Motorcycles Account for the Majority of Road Deaths in Costa Rica

Motorcycles continue to take the heaviest toll on Costa Rica’s roads. In January and February this year, 63 people died while riding motorcycles. Those deaths made up 56 percent of the 113 total road fatalities during the first two months of 2026. Police figures show January ended with 59 deaths on the roads, 32 of …

Sloths and Tapir Among Animals Saved in Costa Rica Anti-Trafficking Operation

Costa Rican authorities rescued five sloths and other wild animals in an anti-trafficking operation in the Northern Zone. The Deputy Environmental Prosecutor’s Office led the effort that began Thursday morning. Officials carried out six raids on five facilities in Bijagua de Upala. The sites included tourist centers and a house. The teams recovered three adult …

Last Cuban doctors leave Honduras amid Trump pressure

The last contingent of Cuban doctors still in Honduras departed this Thursday after the agreement under which they had operated in the country for the past two years was not renewed, AFP journalists confirmed. The cooperation program, which at one point included 170 members between doctors and technicians, expired amid pressure from U.S. President Donald …

U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica Starts WhatsApp Channel

The U.S. Embassy in San José has established a dedicated WhatsApp channel to provide U.S. citizens with timely safety and security information while in Costa Rica. The channel, “U.S. Citizen Consular Information: COSTA RICA,” will disseminate security alerts and travel advisories. It shares important information regarding consular services and status updates during emergencies. U.S. citizens …

Thousands Stranded at Sea as Strait of Hormuz Shutdown

In a deepening humanitarian crisis amid escalating Middle East tensions, approximately 20,000 seafarers and 15,000 cruise ship passengers find themselves stranded in the turbulent waters of the Persian Gulf. The near-total shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, triggered by recent conflicts, has halted vital maritime traffic, leaving civilians caught in the crossfire of a widening …

Costa Rica Forms First Symphony Orchestra With Only Women Performers

Costa Rica now has its first symphony orchestra that consists exclusively of women. The Sistema Nacional de Educación Musical assembled the ensemble as part of an initiative from the Ministry of Culture and Youth. The group counts 70 musicians. Members include students and instructors who train through SINEM centers in different provinces. Invited instrumentalists from …

Aryna Sabalenka Engaged to Georgios Frangulis Before Indian Wells

Aryna Sabalenka, the top-ranked player in women’s tennis, shared news of her engagement to Brazilian businessman Georgios Frangulis on Tuesday, just before the start of the WTA 1000 tournament here in the Coachella Valley. The Belarusian athlete, 27, posted videos on Instagram showing the romantic proposal, which took place on the eve of the event. …

An NGO says Bukele has 86 political prisoners in El Salvador

President Nayib Bukele is holding dozens of government critics as “political prisoners”, something that had not happened in El Salvador since the civil war ended more than three decades ago, the humanitarian organization Cristosal said Thursday. Cristosal says at least 86 people are currently detained for political reasons, including anti-corruption lawyer Ruth López, who leads …

Interpol Arrests 60 Suspected Child Predators in Central America

Law enforcement agencies in nine countries arrested 60 suspects accused of child sexual offences and identified 65 child victims during a coordinated international operation. Interpol announced the results of Operation Eclipse today. The year-long effort ran from February 2025 through January 2026 and targeted the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material. The operation …