Payments & Fintech: EBANX is expanding in Pakistan and rolling out native Apple Pay decryption across Latin America and the Caribbean, with its global payments summit running in Costa Rica through Sept. 25. Mobile Commerce: Apple launched Tap to Pay on iPhone in Costa Rica, letting merchants accept contactless payments using an iPhone XS+ and compatible payment apps via local platforms like Geopagos, Symbiotic and Visa Acceptance Solutions. Life Sciences Finance: BAC says it’s deepening its strategic role in Costa Rica’s life sciences ecosystem, backing MedTech and specialized tech firms with connectivity, automation support and regional advisory services. AI Governance: Costa Rica’s science ministry head urged countries to agree on AI governance at the UN, criticizing the U.S. stance and warning global talks can’t exclude top AI players. Biodiversity & Health Tech: A new survey in Mexico’s Celestún mangrove reserve found 17 mosquito species, including one never before recorded in Yucatán, with implications for arbovirus risk. Conservation: NOAA reports an olive ridley sea turtle laid eggs near Seal Beach—the first recorded natural nesting on the U.S. West Coast—followed by another nesting sighting near Huntington Beach. Wildlife Discovery: Researchers named a new wild cat species in Bolivia, Leopardus tilcayo, the first living cat species formally described in over a century. Public Health & Safety: A Costa Rican man died in ICE custody in Louisiana after family says he repeatedly raised concerns about missed insulin, meals and diabetes care. Ocean Monitoring Funding: Canada and the EU helped launch the OceanEye International Alliance for GOOS, securing $339M+ for global ocean observing. Tech & Society: A Costa Rica TEDx Pura Vida talk highlights how AI can help older adults turn memories into original songs.