Lawmakers Question Chaves’ Move to Appoint President-Elect Fernández as Minister

Lawmakers from multiple parties have raised concerns over President Rodrigo Chaves’ recent appointment of president-elect Laura Fernández as Minister of the Presidency. The decision, announced this week, places Fernández in a key cabinet role for the final three months of Chaves’ term, sparking debate about its purpose and legality. Chaves made the announcement during a …

Costa Rican Hospital Climbs Ranks Among Latin America’s Best in 2026

A local private hospital has earned recognition in a major international ranking, placing it among Latin America’s leading medical centers for specialized surgeries in 2026. Hospital Clínica Bíblica stands out as the only facility from Costa Rica included in the Latin America’s Top Private Hospitals & Clinics 2026 list, compiled by Newsweek and data firm …

Popeyes Unveils Biggest Outlet in Costa Rica at Santa Ana Trade Center

Popeyes launched its biggest outlet today marking a key step in its local growth. The new spot sits in the Santa Ana Trade Center along Route 27, right next to Walmart. This move targets the expanding commercial and residential areas in the west of the Central Valley. The restaurant spans 400 square meters, making it …

Shakira Ignites Fan Frenzy in El Salvador with Sold-Out Concert Series

Colombian singer Shakira has fans in El Salvador buzzing with anticipation as she prepares for a series of concerts in San Salvador. The superstar’s arrival marks her first performances in the country, drawing crowds from across Central America, including Costa Ricans eager to catch the shows. Workers finalize the stage at Jorge “Mágico” González Stadium …

Costa Rica Seeks Independent Check on Protected Forest

Costa Rica’s Ombudsman’s Office has raised doubts about a report from the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) on the boundaries of forested lands next to the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge in Limón province. The office, acting as an intervener in the case, asked the Constitutional Chamber (Sala IV) to require an independent review of …

Cold Surge to bring stronger winds across Costa Rica

Costa Rica is set to experience another noticeable shift in weather conditions as Cold Surge #14 moves into the Caribbean Sea, triggering stronger winds and increased cloud cover in several regions of the country. According to meteorological forecasts, the most significant impacts will be felt toward the end of the day and into the nighttime …

Panama rejects China’s threat over annulled port contract in the canal

Panama on Wednesday rejected China’s warning that it would pay a “high price” for annulling the contract that allowed a Hong Kong company to operate two ports in the Panama Canal, escalating a dispute unfolding amid the broader contest between Washington and Beijing. The Chinese government rejected a court ruling that annulled the contract held …

Costa Rica’s president-elect takes cabinet post to manage transition

Costa Rica’s president-elect, right-wing politician Laura Fernández, was sworn in on Wednesday as chief of staff to organize the transfer of power, an unprecedented move in the Central American country, President Rodrigo Chaves announced. Fernández, a 39-year-old political scientist who won Sunday’s election in the first round with 48% of the vote, will lead the …

Costa Rica’s Elections Deliver First-Ever Female Majority in Legislative Assembly

In a landmark development for gender representation, women have claimed 30 of the 57 seats in Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly after the February 1 elections. This amounts to 52.6 percent of the total, making it the first time in the nation’s history that female lawmakers outnumber their male counterparts. The results, released by the Supreme …

Latin American Governments Violate Human Rights Under Cover of Trump Policies

Far from curbing Donald Trump’s assault on the global human rights system, several Latin American governments are using the U.S. president’s policies as an excuse to commit abuses, the NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) warned Wednesday. “With the United States undermining the global human rights system, who will stand up in its defense?” HRW Executive …