U.S. Army Corps of Engineers specialists will join Panama’s inspection of the Bridge of the Americas after a fire incident this week. The Ministry of Public Works expects a technical report Monday to guide next steps on safety and operations.
Watermelon and melon exports are creating jobs in rural Panama and supporting economic activity in inland communities. Officials and producers in Herrera also discussed incentives, technology and the need for better data to guide future policy.
Julio César Dely Valdés says Panama can emulate Costa Rica’s 2014 World Cup breakthrough and advance past the group stage for the first time. He also named Spain, Portugal and France among the title contenders while voicing concern about global conflict affecting the tournament.
Panama and Paraguay agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, security, agriculture and culture, while backing Panama’s Mercosur associate-state process. The talks also highlighted efforts to fight organized crime and boost regional connectivity.
President José Raúl Mulino signed Law 516 to create a board of trustees for Antón’s Festival of the Handsome Bull, giving the event a formal structure and funding model. The law also reinforces October 15 as Civic Day for the folkloric celebration in Coclé.
San Miguelito Mayor Irma Hernández urged lawmakers to ensure municipalities receive the full property tax share required by law. Her comments revived debate over how IBI funds are distributed under Panama’s decentralization system.
Panama West has received 25,000 influenza vaccine doses for distribution across public health facilities, with priority given to children, older adults, and people with chronic conditions. The shipment is part of a national campaign to protect against circulating flu strains.
A Hong Kong company has accused Maersk of teaming up with Panama in a bid tied to ports at both ends of the Panama Canal. The dispute highlights the strategic value of canal-linked infrastructure.
Panama’s Agricultural Development Bank disbursed $33.5 million in loans during 2025 to producers in 742 communities, while also reporting $4.8 million in annual savings. Officials also outlined progress toward creating the new Agricultural Development Institute.
Panama’s women’s national team, Las Canaleras, begin their final push toward the 2027 Women’s World Cup with a match against Aruba. The game will be broadcast live at 7:00 p.m. on TVMAX, TVN Pass, and TVMAX Panamá’s YouTube channel.
Police in La Chorrera arrested a woman accused of using forged documents to help people obtain bank loans in a financial fraud scheme. Three other people have also been charged in the case.
Panama has approved processing of ore already extracted and stockpiled at the Cobre Panama site. The decision adds a new chapter to the country’s debate over mining, regulation, and environmental balance.
Panama has added a 2% tax on new homes, increasing costs for buyers in the primary housing market. The change affects Panamanians earning above $1,000 and excludes used homes.
Maersk has responded to Panama Ports Company’s dispute as arbitration proceeds over an alleged port takeover. The case highlights the importance of Panama’s port sector to trade, investment, and logistics.
Panama’s exporters are facing added pressure from higher oil prices and geopolitical tensions, according to Apex president Arturo Siu. Even so, the sector sees new growth opportunities as Panamanian goods reach fresh markets.
Argentina’s lower house has approved a bill that would allow mining in glacier-protected areas, drawing protests over threats to water supplies. The fight highlights a growing regional clash between resource development and environmental protection.
A CK Hutchison unit has taken Maersk to arbitration in a dispute linked to port operations in Panama. The case highlights the strategic importance of the country’s terminal and logistics sector.
Fresh Israeli strikes on Lebanon have killed several people and escalated tensions around Hezbollah, raising fears of a wider regional confrontation. The violence also puts pressure on an already fragile US-Iran truce.
Dely Valdés says Panama has the potential to mirror Costa Rica’s remarkable 2014 World Cup run, citing the national team’s steady improvement. His comments add to growing optimism around Panamanian football.
A former operator of the Balboa port at the Panama Canal has filed a claim against Maersk, escalating a dispute over control of a key terminal. The case highlights the strategic importance of Panama’s port infrastructure to global shipping.