Two Justin Santamaría lived a true miracle when a horse at the Tope de Palmares fell on him. Justin was taken to hospital and then released suffering only minor bumps. [Foto: Juan Ramón Chavarría]

Violent Start To The New Year; More Than One Traffic Death Per Day
During the first 12 days of the new year, 15 have lost their lives on the nation's roads, or more than one death a day, making it a violent start to a promising year as the Policía de Tránsito (traffic police) continue their efforts of reduction.

Scare on Continental Flight
A total of 155 passengers of a Continental Airlines flight arriving at the Juan Santamaría (San José) international airport at 3:25pm, got the scare of their lives as they had to be evacuated from the aircraft after flight attendance found an unknown white powder substance in one of the lavatories.

15 Years Prison For Cable Theft, ICE Proposes
The theft of electrical cable has become a serious problem not only for the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE), who incurs costs to repair the damage, but also for users who are left in the dark and for police facing added costs to investigate.

Friday the 13th Might Be Pretty Frightening After All -- in 2029
If scientists and astronomers have it calculated correctly, Friday, April 13, 2029, could be a very unlucky day for Earth if the asteroid Apophis continues on its path toward Earth, as Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Venezuela are all potential targets for total destruction,


Nicaragua Follows ALBA Path
Nicaragua began its adherence to the Bolivarian Alternative of the Americas (ALBA) Friday, spurred on by the increasing poverty and huge social differences resulting from 16 years of neoliberalism.

Honduras Readies to Reduce Crime
Honduran Security Minister Alvaro Romero confirmed on Friday that, due to last year´s increase in violence, Criminal Investigation Department (DGIC) will have priority in logistic and staff support.

Salvadoran Victims of Quake Protest
The Permanent Department for Risk Procedures announced Friday that, six years after the January 13, 2001 earthquake in El Salvador, the affected population has not seen the government´s promises fulfilled.

More Toxic Med Victims in Panama
The death of woman in David, western Chiriqui Province has brought the number of confirmed victims of contaminated medication in Panama to 51, announced Health Ministry Epidemiology director Washington Lum, without giving more information.

Ex-Argentine president released after being arrested in Spain
Spain's National Police on Friday released the former Argentine president, 75-year-old Maria Estela Martinez also known as Isabel Peron, on bail, shortly after being arrested.


VENEZUELA:
Petrodollars for Local Film Industry
The film industry in Latin America, plagued by endemic poverty, has found an oasis in Venezuela, where the film institute plans to distribute us$3.7 million dollars to 26 filmmakers this year.