Author: allthingspanama.net

The United States military carried out its first strike in the Pacific Ocean against a boat suspected of drug trafficking, killing two people near Colombia’s maritime territory. This action marks a shift from previous operations in the Caribbean and heightens friction between Washington and Bogotá. A source from Colombia’s armed forces confirmed to reporters that …

Read more “U.S. Strikes Drug Boat in Pacific Near Colombia, Killing Two”

A new poll from the University of Costa Rica’s Center for Political Research and Studies (CIEP-UCR) paints a picture of widespread indecision among Costa Ricans as the February 2026 national elections approach. The survey, released this week, finds that 55% of likely voters have not chosen a presidential candidate yet, leaving the race open to …

Read more “Uncertainty Dominates Costa Rican Voters Ahead of 2026 Elections”

Costa Rica’s under-17 women’s national soccer team marked a milestone in their history with a 1-1 draw against Brazil during the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. The result gave the Ticas their first point ever in the tournament, a step forward after three losses in their only prior appearance as hosts in 2014. …

Read more “Costa Rica U-17 Women’s Team Earns Historic Draw vs Brazil”

In the weeks leading up to my trip to the US, I scanned several news sites both left-leaning and right-leaning to better inform myself on the happenings in the country of my birth. The more I read, the more discouraged I felt. The country appeared hopelessly divided, unable to even share the same table in …

Read more “Why This U.S. Expat in Costa Rica Chooses Local Over Headlines”

Belize and the United States have sealed a deal that positions Belize as a temporary host for migrants pursuing asylum in the U.S., according to announcements from both governments. The agreement, signed yesterday in Belize, lets Washington transfer certain asylum seekers to Belize while their applications undergo review. Officials from Belize described the move as …

Read more “Belize Signs Safe Third Country Deal with US for Asylum Seekers”

The United States Senate has approved Melinda “Mindy” Hildebrand as the new ambassador to our country, marking a fresh chapter in bilateral ties between our two nations. The confirmation came following a nomination from President Donald Trump earlier this year. Hildebrand is a prominent business leader and philanthropist from Houston, Texas, secured the position with …

Read more “Melinda Hildebrand Confirmed as US Ambassador to Costa Rica”

A strong earthquake struck near Quepos late last night, sending tremors across parts of our country and even into our neighbor Panama. The quake, measured at magnitude 5.9 by the United States Geological Survey, hit at 9:57 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located 7 kilometers offshore from Quepos, a town about 150 kilometers southwest …

Read more “Costa Rica Shaken by a Quake with No Injuries Reported”

Scientists have identified a new salamander species in the remote páramo of Chirripó National Park, highlighting our country’s rich biodiversity and the pressing challenges facing high-altitude ecosystems. Named Bolitoglossa chirripoensis, this medium-sized amphibian stands out with its dark body marked by golden spots on the back and white flecks along its sides and tail. Researchers …

Read more “Scientists Identify New Salamander in Costa Rica’s Highest Peak Ecosystem”

The United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica have teamed up to bid for hosting the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup. This marks the first time the tournament will feature 48 teams, expanding from the current 32. U.S. Soccer Federation President Cindy Parlow Cone led the announcement in New York on October 20. She stated, …

Read more “Costa Rica Joins US-Led Bid for 2031 Women’s Soccer World Cup”

Rescuers in Venezuela recently saved a sloth trapped on electrical lines, a scene that played out on social media and drew attention to a wider problem plaguing wildlife in the region. The animal, clinging to high-voltage wires in an urban area, faced certain death from electrocution. Teams from the Chuwie Rescue Center in Miranda State …

Read more “Venezuela Sloth Rescue Exposes Wildlife Electrocution Crisis”