Panama’s new housing market is feeling the impact of the end of a decades-old ITBI exemption, with higher upfront costs and a reported 55% drop in sales. The change is reshaping affordability for buyers and pressure on developers.
Demolition has begun on the structure that blocked access to Coco Parque in San Francisco, opening a long-disputed public waterfront space in Panama City. Community leaders say the move clears the way for a future park with paths, lighting and green areas.
Star Princess has completed its first Panama Canal transit, marking a milestone for the new cruise ship and a high-profile moment for Panama’s iconic waterway. The crossing highlights the canal’s enduring importance in global cruise itineraries.
Panama will host Brazil in a friendly on May 31 as both teams continue preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The match will be broadcast on TVMAX, TVN, TVN Pass, and TVMAX PANAMÁ on YouTube.
A Panamanian lawmaker has taken the new decree regulating ride-hailing platforms like Uber and InDrive to the Supreme Court, arguing it could raise fares and bypass public consultation. The government says the measure is meant to bring order to a fast-growing market.
Panama’s planned Panama-David-Border railway could reach its first bidding stage in 2027 as feasibility studies continue. The first phase would link Panama City to Capira and could take at least five years to build.
The MEF website went down just as electronic registration for Cepanim payments began, prompting retirees to seek help in person at ministry offices. The outage disrupted access to a key public service for pensioners.
Colón defeated Bocas del Toro to force a sixth game in the 2026 Major Baseball semifinal series. The tense matchup now moves one step closer to a decisive finish.
Dan Brown met President José Raúl Mulino at the Palacio de las Garzas during a Panama visit centered on his children’s work Wild Symphony. The author praised the country, said he plans to return, and described visits to Casco Antiguo, the Fish Market and the Panama Canal.
Panama has received the extradition of the main suspect in the 1994 Alas Chiricanas bombing, reviving one of the country’s most notorious unresolved cases. The transfer from Venezuela follows a reactivated investigation and an Interpol red notice.
Princess Cruises’ newest ship has completed its first Panama Canal transit, marking an important milestone for the vessel and the cruise line. The crossing highlights Panama’s continuing role as a key route for global cruising and maritime travel.
A high-profile commander from Sudan’s paramilitary forces has defected to the army as the country’s war enters its fourth year. The move may signal pressure inside the RSF and adds new symbolism to a conflict that has already devastated Sudan.
IFARHU has confirmed that PASE-U payments for 2026 will be made by card to improve control and reduce misuse of funds. The shift changes how one of Panama’s main school support programs will be distributed.
Seven people were detained in Pedregal, Chiriquí, during an anti-drug operation that led to the seizure of a sedan, marijuana, and suspected cocaine packages. The bust targeted microtrafficking in one of Panama’s key western provinces.
San Francisco officials removed a barrier that had blocked access to Coco Park for more than 20 years. The demolition restores entry to the public green space near Belvedere Park and Windrose.
President José Raúl Mulino met with bestselling author Dan Brown during the writer’s visit to Panama for live performances of Wild Symphony in Panama City. Brown said he was impressed by the country and plans to return.
Panama is extraditing the main suspect in the Alas Chiricanas bombing case after his arrest under an Interpol red notice. The move revives a decades-old investigation into the attack that killed 21 people.
A hearing involving Ronny Rodríguez and William Pittí was postponed after a formal notification issue delayed the process. The case concerns the purchase of Pegasus spyware in Panama.
A Panamanian court suspended the trial of former Security Council members Ronny Rodríguez and William Pittí after the complainant failed to appear. Prosecutor Javier Cuadra said he has enough evidence to seek convictions.
Panama’s planned Panama-David-Frontera railway could begin construction in 2027, starting with the Panama-Capira segment. The project would link the capital with western Panama and eventually the border area.