An africanized bee attack disrupted a Good Friday Via Crucis in Penonomé, Coclé, affecting about 150 people and sending 50 for medical care. Emergency teams from several Panamanian institutions coordinated the response.
Panamanian authorities seized 97 suspected drug packages at a port in Colón from a shipment headed to Greece. Investigators are now working to identify those responsible and any links to international criminal networks.
Pan Bon is a beloved Holy Week bread in Panama, especially in Colón, where its Afro-Antillean roots remain part of local identity. The tradition has spread nationwide as a familiar part of Semana Santa celebrations.
China has rejected U.S. accusations over the detention of Panama-flagged ships, calling the claims politically motivated and linked to the Panama Canal. The dispute underscores Panama’s continuing role at the center of global shipping and geopolitical tensions.
A U.S. fighter jet was shot down in Iran, and Donald Trump has been briefed on the incident. The event raises fresh concerns about escalation between Washington and Tehran.
ENSA has announced planned power outages in Panama from April 2 to April 4 during Semana Santa. The maintenance work will affect specific areas at scheduled times, requiring residents and businesses to prepare in advance.
Panama will face England, Croatia, and Ghana in the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, with a June 17 match against Ghana set for Toronto. The draw gives Panama an early and difficult path in the tournament.
IMA has announced the relocation of one of its permanent stores in inland Panama. The move matters for residents who rely on the store for affordable everyday goods.
The National Assembly advanced Isidro Carbonell’s appointment to the Lottery as he pointed to a major technological disconnect inside the institution. The move comes amid complaints over irregular sales booklet issuance filed during the previous administration.
Marco Rubio condemned China’s detention of Panama-flagged vessels, drawing attention to Panama’s outsized role in global shipping. The dispute highlights the country’s maritime importance and its vulnerability to international trade tensions.
Two brothers drowned in the Sapillo River in Coclé after one tried to rescue the other, prompting a SINAPROC recovery operation and a renewed safety warning. The victims were later taken to the forensic morgue.
A French-operated container ship and a Japanese-owned tanker have crossed the Strait of Hormuz, the first known commercial transits since war in Iran shut the key waterway. The crossings could signal a cautious reopening of a route vital to global energy and trade flows.
Vessels linked to France, Oman and Japan transited the Strait of Hormuz as regional tensions remain high. The French-owned ship’s passage was the first since the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran began.
U.S. SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan met with President José Raúl Mulino and Panamanian security leaders to discuss anti-narcotrafficking cooperation, canal security, and regional stability. The visit also included a rare aircraft carrier stop in Panamanian waters and joint training activities.
China has rejected U.S. claims about Panama-flagged ship detentions, deepening a dispute tied to maritime security and global shipping. The issue is relevant to Panama because of its major role in vessel registration and world trade.
Panama’s National Assembly is facing criticism over the selection process for the next defensor del Pueblo, with civil society leaders warning of opacity and political influence. The vote now moves to the plenary after interviews concluded this week.
Panamanian officials visited USS Nimitz during the Southern Seas 2026 exercise in the eastern Pacific, highlighting regional maritime cooperation. The visit included Panama’s president, the police chief, and the vice minister of government.
Panama-flagged vessels saw a sharp rise in detentions at Chinese ports in March, standing out from earlier months of the year. The trend has raised questions about possible port scrutiny and its implications for Panama’s global ship registry.
Panama has drawn support from the U.S., Israel and Paraguay after allegations over vessel detention in China, which Beijing denies. The dispute highlights the canal’s strategic weight in global trade and diplomacy.
Marco Rubio accused China of harassing Panama-flagged ships, drawing Panama into another dispute tied to global shipping and maritime security. The allegation highlights the country’s strategic role in international trade through its flag registry and the Panama Canal.