This week in Costa Rica
Costa Rica's political landscape shows a notable shift at the local level, with the ruling Sovereign People's Party (PPSO) gaining control of the National Association of Mayors, as three mayors and one municipal governor aligned with the party took key positions. This development suggests a consolidation of influence for the PPSO. Con
About Costa Rica
Costa Rica stands out as a beacon of democracy and environmental stewardship in Central America, renowned for its rich biodiversity, commitment to peace, and thriving ecotourism industry. Its stable democratic tradition and strong press freedoms foster a vibrant media landscape, reflecting diverse national and regional perspectives.
Visiting Costa Rica
Media landscape
Costa Rica boasts strong press freedoms and a stable democratic tradition, resulting in a diverse media environment that includes both national and regional outlets. The media landscape is characterized by a mix of print, television, and digital platforms.
To gain a comprehensive understanding, consult a variety of sources, including major Spanish-language newspapers and English-language publications catering to expatriates and tourists.
Sources we track 1
Central Bank President Warns: Dollar Debts Could Hit Households and Financial System
- Costa Rican households with income in colones but debts in dollars face increased risk if the dollar appreciates. - Central Bank President Róger Madrigal warned that a potential dollar rebound could…
'I have money and can do whatever I want': witnesses recount threats against Junieysis Merlo before her death
- Junieysis Merlo, a young mother of twins, was found dead on April 9th in Santa Ana. - Her ex-partner, a 59-year-old man, is considered the primary suspect in her death. - Witnesses reported that Mer…
President Chaves Justifies Appointment of Former Agriculture Minister to Development Bank
- Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves justified the appointment of the former Minister of Agriculture, Víctor Carvajal, to a directorship within the Development Banking System. - Chaves stated the de…
US imposes visa bond requirement for citizens of Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua starting 2026
- The United States is implementing a variable bond requirement for visa applicants from 49 countries, including Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua, starting in 2026. - Applicants for B1/B2 visas will fac…
Alajuelense Footballer's Knee Bends During Training: What Happened?
- A female footballer from Liga Deportiva Alajuelense's youth academy underwent surgery after suffering a knee injury during training. - The article identifies the player as Leilany Valeska Vargas. - …
Over 1,600 People Speak Out Against the Daily Nightmare at the Panasonic Crossing
- Over 1,600 people have voiced complaints about the daily chaos and danger at the Panasonic crossing in San Rafael de Alajuela. - Residents describe the situation as a daily nightmare characterized b…
50 Years Ago: 325 Youths Participated in UNA Laboratory Program
- Fifty years ago, 325 young participants engaged in a laboratory program at the UNA's Santa Lucía farm in Heredia. - The program involved intensive work starting as early as 4 a.m. during their four-…
Doña Laura, May Your Leadership Be Firm, Yet Also Courteous
- An opinion piece advises President Laura Chinchilla to temper her leadership style with courtesy and less sarcasm. - The author suggests the president's current approach has created unnecessary divi…
Elderly Woman Dies in Hospital After Being Hit by Vehicle in Pavas
- A 67-year-old elderly woman died in a hospital after being struck by a vehicle in Pavas. - The incident occurred while the woman was attempting to cross the road. - She was transported to San Juan d…
Trump Says He'll Fire Fed Chair if He Stays Past Term
- Donald Trump stated he would remove Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell if Powell remains in office beyond his term. - Powell's current tenure is legally protected as long as his nomination process …
29-Year-Old Man Dies After Shooting Attack at His Home in Pérez Zeledón
- A 29-year-old man died following a shooting incident at his home in Pérez Zeledón. - The Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) identified the victim. - The attack occurred in the barrio Pavones area o…
José Emilio Santamaría, legend of Di Stéfano's Real Madrid, dies
- José Emilio Santamaría, a legendary defender for Real Madrid during the Di Stéfano era, has died at the age of 96. - Santamaría was a key player in Real Madrid's five consecutive European Cup victor…
Editorial: A 'Perfect Storm' for Foreign Investment in Costa Rica
- Foreign direct investment in Costa Rica stagnated in 2025, with declines in both free trade zones and tourism. - Factors contributing to the downturn include global uncertainty, geopolitical struggl…
Stephan Brunner, Elected Deputy of Pueblo Soberano, on Full ROP Payouts: 'Don't Come Asking for IMAS Aid Because Your Pension Isn't Enough'
- Stephan Brunner, an elected deputy from the Pueblo Soberano party, stated that recipients of the full ROP (pension fund) should not expect state aid. - Brunner, a former Vice President, conditioned …
CCSS Bans Certificates from Doctor Who Issued 279 While Hospitalized
- Costa Rica's CCSS has banned the validation of medical certificates issued by a private doctor who produced 279 disability reports while hospitalized. - The doctor, aged 82, issued approximately 70 …
Central Bank forecasts inflationary effects from drought in 2027
- The Central Bank of Costa Rica predicts that the El Niño climate phenomenon will impact the country's economy between 2026 and 2027. - Experts warn of reduced rainfall and lower water levels in rese…
American Woman Shocked, Reveals What Her Country 'Hid' About Costa Rica
- An American woman expressed surprise and impact after discovering a historical fact about Costa Rica that her country had concealed. - The woman shared this historical connection with her followers,…
Ignacio Santos Surprises by Reappearing on Teletica's Screen; See the Singular Moment
- Renowned journalist Ignacio Santos made a surprise reappearance on the Teletica screen. - Santos returned to host a program he previously presented for years, delighting viewers. - His appearance ma…
Someone Tell Me How I Can Talk to Conape Staff!
