Alex Saab Pleads Guilty in Miami: Colombia-linked Venezuelan sanctions-buster Alex Saab, described by Washington as Nicolás Maduro’s frontman, pleaded guilty in federal court to money laundering tied to Venezuela’s CLAP food program, with prosecutors alleging bribes, shell companies and contract skimming. US Military Aid Shift to Americas: The Trump administration will reprogram $52 million in foreign military financing away from parts of Europe and the Middle East to Panama, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, citing “narco-terrorism” and security priorities in the hemisphere. Jobs Quality Warning: Colombia’s informality remains stubborn: 54.6% of workers are in informal employment (May–July 2026), even as unemployment fell to 8.1%. Energy Costs Risk: Promigas warns gas and electricity rates could rise as exploration investment drops 43%, just as El Niño strains hydro power. Revolut Gets Colombia Bank License: Revolut says it has obtained a banking license and plans to launch in 2027, investing more in digital banking infrastructure. James Rodríguez Retires from National Team: The 35-year-old ends a 15-year, 131-cap Colombia career after signing with Atlético Nacional. Aviation Update: Authorities located the crash site of a Cessna carrying five people in Risaralda after it disappeared en route from Chocó to Bogotá. Culture & Heritage: Barranquilla restored Calle del Picó, turning the neighborhood pico tradition into an open-air cultural heritage space.