Blue Zone Spotlight: The Nicoya Peninsula, Guanacaste, is home to 61 centenarians and could reach 73 by end of 2026, including a family pushing to verify José Flores Flores (born July 11, 1907) as possibly the world’s oldest man. Democracy Under Pressure: Social groups, unions and citizens are calling “Sit-ins for Democratic Justice” on Aug. 6 in San José and Liberia to defend the rule of law and oppose reforms they say target judicial independence and expand extradition. Extradition Update: The U.S. has issued final legal guarantees to move Costa Rican “Macho Coca” (Gilbert Bell Fernández) toward transfer to New York, including limits on sentencing and protections in the process. Public Safety Crackdown: President Laura Fernández ordered power outlets removed from Costa Rican prison cells after a sweep seized hundreds of TVs and microwaves from inmates. Tourism Numbers: Costa Rica’s tourism board reports nearly 1 million U.S. arrivals in six months, with growth also seen in Canada and key European markets, though leaders warn the low season could be tougher. Wildlife Protection: Authorities seized thousands of animal and plant specimens at borders, and a new #WhatYouCarry campaign urges people to stop treating extracted wildlife as “just objects.” Romería Wrap: The Virgen de los Ángeles pilgrimage ended with zero deaths and 1,772 people treated by the Red Cross along the Cartago route.