Ecuador Court & Corruption: Former President Lenin Moreno was convicted of bribery tied to the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric project, sentenced to five years and barred from public office; prosecutors say bribes of about $76.1m were paid via fraudulent consulting contracts involving Sinohydro, with Moreno’s wife, daughter and other relatives also convicted. El Niño Preparedness: Ecuador issued a nationwide red alert as El Niño conditions evolve, activating emergency committees across 17 provinces and warning about potential impacts for about 1.3 million people. Maritime Security Clash: U.S. forces, working with Ecuadorian authorities, boarded and sank a vessel in the eastern Pacific they say was a floating refueling station for Los Choneros; Ecuadorian fishermen, meanwhile, allege abuse during the operation. Adventure Travel Spotlight: Neotropic Expeditions became a Certified B Corporation, scoring 94.3% in its independent assessment, as it continues active travel across Ecuador and the Galápagos. Football (Ecuador Connection): Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo left the pitch injured after a short cameo vs Brighton; manager Xabi Alonso said it’s not a new issue and will be monitored ahead of the next match.