In-depth reporting on government actions, political parties, and policy debates in Panama. We track elections, legislative changes, and the actors shaping public life.
Israeli forces fired stun grenades toward journalists covering a raid in the occupied West Bank city of Nablus. The incident highlights the risks reporters face in one of the region’s most volatile conflict zones.
Panama has presented a roadmap to advance the Pacto por la Naturaleza, tying together efforts on climate change, biodiversity loss, and soil degradation. The plan aims to unify environmental action across sectors.
Brazil’s former intelligence chief Alexandre Ramagem was detained by ICE in Florida and later released, spotlighting the legal fallout from Brazil’s coup investigation. The case adds another international twist to Brazil’s political crisis after the 2022 election.
Russian strikes on Kyiv killed three people, including a 12-year-old child, and caused fires and damage in residential districts of the capital. The attack highlights the continuing civilian toll of the war in Ukraine.
Panama City is preparing to bid out three major urban renewal projects at Plaza 5 de Mayo, Avenida 3 de Noviembre, and Calle Estudiante. The plans could improve mobility, public space, and local commerce if they are backed by long-term management and coordination.
Panama’s Cabinet approved a $4.5 million contract with ENSA to collect San Miguelito’s trash fee through electricity bills for the next five years. The decision comes despite a legal objection and a dispute with the district’s mayor.
Pakistan is trying to help revive U.S.-Iran talks in Tehran as a ceasefire in the Middle East nears expiration. The diplomatic push comes after nearly seven weeks of war and amid fears of renewed escalation.
Alexander De Gracia has stepped down as deputy administrator of Panama’s Maritime Authority, prompting the Executive branch to name a replacement. The move comes as Nadia Madrid serves as acting director while Luis Roquebert is away on official travel and vacation.
El Salvador has approved a law allowing life sentences for minors as young as 12, expanding President Nayib Bukele’s hardline anti-crime agenda. The move is likely to intensify global criticism over due process and human rights.
Panama’s National Assembly moved the Electoral Tribunal magistrate selection to the full chamber after a round of interviews centered on modernization, transparency, and technical reform. Candidates highlighted professional staffing, digital access, and institutional independence as key priorities.
Panama’s National Assembly Government Commission rejected a bill that would have limited lifetime state-funded escorts for former presidents. The proposal was defeated 5-4 after a debate over public spending and citizen security priorities.
Peru’s slow presidential vote count has sparked fresh fraud claims and deepened frustration in a country already worn down by years of political turmoil. The dispute could further weaken confidence in Peru’s institutions and complicate regional stability.
Diplomats are trying to extend a fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire before it expires next week, even as major disputes over Iran’s nuclear program remain unresolved. The talks matter well beyond the Middle East because the Strait of Hormuz is vital to global energy and shipping flows.
Israeli air strikes hit buildings in southern Lebanon’s Bint Jbeil district, intensifying already high tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border. The attack underscores the risk of broader regional escalation with possible economic fallout beyond the Middle East.
Israel’s renewed military campaign in southern Lebanon is worsening a humanitarian crisis, according to the UN’s top refugee official. The escalation is driving new displacement and raising fears of broader regional fallout.
Panama’s National Assembly committee approved a bill that would impose tougher prison terms on public employees who collect pay without working. The proposal also raises penalties when the public loss is greater than $50,000.
Panama’s Cabinet approved a five-year exceptional contract between the Autoridad de Aseo and ENSA amid a dispute over garbage collection charges in San Miguelito. The agreement runs from January 19, 2026, to January 19, 2031.
Panama’s National Assembly will now choose a new Electoral Court magistrate from a list of 24 candidates after the Credentials Commission completed interviews. The appointment is moving to the plenary for a final vote.
Brazilian federal police have opened a defamation probe into Flavio Bolsonaro over remarks linking President Lula to crimes such as drug trafficking. The case adds to Brazil’s intense political polarization and could carry regional significance.
Panama’s National Assembly Credential Committee continued interviewing candidates for principal and alternate magistrate posts at the Electoral Tribunal. The selection is important for the country’s election oversight system.