Trump Urges US Oil Companies to Slash Gasoline Prices Amid Crude Futures Plunge

A recent poll by CNT/MDA has shown that Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's lead over Senator Flávio Bolsonaro in a potential runoff election has decreased. The latest survey indicates Lula holds an 8.9-point advantage, down from 12.5 points in the previous June poll. This shift suggests a tightening race, but Lula still maintains a significant lead. The narrowing gap may signal increasing competition in the Brazilian political landscape, but it's too early to predict the final outcome.

In a significant show of unity, Brazil's former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro and presidential candidate Senator Flávio Bolsonaro have appeared together in public for the first time since their rift in June. The reunion, which took place at the Liberal Party's headquarters in Brasília, saw the pair record campaign material and share a moment of prayer. This public display of reconciliation is likely aimed at strengthening Flávio Bolsonaro's presidential bid and presenting a united front for the Liberal Party. By putting their differences aside, the Bolsonaros are signaling their commitment to their political goals and the party's future.

Abelardo de la Espriella has taken the reins in Colombia, inheriting a complex and fractured criminal landscape. As he navigates this challenging terrain, he will likely receive support from Washington. However, the question remains whether de la Espriella can replicate the security gains made during the Uribe era. A harder military push may be on the horizon, but this approach also poses significant human rights risks. The new leader's ability to balance security and human rights will be crucial in determining the success of his tenure.

Chilean President José Antonio Kast has announced that his government will not support a bill that would require women to listen to the fetal heartbeat before accessing abortion services. The proposed legislation, introduced by lawmakers from Kast's own coalition, aimed to condition legal abortion on this requirement. By rejecting the bill, Kast's government is maintaining the current legal framework for abortion in Chile. This decision may impact the ongoing debate around reproductive rights in the country. Kast's stance could be seen as a move to avoid further polarization on the issue, as it does not introduce new restrictions on abortion access.

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western and central Colombia, leaving at least 132 people dead and 570 injured. The Colombian Association of Capital Cities reported the preliminary figures, warning that the numbers may change as rescue efforts continue. The quake hit on Monday, with authorities working to provide aid and assess the full extent of the damage.

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western and central Colombia, leaving at least 111 people dead and 87 injured. The quake hit on Monday, with President Abelardo de la Espriella confirming the preliminary death toll as rescue efforts continue. Authorities warn that the figure may rise as search operations are ongoing.

In a significant move, Chilean President José Antonio Kast announced on Monday that his government will not support a proposed bill that would require women to listen to the fetal heartbeat before accessing legal abortion. The bill, introduced by lawmakers from Kast's own coalition, aimed to impose this condition on women seeking to terminate their pregnancies. By rejecting this proposal, Kast's administration is taking a stance on a highly debated issue in Chile, where abortion laws have been a subject of controversy. This decision may impact the ongoing discussions around reproductive rights in the country.

A growing trend of ketamine trafficking is sweeping across Latin America, driven by the increasing popularity of synthetic drug cocktails. Recent convictions in Chile and Peru highlight the expanding reach of ketamine trafficking, with the substance often being diverted from legal medical supplies and smuggled across borders. The ease of obtaining ketamine, coupled with its growing demand in urban areas, has made it an attractive target for criminal networks. As a result, countries such as Chile have emerged as major consumer markets, with ketamine frequently being mixed with other substances like MDMA, cocaine, and caffeine to create potent 'designer drugs'. The rise of ketamine trafficking poses a significant challenge for regional law enforcement, as traffickers exploit differences in regulations and supply chains to fuel the illicit trade.

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western and central Colombia, causing damage in multiple cities and disrupting operations at six airports. According to the Colombian Geological Service, this is the strongest earthquake to hit the country in the past decade. While the full extent of the damage and potential casualties are still being assessed, no official figures have been released yet. The quake's impact is being evaluated, but the lack of immediate reports on high casualties suggests a potentially mitigated disaster response.

Abelardo de la Espriella has been sworn in as Colombia's president in the city of Cali, marking the first time a Colombian leader has taken office outside of Bogotá. In another break from tradition, de la Espriella delivered his inaugural speech to a military audience at an Army battalion instead of before Congress. This unconventional start to his presidency may signal a shift in the country's institutional norms and could have significant implications for Colombia's political landscape.