Topic: Costa Rica

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How 5 young black men see the Trayvon Martin case

The Monitor approached, at random, five young black men in Boston, Los Angeles, Coral Gables, Fla., and Louisville, Ky., and asked them to talk about the Trayvon Martin case, race relations, hoodies, and, of course, their own life experiences. Here's what they had to say.

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Italy eyes ex-CIA spook's extradition, complicating US ties

Panamanian authorities detained Robert Seldon Lady on request from Italy, which convicted him for the 2003 'rendition' kidnapping of a cleric in Milan.
No more 'return to sender?' Latin American countries move to standardize addresses.

Some Latin American nations rely on landmarks or building nicknames for mail delivery, which can take an economic toll.
Nicaragua canal: Will China build rival to Panama Canal?

Nicaragua canal would require $40 billion and 11 years to complete. Nicaraguan president Ortega hopes to get congress to approve Chinese plan for Nicaragua canal this week.
Change Agent Sharing good news helps break down the myth of our own powerlessness

Scary stories of kidnappings and explosions lead our news feeds, but there are plenty of empowering stories of progress – if we look for them.
Top Picks: A Mel Brooks special on PBS, Mr. Money Mustache's blog on consuming less, and more

'The Invisible War' documents sexual assault in the military, singer Edie Brickell returns with an album featuring collaborations with Steve Martin, and more top picks.
Latin America Monitor Study abroad in Mexico? Fewer US students make the trek.

One announcement from Obama's Mexico trip was a bilateral forum on higher education. Educational exchanges between the US and Mexico have stagnated or fallen over the past decade.
For Obama, Costa Rica offered rare 'safe bet' trip

Costa Rica's strong tradition of democracy and longtime friendship with the United States ensured President Obama would enjoy a smooth – if uneventful – trip this weekend.
Obama blames drugs for part of US-Mexico problems (+video)

Obama blames drugs for undermining US-Mexico ties. President Barack Obama argued deepening economic ties in Latin America would help the US control illegal immigration, and Latin American countries control drug and gang violence.
How Obama's Mexico trip sends a message back home on immigration, too

President Obama's Mexico trip is emphasizing trade and commerce, but the message being sent back home is also tailored to influence the congressional debate over immigration reform.
Why Obama won't talk so much about drug war on Mexico trip (+video)

Presidents Obama and Enrique Peña Nieto have reasons to change the US-Mexico narrative in meetings Thursday, but 'both countries are still very interested' in the drug war.
Is Obama's second term sunk? 'Maybe I should just pack up and go home.'

On the 100th day of his second term, President Obama laughed at the suggestion he may have run out of 'juice' for his agenda and expressed optimism on immigration reform.
Haiti aiming to plant 1.2 million trees in a single day

The big dig is planned for May 1. It's part of an ambitious government effort to reforest the country after suffering from landslides and desertification.
Scientists discover ridiculously small insect

With a length about 2.5 times the width of a human hair, Tinkerbella nana was spotted in a Costa Rican forest.
FBI Most Wanted caught in Nicaragua: What draws US pedophiles to the region?

Stigmatized in the US, some registered sex offenders like Eric Toth decide to move abroad to start fresh in a foreign country – and Central America is becoming a popular spot.
South American leaders likely to back Venezuela's Maduro in emergency meeting

Despite complaints from some Venezuelans that Sunday's election had irregularities, analysts say leaders in the region will likely support Mr. Maduro’s election in order to maintain stability.
More species of sharks, rays to get protection

Representatives of 178 member countries of the Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora voted to put five more species of sharks and two species of manta rays under protection from overfishing.
Is the 'Internet of Things' the way of the future?

Imagine a world where you can control your coffeemaker from your tablet or turn off toys from your phone. That world is around the corner, according to tech industry CEOs.
Super mega dolphin pod off San Diego: Why the big party? (+video)

Super mega dolphin pod, which indulged in a feeding frenzy off the coast of San Diego over the holiday weekend, is only the latest in a recent string of odd behaviors by large creatures of the sea.
More than 50 killed, and 80 injured in Venezuelan prison riot

A prison riot between the Venezuelan National Guard and armed prisoners left more than 50 people dead. Both the ruling party and the opposition called for better enforcement of the law in prisons.
Latin America Monitor Why Latin Americans top the happiness rankings

A global index on happiness shows several Latin American countries topping the list. The report cites centrality of family as a key reason.
Latin America Monitor US ex-marine to be released from prison after violating Mexico's strict gun laws (+video)

Former US marine Jon Hammar was imprisoned in August for carrying an antique gun into Mexico. Despite record levels of violence, such arms are prohibited without permission from the government.
Geography of joy? Where the world's happiest people live.

Seven of the world's 10 countries with the most upbeat attitudes are in Latin America, says a new Gallop survey. Panama is No. 1 on the list. People in 148 nations were asked: Were they well-rested, had they been treated with respect, smiled or laughed a lot, learned or did something interesting and felt feelings of enjoyment the previous day.
Starbucks $450 steel card: class warfare in a coffee cup?

Starbucks $450 gift card is made of stainless steel and will only be available in limited quantities through a luxury goods website. Is the Starbucks $450 steel gift card a sign that Starbucks is going "1 percent" on us? Or is it just harmless, splurgy fun?
Colombia's narco-sub 'museum' gives a peek into drug trafficking tactics

For years, smugglers have been using semi-submersibles to traffic drugs. As the US wages the war on drugs, Colombia’s Pacific coast is the Silicon Valley of narco-innovation.
Focus Violence against women in Latin America: Is it getting worse?

Across Latin America, women are confronting a rise in brutal attacks – as advocates struggle to sustain the progress that's been made in curbing violence against women.