The New Business case has renewed criticism of Panama’s justice system after a conviction for money laundering went partially unenforced and a large fine remained unpaid. The dispute is now a broader test of institutional strength and equal treatment under the law.
Panama’s Finance Ministry confirmed Cepanim payments will be issued by check, not transfer, because the certificates are negotiable financial instruments. The MEF plans to use appointments and finish delivery before year-end.
Verano Canal 2026 brought music, theater and public talks to four Panamanian provinces, drawing more than 30,000 participants. The program highlighted culture as a driver of community, identity and the creative economy.
Panama’s political debate is focused on a closed-door Contraloría meeting and the Assembly’s review of Antonio Tercero González’s nomination to lead the IDAAN. The two developments have renewed scrutiny over transparency, oversight, and public appointments.
A Panamanian environmental lawyer defended the approved Puerto Barú project and rejected a LYNKER technical opinion as non-scientific and non-compliant with national standards. The dispute adds to ongoing debate over how environmental assessments are used in Panama.
ENSA has scheduled preventive maintenance on its electrical network from April 27 to May 3, 2026, with temporary interruptions possible in specific areas. Customers can check if their NAC is affected through the utility’s interruptions portal.
Fundación Sus Buenos Vecinos has rebranded as Fundación Banco General to mark 30 years of social work in Panama. The organization says its mission remains focused on education, inclusion, and community support.
Erasmo Caballero delivered a walk-off single in the ninth inning as Chiriquí beat Bocas del Toro 4-3 in Game 3 of the national baseball final. The win gives Chiriquí its first victory over Bocas this season and keeps the series alive.
Japan’s move to increase U.S. oil imports is sending more tanker traffic through the Panama Canal, helping drive up transit fees. The shift highlights the canal’s role in global energy trade and Panama’s exposure to changing shipping patterns.
Panama City’s importance in global trade began long before the Panama Canal, driven by the isthmus’ narrow geography and strategic location between two oceans. That history helps explain why the capital became a lasting commercial gateway.
Panama’s youth baseball team captured gold at the South American Youth Games after completing a perfect tournament run. The victory highlights the country’s continued strength in baseball and its next generation of talent.
The Panama Canal is seeing a traffic surge as shipping disruptions elsewhere push vessels toward Panama, with some operators paying up to $4 million for expedited passage. The spike underscores the canal’s role as a vital global trade route.
Panama’s public transport safety debate is intensifying, with calls for stronger GPS monitoring, tighter inspections, and tougher enforcement. The focus is on preventing crashes before they happen and modernizing oversight of buses.
Panama City’s global importance did not begin with the canal. Its role as a trade crossroads predates the waterway and helps explain the capital’s long commercial significance.
Rainfall remains central to Panama’s water supply, agriculture and the operation of the Panama Canal, even as climate change alters seasonal patterns. The country now faces a growing need to protect forests and watersheds that sustain the water cycle.
Satellite imagery shows the scale of destruction in south Lebanon towns after Israeli military operations, highlighting the widening toll of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. The damage adds to fears of deeper regional instability and a costly rebuilding effort.
Panama’s government sent a message of support to the United States after a Washington, D.C. security incident involving an armed suspect and a Secret Service agent. Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez conveyed solidarity and wished the injured agent a swift recovery.
A satirical column uses a therapy-session metaphor to critique Panama’s tendency to explain away its problems instead of fixing them. Its message is simple: progress starts with one real action, not another excuse.
Businesses are paying up to $4 million for priority Panama Canal crossings as global trade disruption drives intense demand for non-reserved slots. The surge underscores the canal’s importance to world shipping.
Panama’s 2026 Afropanameñidad calendar will fill May with parades, food fairs, fashion events, and cultural tributes across several provinces. The program highlights Afro-Panamanian heritage while adding workshops on racial awareness and human rights.