Contributions from Carin Zissis
Colombia's Defense Minister Gabriel Silva indicated that a pending U.S.-Colombian military deal could be signed this week. The pact allows U.S. military troops access to seven bases in Colombia and has drawn concern from some South American countries, particularly neighboring Venezuela.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced a major bust of over 300 people linked to La Familia, a violent Mexican drug cartel. The crackdown involved massive drug seizures and spanned 19 states.
Negotiators for deposed Honduran leader Manuel Zelaya and the interim government continue the slow march toward ending the political standoff. The two sides have exchanged proposals to resolve the sticky question of Zelaya's return to power. Meanwhile, the clock keeps ticking down to November presidential elections.