Ecuador–U.S. Anti-Drug Push: Ecuadorian security forces, with SOUTHCOM and the DEA, carried out major joint raids (Operation Factoria and Jerico) across six provinces, arresting dozens tied to Los Lobos and Los Choneros, seizing drugs, weapons, cash, and dismantling clandestine airstrips. Crime & Safety Abroad: A Wall Street Journal report says Costa Rica’s drug violence surge has strained its political system, with homicides rising sharply since the Moín container terminal opened. Immigration Enforcement Spotlight: In Danbury, Connecticut, ICE operations have led to dozens of detentions this week, with advocates alleging people are being taken from the streets and raising fears about families and back-to-school disruption. Climate Watch for Ecuador: New coral research says El Niño episodes are intensifying as the planet warms, with major implications for rainfall and heat; separate reporting warns of a potentially extreme El Niño season affecting regions worldwide. Culture in Quito: A MICGénero film showcase tour is bringing gender-focused cinema to Mérida, including Ecuador titles, as part of a wider Latin America cultural circuit. Wildlife & Travel Photos: The Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 released a sneak peek from a record 65,000 entries, with an exhibition planned in London starting Oct. 16.