The latest, verified reporting on events across Panama and beyond. This section covers breaking stories, developments, and essential daily news.
Panama plans to tender a B/.172 million prison project for the central provinces in the coming weeks, with space for about 2,500 inmates. The contract includes 36 months of construction and five years of maintenance.
Panama’s prison authority says televisions in detention centers are not a right, responding to concerns raised by the Public Defender’s Office. Some facilities already use shared TVs in communal areas, including La Mega Joya, La Joya, and La Joyita.
A judge ordered the provisional detention of Orlando Cuesta in the killing of prosecutor Patricia Ossa in Pueblo Nuevo. The case has intensified concern in Panama over domestic violence and firearm access.
Turkey ended a 24-year World Cup absence by beating Kosovo 1-0 in Pristina and qualifying for the 2026 tournament. The result was powered by young stars Arda Güler and Kenan Yildiz and a key late stop from goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır.
Panama has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, earning a second appearance after its 2018 debut in Russia. Scotland and Switzerland have also secured spots, adding historical context to a growing tournament field.
Heavy rain in Bocas del Toro flooded Isla Colón, renewing complaints from residents and merchants about recurring drainage and pumping failures. The episode highlights the island’s vulnerability during Panama’s rainy season.
Police and prosecutors dismantled a fraud ring in Panama that impersonated banks to trick users into transferring money. The case underscores the growing threat of financial scams built on trust and urgency.
Shakira is inviting fans to audition on social media for a chance to dance with her at the 2026 World Cup final halftime show. The first selected performers are children from Uganda, and the show will debut at the tournament final in New York New Jersey.
Panama’s Health Ministry has reinforced epidemiological surveillance amid Ebola cases reported worldwide, highlighting the country’s early-detection system. Officials say the goal is to spot and notify potential threats quickly.
The United States has charged former Cuban leader Raúl Castro over the 1996 shootdown of two civilian planes that killed four aviators. The case revives a long-running flashpoint in U.S.-Cuba relations and comes amid fresh pressure on Havana.
The U.S. has indicted Raul Castro over the 1996 shootdown of two Brothers to the Rescue planes, a deadly incident that reshaped U.S.-Cuba relations. The case reopens a chapter long tied to Miami’s Cuban-American community and the Helms-Burton sanctions law.
Panama’s education leaders are pushing for a reform model that can outlast political cycles, with teacher training, evaluation and governance at the center of the debate. The discussions also highlighted deep learning gaps and the need for a modern legal framework.
The United States has indicted former Cuban president Raúl Castro over the 1996 shootdown of two civilian planes, reviving a major Cuba-U.S. flashpoint. The case remains significant for regional politics and the Cuban exile community.
Panama has tightened Ebola surveillance at airports and border crossings while health authorities coordinate with regional and international partners. No Ebola cases have been reported in the country.
UNACHI staff and students marched in Chiriquí demanding Rector Etelvina Medianero de Bonagas step down amid payroll, debt and budget concerns. The dispute has put Panama’s university oversight and public spending under fresh scrutiny.
Panama’s farmers are beginning to feel the strain of declining rainfall as authorities warn of El Niño conditions that could affect crops and food production. Producers are watching for a deeper dry spell that could pressure yields and livestock operations.
Education experts warned that Panama’s school system is still marked by inequality, dropout rates and a growing disconnect with the labor market. They called for stronger teacher training, technical education and earlier support for children.
Marco Rubio’s call for a “new relationship” with Cuba comes on May 20, a date central to Cuban history. The statement adds fresh attention to the long-running debate over U.S.-Cuba policy and its regional impact.
A call is growing for Panama to move ahead with the long-delayed new Faculty of Medicine at Ciudad de la Salud. The project has become a symbol of the country’s struggle to expand doctor training and respond to health worker shortages.
A partial closure is underway at the Via Brasil roundabout in Panama City as the Ministry of Public Works carries out drainage work. Drivers should expect slower traffic and possible detours in one of the capital’s busiest corridors.