Bolivia IMF Deal: Bolivia’s Congress approved a $1.9 billion IMF loan, a major step toward stabilizing an economy hit by high inflation and weak growth, but fuel-subsidy cuts could spark fresh unrest. Venezuela Sargassum Drive: Venezuela pushed regional scientific cooperation at the AEC’s Sargasso Subcommission meeting, pitching shared labs and proposals to tackle sargassum’s impact on fishing, ports and tourism. Rio Security Plan: Brazil’s Lula unveiled a pilot to expand federal action against organized crime in Rio, boosting coordinated policing and inspections along key highways ahead of the October election. Cuba Blackout Crisis: Cuba suffered another major blackout, with the energy ministry citing transmission-line failures and unstable weather amid fuel shortages tied to the U.S. blockade. Caribbean Climate Pressure: A Reuters/IRC report warns a super El Niño could rapidly worsen food security in Central America, with conflict-linked shipping costs driving up essentials. FIFA Power Struggle: UEFA and CONCACAF renewed pressure on FIFA’s Infantino, demanding extra $2.1 billion payouts to federations and calling for an independent review of his plan. Guyana UN Bid: Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett made the case for a historic UN Secretary-General run, aiming to break an 80-year women’s barrier and deliver the Caribbean’s first top post. Bolivia Wildlife Discovery: Scientists identified Leopardus tilcayo, Bolivia’s first newly recognized wild cat species in over a century, using genetic data and local knowledge.