Night Air Ambulance Expansion: Costa Rica has approved nighttime air ambulance flights under a new national protocol, allowing transfers only from five airfields/airports plus SJO—Limón, Palmar Sur, Coto 47, Tobías Bolaños, Daniel Oduber, and Juan Santamaría—aimed at critically ill patients when waiting for daylight isn’t possible. Democracy Protest & Judiciary Clash: Thousands joined a “Plantón por la Democracia” in San José and across provinces, backing the judiciary amid President Laura Fernández’s continued “coup d’état” claim and broader concerns about executive interference. Corruption Trial Update: The former treasurer of Banco Nacional, Ricardo Olivas Valle, faces prosecutors’ final-stage request of up to 396 years in prison for alleged embezzlement of ¢3.293 billion. UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rican diplomat Rebeca Grynspan is leading the early UN race after a first Security Council straw poll, with Israel-linked media attention on her background as the process heads toward October. Cost of Living: July CPI fell 0.47% month-on-month, keeping Costa Rica in negative year-over-year inflation at -0.28%. Wildlife & Health: OIJ seized axolotls and other exotic animals in a trafficking probe, while the Health Ministry confirmed hepatitis A cases tied to a water-related outbreak, now totaling 14. Science & Nature: A new “coffee frog” species was discovered in Costa Rica’s central Pacific, raising concerns about pesticide risks in plantations. Dole Earnings: Dole reported 2.9% Q2 revenue growth to $2.499B, but adjusted EBITDA fell 14.8% as sourcing and shipping costs weighed on profits.