Medicinal Cannabis Manufacturing: Vantage Point Global opened Costa Rica’s first medicinal cannabis manufacturing lab in El Guarco, Cartago, moving the country beyond raw-material exports and aiming to hire up to 420 people as it produces oils, syrups, and tablets for local use and export to Europe. Health Watch: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health reports a dengue surge, with 385 new cases in seven days and 58 cases flagged with warning signs, urging continued surveillance and prevention. Volcano Safety: Poás Volcano National Park stays open but under a green alert, with stricter access rules, reduced visitor capacity, and helmet requirements after increased seismic activity and gas emissions. Labor Reform: Costa Rican lawmakers approved a motion excluding public-sector employees from the proposed 4×3 work schedule that would allow 12-hour days in the private sector. Public Health Innovation: Costa Rica’s Caja (CCSS) performed its first 3D-printed personalized cranial prosthesis using its own technology, marking a medical milestone for specialized care. Independence Logistics: Ahead of Sept. 15’s 205th independence celebrations, the government outlined the “Independence Torch” relay covering about 378 km with thousands of police, Red Cross volunteers, and students. Corruption Case: A former Banco Nacional treasurer, Ricardo Olivas Valle, was sentenced to 30 years for embezzling about ¢3.2 billion in the “Gallo Tapado” case. Connectivity Boost: Liberty Costa Rica launched Starlink-based direct-to-device mobile service, extending coverage to remote areas and supporting emergency communications.