Weekly Americas Update: Key Political, Economic, and Climate Events

This weekly report brings together the most important political, economic, technological, climate, and geopolitical developments across the American continent. The goal is to give you a clear and well-structured understanding of what shaped the region over the last seven days, from North America to South America. Each section focuses on facts, events, and official actions without commentary or interpretation. The coverage treats every update as essential, allowing the full picture of the week to emerge naturally.

U.S. Congress approves bill to release the “Epstein files.”

• The House moved swiftly this week to pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act, directing the Department of Justice to release unclassified records, documents and investigative materials relating to the late Jeffrey Epstein and to make them searchable and downloadable. The House vote was overwhelming; the measure then moved to the Senate and was sent toward the White House. Reported vote counts and coverage noted bipartisan momentum behind making the government’s unclassified materials public.

Ecuador referendum rejects measure to allow foreign military bases

• Voters in Ecuador cast ballots in a referendum this week that rejected a proposal to permit foreign military bases on Ecuadorian soil. Early counts with a high share of ballots showed nearly two-thirds of voters opposed the proposal; a separate item to convene a constitutional assembly also failed by a wide margin. The result was reported as a clear defeat for both measures.

Brazil: security operations and rising fatalities

• Security operations in Brazil, particularly in Rio de Janeiro state, continued to attract attention after a series of operations against organized crime groups. Monitoring groups reported a sharp rise in fatalities tied to clashes between security forces and non-state armed groups earlier in November, with one summary noting historically high monthly totals in those clashes.

Berkshire Hathaway takes a large stake in Alphabet; shares rally

• Berkshire Hathaway disclosed a multi-billion dollar stake in Alphabet this week. The filing and subsequent reporting showed a roughly $4.9 billion position; Alphabet shares rose to new highs on the announcement. Coverage emphasized the rare, sizable tech bet from Berkshire and the immediate market reaction.

U.S. jobs data: delayed reports and September results released

• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released delayed employment data covering September after disruptions tied to government shutdown-related delays. The report showed the U.S. added 119,000 payroll positions in September while the unemployment rate rose to 4.4%; earlier months were revised—August to a small loss—highlighting mixed signals in the labor market. The delayed October data was not released and is scheduled to be combined with November’s report later.

U.S.–Saudi investment forum: xAI, other AI and chip deals announced

• At the U.S.–Saudi investment forum this week, several large commercial agreements and memoranda were announced. Reports said Saudi-backed AI firm Humain and Elon Musk’s xAI revealed plans to jointly develop large-scale AI infrastructure, including discussions of a 500-megawatt data center and broad purchases of AI chips. U.S. export authorizations for advanced semiconductors to the Gulf also featured in coverage of the announcements.

Tech fundraising and valuations in the headlines

• Private-market activity and reported funding talks for high-profile AI startups drew attention this week. Reporting included details on advanced talks and valuation figures for some firms, along with follow-ups and denials from company executives on certain fundraising reports. These items were covered across financial outlets and Reuters.

Southern California hit by a string of atmospheric rivers; record November rainfall

• A potent sequence of atmospheric rivers swept across Southern California this week, producing heavy rain, localized flooding, flash-flood warnings and the wettest November totals on record for portions of the region. Some mountain regions received heavy snowfall; while rainfall eased drought stress, officials warned about debris flow and mudslide risk in burn-scar areas. Emergency responders reported stranded vehicles and localized damage in coastal communities.

Atlantic hurricane season wrap-up: Hurricane Melissa aftermath and records

• As the Atlantic hurricane season drew toward its official close on Nov. 30, reporting summarized the season’s notable storms, including Hurricane Melissa, which was confirmed as an extremely powerful Caribbean event. Scientific and humanitarian updates documented extreme wind measurements, emergency responses in affected islands, and continued relief coordination. Regional agencies and humanitarian organizations issued damage and flash updates through November.

Early-season cold snap across eastern North America

• Weather services documented an exceptional early winter cold spell across parts of the eastern and southeastern United States earlier in the period, with multiple daily low-temperature records broken and unusually low readings reported across states that typically see milder November temperatures. Observers noted an unusual pattern of cold air pushing southward.

