Colombia-Israel Reset: Incoming President Abelardo de la Espriella says his government will reverse Gustavo Petro’s Israel policy—restoring full diplomatic and economic ties, exchanging ambassadors, lifting visa requirements, pursuing a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem, and withdrawing from a South Africa genocide case at the ICJ—while highlighting security cooperation against narcotics, organized crime, and armed groups. Venezuela Transition Talks: Venezuela’s government and an opposition bloc backed by Washington agreed to start US-backed political dialogue in person next week in Caracas, with quake aid and democratic guarantees on the agenda, though María Corina Machado’s wing is boycotting. Colombia Forest Pressure: Colombia reported 295,000 acres of forest loss in 2025, up 5% year-on-year, but still below 2021 levels and above its four-year target—while illegal land grabbing, cattle ranching, and infrastructure expansion keep pressure on the Amazon. Haiti TPS Fallout: Haitian Americans in Southern California are anxious after the Trump administration ended TPS protections for Haitians, raising fears of job loss and deportations. Mexico Housing Push: President Claudia Sheinbaum says her housing programs will reach 12 million families over six years via construction, renovations, loan restructuring, and property regularization. Caribbean Seaweed Crisis: Sargassum is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, harming tourism and marine life as scientists warn “none of this is normal.”