Today in History: May 3, Margaret Thatcher elected
May 3, 2023 GMTToday in History
Today is Wednesday, May 3, the 123rd day of 2023. There are 242 days left in the year.
Costa Rica president promises more police, tougher laws
April 20, 2023 GMTSAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — President Rodrigo Chaves promised Wednesday to put more police in the streets and demanded changes in Costa Rica's laws to confront record-setting numbers of homicides that have shaken daily life in a country long known for peaceful stability.
Drug trafficking blamed as homicides soar in Costa Rica
April 1, 2023 GMTLIMON, Costa Rica (AP) — In this colorful Caribbean port, where cruise ship passengers are whisked to jungle adventures in Costa Rica’s interior, locals try to be home by dark and police patrol with high-caliber guns in the face of soaring drug violence.
Panama buries last 13 bodies of dozens of bus crash victims
March 17, 2023 GMTPANAMA CITY (AP) — Panama buried the last 13 unclaimed bodies Friday from a Feb. 15 bus crash that killed over three dozen migrants from several countries.
The migrants buried Friday included people from Haiti, Eritrea and Nigeria.
Fear, anxiety follow Nicaraguan faith leaders into exile
March 9, 2023 GMTSAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica (AP) — For two hours each afternoon, the Catholic priest listens to confessions behind a glass wall where anyone nearby can spot him. Yet that visibility is deceptive; he yearns to keep his name and exact whereabouts a secret to the outside world.
Costa Rica ponders ways to sustain reforestation success
March 7, 2023 GMTSAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — Costa Rica went from having one of the world's highest deforestation rates in the 1980s to a nation centered on ecotourism, luring world travelers with the possibility of moving between marine reserves and cloud forest in a single day.
US to limit asylum to migrants who pass through a 3rd nation
February 22, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration said Tuesday that it will generally deny asylum to migrants who show up at the U.S. southern border without first seeking protection in a country they passed through, mirroring an attempt by the Trump administration that never took effect because it was blocked in court.
At least 39 migrants dead in bus crash in Panama
February 15, 2023 GMTPANAMA CITY (AP) — At least 39 migrants were killed and about 20 were injured early Wednesday when the bus they were riding in western Panama tumbled off a cliff, authorities said.
Officials did not immediately report nationalities, but the migrants had crossed the treacherous Darien Gap from Colombia.
Galtier concedes goalkeeper Keylor Navas could leave PSG
January 27, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier is unsure if he can retain goalkeeper Keylor Navas amid reported interest from Premier League club Nottingham Forest.
With the January transfer window closing soon, the 36-year-old Navas has been linked with a move after losing his starting position to Italy's European Championship-winning goalie Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Jury rejects woman’s claims against 4 police officers
January 20, 2023 GMTALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — A jury on Friday rejected a woman's allegations that a former police chief in Virginia and three other officers protected a prostitution ring that she said trafficked her.
The eight-person civil jury found that the woman, identified in court only as Jane Doe, was not a victim of trafficking but was instead a willing sex worker.
Andreescu’s ‘Aha moment’ made Australian Open win possible
January 16, 2023 GMTMELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Bianca Andreescu traces the path that brought her back to the tennis tour after a mental health break — and, on Monday, put her back in the win column thanks to beating a seeded opponent at the Australian Open — to what she calls “an ‘Aha’ moment” on a beach in Costa Rica during a spiritual retreat nearly a year ago.
Jury hears case alleging 4 cops enabled prostitution ring
January 10, 2023 GMTALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — A woman who says she was lured from Costa Rica into a Virginia-based sex-trafficking ring says a former police chief and three other officers were clients of the enterprise and allowed it to operate.
History-making Frappart on Women’s World Cup referees list
January 9, 2023 GMTZURICH (AP) — The six female match officials who worked at the men’s World Cup in Qatar including history maker Stéphanie Frappart were also selected Monday by FIFA for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, which will have 13 men in the video review team.
Costa Rica tightens overwhelmed asylum system
December 14, 2022 GMTSAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — Costa Rica, one of the world’s great refuges for people fleeing persecution, is tightening its generous asylum policies in the face of an overwhelmed system.
President Rodrigo Chaves, who took office in May, said Costa Rica’s system is being abused by economic migrants.
