The latest, verified reporting on events across Panama and beyond. This section covers breaking stories, developments, and essential daily news.
MEDUCA confirmed that all Escuela para Padres 2026 workshops will last two hours and be held in two sessions. The clarification helps parents plan ahead for the program.
More than 200 teachers and officials have resigned in Panama as authorities pursue a fake diploma scandal inside Meduca. Criminal complaints include document forgery, crimes against public administration, and criminal association.
Panama’s Under-20 team was drawn into Group C with Honduras, Canada and Jamaica for the Concacaf championship in Mexico. The tournament will decide four World Cup places and also offer a route to the 2028 Olympics.
President José Raúl Mulino said the Isla Margarita port concession in Colón will be tendered before the end of 2026. The planned process could draw interest from major global shipping companies.
Panama has recorded hantavirus cases in 2026, raising awareness about how the disease spreads, its early symptoms and how to prevent infection. Health officials emphasize rodent control and prompt medical attention for warning signs.
A bus driver will remain detained after a fatal crash in Chame killed four people traveling in a private car, including Pastor Benjamín López and his family. The case has intensified concern over road safety in Panama Oeste.
Deputy Ernesto Cedeño filed administrative complaints against the Panama and Arraiján mayor’s offices over street vendor evictions. The case centers on alleged abuses, due process concerns, and the enforcement of public space rules.
Panama City is keeping its temporary permit available for vehicles with expired plates, giving drivers a short-term way to circulate while they regularize their paperwork. The measure is designed as a bridge, not a substitute for plate renewal.
More than 1,500 ships and 20,000 crew members are stuck in the Persian Gulf as unrest disrupts shipping routes. Panama’s role in global trade is growing as tensions boost traffic through the Canal.
President José Raúl Mulino will attend Laura Fernández’s inauguration in Costa Rica and hold bilateral meetings focused on diplomacy, trade, and regional cooperation. The visit highlights Panama’s interest in deeper Central American integration and logistics ties.
President José Raúl Mulino will travel to Costa Rica on May 8 to attend Laura Fernández’s inauguration and hold bilateral meetings, including one with Spain’s King Felipe VI. It will be his 23rd trip abroad since taking office in July 2024.
MIDES confirmed the second 2026 payment dates for beneficiaries of Red de Oportunidades, 120 a los 65, SENAPAN and Ángel Guardián. The schedule is important for families and older adults who rely on these social support transfers.
Panama City completed new sidewalks in Las Mañanitas that will benefit more than 3,000 students and staff in the area. The municipality also delivered six community bridges and is nearing completion of two more.
President José Raúl Mulino visited ASTIBAL in Balboa and highlighted the shipyard sector’s contribution of more than 1,000 jobs in Panama. The visit points to the importance of maritime industry in the country’s logistics economy.
Two minors were detained in connection with a violent robbery against a couple on Balboa Avenue near the Cinta Costera in Panama City. The case has renewed concern over street crime in a busy central area of the capital.
Panama’s National Energy Secretariat says fuel in the country meets international technical standards, even as authorities increase gas station inspections after user complaints. The move underscores growing attention to consumer protection and fuel market oversight.
President José Raúl Mulino said tensions with China over detained Panamanian vessels are starting to ease after a recent spike in holds at Chinese ports. The issue has highlighted Panama’s exposure to maritime and diplomatic disruptions.
IFARHU says the first PASE-U 2026 payment could arrive at the end of June, with digital cards among the planned changes. The update gives Panamanian families an early window for one of the country’s most important student aid programs.
Panama will tender the concession for the Isla Margarita port in Colón before the end of 2026, President José Raúl Mulino said. The government wants to attract a top-tier operator for the strategic maritime asset.
Vamos deputies are considering their own candidate for the National Assembly presidency and have ruled out supporting Herrera’s reelection. The stance could reshape negotiations over control of Panama’s legislature.