Family Planning Debate: A UNFPA-backed report says young Costa Ricans still want families, but cost of living, housing, job insecurity, and childcare delays decisions. Community & Safety: Lynnwood’s “Fair on 44th” returns Sept. 12 with free family activities, emergency-services demos, and youth programs. U.S. Deportations: Monitoring groups say at least 45 Brazilians have been deported to third countries, with many sent to Costa Rica. Crime & Defense: President Laura Fernández tells Reuters U.S. ground operations could help fight transnational crime, but says nothing is planned and any move needs Legislative Assembly approval. Nicaragua Pressure: Costa Rica’s Foreign Ministry expresses “deep concern” over democratic backsliding after Nicaragua restricts electoral participation. Cost of Living: INEC reports August inflation at -0.11%, but experts say savings won’t feel big after years of price hikes. VAT Update: Costa Rica expands the 13% VAT list for foreign digital services, adding Booking.com, Expedia, ChatGPT and more. Environment & Tourism: UNED and SINAC begin steps for Chirripó to become a UNESCO Global Geopark; Monteverde shows drought signs despite heavy rain. Sports & Culture: Alajuelense vs Saprissa (Clásico Nacional) headlines the weekend; San José hosts the Afro-descendant Diáspora Parade. Economy & Housing: A study finds 81.4% of renter households face major barriers to formal mortgage financing.