IFARHU will publish the 2026 scholarship calendar after Holy Week and is warning applicants that mistakes can cost them the benefit. The announcement is expected to help students prepare for the next scholarship cycle in Panama.
Panama’s municipalities say they are being shortchanged by as much as $115 million a year in property tax transfers, intensifying the debate over decentralization. Local leaders want the law changed so all IBI revenue reaches towns and districts in full.
More than 70,000 vehicles have moved from Panama City toward the interior of Panama for Semana Santa. Traffic is expected to intensify over the weekend as travelers return to the capital.
Peru voiced support for Panama’s push to strengthen safe maritime transport and uphold responsible maritime practice. The move highlights Panama’s continued importance as a major flag state and regional shipping hub.
China has rejected U.S. claims of delays on Panamanian ships and accused Washington of trying to control the Panama Canal. The dispute reflects rising pressure on Panama’s strategic shipping and port infrastructure.
An attack on the UAE’s Habshan gas facility killed at least one person after air defenses intercepted the threat, causing fires and significant damage. The incident raises fresh concerns about energy security in the Gulf.
Russian strikes killed at least eight people in Ukraine as fighting continued and Kyiv left open the possibility of an Easter truce. Ukrainian officials say Moscow is escalating attacks on civilians and infrastructure.
Resident and intern doctors in Panama met with CSS officials to demand faster payment of overtime shifts and better payroll processing. Fenameri has also called a nationwide peaceful protest for April 9.
Chiriquí and Veraguas open the Series of 8 in David as Panama’s 83rd National Major Baseball Championship enters its second phase. Chiriquí swept the regular-season meetings, but Veraguas arrives with momentum after advancing to the next round.
Cuban residents in Panama condemned U.S. threats against Cuba and urged Cubans abroad to defend the island’s independence. Their statement also warned against any use of Panamanian territory for warfare.
MSF says drone strikes on Al Jabalain Hospital in Sudan’s White Nile State killed 10 people and hit an operating theatre and maternity ward. The attack adds to growing alarm over assaults on medical facilities in Sudan’s civil war.
Trump is seeking a massive US$1.5 trillion U.S. defense budget, a 44% increase tied to the country’s war in Iran and broader military priorities. The plan is expected to spark a major battle in Congress over spending and U.S. foreign policy.
More than 100 people were affected when Africanized bees attacked a Good Friday procession in Penonomé, causing panic during the religious event. Authorities urged residents to stay calm and avoid disturbing swarms.
MIDES removed 450 beneficiaries from the 120 a los 65 program after a records cross-check found transport benefits or vehicle ownership. The move highlights stricter eligibility controls in Panama’s social assistance system.
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.