The Central American country has been in turmoil since last April, when President Daniel Ortega launched a brutal crackdown on protesters and other opponents.
The Empress of the Seas was headed for Cuba, but changed its course for Jamaica due to weather. That's how it ended up in the path of two fishermen from Costa Rica who had been adrift for 20 days.
For over four months, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has responded forcefully to nationwide protests. As many as 23,000 are seeking refuge next door.
Peaceful and relatively prosperous, Costa Rica hasn't traditionally been a crossroads for migrants. But they have been descending on the country in growing numbers, straining resources.
After the famous toucan received a prosthetic replacement, it's story has helped spark a national movement against harming animals in Costa Rica, where a new anti-abuse bill is also gaining traction.
Packed with nutrients, easy to grow and adaptable to local cuisines, this tropical superfood could bring more food and cash to poor farmers around the world.
One of the lesser known tales of the world migrant crisis is taking place in Central America, where hundreds of Africans are landing with dreams of making it to the U.S.
One consequence of improved relations is that Cubans believe it will soon be harder to immigrate to the U.S. This year has seen the largest influx of Cubans in more than two decades.
