Month: May 2026

EduRank 2026 places the Universidad de Panamá, UTP and USMA as Panama’s top three universities. The ranking highlights the country’s research profile and regional standing.

Panama’s foreign minister urged lawmakers in China to defend national sovereignty after the detention of Panamanian vessels. The move highlights how maritime disputes can become diplomatic issues for the country.

A Panamanian Assembly delegation visited China, a move Chinese experts see as a sign both sides may want to ease tensions. The trip highlights the continued importance of Panama-China ties in trade and diplomacy.

Evictions in Río Indio have intensified debate in Panama over land rights, development policy, and the strategic water needs tied to the Panama Canal. The dispute highlights the tension between national infrastructure goals and rural communities.

Panamanian lawmakers’ trip to China is drawing criticism as tensions persist over detained Panamanian vessels. Patsy Lee is defending the mission as an official parliamentary visit.

Panama has launched a new 24/7 contact center for the Citizen Service 311 system, backed by 50 new agents. The upgrade is aimed at improving response to complaints, reports, and citizen suggestions.

MEDUCA has made attendance at Escuela para Padres a requirement for collecting PASE-U payments. The change ties the education benefit more closely to parental participation and program compliance.

The Ministry of Government has set the registration process for the first family visit to women transferred to La Esmeralda in Las Garzas. Relatives must sign up at the former Cefere facility on Avenida Domingo Díaz between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Panama’s Education Ministry will run its Parent School program nationwide from May 12 to 15, aiming to strengthen ties between families and schools. The effort will reach regions across the country.

IFARHU has advanced the 2026 General Scholarship Contest, with more than 28,000 preselected students submitting documents this week. The process is a major step toward final scholarship awards for the academic year.

Panama is marking 112 years since the El Polvorín tragedy, when six firefighters died in a 1914 blaze. The anniversary honors their sacrifice and enduring place in national memory.

Panama City has launched a recovery of the historic Peatonal along Avenida Central, clearing visual clutter to reveal original façades. The effort is backed by a municipal decree and supported by community and private-sector collaboration.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is traveling to Rome and Vatican City as Washington works to ease tensions with Pope Leo XIV over U.S. policy on Iran. The visit comes as global concerns over the Strait of Hormuz and Middle East instability remain high.

Panamanian authorities dismantled a drug trafficking network that used courier and shipping companies to move narcotics, arresting 11 people in Operación Courier. The case underscores how criminal groups exploit logistics channels to conceal illegal shipments.

A violent robbery on Avenida Balboa in Panama City was recorded on video, renewing concerns about recurring insecurity in the capital. The attack highlights ongoing public safety worries in one of the city’s busiest areas.

Panama City has started building a pedestrian bridge in Alcalde Díaz after more than 15 years of requests from nearby communities. The project will improve safety and daily mobility for more than 10,000 residents.

Panama’s business leaders are gaining attention for how they are adapting to a changing global economy. The country’s strategic role in trade, finance, and logistics continues to shape its influence across the Americas.

A fragile ceasefire in the Iran war was tested as the U.S. tried to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while the UAE said Iran launched missiles and drones at it. The standoff threatens global energy markets and could ripple into fuel costs worldwide.

Panama will end its World Cup 2026 buildup with a June 6 friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Missouri. The team also has matches against Brazil and the Dominican Republic before opening the tournament against Ghana.

Pete Hegseth has praised a new U.S. missile defense effort as a global security gift, framing it as a major shield against modern missile threats. The move highlights the expanding role of missile defense in U.S. strategy and international geopolitics.