The latest, verified reporting on events across Panama and beyond. This section covers breaking stories, developments, and essential daily news.
Bocas del Toro’s banana sector is reactivating after the April 2025 strikes that halted production and disrupted one of Panama’s key export regions. The recovery marks an important step for local jobs and agricultural stability.
Panama’s First Lady joined Fundación Mapfre in visiting the Real Madrid Foundation’s social sports school, highlighting youth development through sport. The visit spotlighted the role of football-based programs in education, inclusion, and community support.
A Panama study found that PrEP remains highly effective against HIV but does not protect against other STIs such as syphilis and gonorrhea. Researchers say condom use, education and follow-up care remain essential.
Legal reforms passed in Panama helped reshape Unachi’s hiring rules, swelling its payroll and strengthening Rector Etelvina Medianero de Bonagas’ hold on power. The university now faces a heavy salary burden, debt to Social Security, and mounting scrutiny.
Panama’s Attorney General for Administration urged the Supreme Court to uphold the environmental approval for Puerto Barú in Chiriquí. The project remains under legal challenge and separate review tied to UNESCO concerns over possible impacts on Coiba.
Martín Torrijos and José Raúl Mulino led Panama’s 2024 presidential race in reported private donations, with RM posting the highest combined total once Ricardo Martinelli’s earlier fundraising is included. The campaign finance figures also show how much each ticket spent on advertising, transport and organization.
Panama’s education system is facing scrutiny over a costly university payroll and a scheme involving fake diplomas used to gain illegal advantages. Both cases highlight weak oversight and the impact on students.
Panama’s Fourth Bridge over the Canal faces a new $295 million redesign cost, lifting the total to $2.387 billion and delaying completion to December 2028. Lawmakers pressed officials on accountability as the government defended the revised traffic plan.
A Panamanian political column targets overdue public debts, judicial reversals, oversight failures and the legal limits on Canal leadership. It also revives debate over accountability in key state institutions.
Meduca administered diagnostic math and English tests to more than 400,000 primary students across Panama’s 16 educational regions. The assessments aim to measure knowledge, application, and reasoning in core subjects.
Panama’s Ministry of Education has launched Meduca SIG, a real-time platform that centralizes academic and administrative data from 3,112 public schools. The system is meant to improve oversight and management of the national education network.
President José Raúl Mulino said Panama cut its country risk by 65%, calling it a regional record and a sign of growing investor confidence. The drop could strengthen Panama’s appeal for foreign investment.
Panama’s lottery sellers say unregulated digital raffles are hurting their sales and reducing the income they depend on. The issue is putting pressure on the traditional lottery network and raising questions about regulation.
Panama’s Budget Committee approved more than $5 million in extra funding for the Civil Aviation Authority, including money for taxiway remodeling at Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport. The move supports airport operations and aviation infrastructure upkeep.
Panama’s Labor Ministry presented a new internship model to the Chamber of Commerce, aiming to help young people move from school into formal work. The proposal highlights cooperation between government and business on youth employment.
Panama’s National Assembly is considering calling Unachi rector Etelvina de Bonagas to answer questions over salaries, financial strain and unpaid social security contributions. The move could place the public university’s finances under closer legislative scrutiny.
Panama has launched a new online Postal Code System that lets users find the postal code tied to a specific location. The tool is now available through the official government portal.
Migration through Darién has dropped by 99% after the closure of reception stations, but some travelers still attempt the dangerous crossing toward the United States. The shift highlights Panama’s central role in regional migration control.
Panama’s debate over inclusive education is shifting from legal recognition to implementation as Bill 617 renews scrutiny of how schools support students with disabilities. Advocates say the country needs one clear system, not parallel structures that delay access.
Panama’s cities are growing denser, but without enough green space, planning or infrastructure to keep them livable. The result is hotter neighborhoods, heavier runoff and a worsening urban quality of life.