Young Spain squad and its ‘tiki-taka’ stumble at World Cup
December 7, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Spain lost to Morocco 3-0 in a penalty shootout in the round of 16 at the World Cup on Tuesday, failing to make it to the quarterfinals for the third straight time since winning its last world title in South Africa in 2010.
Spain in recovery mode after losing to Japan at World Cup
December 2, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — It’s not how Spain imagined reaching the knockout phase of the World Cup: finishing the group stage with a loss and having to rely on other teams to help it advance.
Germany out of World Cup despite 4-2 win over Costa Rica
December 1, 2022 GMTAL KHOR, Qatar (AP) — Back-to-back early exits at the World Cup have Germany coach Hansi Flick wanting to go back to basics.
The four-time champions were again eliminated from the group stage, four years after their embarrassing display as defending champions in Russia.
Stéphanie Frappart makes history as 1st female World Cup ref
December 1, 2022 GMTAL KHOR, Qatar (AP) — French referee Stéphanie Frappart became the first woman to take charge of a men’s World Cup game on Thursday as she blew her whistle to start Germany’s game against Costa Rica.
Spain faces Japan looking to seal last-16 spot at World Cup
November 30, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — After conceding late to miss out on a victory against Germany, Spain finds itself with some work left to do against Japan to guarantee its spot in the round of 16 at the World Cup.
World Cup Viewer’s Guide: Germany must win for last-16 shot
November 30, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — It's a simple task for Germany in its final game of group stage: beat Costa Rica on Thursday or the four-time World Cup champions will go home early for a second consecutive tournament.
Germany needs a win and help to avoid World Cup early exit
November 30, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — After getting a favor from Costa Rica, Germany needs a win against the Central American team on Thursday to have any chance of reaching the knockout stages at the World Cup.
US, allies announce plans for second democracy summit
November 29, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration on Tuesday announced plans for a second Summit for Democracy next year, this time to be co-hosted by the governments of Costa Rica, the Netherlands, South Korea and Zambia.
Germany salvages 1-1 draw against Spain at World Cup
November 27, 2022 GMTAL KHOR, Qatar (AP) — Only a win for Germany in the final group game will give the four-time World Cup champions a chance to avoid a second straight early elimination.
Costa Rica rallies to beat Japan 1-0 in Group E of World Cup
November 27, 2022 GMTAL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP) — Essentially written off after being battered by Spain, Keysher Fuller has changed everything for Costa Rica.
Fuller took advantage of a defensive error and scored the only goal of the match to lead his team over Japan 1-0 Sunday at the World Cup. Both teams now have three points after two matches and a good chance to advance to the round of 16 from Group E.
World Cup Viewer’s Guide: Germany seeks World Cup rebound
November 26, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — A surprise opening-match loss has Germany headed into its second game seeking an easy victory to avoid a second consecutive early World Cup exit.
Japan aims for World Cup knockout stage against Costa Rica
November 26, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — How big was Japan's 2-1 upset of Germany in the opening round of the World Cup?
Newspapers in Japan used the term “Daikimboshi” from sumo wrestling to describe the magnitude of the surprise: when a low-ranked wrestler overpowers a grand champion.
Germany’s World Cup survival on the line against Spain
November 26, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — When the World Cup draw came out in April, one of the highlights of the group stage was Sunday’s match between Spain and Germany at Al Bayt Stadium.
Promising Spain brings back the ‘tiki-taka’ at the World Cup
November 24, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — It was a World Cup win fit for a king. Literally.
King Felipe VI was among those congratulating Spain in Qatar after its 7-0 rout of Costa Rica in the World Cup opener Wednesday, when “La Roja” reintroduced the “tiki-taka” and put on a masterclass of ball possession and efficient attacking to get off to a good start in its quest to win a second world title.
Teen Gavi leads Spain to 7-0 rout of Costa Rica at World Cup
November 23, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Not since Pelé in 1958 had someone as young as Gavi scored a goal at the World Cup.
The 18-year-old midfielder led the way Wednesday as Spain pulled off the biggest World Cup victory in its history, routing Costa Rica 7-0.
Young Spain squad makes World Cup debut against Costa Rica
November 22, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — A new era is about to start for Spain at the World Cup, with a generation of talented young players taking center stage in its quest to win a second world title.
Spain calls up Balde to replace injured Gayà for World Cup
November 18, 2022 GMTMADRID (AP) — Spain called up Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde to replace injured left back José Gayà on Friday, less than a week before the team's opening World Cup match against Costa Rica.
