Security Crackdown in Quito: President Daniel Noboa ordered 4,000 police and military to reinforce the capital under a “Quito Protection Plan,” adding patrols, drones, and tighter controls during peak hours. Local Justice: Guayaquil’s mayor, Aquiles Alvarez, was sentenced to three years in prison for tampering with an electronic ankle monitor, ahead of November local elections. Power Market Watch: Noboa says Ecuador will enter the next dry season without new floating power barges, citing stronger reserves and hydro performance, while warning large industrial users could be cut from the public grid if they miss deadlines to self-generate. Energy Scandal Update: A new account of the Progen scheme alleges falsified documents, repainted machinery, and diverted public money during the 2024 electricity crisis. Climate & Costs: Heat waves in Guayaquil have surged nearly 400% since the 1980s as El Niño risks intensify extreme weather. Competition Review: Ecuador’s SCE approved Santa Priscila’s acquisition of Ecuaprotein assets, aiming to preserve competitive pressure in shrimp hydrolysate inputs. Ports & Trade: ICTSI reported 1H2026 net income up 22% to $641.39M on higher volumes, including new Durban and Batam terminals. Tuna Pricing Tool: UCN launched a global tuna price tracker for subscribers, aggregating benchmarks and regional wholesale and import indices.