Airport Modernization: Juan Santamaría International Airport has begun using its first four biometric eGates, letting eligible adult Costa Rican travelers clear immigration faster with biometric passports and facial recognition, with staff supervision and plans to expand to departures. Public Service Integrity: Costa Rica’s Finance Ministry has started an administrative process that could lead to the dismissal of 36 officials accused of using software to fake remote-work activity. Politics & Power Perception: A new CIEP-UCR survey says 84% of Costa Ricans believe former President Rodrigo Chaves still influences President Laura Fernández’s decisions, despite Fernández denying a “two-headed” government. Economy & Exchange Rate: Fernández reiterated she will not artificially manipulate the dollar’s exchange rate, pointing to employment, tourism, and investment figures. VAT Clarification for Travelers: The government says overseas hotel stays booked via platforms using Costa Rican cards can trigger automatic 13% VAT, but refunds are possible through a separate application. Environment & Public Safety: UNA researchers link unusually warm deep ocean water to last month’s mass crab deaths in Guanacaste, while MOPT reports 425 traffic fatalities through August, with motorcyclists making up 58%. Immigration Case: An immigration agency employee was arrested in Limón over alleged manipulation of records to renew a residency card tied to a suspected criminal network. Wildlife Protection: Two people were detained for allegedly stealing 125 olive ridley sea turtle eggs from Ostional during the September arribada. Human Interest: José Flores, 119, is seeking international recognition as the world’s oldest person, pending verification of his birth records.