A Panama opinion column criticizes the government’s prison resocialization strategy under Dinoska Montalvo, arguing that policy has become more symbolic than effective. It says reducing crime will require deeper social and institutional reforms, not just more prisons.
A reflection on Panama’s education crisis argues that the country must stop blaming teachers alone and instead treat schooling as a shared national responsibility. It also urges serious leadership in both public policy and university politics.
Panama’s development debate is shifting toward the provinces, with growing calls to strengthen agriculture, infrastructure, education, and jobs outside the capital. Advocates say balanced regional growth is key to reducing inequality and sustaining the economy.
Panama’s firefighters have handled more than 4,000 bee-related emergencies this year, renewing warnings about the danger of africanized bees. Officials are urging people to avoid disturbing swarms and to take precautions near hives.
Panama’s 2026 Reforestation Program aims to restore 1,320 hectares with native species, beginning with planting in Soberanía National Park. The initiative focuses on recovering degraded land and strengthening conservation efforts.
The program Arte Sano was presented at a family fair in Omar Park, where presenters, producers and participants met attendees in a festive setting. The event featured children’s attractions and food in one of Panama City’s best-known public parks.
Panama’s National Assembly is considering a bill that would impose prison terms of up to 10 years for blocking access to beaches and rivers. The proposal frames those natural spaces as public resources of collective interest.
Panama will face Brazil in a friendly on May 31 at 3:00 p.m. as part of its preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The match will air on TVMAX, TVN, TVN Pass, and the TVMAX PANAMÁ YouTube channel.
An elderly woman in Chiriquí has died after an attack allegedly carried out by her son on January 24, 2026. The case highlights the dangers of domestic violence and abuse against vulnerable older adults.
Heavy rains in Veracruz flooded more than 25 homes, prompting residents to call for drainage maintenance to prevent further water intrusion. The incident renewed concerns about local flooding during intense storms.
UDELAS and UTP have signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen scientific research and innovation in Panama. The partnership aims to deepen collaboration between the two public universities.
IFARHU is waiting for approval of an agreement with a local bank before starting PASE-U key card distribution. The move is needed before the first 2026 payment can begin.
Cabra 1, Cabra 2 and El Trapichito water plants have resumed operations after rainfall affected their function. The restart helps restore drinking water service in the areas they supply.
Capellanía in Natá celebrated the National Traditional Cart Festival with a focus on rural heritage, including the symbolic filling of cane. The event highlighted the history of the cart and the labor of Panama’s countryside.
Iran has warned that a U.S. mission to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz could violate a ceasefire, heightening tensions in a vital shipping lane. The dispute could have ripple effects on energy prices and global trade, including in Latin America.
The BDA delivered more than B/.160,000 in loans to producers in Azuero as part of its institutional transformation under President José Raúl Mulino. The financing supports agricultural activity in one of Panama’s key rural regions.
The Azuero Fair ended with a canine contest that brought dozens of pets and their owners into the spotlight. Organizers thanked the fair’s board for supporting the event year after year.
Shipping companies are paying up to $4 million to cross the Panama Canal as global trade reroutes away from the Middle East. The surge highlights the canal’s growing strategic value during a period of maritime disruption.
Authorities suspended the search for a missing Costa Rican man in Bugaba, Chiriquí, after adverse weather conditions made operations unsafe. The pause comes as emergency teams face difficult terrain and reduced visibility in western Panama.
Authorities in Chiriquí are searching for a Costa Rican man who disappeared during a spiritual retreat in Bugaba, with weather conditions complicating the operation. Family members said he has a history of anxiety and of distancing himself from others.