Brazilian leader’s ally arrested

A former tourism minister and ally of embattled President Michel Temer was arrested yesterday, increasing pressure on Brazil’s leader hours ahead of an electoral court trial that could push him from power.

The high-profile arrest also came just a day after federal police sent Temer a list of questions in a separate criminal probe that involves him.

Last month, a recording emerged that apparently captured Temer endorsing hush money to ex-house Speaker Eduardo Cunha, another former ally. Cunha is serving a 15-year prison sentence for corruption and money laundering.