UN Leadership Watch: Former Costa Rican VP Rebeca Grynspan leads the first informal UN Security Council straw poll to replace António Guterres, winning 10 “encourage” votes, with Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett second (9) and IAEA chief Rafael Grossi third (7). 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 & Cost of Living: A proposed IVA hike on basic goods is drawing criticism for hitting poor and middle-class families hardest, despite claims of targeted discounts. Justice & Security: President Laura Fernández backs a constitutional reform to expand extradition grounds beyond drug trafficking and terrorism to include crimes like money laundering, trafficking, contract killing, and cyber offenses. Courts & Governance: The Constitutional Court extended substitute magistrates’ appointments until legislators name new ones, easing a legal gridlock. Local Crime & Wildlife: Authorities investigated a Heredia raid that turned up an apparent jaguar pelt, adding a wildlife-law probe to an organized-crime case. Transport Law: A bill moving through Congress would bar ride-hailing drivers from airport pickups unless terminal operators give express permission. Sports: Costa Rica won its first regional surfing gold medal, with Rachel Agüero Cabezas taking women’s shortboard gold.