Border Tech & Crime Watch: Central American security forces are ramping up drones and ISR to track borders, coasts, and remote forests—while gangs also use cheap drones for surveillance and smuggling, so analysts say the real shift is fusing sensors, trained teams, and data sharing, not just flying drones. Public Sector Accountability: Costa Rica’s Finance Ministry has started an administrative process that could lead to dismissals of 36 officials accused of using software to fake remote work. Politics & Power Perception: A new UCR/CIEP survey finds 84% of Costa Ricans believe Rodrigo Chaves still influences President Laura Fernández’s decisions, despite Fernández denying “dual presidentialism.” Immigration Crackdown: An immigration agency employee was arrested in Limón for allegedly manipulating residency renewal records tied to a suspected criminal network. Airport Modernization: Juan Santamaría Airport launched its first biometric eGates for eligible adult Costa Rican passport holders, aiming to cut immigration wait times. VAT Clarification for Travelers: Costa Rica says overseas hotel bookings made with Costa Rican cards may trigger an automatic 13% VAT charge, but refunds require a separate application. Health & Safety: UNA researchers link unusually warm deep ocean water to last month’s mass crab deaths in Guanacaste. Road Safety: MOPT reports 425 traffic fatalities from January-August, with motorcyclists at 58% of deaths. Culture & Community: Whisky Fest 2026 returns today in Lindora with tastings, food, and music, and Costa Rica’s Honorary Consulate in Chicago marks Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 20.