The latest, verified reporting on events across Panama and beyond. This section covers breaking stories, developments, and essential daily news.
Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are pushing shipping companies to pay more for last-minute access through the Panama Canal. Vessels without reservations can face about five days of waiting, making auction slots increasingly valuable.
A 14-year-old was wounded in a shooting in Puerto Escondido, Colón, deepening concern over violence in the province. Residents and local authorities are alarmed by the rise in security problems.
The new Star Princess has completed its first Panama Canal crossing, carrying 4,300 guests through historic locks and open-air viewing decks. The voyage underscores the canal’s enduring appeal as a major cruise attraction.
Residents of Altos de San Gabriel in Arraiján are demanding a solution to uneven water service that leaves some homes supplied and others dry. The dispute has intensified pressure on Idaan to restore reliable access across the neighborhood.
Three wells in Guararé were vandalized, with cables and electrical equipment stolen, further disrupting water service in a region facing a water crisis. The damage adds pressure to already strained local supply systems.
A Mexican citizen was detained at Tocumen International Airport in Panama after being identified as wanted by the United States for a sexual offense case. The arrest highlights Panama’s role as a regional transit hub and enforcement point.
Young people in Colón reclaimed an abandoned space on Calle 9 of Justo Arosemena Avenue, highlighting a community effort to improve the urban environment. The action reflects growing local ownership of public spaces in the Caribbean city.
Former Panama Canal administrator Jorge Luis Quijano expressed concern over inspections and restrictions affecting Panamanian-flagged ships in Chinese ports. The issue highlights the importance of Panama’s maritime registry in global trade.
Panama’s Customs Authority seized a large shipment of suspected smuggled cigarettes in Chiriquí, along with other items. The operation highlights ongoing efforts to curb contraband in a key border province.
Panama’s Ministry of Economy and Finance has kept the CEPANIM registration platform open 24 hours a day for direct beneficiaries and their heirs. The move aims to make the process more accessible and flexible for users.
More than 15,000 people have registered with Cepanim in Panama City, as retirees continue seeking help at the Avesa building. Authorities will set up information booths across the city to improve access.
President José Raúl Mulino partially vetoed Bill 331, which aims to promote sports tourism in Panama, citing institutional overlap, health safeguards and fiscal concerns. The National Assembly will now review the objections.
Health Minister Fernando Boyd Galindo said Panama should advance toward a new model of water governance, pointing to wastewater issues and the drinking water crisis in Azuero. His remarks came during the opening of the Water Forum led by the Inter-American Development Bank.
Firefighters temporarily suspended service at the San Miguelito station after sanitary conditions in the facility required urgent intervention. The move affects emergency operations in one of the capital area’s busiest districts.
Panama City Hall will give away 1,500 free plates of chicken chacaldo this Sunday at the San Felipe Neri Market. The event brings a local food tradition to one of the capital’s most active public spaces.
Parlacen voted against including the swearing-in of Laurentino Cortizo and José Gabriel Carrizo in its plenary agenda. The decision delays any immediate move to seat the former Panamanian leaders in the regional body.
Panama’s Supreme Court ordered the State to pay $25,000 to the first three victims in the dietylene glycol case and to issue a public apology. The ruling comes as hundreds of related claims continue moving through the courts.
Plaza Amador and Veraguas United tightened their hold on the top spots in the Liga Panameña de Fútbol Clausura after a key matchday that reshaped the race for playoffs and semifinal places. With two games left, several clubs remain in contention across both conferences.
Jorge Luis Quijano is urging Panama to strengthen oversight of its ship registry after repeated detentions of Panamanian-flagged vessels in China. He says the country must correct safety failures to protect its maritime reputation.
Panama opened an OAS telecommunications meeting with representatives from 30 countries, placing the country at the center of a key regional policy discussion. The summit highlights the growing importance of digital infrastructure and connectivity across the Americas.