UN Leadership Watch: Costa Rican economist and former vice-president Rebeca Grynspan surged to the top in the UN Security Council’s first informal “straw poll” to replace António Guterres, winning 10 “encourage” votes; Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett took second with nine, and IAEA chief Rafael Grossi placed third with seven, though veto-wielding permanent members’ preferences remain unclear. Economic Outlook: Costa Rica’s Central Bank cut its 2026 growth forecast to 3.4% (from 3.5%) citing weaker exports, slower household demand, and El Niño pressures. Public Finance: A proposed IVA hike on basic goods is drawing criticism for hitting poor and middle-class families hardest, despite claims of targeted discounts. Security & Justice: The government advanced a constitutional reform to expand extradition beyond drug trafficking and terrorism to crimes like money laundering, trafficking, contract killing, and cyber offenses. Courts: The Constitutional Court extended substitute magistrates’ appointments until legislators name new ones, easing a legal backlog. Local Crime Probe: OIJ raids tied to organized crime in Heredia and elsewhere also triggered a separate wildlife investigation after an apparent jaguar pelt was found. Transport Law: A bill moving through Congress would restrict ride-hailing pickups at airports and other terminals unless operators grant permission.