Marco Rubio said any Iranian boats that fire on Americans in the Strait of Hormuz will be destroyed, escalating tensions in a critical global shipping lane. The warning matters far beyond the Gulf because disruptions there can hit oil prices and shipping costs worldwide.
The UAE said it intercepted an Iranian drone and missile attack that wounded three people, escalating tensions after the U.S. said it traded fire with Tehran. The incident raises fresh concerns for Gulf security and global markets.
Portugal is moving toward joining the Panama Canal Neutrality Treaty after talks in Panama, adding support for the waterway’s neutral status. The two countries also discussed scholarships and cooperation in science and education.
RIU Plaza Panama is celebrating 15 years in Panama City, highlighting its role in the capital’s hotel market and its social commitment in the country. The milestone reflects the hotel’s lasting presence in one of Panama’s key business and tourism centers.
Panama has launched an online platform to check postal codes for residences, offices and buildings using a cellphone or other internet-connected device. The tool is meant to improve address accuracy and make everyday transactions easier.
President José Raúl Mulino traveled to Costa Rica for Laura Fernández’s inauguration, with Panama focused on diplomacy, trade, and regional integration. The visit highlights Panama’s push to strengthen cooperation with Central America.
Producers in Panama Oeste received technical support from MIDA to improve crop and livestock production in communities including Cirí de Los Sotos and Barrio Unido.
President José Raúl Mulino traveled to San José for the inauguration of Costa Rica’s new president, Laura Fernández Delgado, alongside a senior Panamanian delegation. The visit highlights Panama’s focus on bilateral ties, border cooperation, and regional diplomacy.
Israeli airstrikes killed five people in southern Lebanon after Hezbollah rockets were fired toward northern Israel, escalating border tensions again. The exchange came after evacuation warnings were issued for villages in Tyre province.
A fire and explosion in Samaria, San Miguelito, sent firefighters to the scene and affected one family. No injuries were reported in the emergency.
Panama has launched a nationwide postal code system that uses geolocation and a digital platform to standardize addresses across the country. Officials say the change will improve logistics, support e-commerce and strengthen postal services.
The Social Security Fund has confirmed that May 2026 ACH payments for retirees and pensioners in Panama will be deposited on May 19. The monthly schedule helps beneficiaries plan expenses and access their funds on time.
Ernesto Córdoba Campos is seeing long-awaited progress on potable water service, with 900 meters of new pipeline set to benefit more than 20,000 residents. The project also includes new sidewalks to improve safety and mobility in the community.
Police arrested a third adolescent linked to an aggravated robbery on Balboa Avenue and recovered a victim’s cell phone in Terraplén. The case highlights ongoing security concerns in one of Panama City’s busiest areas.
Three former workers tied to the Belisario Porras community board are in preventive detention in a Panama corruption probe involving alleged misuse of millions in public funds. Authorities say the women were registered as emergency collaborators and received payments of up to $2,000.
Tocumen International Airport ranked first in Latin America and the Caribbean for international passengers in 2025, handling more than 20.7 million travelers. The airport also posted strong growth in total passengers, cargo and aircraft movements.
Saharan dust has arrived in Panama and is expected to remain through the weekend, with monitored provinces seeing moderate particle concentrations. The seasonal event is common from May to September and can affect visibility and air quality.
Panama’s Pacific upwelling season has disappeared for the first time in 40 years, raising concerns for fisheries and marine ecosystems. The change highlights how climate variability is reshaping the country’s coastal waters.
The second Mega Bingo Mundial TV draw was held successfully in Panama, continuing an initiative organized by the First Lady’s office. The event remains part of a public-facing campaign with strong national visibility.
San Miguelito has launched SAMU, a digital platform that lets residents report garbage, noise and abandoned junk without visiting city hall. The tool aims to streamline citizen complaints and improve local response.