Gunmen engaged in a shootout with police took 30 people hostage today at a luxury Brazilian hotel popular with foreign tourists, but within hours freed the captives and surrendered.

BRAZIL yesterday sought to uncover the cause of a massive and mysterious blackout overnight, amid concerns of energy supply stability for the 2016 Olympic host nation.

RIO DE JANEIRO claimed a stunning victory in the race to host the 2016 Olympics as favourites Chicago slumped to a crushing defeat.

Rio de Janeiro claimed a stunning victory in the race to host the 2016 Olympics as favourites Chicago slumped to a crushing defeat.