Circular Economy & Waste: Route 27 in Costa Rica is launching an open innovation challenge to tackle landfill pressure, with about 27 tons of highway waste generated monthly and only 12% reused; the focus is on turning tires and plastics into new materials for highway operations, including ideas like “cat’s eyes” made from scrap tire rubber, and the top prototype project can receive up to €20,000. Regional Child Policy: The OECS, with UNICEF support, unveiled a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, built from input by children, parents, and stakeholders, aiming for a whole-of-the-child approach so every child is protected and empowered regardless of gender, disability, migration status, or background. Extreme Weather Watch: A tropical wave moving through the Lesser Antilles has triggered flash flood watches and weather alerts across Eastern Caribbean islands, with heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds expected into Saturday, Aug. 15, even as tropical depression development is considered unlikely. Youth Sports (Local Link): Guyana’s U14 boys team is set to open a CFU Challenge Series against Montserrat on Aug. 16 in the Dominican Republic, following an intensive training and residential preparation programme. Connectivity & Policy: A GSMA report says 5G is projected to reach 23% of Caribbean mobile connections by 2030, but warns that regulatory modernisation and spectrum access are needed to close an investment gap and avoid a widening digital divide.