Gal Gadot Chooses Costa Rica Again for New Year’s Getaway

Actress Gal Gadot welcomed 2026 amid Costa Rica’s beaches and sunsets, making it her second year in a row to end December in the country. The Israeli star, known for her role as Wonder Woman, shared glimpses of her stay on social media, drawing attention to the nation’s natural spots. Gadot arrived on December 25, …

Maduro’s Cult of Personality and Repression Defined Venezuela’s Lost Decade

Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro, who has been seized by US special forces after more than a decade in power, ruled with an iron fist while seeking to portray himself as a humble man of the people. During months in the crosshairs of US President Donald Trump, who accused him of being a drug trafficker, the 63-year-old …

Costa Rica’s Route 27 Goes One-Way Sundays in January

Drivers heading back from the Pacific coast can expect changes on Route 27 starting this weekend. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) has confirmed that reversible lanes will operate every Sunday in January to handle the surge in vehicles returning to the Central Valley. The measure applies on January 4, 11, 18, and …

Crocodiles Share Waves with Surfers at Costa Rica’s Popular Breaks

Surfers in Costa Rica know the excitement of riding the perfect Pacific swell, but at certain beaches, they share the water with an unexpected local: the American crocodile. These reptiles, drawn to river mouths and estuaries where fresh and saltwater mix, sometimes venture into surf zones. While attacks remain rare, recent sightings remind riders to …

Beatriz Haddad Maia Carries Brazil’s Hopes into the Australian Open

Beatriz Haddad Maia comes to the Australian Open in January 2026 as Brazil’s clearest singles reference point and one of the few Latin American players with a résumé that already includes deep Slam runs in both singles and doubles. She is a left-hander with size, an assertive serve pattern, and the kind of forehand that …

Costa Rica Watches U.S. Capture of Maduro as Regional Concerns Grow

The United States carried out airstrikes on Venezuelan military sites early this morning, leading to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. President Donald Trump announced the operation on social media, stating that U.S. forces executed a large-scale strike and removed the couple from the country. Maduro faces charges in New …

United States Launches Strikes on Caracas, Captures Venezuelan President Maduro

United States forces bombed several sites in Caracas early this morning, leading to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, according to an announcement from U.S. President Donald Trump. The attacks started around 2 a.m. local time, with residents reporting multiple explosions and low-flying aircraft over the capital. Smoke rose from key locations, including military …

Jimmy Fallon’s Papagayo Getaway Boosts Costa Rica Luxury Tourism

Comedian and late-night host Jimmy Fallon wrapped up 2025 with a family trip to Costa Rica, choosing the Papagayo Peninsula for a mix of relaxation and outdoor fun. His visit, from December 19 to 23, put a fresh focus on the region’s growing status as a top spot for high-end tourism. Fallon, known for “The …

Venus Williams Receives Wildcard for 2026 Australian Open at Age 45

Tennis fans around the world got a jolt of nostalgia on New Year’s Day when organizers announced that Venus Williams, the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, has secured a wildcard entry into the main draw of the 2026 Australian Open. At 45, Williams will become the oldest woman ever to compete in the tournament’s main …