Sargassum Surge in Mexico: Mexico is racing to clear a record bloom of foul-smelling seaweed along its Caribbean coast, with officials in Quintana Roo already removing over 105,000 metric tonnes—more than last year’s record—and warning the worst may still be ahead. Costa Rica Pension Overhaul: Costa Rica’s government is moving to end lifetime “lavish pensions” for former presidents, pushing a bill that would cut payments with no exceptions, including for President Laura Fernández after she leaves office. Caribbean Diplomacy: Grenada’s PM Dickon Mitchell says relations with Qatar are “very good” and growing, with new cooperation priorities in education, healthcare, tourism, sports, and economic development. Caribbean Education Results: CXC says the May-June 2026 CSEC pass rate for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate is 72.18%, with Mathematics still low at 42% but improving. Regional Rights at UN Talks: Latin American and Caribbean governments meet in Montevideo for a UN population conference, as Amnesty warns of a rollback in protections for women, girls, and adolescents and urges full implementation of the Montevideo Consensus. St. Kitts Heat Relief in Schools: St. Kitts and Nevis’ Cool Schools Initiative finished installing 250 ceiling fans in government primary classrooms to help students cope with rising temperatures.