Panama will face England, Croatia, and Ghana in the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, with a June 17 match against Ghana set for Toronto. The draw gives Panama an early and difficult path in the tournament.
IMA has announced the relocation of one of its permanent stores in inland Panama. The move matters for residents who rely on the store for affordable everyday goods.
The National Assembly advanced Isidro Carbonell’s appointment to the Lottery as he pointed to a major technological disconnect inside the institution. The move comes amid complaints over irregular sales booklet issuance filed during the previous administration.
Marco Rubio condemned China’s detention of Panama-flagged vessels, drawing attention to Panama’s outsized role in global shipping. The dispute highlights the country’s maritime importance and its vulnerability to international trade tensions.
Two brothers drowned in the Sapillo River in Coclé after one tried to rescue the other, prompting a SINAPROC recovery operation and a renewed safety warning. The victims were later taken to the forensic morgue.
A French-operated container ship and a Japanese-owned tanker have crossed the Strait of Hormuz, the first known commercial transits since war in Iran shut the key waterway. The crossings could signal a cautious reopening of a route vital to global energy and trade flows.
Vessels linked to France, Oman and Japan transited the Strait of Hormuz as regional tensions remain high. The French-owned ship’s passage was the first since the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran began.
U.S. SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan met with President José Raúl Mulino and Panamanian security leaders to discuss anti-narcotrafficking cooperation, canal security, and regional stability. The visit also included a rare aircraft carrier stop in Panamanian waters and joint training activities.
China has rejected U.S. claims about Panama-flagged ship detentions, deepening a dispute tied to maritime security and global shipping. The issue is relevant to Panama because of its major role in vessel registration and world trade.
Panama’s National Assembly is facing criticism over the selection process for the next defensor del Pueblo, with civil society leaders warning of opacity and political influence. The vote now moves to the plenary after interviews concluded this week.
Panamanian officials visited USS Nimitz during the Southern Seas 2026 exercise in the eastern Pacific, highlighting regional maritime cooperation. The visit included Panama’s president, the police chief, and the vice minister of government.
Panama-flagged vessels saw a sharp rise in detentions at Chinese ports in March, standing out from earlier months of the year. The trend has raised questions about possible port scrutiny and its implications for Panama’s global ship registry.
Panama has drawn support from the U.S., Israel and Paraguay after allegations over vessel detention in China, which Beijing denies. The dispute highlights the canal’s strategic weight in global trade and diplomacy.
Marco Rubio accused China of harassing Panama-flagged ships, drawing Panama into another dispute tied to global shipping and maritime security. The allegation highlights the country’s strategic role in international trade through its flag registry and the Panama Canal.
Panama’s National Police and the Public Ministry launched Operation Nomad in Chiriquí to target microtrafficking under the Firmness 2026 Plan. The effort reflects ongoing intelligence-led enforcement in one of the country’s key western provinces.
Russian strikes killed at least eight people across Ukraine as Kyiv signaled it could consider a temporary Easter truce. The attacks came amid warnings that Russia is shifting tactics to maximize civilian harm.
Good Friday in Panama is marked by prayer, reflection and religious processions, including the Via Crucis and other Holy Week traditions. The day remains an important part of the country’s Catholic and cultural identity.
Marco Rubio said China’s detention of Panama-flagged ships is undermining supply chains, as nearly three in four vessels held in Chinese ports in March were registered to Panama. The case highlights Panama’s outsized role in global shipping.
Panama-flagged ships accounted for most March detentions in Chinese ports, according to the Tokyo MOU, marking a sharp jump from January and February. The surge has raised concerns about possible commercial and political pressure on Panama’s shipping sector.
Panamanian security officials toured the USS Nimitz during Southern Seas 2026, joining Salvadoran and Guatemalan counterparts in a regional naval exercise. The visit highlighted Panama’s role in maritime security cooperation across the eastern Pacific.