Medicinal Cannabis Industry: Costa Rica inaugurated its first laboratory for manufacturing medicinal cannabis medicines in El Guarco, Cartago, shifting the sector from exporting raw materials to producing finished concentrates, oils, syrups and pills, with plans that could reach up to 420 jobs. Telecom & Connectivity: SUTEL-backed demonstration shows Tarana Wireless and Itellum delivering live 1 Gbps fixed wireless access in Costa Rica, supported by new 6 GHz standard power rules. Public Safety & Justice Tech: The OIJ is buying Israeli Cellebrite digital forensics tools to unlock seized phones and recover data in encrypted cases, with procurement totaling nearly $700,000 in 2025 plus more in 2026. Labor Reform: Lawmakers moved to exclude public-sector employees from a proposed 4×3 work schedule that could allow up to 12-hour days in the private sector. Education Program Scrutiny: Hello Brete’s free English courses saw 99,000 dropouts within four months, raising concerns about retention in self-directed online learning. Environment & Science: Researchers formally described a new deep-sea “ghost shark” species, Rhinochimaera costaricana, based on specimens collected off Costa Rica’s Pacific. Tourism & Security Debate: South Pacific local leaders are betting tourism can improve safety and the region’s image amid ongoing drug-trafficking investigations. Culture: Costa Rica marked Black People’s Day and Afro-Costa Rican Culture Day with major events in Limón, including the Grand Gala Parade 2026.