U.S.-Backed Security Bloc: Peru’s Keiko Fujimori met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to mark Peru’s entry into Washington’s “Shield of the Americas,” a push framed around anti-drug operations but aimed at tightening U.S. strategic control across the hemisphere. Energy & Industry: Chevron says its Venezuela oil assets are in “great shape” ahead of a $7 billion expansion plan targeting 600,000 barrels per day, with maintenance and smaller pipeline tie-ins rather than major new buildouts. Weather Watch: Panama’s meteorology institute issued a rain-and-thunderstorm alert through Sept. 15, warning of flooding, landslides, gusts, and falling trees. Cuba Rights: Cuban activist Aniette González García left the island after imprisonment over a flag photo, citing serious health problems and lack of medical care. Panama Tourism: Cruise traffic in Panama rose 21.6% in the first half of 2026, with 243,075 passengers and a new Royal Caribbean stop in Colón. Archaeology: Mexico’s Oaxaca researchers unveiled a pristine 1,400-year-old Zapotec tomb tied to the “Cloud People,” highlighting advanced rituals and art.