Court Ruling: Costa Rica’s courts cleared the last domestic hurdle to extradite “Macho Coca” (Gilbert Bell Fernández) to the U.S., after a Limón judge approved prosecutors dropping a pending fuel-theft case, ending his remaining legal stop and keeping him in preventive detention until transfer. Diplomacy & Cuba: President Laura Fernández backed U.S. pressure on Cuba, saying there’s “no gray area” against dictatorships, and reaffirmed Costa Rica’s decision to withdraw its Havana embassy. Regional Politics (SICA): Lina Ajoy was elected Secretary General of SICA, a blow to Nicaragua’s Ortega-Murillo push to control the post and a sign of shifting regional alignment. Security & Crime: President Fernández also criticized the judiciary over releases of dangerous criminals, citing the “Los Marujas” gang in Cartago and concerns about prison impunity. Environment: Illegal gold mining in Crucitas is worsening, with toxic mercury/cyanide use and expanding operations near the Nicaraguan border. Science: Researchers announced a new marine worm species, Sthenelais onca, discovered at Playa Naranjo in Guanacaste. Travel & Trade: Border Police seized nearly 11 million colones in smuggled World Cup postcards in Golfito, while Juan Santamaría Airport reported 2025 sustainability gains and over US$62 million contributed to the state.