Venezuela–U.S. Energy Push: The Trump administration is negotiating a long-term deal for access to Venezuela’s oil, with talks reportedly involving a stake or up to a 100-year lease covering as many as 17 fields—an idea facing legal and political pushback in Caracas. Bolivia Protests: Bolivia erupted in clashes and road blockades after a decree raised diesel prices for large users, with protesters demanding repeal and citing IMF-linked subsidy cuts. Colombia Security: Colombian forces arrested a key Gulf Clan leader in the north, targeting the group’s command structure. Colombia Drug Policy: Colombia annulled a 2015 rule that banned glyphosate spraying on drug crops, while the government says conditions for any use must be met. Venezuela Earthquake Watch: FUNVISIS recorded 118 earthquakes from Aug. 21–27, mostly under magnitude 3. Venezuela Economy & Culture: Mobile payments hit 8,500 transactions per minute in August, and the national Cinemateca invited families to watch early Venezuelan animation classics. Brazil Politics: Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro kick off TV and radio ads, with analysts expecting a sharper, dirtier campaign. U.S.–Mexico Border & Crime: A Mexican national was sentenced in South Dakota for illegal reentry after deportation, while U.S. authorities also reported arrests tied to Venezuelan nationals. Caribbean Weather: Tropical Storm Dolly weakened but still threatens heavy rain across Caribbean islands.