Solana Sierra Debuts at 2026 Australian Open as Argentinas Top Tennis Player

Solana Sierra arrives at the Australian Open this year as a fresh face in the main draw, carrying the weight of a nation’s expectations on her shoulders. At 21, the Argentine has climbed to the top of her country’s rankings and earned direct entry into the tournament, a milestone that caps off a strong 2025 …

Costa Rica Road to Close for Two Weeks for Bridge Construction

Route 606 will be closed starting at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday for the construction of a bridge over the Guacimal River. The project includes the construction of a two-lane bridge, one lane in each direction, as well as a pedestrian walkway. This route connects Monteverde with the North Inter-American Highway. Construction of the new concrete …

Costa Rica Uncovers Alleged Assassination Plot Against President Chaves

Officials in Costa Rica revealed today an alleged scheme to assassinate President Rodrigo Chaves, with the national election set for February 1 drawing near. The announcement arrived as the ruling party holds a strong position in polls, heightening tensions in the political arena. Jorge Torres, director of the National Intelligence and Security Directorate (DIS), which …

El Salvador Opens Immigration Office in Surf City for Visitors

El Salvador has launched a new immigration office in its Surf City Punta Roca area, a move that simplifies paperwork for foreigners who frequent the country’s coastal spots. The facility targets tourists, surf enthusiasts, remote workers, and those planning extended or repeated trips, letting them handle key processes without a trip to the capital. The …

Panama’s Iconic Thousand Polleras Parade in Los Santos

Panama sets the stage for its premier cultural event, the Desfile de las Mil Polleras, on Saturday. This annual parade draws thousands to celebrate the nation’s traditional dress and folklore in the heart of the Azuero region. Organized by the Autoridad de Turismo de Panamá, the parade starts at 1 p.m. in Las Tablas, the …

Martinelli Pleads Innocent as Panama Opens Odebrecht Money Laundering Trial

Former Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli, who is living in asylum in Colombia, declared himself “innocent” on Monday as a Panamanian court opened a trial over allegations he laundered money linked to bribes paid by Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht. Martinelli, 73, appeared by video link before Judge Baloisa Marquínez in a Panama City criminal court alongside …

Costa Rica’s Passport Holds Steady in Global Rankings

Costa Rica’s passport ranks 26th in the world according to the 2026 Henley Passport Index, released this January by Henley & Partners. This position allows Costa Rican citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 148 destinations, a drop of three from last year’s 151. The index, based on data from the International Air Transport Association, measures …

Final Presidential Debate Highlights Key Issues Ahead of Costa Rica’s Elections

Five presidential hopefuls met in the fourth and final debate last night run by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. Álvaro Ramos of Partido Liberación Nacional, Ariel Robles of Frente Amplio, Juan Carlos Hidalgo of Partido Unidad Social Cristiana, Luis Amador of Partido Integración Nacional, and Douglas Caamaño of Alianza Costa Rica Primero laid out plans on …

Trial begins in Panama over alleged Odebrecht bribe laundering

Former Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli, now in asylum in Colombia, and around 20 other defendants went on trial Monday in Panama on accusations of money laundering linked to bribes paid by Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht. Odebrecht pleaded guilty in 2016 in a U.S. court to paying more than $788 million in kickbacks, mainly across Latin …

Costa Rica Tribunal Denies Efforts to Bar Salvadoran President Bukele’s Visit

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) turned down two legal challenges aimed at stopping Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele from entering Costa Rica. The decision came as our country prepares for the national elections on February 1. The TSE ruled that the petitioners failed to prove any direct harm to their own political rights from Bukele’s presence. …