Bella Vista, San Francisco and Betania in Panama City lead vehicle theft and robbery complaints, followed by Chiriquí and Panamá Oeste. The pattern highlights how auto crime is concentrated in both the capital and other growing provinces.
The Bridge of the Americas will close overnight Thursday, April 23, from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. for a Ministry of Public Works test. Drivers in Panama City should plan alternate routes and expect traffic changes around the crossing.
The Bridge of the Americas will close overnight on April 23 for a structural load test ordered by the Ministry of Public Works. The evaluation is intended to measure the bridge’s response to controlled weight and confirm safe conditions for traffic.
Panama’s Lotería Nacional Miercolito drawing for April 21, 2026 drew attention as players awaited the midweek results. The lottery remains a familiar part of weekly life for many across the country.
Hanna won bronze at the Pan American Championships in Panama City after opening her campaign with a win over an opponent from El Salvador. The result adds a podium finish to a major regional event hosted in Panama’s capital.
Panama’s National Lottery has suspended Lotto and Pega 3 draws following a Supreme Court ruling, raising immediate questions for players and prize payouts. The decision took effect on April 21.
Former Colón mayor Alex Lee was detained again on April 22 in connection with a decentralization-related case. He had previously been arrested in 2024 amid allegations of misusing $214,000 in public funds.
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are increasing shipping costs tied to the Panama Canal, underscoring how global disruptions can affect the Panamanian waterway. The canal remains a vital route for roughly 5% of world maritime trade.
Lawmaker Cedeño is calling for a formal debate on legislation to protect public transport users in Panama. He says the current permit system has fueled distrust by concentrating control in the hands of conglomerates.
Tocumen Airport increased passenger traffic 15% in the first quarter, surpassing 5.7 million travelers. Flights and air cargo also rose, reinforcing Panama’s role as a regional aviation hub.
Moreno Franco will participate in Panama’s Datathon, adding international visibility to an event focused on technology and innovation. He said initiatives like this help bring innovation closer to countries in the region.
Panama’s ATTT sent secretary general Justo Castañeda on vacation leave as authorities move to repeal a decree regulating transport apps. The decision adds political attention to the ongoing debate over ride-hailing and transit oversight.
The Ministry of Economy and Finance has launched an online process for relatives of deceased Cepanim beneficiaries to claim pending payments. Applicants must register on the platform, upload required documents, and follow the digital verification steps.
Iranian forces fired on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz and seized two of them, escalating tensions in a vital global shipping lane. The move threatens diplomatic efforts and could ripple through energy and freight markets worldwide.
Authorities detained the corregimiento representatives of Barrio Norte and Barrio Sur in Colón during a search operation tied to an investigation. Prosecutors also found evidence at their residences.
Panama’s water supply could face greater strain as El Niño arrives while the rainy season is taking longer to begin. Officials say the delayed seasonal transition is already adding pressure to drinking water service.
Marea Verde marked Earth Day by urging people in Panama to adopt simple habits that help keep rivers cleaner. The group warned that plastic pollution, including microplastics, is already affecting human health and the environment.
Patients at Santo Tomás Hospital are warning that the hemodialysis unit is nearing collapse because of equipment damage and supply shortages. The disruptions have also affected transplant-related procedures, intensifying concern for kidney patients.
Panama Canal queues have grown as tankers move ahead of grain ships, adding pressure to a vital global trade route. The delay could affect commodity shipping schedules and broader cargo flows.
Panama is facing a day of partly cloudy skies, light rain in several regions and warm temperatures, along with intense solar radiation. Weather conditions are expected to vary across the country.
