Drug Trafficking & Extraditions: Costa Rica extradited cartel-linked “Macho Coca” Gilbert Bell Fernández and “Compadre” Gabriel Lozano Bonilla to the U.S., with prosecutors saying they helped move cocaine through Costa Rica toward North America. Healthcare Reform: The Ministry of Health changed waiting-list rules so priority now depends on clinical risk and severity, not just how long someone has waited. Protected Areas Under Pressure: Environmental groups put Corcovado National Park on “red alert,” citing sewage discharges, crumbling infrastructure, and chronic underfunding. Local Economy & Jobs: Manufacturers paused investments and cut staff as the colón strengthens, with the exchange rate named the top competitiveness problem. International Diplomacy: Costa Rica recalled its top diplomat in Nicaragua for consultations amid worsening human rights and violence under the Ortega-Murillo regime. Environment & Science: Researchers identified a new deep-sea coral off Costa Rica, creating a new coral family in the scientific record. Surf Tourism: The WSL returns to Playa Hermosa with the Garabito Surf City PRO 2026, expected to draw surfers from 19 countries. Education Rights: Two major education unions filed an ILO complaint alleging Costa Rica restricts collective bargaining for public education workers. Culture: Escazú hosted the National Tapa de Dulce fair, celebrating ancestral cane-sugar traditions.