The 19-year-old Balde has had a breakout season at Barcelona, playing both on the left and right side of the defense.
Ansu Fati shines as Spain wins its final World Cup warmup
November 17, 2022 GMTAnsu Fati made the most of his chance back with Spain's national team, scoring a goal and showing he is in great form in La Roja's 3-1 win over Jordan in a World Cup warmup on Thursday.
German gym outlets CEO confirmed dead after Costa Rica crash
November 4, 2022 GMTBERLIN (AP) — The founder and CEO of the RSG Group of gym outlets, Rainer Schaller, has been confirmed dead after the crash off a small plane off Costa Rica late last month, the company said Friday.
World Cup goal for Japan is quarterfinals -- at least
November 1, 2022 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Saying it is one thing, but doing it is another.
Japan soccer coach Hajime Moriyasu repeated his aim again for the World Cup.
“Our goal for the tournament is to reach the quarterfinal — and least,” he said on Tuesday as he named Japan's 26-player squad.
Japan gets tough World Cup draw in group with Germany, Spain
October 26, 2022 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Japan's goal at the World Cup will be to break the round-of-16 hex.
The Japanese will be appearing in their seventh consecutive World Cup, and three times the team has reached the round of 16.
Navas, Ruiz, Borges get another chance at World Cup
October 26, 2022 GMTSAN JOSE (AP) — Three of Costa Rica's greatest players will get one last shot at the World Cup playing together.
Goalkeeper Keylor Navas, forward Bryan Ruíz and midfielder Celso Borges were all part of the team that reached the quarterfinals at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and then qualified again for the tournament in 2018.
Gold’s Gym parent company confirms CEO was on crashed plane
October 24, 2022 GMTSAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — The RSG Group of gym outlets, including Gold’s Gym and McFit, confirmed Monday that founder and CEO Rainer Schaller, family and friends were aboard a small plane that disappeared from radar just off Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.
Costa Rica finds 2 bodies in crash of plane carrying Germans
October 23, 2022 GMTSAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — Authorities in Costa Rica have found two bodies in the search for six people, apparently including the German businessman behind Gold’s Gym, who went missing when their small plane disappeared from radar just off the country's Caribbean coast.
6 feared dead in small plane crash off Costa Rica
October 22, 2022 GMTSAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — Six people, apparently including the German businessman behind Gold's Gym, were feared dead Saturday after a small plane crashed into the Caribbean just off the Costa Rican coast.
World Cup doping: Costa Rica’s Galo positive for steroid
October 22, 2022 GMTZURICH (AP) — Four weeks before the World Cup, Costa Rica defender Orlando Galo has been suspended by FIFA after testing positive for an anabolic steroid and is set to miss the tournament.
FIFA said Saturday that Galo “has been provisionally suspended and the usual procedure has been opened.”
Venezuela, SKorea, Afghanistan lose vote for UN rights body
October 11, 2022 GMTUNITED NATIONS (AP) — Venezuela, South Korea and Afghanistan lost contested races for seats on the top U.N. human rights body in Tuesday by the General Assembly, which faced criticism for electing countries like Vietnam and Sudan, which have been accused of having abysmal human rights records.
Nicaragua charging exiled opponents’ relatives
October 5, 2022 GMTMEXICO CITY (AP) — Exiled Nicaraguan economist Javier Álvarez received terrible news this week: his wife, daughter and son-in-law, jailed three weeks ago by the government of President Daniel Ortega, had been formally charged with serious crimes back in Nicaragua.
At least 9 dead, 34 injured in a bus crash in Costa Rica
September 18, 2022 GMTSAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica (AP) — At least nine people were killed and 34 injured when a passenger bus fell off a 75-meter (250-foot) cliff on the Inter-American Highway in Costa Rica. Authorities attributed the accident to a landslide caused by heavy rain.
Koreans concerned about Son’s drought ahead of World Cup
September 14, 2022 GMTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Son Heung-min’s goal drought this season has extended to eight games for Tottenham, heightening worries back in Seoul over the form of the South Korean star just months out from the World Cup.
FIFA safeguarding program used at under-20 Women’s World Cup
August 30, 2022 GMTThe recently concluded under-20 Women's World Cup in Costa Rica was the first youth tournament to implement FIFA's safeguarding program, aimed at keeping participants and fans safe from abuse, exploitation and harassment.
