The latest, verified reporting on events across Panama and beyond. This section covers breaking stories, developments, and essential daily news.
The Panama Canal posted 7,444 high-draft transits through April of fiscal 2026, up 5.1% from a year earlier. Growth was led by LNG, oil tankers and stronger Neopanamax container traffic.
Panama has confirmed its first imported measles cases since 2011 and is monitoring hundreds of contacts to prevent local spread. Health officials are urging vaccination as measles surges across the Americas.
Panama’s state payroll keeps rising, with monthly wage spending up $28 million in less than two years. The trend highlights deeper concerns about fiscal pressure, private-sector weakness, and the size of government employment.
Resident doctors at Hospital Santo Tomás say the Health Ministry owes them overtime pay that is six to eight months overdue, affecting 23 physicians. The complaint adds to wider delays facing medical staff across Panama’s public health system.
Panama is close to naming its World Cup squad, and Thomas Christiansen faces key choices around youth, depth and tactical balance. The biggest question is whether 18-year-old Kadir Barría earns a place in the 26-man list.
Panama is being urged to treat multilingual education as a national strategy, linking stronger language skills to broader economic and cultural development. The debate centers on giving students the tools to compete globally beyond the country’s Canal-driven identity.
Jorge Herrera has confirmed that he will seek re-election as president of Panama’s National Assembly on July 1. The vote will help shape the Assembly’s leadership and legislative direction for the coming year.
A Detroit murder suspect wanted for more than 30 years has been captured in Panama, ending a decades-long international manhunt. The arrest highlights Panama’s role in cross-border law enforcement cooperation.
UTP launched the Fiduca project to promote innovation, research and youth entrepreneurship in Indigenous communities. The initiative is aimed at advancing inclusive development in Panama and Central America.
Operation Smile is providing free surgeries for children in Chiriquí from May 10 to 14 at the Maternal and Child Hospital in David. The program is celebrating 35 years of service in Panama.
Panama’s Jewish community is being recognized through a week highlighting its history, identity, and place in national life. The focus underscores the country’s multicultural character and the community’s long-standing role in Panama.
Firefighters in Panamá Oeste responded to a warehouse fire in La Chorrera with about 25 personnel on scene. Medical teams also provided preventive coverage during the emergency.
Panama and Costa Rica are coordinating border health measures after a Dutch traveler with measles entered the region. Officials are also vaccinating frontline workers at the crossing.
Former Panama international Darwin Pinzón was arrested by police in La Chorrera after officers confirmed an active capture order tied to an alleged attempted homicide case in San Miguelito. The case has drawn wide attention because of his profile in Panamanian football.
Ride-hailing drivers in Panama are raising security concerns after recent contract killings left innocent victims dead. They plan to discuss safety measures with the government during talks on sector regulation.
Panama will face Brazil in a friendly on May 31 at 3:00 p.m. as part of its preparation for the 2026 World Cup. The match will air on TVMAX, TVN, TVN Pass, and TVMAX PANAMÁ on YouTube.
Panama’s health regions have activated epidemiological surveillance after an imported measles case linked to a traveler from the Netherlands who visited Bocas del Toro. Nearly 400 contacts are being monitored nationwide.
Panama’s foreign minister said efforts continue for seven Panamanians detained in Cuba, with authorities providing assistance as judicial proceedings move ahead. The government remains engaged through diplomatic channels.
Panama’s telecom authority has launched an investor portal to promote the local market as interest grows in a new mobile operator. Between three and four companies are reportedly evaluating the opportunity.
Residents of Panama Oeste continue relying on informal transport as regulated service falls short of demand and traffic worsens daily commutes. The pressure is pushing calls for safer, better integrated mobility planning tied to Metro Line 3 and neighborhood feeder routes.