Brazil Elections in the Favelas: A new look at the 2026 vote in Rio’s favelas highlights how local power, family networks, and community control shape turnout and outcomes, with Rio’s 2.1 million favela residents making the stakes unusually high. U.S.-Led Minerals Push: Washington’s push to break China’s grip on critical minerals and battery supply chains is accelerating, but the scale gap remains a major hurdle. Mexico Border Drug Case: A Tecate municipal employee was arrested at the U.S. border with nearly 70 kg of meth hidden in a modified vehicle, and the municipality moved to fire her after the arrest. Revolut Data Breach: Revolut says scammers used a legitimate government email domain to impersonate officials and obtain sensitive customer data, including IDs and account details. Uruguay vs. Cuba Medical Brigade: The U.S. has urged Uruguay to end Cuba’s medical brigade, warning of possible sanctions and broader fallout. Caribbean Earthquakes: Multiple quakes hit Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands with no tsunami threat to the U.S. East Coast. Argentina Falklands Tensions: Argentina is reviving plans for an Ushuaia naval base as Milei prioritizes strategic projects amid renewed Malvinas pressure. Colombia Security Shift: Marco Rubio left the door open to expanded U.S. military presence in Colombia, including bases and operations against criminal groups. Venezuela Power Strain: Residents in western Venezuela accuse authorities of diverting electricity to Caracas, reigniting debate over grid priorities. BRICS Diplomacy: BRICS leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration, backing multilateralism, opposing unilateral sanctions, and calling for a two-state approach on Palestine.