The latest, verified reporting on events across Panama and beyond. This section covers breaking stories, developments, and essential daily news.
A historical look at U.S. “big stick” diplomacy revisits Panama’s independence and the early canal deal that shaped the country’s future. The episode remains central to understanding Panama’s sovereignty and strategic role in global trade.
A citizen has asked Panama City Mayor Mayer Mizrachi to clarify spending on advisers, advertising and the suspension of Calle 50 works. City Hall says it will respond within the legal deadline and disputes some of the figures cited.
Panama’s political tensions are deepening over the bioethanol bill, Contraloría salary suspensions, and repeated ministerial no-shows before the Assembly. The dispute now extends to Parlacen, where efforts to seek protection for former officials met a blunt rejection.
Chiriquí and Bocas del Toro meet again in the 2026 national baseball final, renewing a rivalry that has decided several Panamanian championships. Both teams arrive with strong records, star contributors and a history of close postseason battles.
Panama’s 311 citizen hotline will move to new operator SITMAS on May 1 after an open bidding process. Officials say the change will improve service, reduce wait times, and end years of direct contracting.
Panama is facing renewed debate over why political salaries often outpace teachers’ pay while public schools continue to rely on patchwork repairs. The discussion has also revived calls for a more structured annual maintenance plan.
CADE 2026 opened in Panama with a debate on OECD standards, trust, and the reforms needed to attract investment and create jobs. The forum marks 60 years of CADE as APEDE pushes a long-term competitiveness agenda.
More than 91,000 customers were affected by a major power outage in Panama City and Panamá Oeste. The interruption hit a densely populated and economically important part of the country.
Authorities seized eight firearms inside La Joya Penitentiary in Panama City, and one death was also reported. The incident highlights ongoing security concerns in Panama’s prison system.
The U.S. Army is preparing to create an AI-based autonomous warfighting force in Panama, underscoring the country’s strategic role in regional security. The move highlights how advanced military technology is increasingly shaping defense planning in Latin America.
Panama City neighborhoods Bella Vista and Betania rank among the top areas for vehicle theft in Panama, with Chiriquí and Panamá Oeste also standing out. The pattern highlights a nationwide crime problem affecting both urban centers and key transit corridors.
Panama’s National Police arrested people involved in a shooting near Doleguita School in Chiriquí’s Dolega district. No injuries or deaths were reported after the midday confrontation.
Panama condemned the seizure of vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that the incident threatens maritime security in one of the world’s most important shipping routes. The move underscores Panama’s broader interest in protecting global navigation and trade.
Panama condemned the illegal seizure of a vessel flying its flag in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. The incident highlights the country’s role as the world’s largest ship registry.
War-related disruption in the Middle East is pushing more cargo toward the Panama Canal, raising demand for transit slots. One LNG vessel even paid $4 million to skip the queue and move faster.
A cocaine seizure in the United Kingdom has renewed concern over Panama’s role in international drug trafficking routes. The case highlights the pressure on Panamanian ports to strengthen cargo screening and anti-corruption controls.
Residents and merchants along Vía España are weighing steps to oppose a road expansion plan in Panama City. The dispute highlights concerns over the project’s effect on homes, businesses, and daily traffic.
A power failure cut electricity to several neighborhoods in Panama City late Wednesday night, affecting areas including Vía España, Don Bosco and Brisas del Golf. ENSA said it was working with the National Dispatch Center to restore service gradually.
A modern breast milk bank has been delivered to the Irma de Lourdes Tzanetatos Hospital to support hospitalized babies who cannot be fed by their mothers. The project aims to improve neonatal care through collection, processing, and distribution of donated milk.
Chilibre residents say road repairs have improved local streets, but water shortages continue to disrupt daily life. They are calling for a stable and regular water supply.