The latest, verified reporting on events across Panama and beyond. This section covers breaking stories, developments, and essential daily news.
Panama City’s Municipality has announced that the Mercado de Mariscos and Mercado San Felipe Neri will be closed to the public on Monday, May 4. The temporary shutdown will affect shoppers and vendors who rely on both markets.
Panama has activated lane inversion on the Pan-American Highway to ease traffic for vehicles returning from the interior to the capital. The measure is intended to reduce congestion on one of the country’s main road corridors.
Firefighters quickly contained an early-morning fire at IDAAN’s main headquarters on Via Brasil in Panama City, preventing it from spreading. The incident highlighted the importance of rapid emergency response at a key public utility building.
Mayor Mayer Mizrachi said businesses were using squares in Casco Antiguo without paying, following municipal action against several restaurants in the historic district. The move highlights Panama City’s effort to regulate public space in a key tourist area.
Panama has opened document reception for the 2026 General Scholarship Competition, which is aimed at students in primary, secondary, and university education. The program is a key opportunity for families seeking support with school and study costs.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog will make the first-ever state visit by an Israeli president to Panama, beginning a four-day trip to the country and Costa Rica. The visit highlights the close diplomatic relationship between Panama and Israel.
Authorities in Ancón detained a man after finding 125 packages of suspected drugs hidden beneath a vehicle’s chassis. The seizure points to continued efforts to stop trafficking through Panama’s transport routes.
Panama fell to 65th place in the latest global press freedom ranking, behind the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. The index points to pressure on critical journalists, rising self-censorship, and reduced media independence.
Panama fell to 65th place in the latest global press freedom ranking, down from 53rd last year. The assessment flags rising self-censorship and pressure on journalists covering government and corruption cases.
Panama City’s municipality moved against restaurants using Old Town squares without paying, and Mayor Mizrachi confirmed the unauthorized occupancy. Business representatives said regulations must be followed but urged a more tactful approach to protect tourism.
The Panamanian Football League has launched a formal investigation into the Alianza FC vs Sporting San Miguelito match after it drew unusual attention. Sporting San Miguelito also addressed the public in a statement.
Panama’s National Lottery Sunday draw for May 3, 2026 was followed live as players across the country checked the winning results. The weekly draw remains a major point of public interest in Panama.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog will make his first official visit to Panama during a Central America tour, marking a notable diplomatic moment for both countries. The trip highlights Panama’s continuing role as a regional hub for international engagement.
U.S. Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera said Huawei is not trustworthy while stressing Washington’s readiness to work with Panama on cybersecurity. His comments come amid growing concern over cyberattacks on Panamanian institutions.
More than 135 Panamanian artists are being featured at a festival in the City of Arts, alongside master workshops that continue through May 10. The event combines exhibition and training to promote local creativity.
Mariscos and San Felipe Neri markets in Panama City will close for the full day Monday for cleaning and fumigation. The temporary shutdown is aimed at maintaining hygiene in two key public food markets.
Julio César Dely Valdés called Sporting San Miguelito’s 3-2 loss to Alianza FC “very strange,” fueling concern around one of the Clausura 2026’s most contentious matches. His remarks, and a sharp social media post from Gustavo Herrera, added tension as Panama’s playoffs begin.
A fire scare at Idaan’s headquarters on Vía Brasil in Panama City affected the Human Resources and Legal Advisory areas before firefighters contained the flames. The agency said the quick response prevented the fire from spreading to other offices.
Panama City removed restaurant furniture from Plaza Herrera and Plaza Bolívar after finding businesses in Casco Antiguo lacked permits to occupy public space. Residents say the move backs long-running complaints about noise, sidewalks and plazas being overtaken by commercial activity.
Police detained a suspect known as “Estrellita” in San Miguelito over an attempted homicide against an officer. The arrest took place in Belisario Frías, in the area known as Los Ratas.