UN Diplomacy: The Philippines has entered the final stretch of its bid for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat ahead of June 3 elections, pitching its “experience and practical approach” and pledging to back the UN Charter and rule of law. Colombia Election Fallout: As Colombia votes for a new president, guerrilla violence is traumatizing children in conflict zones like Suarez, where residents describe constant fear from drone and helicopter sounds. Regional Security Crackdown: INTERPOL-backed Operation ORCA XI across 20 countries seized 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of drugs, with 8,701 arrests. Climate Science: Researchers say deep-ocean changes linked to a weakening Atlantic circulation may have unfolded rapidly in the past, raising questions about how Atlantic slowdowns could reshape climate patterns. Caribbean Energy & Politics: Cuba’s worsening blackouts are framed as a broader geopolitical warning about fragility in authoritarian-aligned systems. Guyana Finance: Citi won approval to open a representative office in Georgetown to support Guyana’s growing economy and export financing. Venezuela Oil Tech: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez inaugurated a PDVSA data and technology center to consolidate sovereign oil and gas information and expand AI-backed maintenance.