Immigration Reform: Costa Rica’s DGME announced a new “Special Temporary Category” letting thousands of Nicaraguans, Venezuelans, Cubans and Colombians regularize and work legally starting September 2026, for asylum cases filed between June 1, 2014 and May 7, 2026. Security Crackdown: President Laura Fernández pushed tougher coordinated action against organized crime after a second Elite Force meeting, including a bill to impose severe penalties where clandestine airstrips are found, and expanded polygraph requirements across government branches. Border Violence: Police carried out a second operation against illegal gold mining on the northern border, seizing about 5,000 sacks of material, but clashes erupted with alleged miners armed with tools and machetes. World Cup Football: Costa Rica’s national team fell 3-1 to Colombia in Bogotá in a farewell match ahead of the tournament, ending another disappointing World Cup run. Travel Rights: A court ordered the Costa Rican State to compensate a traveler removed from a Mexico flight due to a records error tied to a child-support travel restriction. Fuel Prices: ARESEP approved new fuel-rate adjustments that will raise costs next week amid continued pressure on global energy markets. Culture & Tourism: National Geographic Traveller (UK) put Costa Rica on its June cover, while La Fortuna Waterfall earned a TripAdvisor “Best of the Best” spot in the top 1% of attractions.