No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

Costa Rica’s Rincon de la Vieja volcano erupted

This morning, March 14, the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI) reported the eruption of Rincón de la Vieja volcano located in the province of Guanacaste. The eruption occurred in two phases at 5:30 am and 5:48 am and was accompanied by a steam cloud without high ash content heading northeast.

The institution shared photos and videos of the activity on its official social media accounts. OVSICORI also reported that no ash fall or lahars were observed. The most recent eruptions of Rincon de la Vieja occurred in 2011, 2017, and 2022. The 2022 eruption began on March 5 and lasted for several hours, producing a column of ash and gas that rose up to 2 km above the volcano’s summit. The authorities have implemented measures to protect the public such as evacuation plans and warning systems.

Additional information available by clicking this link.

Gisele Bündchen and Joaquim Valente are back in Costa Rica

Supermodel Gisele Bündchen and jiu-jitsu trainer Joaquim Valente have been spotted in Costa Rica multiple times in the past four months. The two, who were accompanied by a male friend and two dogs, were seen enjoying the ‘pura vida’ lifestyle. Although nothing has been confirmed, the pair have sparked rumors about their relationship. Bündchen and Valente have been seen jogging, riding horses, and having fun outdoors.

In November 2022, Bündchen was also in Costa Rica with her two children, Benjamin and Vivian, after her divorce from NFL superstar Tom Brady. Bündchen and Brady often visited Costa Rica and had a home in Santa Teresa. The 42-year-old is now back on track with her modeling career, having posed for fashion campaigns such as Chanel. It looks like the couple will continue to enjoy their Vacations in Costa Rica for the foreseeable future.

Additional information available by clicking this link.

Costa Rican Authorities Convene to Tackle Security Concerns

Congressman Rodrigo Arias has convened a meeting to seek solutions to combat insecurity and drug trafficking in Costa Rica. The meeting, which will take place on March 20, will involve authorities from the Supreme Court of Justice, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Judicial Investigation Organism (OIJ), the Ministry of Public Security (MSP), and other experts in the field.

It is aimed at defining the most important bills that should be discussed to tackle this issue. Congressman Arias is seeking to promote five urgent reforms that will serve as tools to prosecute and curb crime and involve judicial and police officials.

The President of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Chaves, has also called for a meeting with the Congress and the Court of Justice presidents. During the meeting, they will discuss topics such as bearing firearms, extraditions, precautionary measures, pretrial detention, prison benefits, wiretapping, juvenile criminal law, and minimum sentencing parameters for certain crimes. The President has also urged members of Congress to pass these laws in order to restore peace in the country.

Additional information available by clicking this link.

Today's Top News

A pope for the ages: Is Leo XIV a young pontiff?

At 69 Leo XIV was elected pope at a significantly younger age than his two immediate predecessors, Francis and Benedict XVI -- something observers,...

Tennis Star Jannik Sinner Back on Court After Doping Suspension

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner returns to competition Saturday after his suspension, 104 days after winning the Australian Open.That Melbourne final in late January...

US Denies Military Base Plans in Panama Amid Public Outcry

An agreement signed by the United States and Panama a month ago does not allow for the installation of U.S. military bases in the...

Trump congratulates Pope León XIV, a “great honor” for the US

President Donald Trump congratulated León XIV, the first pope from the United States, in a message on his Truth Social network on Thursday. “Congratulations...

Historic Election of First American Pope: Cardinal Robert Prevost Becomes Leo XIV

In a groundbreaking moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago-born prelate, was elected as the first pope from the United...

35 Years of Change: An Expat’s Nostalgic Look at Costa Rica’s Past

A relative newcomer to Costa Rica recently asked me what changes I had witnessed over the past 35 years of living here. I said...

Costa Rica Orders Halt to Illegal Building in Protected Forest

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...

Costa Rica’s Record Meth Bust in Tibás Raises Concerns

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...

Costa Rica Catholics Support Conclave Despite No Voting Cardinal

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...

Latin America Reacts to Trump’s 100% Tariff Threat on Foreign-Made Movies

“We want movies made in the United States again!” declared President Donald Trump, as he announced a 100% tariff on films produced abroad. Without...