Colombia Economic Watch: Colombia’s inflation rose 0.39% in August, taking annual price growth to 6.24%, above forecasts and still far above the central bank’s 3% target—adding pressure as President Abelardo de la Espriella’s new right-wing government tries to build a coalition in a fragmented Congress. Brazil Election Tight Race: UBS says the early-October runoff is “extremely close,” with Bolsonaro at 50.4% and Lula at 49.6%, raising stakes for fiscal consolidation and macro stability. U.S.-Aligned Diplomacy: Secretary of State Marco Rubio heads to Colombia, Ecuador and Peru to deepen cooperation with newly elected Trump-aligned leaders, focusing on security and commerce. Venezuela Energy Push: GeoPark and Eni announce major long-term oil deals with PDVSA, betting on heavy-oil expansion as Washington seeks to reopen Venezuela’s sector. Caribbean Justice & Governance: Jamaica moves to modernize justice and corrections with digital upgrades and reintegration goals; St. Vincent and the Grenadines hosts an IMF/CARTAC workshop urging “digital by design” for public finance. UK Reparations Clash: Jamaica’s delegation seeks a Privy Council legal route for slavery reparations, while the UK reiterates it won’t pay. Security in the Region: The U.S. reports sinking a floating fuel station used to support drug boats, targeting trafficking logistics as well as shipments. El Niño Alarm: UN warns the world is entering a “danger zone” for extreme weather as El Niño may break records.