A social media image showing a South Korean cafe charging 2,000 won (US$1.35) for restroom use without a purchase has sparked mixed online reactions and a debate over customer access and business policy.
The UN’s FAO warns a prolonged Middle East conflict could push up fertiliser and food prices, with risks to spring planting if disruptions last beyond three months; that could affect Panama and Latin America through global market links.
Zhang Jinshui, a prominent Chinese remote-sensing scientist who helped apply satellite technology to bolster food security, has died at 47, Chinese media report.
The Philippines and North Korea clinched qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil after winning Asian Cup playoff matches; the Philippines advanced with a 2-0 win over Uzbekistan.
A Panamanian-flagged vessel carrying diesel remains anchored off Belize’s Big Creek Port while Belizean authorities weigh enforcement options, raising environmental and flag-state oversight questions.
Newsroom Panama published a “Your Morning Smile” post asking readers to submit “funnies” to PanamaNewsroom@gmail.com and included an image with the item.
Chiquita has begun limited banana production trials in Panama as part of efforts to restore supply after a prolonged 2025 labor strike. The tests are an early step toward resuming fuller operations.
Sinolam International has filed an ICSID arbitration claim against the Republic of Panama over the cancellation of a licence for a major gas-fired power project, escalating the dispute to an international investment tribunal.
The Asociación Bancaria de Panamá launched an anti-fraud campaign at the VI International Cybersecurity Congress as organizers warned of rising cyberattacks and urged proactive prevention.
Surgeons from the U.S. Southern Command supported medical procedures at Hospital San Miguel Arcángel in San Miguelito as part of the mission Juntos por la Salud.
Telemetro profiles Colón-born entrepreneur Lilia Liu, highlighting her multidisciplinary career and role as a prominent voice in Panama’s digital transformation and as an example for women in business.
The Office of the First Lady and Bingos Nacionales launched Mega Bingo Mundial TV 2026, offering three World Cup trips, a house and a vehicle; cards cost 5 balboas.
CSS and Minsa have launched a joint call to hire 77 medical specialists to strengthen health services in Panama’s interior, open to both Panamanian and foreign physicians.
La Puerca del Neri, a fair organized by local producers and the Alcaldía de Panamá, sold affordable bags of fruits and vegetables in Panama City, boosting access to fresh produce and supporting local sellers.
Video surveillance will be a key component of security planning for the March 19 cabalgata in David, Chiriquí, supporting crowd monitoring, traffic control and incident response.
Patients report delays and appointment difficulties at Policlínica J.J. Vallarino as authorities acknowledge demand has surpassed the clinic’s capacity, highlighting strain on local services.
Panama’s Ministry of Public Works met with Río Abajo merchants and announced a postponement of planned evictions tied to the Vía España expansion, presenting proposed adjustments for the area.
Fishermen in Coclé say recent fuel price increases will raise operating costs, potentially forcing fewer trips, higher consumer prices, and strained fishing incomes.
Cobre Panamá organized community cleaning days in Donoso and La Pintada while promoting new employment, coordinating the efforts with local authorities, the company said.
Panama’s National Energy Secretariat announced a significant gasoline price increase of roughly 30 cents in a Friday update, listing new prices for Panama and Colón and mentioning 95-octane fuel.