Public Safety & Health: Costa Rica’s hospitals have treated nearly 10,000 gunshot emergencies since 2020, with 9,970 firearm-related cases logged through July 31, 2026—showing the security crisis is hitting survivors, surgeries, and long-term rehab, not just homicide numbers. Local Emergency Response: A woman swept away by a sudden river surge near Oropéndola waterfall in Curubandé (Guanacaste) was recovered Sunday morning, ending a search that began Saturday. Security Tech in the Region: Central America is expanding aerial surveillance and drone use to track borders, coasts, and remote areas—while criminals also use drones—highlighting the push for better data sharing and trained teams. Banking Upgrade: Banco de Costa Rica has rolled out 421 next-generation, contactless ATMs nationwide, adding NFC withdrawals and touchscreen interfaces with accessibility features. Travel & Immigration Modernization: Juan Santamaría Airport began using its first four biometric eGates for eligible adult Costa Rican passport holders, aiming to cut immigration wait times. Governance & Trust: A new UCR survey finds 84% of Costa Ricans believe Rodrigo Chaves still influences President Laura Fernández’s decisions, despite Fernández denying a “two-headed” government. Environment & Wildlife: Researchers link last month’s mass crab deaths in Guanacaste to unusually warm deep ocean water and reduced food, with winds and currents pushing weakened crabs toward shore.