U.S.-Ecuador Anti-Drug Ops: Ecuador’s military is running joint operations with U.S. Southern Command against cartel activity near Colombia, boosting maritime patrols around Esmeraldas with new helicopters and U.S. warships. Cuba Sanctions: The U.S. expanded sanctions tied to Cuba’s mining and leadership, targeting ICAP officials and warning banks and foreign firms off dealings. Federal Oversight Under Strain: A new report says Trump’s second-term shakeups have undermined post-Watergate watchdog independence, with inspectors general allegedly pressured to align with political leadership. Health Policy: HHS is seeking public input on restructuring childhood vaccine recommendations after Trump pushed to reduce the routine schedule. Immigration & Deportations: Guatemala says it has received 2,284 Mexicans deported from the U.S. this year, as third-country deportation practices continue. Economy & Costs: The U.S. national debt hit $40T, with rising interest costs raising concerns for retirees, homebuyers, and rural communities. Local Governance: California’s unemployment rate fell to 5.1% in July, despite a payroll decline. Public Safety & Rights: An ACLU-backed lawsuit seeks to stop Secret Service from barring an Instagram influencer from VP JD Vance’s event in Maine. Nonprofit Spotlight: A HYBE donation to Colombia is funding earthquake recovery through a nonprofit food-bank network.