Costa Rica joins US migrant deal, accepting 25 third-country deportees weekly amid ongoing migration tensions.
Starbucks plans to open up to 575 new U.S. stores by 2028, focusing on smaller, inviting formats and technological upgrades to boost customer engagement. Despite growth efforts, it faces increased competition and declining market share, with some investors questioning its long-term strategy.
Costa Rica's presidential election is ongoing, with preliminary results favoring Laura Fernández, who campaigns on continuity with outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves. The election faces a large number of undecided voters, amid concerns over security and crime, with a potential runoff scheduled for April if no candidate wins outright today.
Portugal's presidential election is nearing its conclusion with incumbent Seguro leading at around 66%, while far-right Ventura trails but advances to a runoff. Voting was held amid storms, with turnout similar to the first round. Seguro promotes moderation; Ventura's support signals rising far-right influence.
Kurt Van Dyke, a 66-year-old surfer and hotel owner in Puerto Viejo, was murdered during a home invasion involving armed suspects. His girlfriend was zip-tied and assaulted but unharmed. The attack is believed to be more than a random crime, with ongoing investigations into possible motives.
The 2026 World Happiness Report reveals a significant decline in life satisfaction among under-25s in Western countries, especially in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, linked to heavy social media use. Finland remains the happiest nation for the ninth year, while Costa Rica rises to fourth place. The report highlights social media's harmful effects on youth mental health, particularly among teenage girls.
Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup remains uncertain due to diplomatic tensions. The team is negotiating with FIFA to move their matches from the US to Mexico, with ongoing safety concerns and political conflicts affecting preparations in Turkey. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19.
England's coach Thomas Tuchel has announced a 35-man squad for upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, including returning players Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo, as part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Notably, Trent Alexander-Arnold is excluded.
The US military conducted a strike on a vessel suspected of drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific, killing at least 163 people since September 2025. The operation, justified as targeting narco-traffickers, faces legal and ethical scrutiny due to lack of evidence and concerns over extrajudicial killings.
The Gardner family has filed a lawsuit in Pennsylvania against Costa Rican resort operators, alleging negligence after their son Miller died from carbon monoxide poisoning during a family vacation in March 2025. The suit claims safety standards were ignored, leading to multiple illnesses and the child's death.
The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing cases on Trump-era asylum policies, focusing on the legal definition of 'arrive in' the U.S. and the use of 'metering' to limit asylum applications. Decisions will impact border enforcement and asylum access, with a ruling expected by June 2026.
A 7-month-old girl was fatally shot in Brooklyn when gunmen on a moped fired into a crowd. Her mother and brother were injured. Police are searching for suspects, with one in custody for unrelated reasons. The incident highlights ongoing gun violence in the area.
Costa Rica has signed a non-binding agreement with the US to accept third-party deportees, part of a broader effort by the US to relocate migrants to countries in Africa and the Americas. The deal allows Costa Rica to accept or reject transfers, with concerns over migrant safety and human rights criticisms. The agreement follows previous controversial deportations and aims to facilitate US immigration enforcement.
A mother in the US received a $5,185 phone bill after her daughter unknowingly made international calls on Roblox. Reddit users suggested solutions like blocking international calls or negotiating with the provider. The story highlights online safety and billing issues for parents today.
Iran has confirmed its participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US despite ongoing conflict with the US and Israel. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has rejected Iran's request to move matches from the US to Mexico, insisting games will proceed as scheduled in Los Angeles and Seattle. Iran's team is preparing in Arizona ahead of the tournament starting June 11.
Since early April 2026, the US has begun deporting migrants to third countries including Costa Rica, Congo, and Uganda under new agreements. These deals, funded by the US, allow deportations of migrants whose home countries refuse them. The arrangements face criticism over legality, human rights, and the involvement of repressive governments, with legal challenges underway in Uganda.
The US has been sending migrants from Latin America to Congo under third-country agreements. The first groups have arrived in Kinshasa, with the US covering logistics. Critics raise concerns over legality, human rights, and the stability of destination countries.