US-Colombia reset: Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Colombia to push “good, solid” trade deals and deepen security cooperation, including Colombia’s move into the “Shield of the Americas” anti-drug coalition. Colombia earthquake recovery: President Abelardo de la Espriella announced an initial 1.2 billion pesos to restore the Minor Basilica of the Lord of Miracles in Buga after the Aug. 10 quake. Venezuela oil politics: A new analysis says Trump’s Venezuela oil deal is less about helping prices and more about shifting control via a US-controlled proxy, while Rubio also frames energy as future revenue under a democratic transition. Venezuela transition & rights: Relatives of political prisoners protested in Caracas demanding responses for 328 detainees, as Delcy Rodríguez reiterated plans to turn Venezuela into an economic “great power.” Mexico health & safety: More than 130 doctors fell ill in Mexico City after a salmonella outbreak linked to hospital cafeteria food. Brazil legal turmoil: Brazil’s Supreme Court suspended a federal police chief and intelligence head amid a widening court crisis. Caribbean sports: Guyana’s Amazon Warriors extended their CPL winning streak with an eight-wicket win over Jamaica. Trade & growth: An IDB/WTO/World Bank report says digitally delivered services in Latin America and the Caribbean nearly quintupled to $87.7B in 2024, pointing to big growth potential.