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COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

Chemical Spill in Costa Rica’s Barranca River

Costa Rica has reported severe contamination in the Barranca River due to an overturned truck spilling fungicides into the river basin, leaving over 100,000 people in Puntarenas and Esparza without potable water. Tests revealed contamination levels of 7,000 mg/L, vastly exceeding the 0.1 mg/L regulatory limit. Costa Rica has advised that water from affected areas should only be used for cleaning, not consumption, due to health risks. Schools in the region remain closed, and Costa Rica has shut down the Barranca River water treatment plant. The responsible company must undertake clean-up efforts before the water can be deemed safe again. Health risks include vomiting, dizziness, stomach pain, and skin irritations.

Visitor Capacity to Double at Poás Volcano

Costa Rica has announced a decrease in volcanic activity at Poas Volcano, allowing the National Park to increase its daily visitor capacity from 1,064 to 2,052. Visitors can now spend more time at the crater, access the trail to the Botos Lagoon, and will no longer need to wear helmets. Despite these relaxations, the park remains a high-risk area, and visitors are advised to follow safety protocols and guidelines from park rangers. The park is equipped with gas control systems to monitor volcanic gas levels and ensure visitor safety. Tickets can be purchased through SINAC’s Online Purchase and Reservation platform, providing organized access and important safety information. The park’s reopening is a positive step for tourism and the local community, which have been impacted by previous closures.

Brisa Hennessy Advances to Olympic Surfing Semifinals

In an exciting turn of events at the Paris Olympics, Costa Rican surfer Brisa Hennessy has made history by advancing to the semifinals after a strong performance against Brazilian competitor Luana Silva. With a total score of 6.37, Brisa secured her place and celebrated with her mother, sharing her gratitude and determination to go for the medal. Despite challenging conditions, she has ignited hopes for Costa Rica’s first Olympic medal in surfing in 24 years. Overcoming personal health battles, including hyperthyroidism and depression, Brisa’s journey is a testament to her resilience and strength. The semifinals are set for Saturday, where she will face Brazil’s Tatiana Weston-Webb. Let’s cheer on our talented athlete as she aims for Olympic glory!

Today's Top News

Costa Rica’s Hitoy Cerere Reserve Welcomes Back Visitors

In celebration of National Parks Month, the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), and the Regional Directorate...

Costa Rica’s Soccer League Leads Central America with VAR Implementation

The Costa Rican soccer league, Liga Promerica (Promerica League) is set to become the first in Central America to implement Video Assistant Referee (VAR)...

Costa Rica’s Housing Market Fails to Meet the Needs of Most Households

A new report titled "Balance and Trends in the Housing Sector 2023," presented by the Costa Rican Association of Engineers and Architects (CFIA) in...

Honduras Ends US Extradition Pact to Protect Government from Alleged Coup

Honduran President Xiomara Castro said Thursday that her surprise decision to end an extradition treaty with the United States was to prevent it from...

Celebrate Afro-Costa Rican Culture at Limón’s Gala Grand Parade

Tomorrow, Costa Rica commemorates the "Day of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture," and in the city of Limón, it will be celebrated...

Save the Children Among 169 NGOs Shut Down by Nicaragua

Nicaragua closed 169 NGOs on Thursday, including the children's protection organization Save the Children, in a new crackdown by President Daniel Ortega's government against...

Costa Rican Congress Approves Bill to Target Illicit Wealth Accumulation

The Costa Rican Congress has approved, in its first debate, a significant bill aimed at prosecuting illicit enrichment, commonly referred to as "emerging capitals." Introduced...

Impact of La Niña on Costa Rica’s Electricity and Climate in 2024

Following one of the driest years in Costa Rica's history in 2023, driven by the effects of El Niño, the country is now transitioning...

Costa Rican Police Officers Face Court Over Alleged Dog Killing Incident

Four police officers in Costa Rica appeared in court in San José this Wednesday, accused of killing a dog after running it over with...

Unions and Students March in San José for Education Funding

Today in San José, unions, teachers, political parties, civilians, and students marched to defend the public education budget and demand an increase for 2025....