The latest, verified reporting on events across Panama and beyond. This section covers breaking stories, developments, and essential daily news.
Heavy rains in San Miguelito have heightened fears over falling trees, with fire department statistics showing 429 incidents recorded so far in 2026. The increase underscores growing safety concerns during Panama’s rainy season.
Panamanian authorities are again confronting the problem of abandoned elderly patients in public hospitals, including a case at Nicolás A. Solano that has lasted more than 700 days. Officials said some families give false addresses or fail to respond, leaving hospitals to care for patients long after treatment ends.
Nostalgia is becoming a major marketing tool in Panama City, where retro-themed spaces, vintage fashion and classic music are drawing consumers. The trend is also creating a cultural bridge between generations.
A gun attack in Panama City’s 24 de Diciembre district left one person dead and another injured. The case adds to continuing concerns about violent crime in the capital.
The Panama Canal Authority met with its Board of Directors and Advisory Board to examine strategic challenges and key projects. The advisory council has served since 1999 as a high-level body of national and international experts.
Panama City’s Municipal Council approved renaming Playa Prieta in Casco Antiguo to Playa Las Garzas. The measure passed with one recorded vote against from Parque Lefevre representative Rody Rodríguez.
Panama’s banana industry in Bocas del Toro has recovered more than 5,000 jobs, according to the commerce and industries minister. Authorities say the gain reflects a broader trend of recovery in production and employment.
Electoral prosecutors raided the Arraiján mayor’s office as part of an investigation into Stefany Peñalba tied to the municipal transport program and vehicle labeling. Authorities said evidence collection is continuing at multiple intervened sites.
Panama is expanding the air capabilities of its national service, a move aimed at improving security, surveillance, and response across the country. The upgrade reflects the strategic importance of aerial operations in a nation shaped by difficult terrain and the Panama Canal.
Merchants on Panama City’s Avenida Central say robberies are rising and police presence is lacking. Vendors warn that insecurity is affecting business in one of the capital’s busiest commercial areas.
Panama’s Cabinet approved a $64.6 million contribution to the Electricity Tariff Stabilization Fund to cover discounts for customers using no more than 300 kWh a month. The measure supports electricity affordability for eligible households.
Panama will face Brazil in a friendly on May 31 as part of its preparation for the 2026 World Cup. The match will air on TVMAX, TVN, TVN Pass, and TVMAX PANAMÁ’s YouTube channel.
José Luis Rodríguez is drawing support from Panama as he pursues a second World Cup appearance. Panama will face Brazil in a May 31 friendly ahead of the 2026 tournament.
IFARHU has reminded preselected students to submit documents on the assigned dates for the 2026 General Scholarship Contest in Panama Centro and Veraguas. The intake process is a key step for candidates seeking scholarship support.
APATEL warned that recent criminal incidents in Panama City could hurt Panama’s image as a safe tourist destination. The hotel association urged stronger police presence and faster security responses in visitor areas.
Unachi warned that repeated budget cuts for 2025 and 2026 could threaten biweekly payroll payments and strain university operations. Faculty concerns have turned the issue into a broader debate over public funding for higher education in Panama.
Electoral prosecutors carried out a new proceeding at the Arraiján Mayor’s Office after a judge authorized the action. The case is tied to an investigation into a possible electoral offense in the municipality.
A judge in Panama City revoked house arrest and ordered preventive detention for a man accused in an attempted aggravated robbery at a jewelry store in Plaza 5 de Mayo. The case involves allegations that he acted with two others on April 23, 2026.
Senafront warned the public in Panama about digital scams in which criminals impersonate its members to request money through online platforms. The agency urged residents to be cautious with unexpected payment demands that use its name or image.
Electoral prosecutors carried out a new operation at the Arraiján mayor’s office as part of an investigation into the alleged misuse of state resources for electoral benefit. The case centers on possible violations involving public assets and local government facilities.