Diplomatic Flashpoint: Brazil downgraded ties with Argentina to chargé d’affaires and recalled/blocked ambassadorial return after Javier Milei’s repeated insults at Lula, marking one of the lowest points in relations in decades. Election Politics & Sovereignty: Lula is trying to mend fences with Senate President Davi Alcolumbre ahead of October, while campaign teams step up legal strategy and social media monitoring over a “Colombia effect” of disinformation. U.S.-Brazil Row: Washington revoked a Brazilian envoy’s visa, and Lula called it “irresponsible,” framing it as election interference amid broader tariff and tech disputes. Public Security vs. Institutions: Supreme Court Justice André Mendonça met Justice Minister Wellington César Lima e Silva to ease tensions with Federal Police leadership over major fraud probes. Digital Rights: Brazil’s Attorney General’s office moved to seek Discord’s shutdown over alleged failures in age-verification and child protection. Economy & Trade: July trade posted a surplus of about $7B as exports rose faster than imports, with soy and fuels leading. Tech & Connectivity: Brazil is studying a national plan to expand mobile/internet coverage along federal highways, aiming to cut connectivity bottlenecks for AI and transport. Aviation Accountability: Federal police formally accused 16 people tied to the 2024 Voepass crash that killed 62. FIFA Governance Fallout: UEFA kept its boycott threat alive over Infantino’s FIFA crisis, even as FIFA apologized and backed him.