent of American involvement is seen as critical. The article presents an audio series produced by Agência Pública, detailing over 10 months of investigative work involving extensive travel, document review, and interviews with numerous individuals.
Opening an illegal betting site costs less than R$ 1,000 in Brazil
In Brazil, setting up an illegal betting platform can cost less than a monthly electricity bill, according to an investigation by Agência Pública. The agency discovered code for running such platforms being offered for free in piracy groups on WhatsApp and Telegram. These platforms often include features designed to ensure users lose more than they win, making them part of a growing criminal industry. According to the Federal Audit Court (TCU), nearly half of all online bets in Brazil are placed on illegal platforms. A Brazilian designer shared his experience of becoming a partner in an illegal betting operation, where he invested around R$ 40,000 in the system and saw initial profits of R$ 10,000 within weeks. He eventually left due to fear of legal repercussions and ethical concerns over potential fraud against players.
Confidential: F.B.I. fingerprints from the car wash.
The article discusses a podcast episode titled 'Confidencial: as digitais do FBI na Lava Jato — “A origem”' which investigates the origins of Operation Lava Jato using leaked materials from the FBI and internal documents. The episode features journalists searching for clues related to the operation’s beginnings, including figures linked to money laundering and former federal police officers. It includes audio recordings from a federal police officer detailing the initial steps of the investigation into former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The content references a large volume of hacked data and suggests potential foreign influence, particularly from U.S. intelligence agencies, raising questions about national sovereignty.
XP's million-dollar contribution and money from the bets help CazéTV's lucrative business
This article by Agência Pública investigates the financial structure behind CazéTV, which broadcasts World Cup matches. While appearing independent, the channel is supported by significant investments from groups like XP and General Atlantic, totaling around R$450 million. The article highlights the complex web of corporate interests involved in the broadcasting and betting industries, including the role of Livemode Serviços Digitais, the company behind CazéTV. It also notes the regulatory scrutiny surrounding betting advertisements and the influence of major investment firms in shaping the sports media landscape.
Investigação aponta que vereador do PT roubou do PCC, mas foi poupado da morte por ter influência
The article reports on the investigation involving Senatorial Councilman Senival Moura from the Workers' Party (PT), who was linked to the PCC drug trafficking organization. In 2020, he was placed on a death list by the PCC due to suspected involvement in misappropriating R$15 million through a parallel structure within a transportation company controlled by the gang. However, investigations by the Public Prosecutor’s Office and Civil Police suggest he was spared not because of innocence but due to his political influence and institutional connections, which were seen as beneficial for maintaining public transport contracts. Moura was arrested in a police operation, with his defense claiming surprise at the timing, close to election season, and stating he no longer works with the investigated company. The PT denied any collusion with organized crime. The case highlights broader concerns about infiltration of criminal organizations into public services and politics, though there are no legal findings of institutional collaboration between the PT and PCC. Legal experts emphasize the need for stronger measures against such infiltration.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