U.S. shifts operations toward Venezuela

• Reporting this week described a new phase of U.S. operations related to Venezuela, with details provided by U.S. officials and sources to major outlets. Coverage outlined planned operational changes and the administration’s approach to counter-narcotics, sanctions enforcement and targeted actions tied to Venezuelan networks. The reporting emphasized that the announcement represented an intensification or next phase in long-running U.S. efforts concerning Venezuela.

U.S.–Saudi strategic and defense cooperation announcements

• Alongside private investment agreements, public reporting described U.S. and Saudi discussions and expected announcements covering defense sales, civil-nuclear cooperation and major investment pledges. Coverage laid out the range of expected deals and the stated focus areas, signaling broad government and commercial engagement at the forum.

Regional security: Latin American developments

• Beyond Brazil and Ecuador, regional reporting included notes on labor unrest and political statements in Caribbean and Central American states during the week, as well as humanitarian and security briefings following recent storms and conflict-related incidents. Monitoring outlets summarized developments across several countries in the Americas.

Canada’s Minority Government Survives Narrow Budget Vote

• In Canada, Mark Carney’s Liberal-led minority government managed to pass its annual budget this week by a razor-thin margin of 170 to 168. The vote was held in the House of Commons and essentially served as a confidence measure: had the budget failed, a snap federal election would have been triggered. The government secured its survival through the support of a Green Party MP and several abstentions from members of the New Democratic Party (NDP). The Finance Minister stressed that avoiding an election at this time was critical given global economic uncertainty, while opposition parties stated that Canadians had no appetite for another federal poll so soon after the one in April.

• This outcome preserves the status quo of the minority government but underscores ongoing fragility: with no majority, the Liberals will need to negotiate closely with smaller parties and independents in order to enact future legislation.

Chile Heads into Presidential Run-Off Between Left and Far-Right

• In Chile’s presidential election, preliminary results this week indicate that the race will go to a second round in December. The front-runners are Jeannette Jara, a former labour minister from the left-wing coalition, and José Antonio Kast, leader of the far right. With roughly 83% of ballots counted, Jara holds approximately 26.7% of the vote, while Kast is at ~24.1%. Both fell short of the 50% threshold required to avoid a runoff. The result reflects a divided electorate: voters appear unsettled about centre-left governance and cautious of far-right policy, but no single candidate has yet captured broad majority support. Over the coming weeks the two finalists will campaign aggressively for December’s head-to-head, making alliances with other parties and attempting to broaden their coalitions.

U.S. Lowers Tariffs for Select Latin American Countries

• The U.S. administration announced a set of trade deals this week that reduce tariffs on certain goods imported from South and Central American countries. For example, beef from Argentina will now be exempt from the standard 10% U.S. tariff (though export quotas remain unchanged), while other goods such as coffee and bananas from Guatemala, El Salvador and Ecuador will receive preferential treatment. These deals are framed as part of a broader U.S. strategy to rebalance trade relationships in the region and strengthen ties with aligned governments. Some U.S. agricultural interest groups voiced concern that the concessions could pressure domestic producers. On the Argentine side, the deal coincides with a currency swap of about USD 20 billion, indicating a deeper financial-economic connection.

Peru’s Inflation Falls Further, Monetary Policy on Hold

• In Peru, consumer price inflation continued to ease and remains well below many regional peers. The country’s central bank held its benchmark interest rate steady this week, citing persistent low inflation and a stable outlook. Recent official data show slower price growth, which gives the monetary authority room to maintain current policy rather than tighten further. Economic commentary noted that Peru is emerging from a difficult period of slowdown and mining-sector disruptions, but the inflation situation is now one of the more favourable in Latin America. While growth remains moderate, the low inflation environment offers the Peruvian government some flexibility in fiscal and investment planning.

This week across the Americas showed how active and interconnected the region remains on every front. Governments faced tight political tests, economic policies shifted in response to global pressures, and climate events continued to affect millions. Trade decisions, elections, and security developments shaped regional dynamics, while several countries navigated sensitive political transitions. These updates reflect the pace of change across the continent and provide a grounded overview of the key events that defined the week.

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