Costa Rica Sees 7.8% Rise in Tourists in First Half of 2026

A routine hike on Mount Kearsarge turned into an unforgettable experience for a couple when an injury led to a mountain rescue and a surprise proposal. The woman, whose name has not been released, suffered a leg injury while hiking, prompting a rescue operation by local authorities. As rescuers carried her down the mountain on a stretcher, her partner seized the moment and proposed marriage. The injured hiker accepted, all while being transported. The rescue team successfully brought both individuals to safety, and officials later congratulated the couple on their engagement and successful rescue. Mount Kearsarge, located in New Hampshire, is a popular hiking destination known for its scenic views. The incident highlights the unpredictability of outdoor adventures and the power of love in unexpected situations.

A thief disguised as a beggar stole a mobile phone worth about 150,000 rupees from a store in Belagavi, Karnataka. The incident happened recently at a mobile shop in the city. According to police, the thief entered the shop pretending to be a beggar asking for money. When the shopkeeper was distracted, the thief grabbed a high-end phone from the display and ran away. The stolen phone was a premium model costing 1.5 lakh rupees. CCTV footage from the shop showed the thief wearing torn clothes and acting like a beggar. Police are investigating the case and reviewing footage to identify the suspect. Such thefts are not uncommon in busy markets where thieves use disguises to avoid suspicion. Shopkeepers are advised to be cautious and keep expensive items secure. The incident has raised concerns about security in local markets. Belagavi is a commercial hub in Karnataka, and such crimes can affect business confidence. Police have urged the public to report any suspicious activity. The shop owner has filed a complaint, and an investigation is underway.

A family vacationing in San Diego got an unexpected surprise when they checked into their Airbnb. They noticed a photo on the wall that appeared to be an old picture of themselves at the beach. The discovery was captured on video and quickly went viral on TikTok. The family had rented the home for a getaway. Upon entering, one member spotted the framed photo. It showed a group of people who looked exactly like them, posing on a beach. The family was confused and amazed, as they had no idea how the photo ended up there. The video shows them pointing at the picture and laughing in disbelief. They speculated that the photo might have been taken years ago on a different trip. However, they couldn't recall ever visiting that specific beach or staying in that rental before. Airbnb has not commented on the incident. The family said they plan to ask the host about the photo's origin. The video has garnered millions of views, with many viewers sharing similar strange experiences in vacation rentals. While some commenters suggested the photo could be a coincidence or a prank, the family remains puzzled. They hope to solve the mystery of how their image ended up on a stranger's wall.

As summer vacation season heats up, many travelers heading to Florida are looking for great beaches. But a new travel advisory suggests that if beaches are your main goal, you might want to skip the Florida Keys. The Keys, a chain of tropical islands stretching about 120 miles off the southern tip of Florida, are famous for other attractions. Instead of wide, sandy beaches, visitors can enjoy flats fishing, exploring Gulf sandbars, kayaking through mangroves, or taking a bar crawl along Duval Street in Key West. Snorkeling and scuba diving in the coral reefs are also popular activities. The islands offer a unique blend of outdoor adventures and quirky nightlife. So before booking a trip, consider what you really want. If it's classic beach lounging, other parts of Florida might be a better fit. But if you're open to a different kind of island experience, the Keys can be unforgettable. Remember to plan ahead and check local guidelines for a safe and enjoyable summer getaway.

Oklahoma has installed new 'No Tolerance' speed limit signs across the state to remind drivers that posted speed limits are strict and enforceable. The signs reinforce the state's firm approach to speeding, making it clear that even driving one mile per hour over the limit is technically a violation of the law. However, law enforcement officers still have discretion when issuing tickets for minor infractions. Drivers are advised to treat the posted speed as the absolute maximum to avoid fines and penalties. These signs are part of a broader effort to improve road safety and reduce accidents caused by excessive speed. In many states, there is a common misconception that a small buffer of 5 to 10 mph over the limit is acceptable, but Oklahoma's 'No Tolerance' policy aims to correct that belief. The state hopes that clear signage will encourage drivers to obey speed limits more strictly. While officers may sometimes overlook a few extra miles per hour, they are fully authorized to write tickets for any amount of speeding. Drivers should be aware that penalties can include fines, points on their license, and increased insurance rates. The signs serve as a reminder that safety on the road depends on everyone following the rules. As always, it is best to drive at or below the posted limit.

A growing number of universities are cutting jobs in humanities and social sciences, leading to the loss of courses in languages, classics, and theology, according to the British Academy. The expert body warns that these cuts are creating 'cold spots' where such subjects are no longer available, raising concerns about reduced educational opportunities and social mobility. Universities are struggling financially, forcing them to make redundancies not only in humanities but also in traditionally popular subjects like business studies, law, and English. The British Academy reported that around 4,000 academic posts have been lost in the past year alone. This trend is causing alarm among experts who fear it will limit students' choices and harm the country's cultural and intellectual diversity. The British Academy's report highlights that the cuts are widespread and affecting strategically important subjects. The organization calls for action to protect these disciplines, which are vital for a well-rounded education and a healthy society. Without intervention, many students may miss out on studying subjects that foster critical thinking and cultural understanding.