Panamanian authorities arrested seven people in eastern Panama in a crackdown on a Bagdad gang cell tied to cocaine trafficking. The operation also highlighted alleged political and business links supporting the group.
Aerolíneas Argentinas has unveiled a Messi-inspired aircraft that will transport Argentina’s team to the 2026 World Cup. The airline also plans special flights to U.S. host cities and extra service to Miami.
Panama is scrapping its 5.5% tax on casino and betting winnings to make the country more attractive to foreign tourists and help revive a weakening tourism sector. Officials are pairing the tax relief with tighter oversight of gambling operators.
Panama’s men’s and women’s flag football teams have their group-stage schedules for the 2026 world championship in Düsseldorf. Both squads enter with medal history and Olympic qualification hopes on the line.
Foreign nationals seeking a U.S. green card will now have applications handled through U.S. consular offices abroad. The change could affect Panamanians and other applicants with immigration plans tied to the United States.
Children in Gaza are facing a sharp rise in skin diseases as overcrowded camps, poor sanitation and a collapsing health system worsen the humanitarian emergency.
Panama is adding more formal private-sector jobs in 2026, but unemployment remains near 10.4%, highlighting a gap between hiring volume and job quality. Economists say the challenge now is turning contract growth into stable employment.
Panama City’s Cinta Costera is showing clear signs of neglect as users complain about trash, weeds and odors along the waterfront promenade. The Ministry of Public Works is awaiting Comptroller approval for a $25 million, three-year maintenance contract covering the capital’s main recreational corridor.
A nearly $3 million Senan helicopter overhaul is under scrutiny after lawmakers questioned whether the price is far above comparable certified repairs. The dispute also centers on why the contract was processed under an emergency-based exception.
Panama’s economic substance bill advanced after first debate with stronger tax and proportionality rules. Lawmakers still need to fine-tune language on outsourced services before the final vote.
Plaza Amador and Alianza meet again at Rommel Fernández for the Clausura 2026 final, a rematch of last season’s title game. Both teams arrive in strong form after tight regular-season clashes and demanding semifinal paths.
Azuero’s prolonged water shortage has become a symbol of Panama’s infrastructure failures, with costly tanker trucks still filling the gap. The crisis also underscores how weak public services in the interior affect health, education, and local development.
Panama’s mining chamber has installed a new board that will push sustainable mining while keeping the debate over a possible sector reactivation alive. The move comes as mining remains one of the country’s most sensitive economic and environmental issues.
Rubén Blades is set to leave a legacy item for Spain’s Instituto Cervantes during Centroamérica Cuenta in Panama City, with the director saying he especially wants the singer’s Panama-flag maracas. The gesture highlights Blades’ place in Latin American culture and Panama’s influence beyond the Canal.
Panama City’s Festival Experimental de Teatro is running through May 31 with monologues and two-person plays in multiple cultural venues. The lineup emphasizes social themes, low-cost tickets and audience participation in selecting one standout production.
Ilya Espino de Marotta is set to make history as the first woman to lead the Panama Canal, but her real challenge will be water security and competitiveness. Her long technical career gives her strong credentials for a role central to Panama’s economy.
A commentary argues that Panama’s youth violence stems from neglect, weak prevention, and a lack of cultural and social investment. It calls for better data, stronger community programs, and policies that go beyond policing.
A constitutional critique of Panama’s Law 32 of 1984 says the Comptroller General should not be able to suspend salaries or affect assets through administrative action. The debate highlights the tension between rapid oversight and due process.
Panama’s business and industrial groups backed the government’s hard line in the trade dispute with Costa Rica, but urged a technical, diplomatic solution. They warned the clash could harm investment, competitiveness and regional integration.
A La Prensa opinion column criticizes fear-based rhetoric in Colombia’s 2026 election debate, arguing that journalism should inform rather than inflame. The piece also highlights how polarization and media bias continue to shape politics across Latin America.