Arias Says He Doesn't Need Anyone To Convince Him of the Urgency To Approve the TLC
The under-secretary of the US Department of State Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Thomas Shannon, was in Costa Rica yesterday and affirms that the ratification of the Tratado de Libre Comercio (TLC) - the free trade agreement with the United States - is strictly a "Costa Rican" decision, however, without a doubt will have major negative consequences if not approved.

Foreigner Who Held Family Hostage Gives Himself Up To Police
The Fiscalía (prosecutor's office) has yet to decide if it will file charges against the Michael John Ludwick, the 42 year old foreigner who is an American citizen of Russian descent, kept police at a stalemate, after he detained his entire family in the family home, fired gunshots in the air and threatened to take his own life.

Tearful Family Ordered Back to Costa Rica
A Costa Rican family whose controversial case shaped government protocol in the arrests of illegal immigrants lost their legal fight to stay in Canada yesterday. The Federal Court of Canada has ruled the Lizano-Sossa family must leave the country by Sunday.

Domestic Violence Increased During World Cup Play
During the 2006 Word Cup soccer games we not only saw the Costa Rican national team - the sele - lose all three games, but, also an increase in family violence.

Rica Foods Receives AMEX Delisting Notice
Miami-based Rica Foods has received notice of delisting from the American Stock Exchange (Amex) following the failure to file required reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

"Enrique Intends to Pay", UCCR Says
In a letter to Villalobos (the Brothers) investors, the UCCR told members that  Enrique has assured them of his intention to begin the repayment of his creditors as soon as conditions permit him to do so.

Man Shoots Wife Then Commits Suicide Over Jealous Rage
Jealousy seems to be the motive behind the tragedy of Canadian Gregory Charles Banks, who took his own life after shooting his wife, Telma Pinzón Chavarría, who was in critical condition in hospital, in Puerto Jiménez, Puntarenas.