- A reader expresses strong dissatisfaction with the services provided by Conape, citing inoperable appointment systems. - The reader states that the in-person appointment system at the central office…
Public and Private Universities Act to Help Students Overcome Learning Deficits from School
- Universities in Costa Rica are implementing various measures to address significant learning gaps in incoming students. - Students are arriving with deficiencies in reading comprehension, mathematic…
Judicial Branch to Review Officials' Assets to Detect Organized Crime Infiltration
- Costa Rica's Judicial Branch will now be able to review the assets of its officials to detect organized crime infiltration. - This measure is part of the Law on Sanctioning Regime for Public Servant…
Power Outages in Heredia This Wednesday to Affect Mercedes and San Francisco
- Heredia, Costa Rica will experience power outages on Wednesday, April 15, affecting the Mercedes and San Francisco sectors. - The disruptions are scheduled to allow for electrical maintenance work. …
A Teacher's Ordeal to Obtain Cancer Medication Keytruda from CCSS
- A mother in Costa Rica is facing significant difficulties in obtaining a crucial cancer medication, Keytruda, from the CCSS. - Her father had to persistently advocate for a written denial to file a …
Orbán's Illiberal Project Suffers Electoral Defeat, Heralding New Horizon for Hungary and Global Democrats
- Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's illiberal state project has been dealt a significant blow with his defeat in the recent elections. - Orbán's government had previously undermined judicial ind…
María Corina Machado Urges Swift Elections in Venezuela
- Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado is calling for elections to be held as soon as possible. - Machado, who received the Nobel Peace Prize, is currently operating in hiding within Vene…
Students Face Academic Lag Upon Entering University: 'I Went From Being Number 1 in Math Class to Not Being Among the Best'
- Students entering university are experiencing significant academic gaps due to deficiencies in their secondary education. - A technical college teacher and academician notes that secondary education…
Laura Fernández removes PUSC project from priorities; PLN leader reveals which and why
- Laura Fernández, president-elect, has removed one of seven legislative priorities from her agenda. - The head of the PLN faction, Óscar Izquierdo, revealed details of a meeting with Fernández regard…
Consuming Very Fatty Foods Can Harm Memory, Study Claims
- A new study suggests that consuming high-fat foods can negatively impact memory, even before significant weight gain occurs. - Researchers found that a diet rich in fat can cause rapid changes in th…
Costa Rican First Division Club Signs Landmark Deal with Fox Through 2030
- Fox Corporation has signed a sponsorship deal with a Costa Rican First Division club, extending until 2030. - This agreement marks Fox's renewed expansion into Central and Latin America. - The speci…
El Niño to Bring Less Rain and Higher Temperatures to Costa Rica in 2026
- Costa Rica is expected to experience reduced rainfall and higher temperatures in 2026 due to the El Niño phenomenon. - The Pacific Ocean's behavior indicates upcoming climatic shifts impacting the c…
Awkward Moment Mars Premiere of Teletica's 'Batalla de Karaoke' After Host Dispute
- A new singing competition show on Teletica, 'Batalla de Karaoke,' has already generated controversy after an awkward moment between hosts René Barboza and Keyla Sánchez. - The incident occurred duri…
AI Video Imagines Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston in 'El Chavo del 8,' Goes Viral
- An artificial intelligence video imagines a remake of the classic Mexican sitcom 'El Chavo del 8' starring Hollywood actors Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston. - The AI-generated concept has gone vir…
Migration alleges Ombudsman required information on the whereabouts of 25 deportees by the U.S. via WhatsApp
- Costa Rica's Migration Department is reportedly seeking information on 25 deportees via WhatsApp. - The Ombudsman's Office allegedly issued a 24-hour ultimatum for this information. - The first grou…
New 'Glass Frog' Species Discovered in Ecuador, Named After Olympic Champion
- A new species of glass frog has been discovered in Ecuador. - The species has been named in honor of Neisi Dajomes, an Olympic champion. - The region where the frog was found is known for its high r…
Abelino, the skilled soil driller who worked silently for Costa Rica
Abelino Torres, a skilled soil driller from Costa Rica, began his career in rough drilling work during the construction of the Cachí hydroelectric plant. He has worked diligently in various challengin…
Keytruda's High Price Puts Revolutionary Cancer Drug Out of Reach for Most in Costa Rica
Patients in Costa Rica have faced lengthy delays and legal battles to access Keytruda (pembrolizumab), a cancer medication, due to market barriers. Despite its revolutionary impact on cancer treatment…
US Questions Costa Rica's Alcohol Tax as Trade Barrier
The United States has raised concerns that Costa Rica's selective consumption tax on alcoholic beverages may constitute a trade barrier, according to the latest trade report. The fiscal treatment of l…
Scams Devastate Lives in Costa Rica: Victims Suffer Health Crises, Seek Bank Compensation
Victims of scams in Costa Rica are sharing their experiences of how fraud led to the loss of their savings and severely impacted their health, including depression and heart attacks. A proposed bill a…
Three Women Denounce Surgeon for Severe Post-Operative Consequences
Three women are denouncing a cosmetic surgeon in San José after allegedly suffering severe consequences from procedures performed late last year. They have filed a complaint with the College of Physic…
Editorial: Magistrate Appointments - The Achilles' Heel of Judicial Independence
An editorial in La Nación highlights the significant disparity between judicial selection processes for judges and magistrates in Costa Rica, as noted by an OECD report. With 60% of the Supreme Court …
Dollar Exchange Rate: Friday, April 10, 2026
The exchange rate for the US dollar in Costa Rica on Thursday, April 9, 2026, was ₡458.94 for buying and ₡465.15 for selling, according to the Central Bank of Costa Rica. This information is provided …
CCSS Achieves Major Price Reduction for Cancer Immunotherapy Drug
Costa Rica's CCSS has successfully negotiated a nearly 50% price reduction for the cancer immunotherapy drug Pembrolizumab (Keytruda). This agreement, reached through confidential negotiations, includ…
