World Cup Build-Up: England beat Costa Rica 3-0 in Orlando in their final warm-up, with Declan Rice and Ollie Watkins joining Anthony Gordon on the scoresheet, after storms delayed kickoff and Thomas Tuchel admitted a “mix-up” over who should take a late penalty. Crime & Justice: Costa Rica extradited a Canadian fugitive, Jesse Michael Valentino Bou-Saleh, from Tamarindo to face drug and firearms charges tied to a major fentanyl case in British Columbia. Environment & Security: Crucitas’ illegal gold mining crisis deepened as authorities warn of toxic contamination, unsafe tunnels, and organized-crime pressure near the Nicaraguan border. Regional Politics: Costa Rican diplomat Lina Ajoy was elected Secretary General of SICA, dealing a blow to Daniel Ortega’s push to control the post. Science & Nature: Researchers discovered a new marine worm species, Sthenelais onca, at Playa Naranjo in Guanacaste National Park. Economy & Policy: The IMF renewed its positive review of Costa Rica but warned against complacency, urging pending reforms. Migration: President Laura Fernández says immigration law will be reformed after reports of repeat illegal entries linked to organized crime and Crucitas. Travel & Business: IKEA’s Costa Rica expansion is underway, and Delta announced a new New York–Guanacaste route starting Dec. 19.