The latest, verified reporting on events across Panama and beyond. This section covers breaking stories, developments, and essential daily news.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog closed part of his Central America visit in Panama with a meeting with the country’s Jewish community and schoolchildren. He urged the children to be proud of their identity and to raise their heads high.
Panama’s prosecutor is investigating whether foreign degrees were used at Unachi to win promotions, contracts, and salary increases. The case has intensified scrutiny of the university’s credential review process and its unusually high payroll.
Jorge Herrera is facing mounting pressure to intervene in a dispute over the salaries of 43 Assembly staffers linked to eight Vamos deputies. The case has become a test of institutional limits and the Assembly’s ability to defend the rule of law.
The Torrijos-Carter Treaties survived a polarized national plebiscite in Panama and a razor-thin U.S. Senate vote. The deals’ approval marked a decisive step toward Panamanian control of the Canal.
Unachi says budget cuts and incomplete transfers have left it unable to cover social security contributions, even as its payroll remains highly paid. Separately, the Assembly is preparing key committee meetings and President Mulino will travel to Costa Rica for a presidential inauguration.
The University of Panama has drawn the ballot order for its July 1 rector election, with six candidates set to compete for the top post. The vote will also choose deans and regional center directors under the university’s weighted system.
Panama’s National Assembly education committee ended its legislative period without a single appearance by Education Minister Lucy Molinar, despite repeated summons. Lawmakers reviewed major issues including school infrastructure, technology spending, curriculum reform and teacher dismissals through written responses instead of live hearings.
Vamos presented its legislative record in the National Assembly, highlighting bill approvals, committee work, and high attendance. The bloc also renewed its clash with Comptroller Anel Flores over salaries withheld from 43 Assembly workers.
Panama is seeking Israeli technical advice to address a widening water crisis, with President José Raúl Mulino highlighting potential cooperation after meeting Isaac Herzog in Panama City. The visit also marked the first time an Israeli president has traveled to the country.
The independent Vamos caucus reported that it introduced 147 bill proposals during Panama’s second ordinary legislative session. Of those, 11 became law, while others advanced through debate in the National Assembly.
The Panama Canal has rejected speculation that a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would trigger higher canal prices. The move underscores Panama’s effort to keep toll policy separate from geopolitical volatility.
Residents of Panama Oeste say rising living costs, traffic and long commutes are making daily life more difficult. The pressure reflects wider challenges in the growing province.
Panamanian lawmakers are awaiting approval of Bill 328, which would regulate parent associations and the funds they manage. The measure aims to improve oversight and accountability in school communities.
Panama’s water utility, Idaan, is under growing pressure as intermittent service affects hundreds of thousands of households. A long-term national agreement has emerged as a proposed fix.
Panama’s Ministry of Labor delivered scholarships to minors identified in labor or vulnerable situations through the “Abrazos del Futuro” program. The initiative, run with IFARHU and partner institutions, seeks to prevent and reduce child labor.
A dog beating captured on surveillance cameras in Las Cumbres has triggered outrage and calls for tougher animal cruelty penalties. An investigation is underway as animal welfare groups demand stronger enforcement.
Fans reacted with enthusiasm after Copa Airlines unveiled the plane that will carry Panama’s national team to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The reveal added a new symbol of pride to the country’s football journey.
A Panamanian doctor highlighted the ordeal of a Social Security patient who waited days in severe tooth pain because a required panoramic X-ray could take two weeks to schedule. The case reflects broader frustrations with delays, rigid procedures, and patient care in the system.
Panama marks one year since the closure of migrant reception stations in Darién, a move that transformed the border province and altered the regional migration route. The anniversary highlights the lasting impact on local communities and migration control.
Maruja Herrera marked the 30th anniversary of the CIDI by linking Panama’s cultural policy to regional cooperation, diplomacy and development. She also defended culture as a human right and a driver of tourism and the creative economy.