Woman pleads not guilty in Texas killing of pro cyclist
July 20, 2022 GMTAUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A woman accused of killing professional cyclist Anna Moriah Wilson as a romantic rival pleaded not guilty to a murder charge on Wednesday, as her lawyers pressed for a quick trial that the judge then scheduled to start in late October.
US beats Canada for W Championship title, ’24 Olympic berth
July 19, 2022 GMTMONTERREY, Mexico (AP) — Alex Morgan never gets tired of winning championships, even after so many titles already.
Morgan converted on a penalty in the 78th minute and the U.S. women's national team won the CONCACAF W Championship 1-0 over Canada on Monday night to secure one of the region's spots in the 2024 Olympics.
US advances to W Championship final against Canada
July 15, 2022 GMTMONTERREY, Mexico (AP) — The U.S. women's national team will play Canada in the final of the CONCACAF W Championship for a spot in the 2024 Olympics.
The United States beat Costa Rica 3-0 in the semifinals Thursday night on goals from Emily Sonnett, Mallory Pugh and Ashley Sanchez.
Mewis scores late, US women top Mexico 1-0 at W Championship
July 12, 2022 GMTMONTERREY, Mexico (AP) — Kristie Mewis scored in the 89th minute to break a stalemate and the United States beat Mexico 1-0 on Monday night at the CONCACAF W Championship.
The U.S. won Group A in the eight-team tournament and will face Costa Rica in the semifinals.
Canada, Costa Rica qualify for Women’s World Cup
July 9, 2022 GMTMONTERREY, Mexico (AP) — Julia Grosso scored in the 64th minute and Canada secured a spot in the 2023 World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Panama at the CONCACAF W Championship on Friday night.
With Canada's victory, Costa Rica also qualified for next summer's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Cyclist murder suspect moved around Costa Rica before arrest
July 7, 2022 GMTAUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The suspect in the killing of professional cyclist Anna Moriah Wilson in Texas tried to change her appearance and used several aliases as she moved around Costa Rica in an attempt to establish herself as a yoga teacher before she was tracked down by U.S.
Grosso scores 2 and Canada downs Trinidad and Tobago 6-0
July 6, 2022 GMTMONTERREY, Mexico (AP) — Julie Grosso scored a pair of goals and Canada went on to rout Trinidad and Tobago 6-0 Tuesday night in a group stage match at the CONCACF W Championship.
The W Championship serves as qualifying for next summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Tropical Storm Bonnie hits Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast
July 2, 2022 GMTMEXICO CITY (AP) — Tropical Storm Bonnie hit the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua near the border with Costa Rica late Friday and was expected to make a quick march across Central America and potentially develop into a hurricane after reemerging in the Pacific.
Caribbean storm likely to gain force, hit Central America
July 1, 2022 GMTSAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — A storm that has hurled rain on the southern Caribbean and the northern shoulder of South America was expected to hit Central America as a tropical storm over the weekend and eventually develop into a hurricane over the Pacific, forecasters said Thursday.
Texas woman accused in cyclist death arrested in Costa Rica
June 30, 2022 GMTA Texas woman suspected in the fatal shooting of professional cyclist Anna Moriah Wilson at an Austin home has been arrested in Costa Rica, the U.S.
Disturbance in Caribbean likely to become tropical storm
June 30, 2022 GMTSAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Forecasters issued a hurricane watch Wednesday for the Nicaragua-Costa Rica border as a tropical disturbance sped over the southern Caribbean on a path toward Central America.
Costa Rica chaos a warning that ransomware threat remains
June 17, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Teachers unable to get paychecks. Tax and customs systems paralyzed. Health officials unable to access medical records or track the spread of COVID-19. A country’s president declaring war against foreign hackers saying they want to overthrow the government.
Costa Rica going to World Cup, beats New Zealand in playoff
June 15, 2022 GMTAL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP) — Costa Rica’s core of stars including Keylor Navas, Joel Campbell and Bryan Ruiz created national soccer history in a memorable run to the 2014 World Cup quarterfinals.
They were all still there Tuesday, all with more than 100 international appearances, and all key to a 1-0 win over New Zealand in a World Cup intercontinental playoff for the final place at Qatar 2022.