Data Security: Costa Rica’s data protection agency (Prodhab) opened an investigation after a dark-web post claimed a credit reporting company’s database was exposed, allegedly including hundreds of millions of records such as salaries, addresses, phone numbers, emails, photos, and court details; authorities say the case is also under criminal review. Immigration & Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar reiterated Costa Rica’s openness to people fleeing repression, while confirming the full diplomatic break with Cuba, including comments on the possibility of receiving deported Cubans from the U.S. UN Politics: Former Costa Rican vice president Rebeca Grynspan is narrowly ahead in a third UN Security Council straw poll for the next secretary-general, as the U.S. urges the UN to “return to basics” on peace and security. Public Health & Labor: The CCSS is preparing backup plans for a nationwide strike over payroll problems, prioritizing emergency care, births, cancer treatment, and urgent surgery. Local Governance & Rights: Independence Eve protests in Cartago spilled into Independence Day, with police defending security steps and a teachers’ union taking its complaint to Costa Rica’s top court. Health System Reform: The Medical Association proposes using a platform to let private doctors help reduce CCSS waiting lists. Crime & Justice: A new high-security prison for organized crime (CACCO) is expected to be ready for handover by late September and start operating in October. Tourism & Culture: Costa Rica won two Travel Marketing Awards in the UK for its “This is Pura Vida” campaign.