National Emergency Declared Due To Floods
Costa Rican president, Oscar Arias, accompanied by his brother, Rodrigo Arias, the ministro de la Presidencia and other government officials, yesterday visited San Antonio de Belén for a first hand look at the damage caused by floods during the past week that destroyed some 1.200 homes in various parts of the Central valley.

Shopping Centres and Supermarkets Liable For Stolen Vehicles
Following a complaint made almost three years ago after his vehicle was stolen in the parking lot of the Hipermás in San Sebastián, the Sala Primera (First Circuit Court) gave the complaint reason and set a precedent whereby supermarket and shopping centres, among other commercial centres, are liable to pay for the theft of a vehicle from their parking lot.

New Record Set For Drug Smuggling
A new record has been set in cocaine drug busts, as the drug police confiscated almost 2 kilos of the white powder from a man at the Juan Santamaría (San José) international airport as he was attempting to leave the country. The record is not for the amount, but rather for the way the drug was being carried: in his stomach.

Costa Rica Travel Planning Now Includes a Healthy Option: Medical Tests
Costa Rica boasts a well-earned reputation as a favored vacation destination for many in the U.S. Recently however, an increasing number of Americans are taking advantage of their exotic vacation trip to include a healthy medical checkup, trading some of their leisure time for one of multiple comprehensive packages currently being offered.

Spa College to hold two training courses in Costa Rica
Spa College – the internet-based training provider owned by Liz Galloway and Nicolay Kreidler – is to host a series of customised spa training packages in Costa Rica, beginning on 4 November.

Costa Rica waits for Venezuela to designate another ambassador
Four months have elapsed since the Venezuelan Government designated José Huerta as its envoy to Costa Rica, but the Costa Rica has yet to give its approval.

Quintavalle  Accused By Investors of Fraud
Matteo Quintavalle, the Italian businessman who made the headlines first by his purchase of local soccer players, is in the news again, this time being accused of fraud by some of his investors.