Costa Rica's congress blocks prosecution of president for election interference Trump Says Ukraine and Russia Are 'Closer Than Ever' to Peace Costa Rica limits abortion to life-threatening cases Brigitte Bardot, 1960s French Sex Symbol, Dies at 91 Costa Rica nominates Rebeca Grynspan for UN secretary-general
Trump Reports 'Very Productive Call' With Putin Before Meeting Zelenskyy
National Assembly urged to strip President Chaves of immunity
North Korea says it tested long-range cruise missiles
Costa Rica president celebrates after effort to strip his immunity fails
Top Asia Pacific Breaking News Stories
YANGON, Myanmar (AP) – Voters went to the polls Sunday for the initial phase of Myanmar’s first general election in five years, held under the supervision of its military government while a civil war rages throughout much of the country. Final results won’t be known until after two more rounds of voting are completed later in January.
Costa Rica debates stripping President of immunity

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) – Costa Rica’s congress debated Monday whether to strip a sitting president of his immunity for the first time in the Central American nation’s history.

Stocks dip slightly as investors return from Christmas holiday

NEW YORK (AP) - Stocks edged lower in light trading on Wall Street as investors returned from the Christmas holiday. The S&P 500 index slipped less than 0.1% Friday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average also fell less than 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%. Institutional investors have largely closed out their positions for the year.

14,000 US-Bound Migrants Return South

MEXICO CITY (AP) – More than 14,000 mainly Venezuelan migrants who hoped to reach the United States have reversed course and turned south since U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown began, according to a report published Friday by the governments of Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica.

Today in History: December 28, U.S. Afghan war formally ends

Today is Sunday, Dec. 28, the 362nd day of 2025. There are three days left in the year. Today in history: On Dec. 28, 2014, the U.S. war in Afghanistan came to a formal end after 13 years with a quiet flag-lowering ceremony in Kabul, marking the transition of fighting from U.S.-led combat troops to the country’s own security forces.

US seeks to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Uganda

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Immigration officials said they intend to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Uganda, after he declined an offer to be sent to Costa Rica in exchange for remaining in jail and pleading guilty to human smuggling charges, according to a Saturday court filing.

China to stage drills around Taiwan after US, Japan tensions

HONG KONG (AP) – The Chinese military said Monday said it was dispatching air, navy and rocket troops to conduct joint military drills around Taiwan, a move it called a “stern warning” against separatist and “external interference” forces.

Costa Rican President Denies Corruption

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) – For the first time in Costa Rica’s history, a sitting president defended himself Friday before three lawmakers considering a petition to lift his immunity so he can be prosecuted on corruption charges.

Editorials from Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post

Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad:

Costa Rica accuses president of illegal campaign finance

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) – Costa Rican prosecutors accused President Rodrigo Chaves, the vice president, foreign affairs minister and four lawmakers from Chaves’ party of illegal campaign finance Monday. The accusations stem from their use of funds in the 2022 election that carried Chaves to power.

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