The latest, verified reporting on events across Panama and beyond. This section covers breaking stories, developments, and essential daily news.
Acodeco reminded restaurants in Panama that tips are voluntary and cannot be demanded from customers. The amount, if any, is left to the diner based on service and satisfaction.
The Panama Canal has become a major geopolitical flashpoint as the U.S. and Latin American allies seek to curb China’s influence around the strategic trade route. The dispute highlights Panama’s central role in global shipping and regional power politics.
Panama’s Social Development Minister will speak Tuesday at an OAS forum in Washington focused on reducing inequality and expanding access to basic services. The event highlights regional efforts to strengthen social development policies across the Americas.
Panama’s construction and housing groups are urging a review of the new 2% ITBI applied to first-time home purchases. They warn the tax could deepen the country’s housing access crisis and slow economic activity in construction.
A NASA aircraft will fly over Panama to study forests and biodiversity, collecting data on plant diversity and vegetation conditions. The mission adds to scientific efforts to monitor the health of the country’s tropical ecosystems.
Flooding has affected parts of Bocas del Toro after rain fell from Sunday afternoon, prompting Sinaproc to urge residents to stay alert. The province’s rainy conditions can quickly disrupt roads and daily life.
NASA aircraft and scientists visited Panama in a U.S. Embassy initiative focused on STEM education and scientific collaboration. The event highlighted the value of international partnerships in inspiring students and supporting science outreach.
Police detained a suspect in La Pintada after responding to a public disturbance and an alleged bladed-weapon attack that injured two people. The case has raised fresh concern about public safety in Coclé.
Panama’s proposed Law 491 to increase payments for retirees and pensioners has been paused, after President José Raúl Mulino warned of a possible veto. The dispute has sparked concern among retiree groups and raised questions about the measure’s budget impact.
The Ministry of Government opened visit registration after inmates were transferred to La Esmeralda, splitting visitors into Saturday and Sunday groups. The schedule is designed to manage access in an orderly way.
Panama has extended a preventive alert for rain and thunderstorms through May 7, 2026. The notice urges caution as rainy-season conditions continue across the country.
Senniaf inspected Arraiján’s mayor’s office after allegations that minors’ images were used on official vehicles without proper parental authorization. The case highlights child-protection rules for public institutions in Panama.
Authorities are searching for a 40-year-old Costa Rican man reported missing in Bijagual, Bugaba, while he was participating in a religious activity. The case remains active in Chiriquí province.
At least 125 people were detained in San Miguelito after violating the curfew in Belisario Frías and Arnulfo Arias. The enforcement underscores the active restrictions in both corregimientos.
Police in Santiago, Veraguas, stopped an attempted robbery at a jewelry store inside a commercial plaza and detained two suspects. The case highlights the importance of security in busy shopping areas.
SENNIAF inspected the Arraiján Mayor’s Office after the use of minors’ images on official buses raised concern. The agency will document its findings and hold follow-up meetings.
Police detained 115 adults in San Miguelito for violating a district curfew, highlighting a large-scale enforcement effort in one of Panama’s most populated areas.
Authorities in Chiriquí seized suspected contraband cigarettes and detained 17 people in an anti-smuggling operation. The case highlights Panama’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal trade in a key border province.
Panama’s Passport Authority has resumed regular nationwide service after a system failure disrupted public attention last week. The restoration should help ease delays for travelers and applicants.
Panama’s Ministry of Environment has launched a 2026 reforestation program to restore degraded land and support environmental recovery. The effort ties conservation to biodiversity, watershed protection, and long-term land health.