Sports Betting Crackdown in Brazil: President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva ordered a nationwide ban on online betting and fixed-odds gambling ahead of the Oct. 4 election, citing household debt and calling it a “cancer,” with sites blocked from Oct. 6 and users given a short window to withdraw funds. Venezuela at the UN: Interim President Delcy Rodríguez went to New York seeking debt, energy and mining deals, but left with no major agreements, underscoring how limited room for maneuver remains under US pressure. Colombia-Iran Security Rift: Colombia designated Iran’s IRGC as a terrorist group and severed ties with Tehran, with the US backing Bogotá and promising cooperation to stop Iranian operatives and proxies. Guyana Oil and Investment Decisions: President Irfaan Ali said the government is reviewing terms for the next phase of oil projects as Guyana’s production share rises to 39.8%, including whether Guyana should invest directly. Argentina Football Leadership Shift: Lionel Scaloni named Cristian Romero captain after Messi’s retirement, as Argentina prepares for friendlies and negotiations to extend Scaloni’s contract. Environment Watch: Dead southern right whale calves washed ashore on Argentina’s Valdés Peninsula; officials suspect a bacterial infection and are investigating with scientists. Crime and Drugs: Reports say Mexican cartels are expanding meth production networks abroad, including industrial-scale labs linked to Sinaloa-style operations.