Panama City Hall will continue social and urban projects after a $17.5 million budget transfer was approved. The funding supports the municipality’s ongoing development agenda in the capital.
Plant health is emerging as a food-security issue for Panama and Central America, with regional agencies warning about the spread risk of the African giant snail. Prevention, early detection and coordinated response are now the priority.
A Panamanian guarantees judge kept the UNACHI Medicine dean separated from her post while she faces a peculado charge. The ruling leaves the university official out of office as the case advances.
A trial has begun over the 2019 La Joyita prison massacre, with prosecutors saying an alleged order from gang leader Cholo Chorrillo may have triggered the attack. The case involves 12 defendants accused in the deaths of 13 inmates and injuries to 11 others.
The dean of UNACHI’s Faculty of Medicine will remain suspended while prosecutors investigate alleged embezzlement tied to overlapping jobs and double salary payments. The case covers conduct reportedly spanning 2017 to 2022.
Panamanian lawmakers visited China to discuss ports, cooperation, and a monument honoring the Chinese community. The trip highlighted Panama’s ongoing interest in trade, logistics, and bilateral ties with Beijing.
Panama’s government, DIGECA and Caja de Ahorros signed a cooperation agreement to expand financial education and credit access for public workers. The plan covers loans, mortgages, car financing and credit cards for eligible employees.
Panama’s National Assembly is debating bill 641, which would add economic substance requirements for certain foreign-source income. The government says the reform could strengthen Panama’s international standing, while business sectors warn about competitiveness.
The trial over the 2019 La Joyita prison massacre has started in Panama, with judges set to review testimonial, expert and documentary evidence. The case concerns the deaths of 13 people and highlights ongoing concerns over prison security.
A teenager was injured in La Primavera, Chepo, and SENAFRONT says the minor is out of danger. Security forces are carrying out search operations to find those responsible.
Public Works Minister José Luis Andrade said Panama has $1.2 billion in pending contracts and wants road repairs to boost tourism. The plan links infrastructure upgrades with economic and visitor growth.
Panama’s Health Ministry is tracing 386 contacts after confirming two imported measles cases and says no community transmission has been detected. Authorities are urging anyone with symptoms and recent travel exposure to seek care immediately.
The UN says Israeli military forces and settlers have killed at least one Palestinian child a week on average in the occupied West Bank. The figures underscore rising civilian casualties and mounting international concern.
The CSS has announced the official payment dates for retirees and pensioners for the second half of May 2026. The schedule gives beneficiaries a clear timeline for when their monthly income will be available.
Panama’s debate over economic substance is reshaping the argument for transparency as a competitive advantage. Supporters say the country’s experience with automatic information exchange shows that stronger rules can attract real investment and protect financial stability.
Panama’s Drug Prosecutor’s Office and National Police detained 11 people in Operation Dársena Cero over alleged international drug trafficking. The case underscores the country’s continuing fight against transnational narcotics networks.
Panama’s construction permits rose 36.3% in the first quarter, signaling a recovery after two years of decline. Even with the rebound, the sector remains below 2023 levels.
Panama has launched an official 2026 call to recruit new diplomats through a technical and objective selection process. The move underscores a merit-based approach to strengthening the country’s foreign service.
Rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are increasing attention on the Panama Canal as shipping firms look for safer and more reliable routes. The shift highlights the canal’s importance to Panama’s economy and its exposure to global crises.
The Panama Football Federation has provisionally suspended goalkeeper José Calderón for six months while it investigates alleged match-fixing in the LPF Clausura 2026. The case underscores ongoing concerns about integrity in Panamanian football.
