A relative newcomer to Costa Rica recently asked me what changes I had witnessed over the past 35 years of living here. I said something about how the number of vehicles on the road had probably tripled, while the population has nearly doubled. The cost of living was up—but isn’t that the case everywhere? Later, …
Read more “35 Years of Change: An Expat’s Nostalgic Look at Costa Rica’s Past”
The Osa Environmental Prosecutor’s Office has received a court order to stop a residential construction project in the Paso la Danta Biological Corridor in Portalón de Savegre, Quepos, after it was found to be illegally built within a protected forest. The ruling requires the responsible company to dismantle structures near a creek, restore affected water …
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Costa Rican authorities seized 48 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine in Tibás, marking our country’s largest synthetic drug seizure. The operation, conducted by the Drug Control Police (PCD), Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), resulted in the arrest of three suspects. The drugs, hidden inside smuggled cigarette boxes, were intended for distribution …
Read more “Costa Rica’s Record Meth Bust in Tibás Raises Concerns”
Black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney this evening, signaling that the 133 cardinals in the 2025 conclave have not yet elected a new pope to succeed Pope Francis, who died on April 21. In Costa Rica, Catholics gathered in parishes for Masses and prayers to support the cardinals’ discernment, mirroring our country’s strong …
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“We want movies made in the United States again!” declared President Donald Trump, as he announced a 100% tariff on films produced abroad. Without providing details on the measure, Latin America watches cautiously and with uncertainty about its potential impact. Trump’s wave of tariffs on all trade partners has already stirred unease in global markets. …
Read more “Latin America Reacts to Trump’s 100% Tariff Threat on Foreign-Made Movies”
The United States Embassy in Honduras issued a security alert warning of potential mass shooting threats targeting three locations in the capital, Tegucigalpa. The alert, based on information reportedly received from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), identified Elliot Dover Christian School, the Government Civic Center (Centro Cívico Gubernamental), and an unnamed shopping mall …
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Poás Volcano’s crater is emitting a red glow, identified by the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI-UNA) as burning sulfur, amid ongoing eruptions. Yesterday, eruptions ejected incandescent material, following an earlier eruption with a 3.5-kilometer ash plume. A Facebook video to be added with this report shows the glow and ash clouds from …
Read more “Poás Volcano Crater Glows Red as Eruptions Persist”
Thousands of students and workers marched on Tuesday in Panama City to protest against an increased U.S. military presence near the interoceanic canal, the potential reopening of an open-pit mine, and recent reforms to the social security system. Students, teachers, laborers, healthcare workers, and environmentalists voiced opposition to an agreement signed last March between the …
Read more “Thousands March in Panama to Oppose U.S. Troop Deal and Copper Mine Project”
As we all are aware Costa Rica’s rainforests and beaches draw countless visitors each year, but the strengthening colón now raises costs for dollar-paying tourists. Recently, the dollar exchange rate stood at ₡499.80, down from ₡535.02 in June 2024, giving travelers to our country fewer colones per dollar. This increases prices for hotels, guided tours, …
Read more “How Exchange Rate Changes Affect Costa Rica’s Tourism”
Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves delivered his third State of the Nation Address to the Legislative Assembly, employing an unconventional approach that blended multimedia presentations with sharp criticism of public institutions and political opponents. The speech, which outlined achievements in security, education, employment, and economic growth, drew polarized reactions, with supporters praising its boldness and …
Read more “Costa Rica President’s State of Nation Address Sparks Controversy”