Camera footage from a small Panamanian island shows capuchin monkeys carrying at least 11 baby howlers during 2022–2023; scientists say the abductions likely occurred in the trees.
Dinoska Montalvo said people detained in protests have been taken before the proper authorities as demonstrations against Law 462 and other issues spread across Panama. She also addressed road closures, public-order enforcement and prison overcrowding during a broader Cabinet update.
Health advocates protested outside Panama’s National Assembly to demand debate on a bill requiring front-of-package nutritional warning labels. Supporters say the measure is needed to help address rising obesity and diabetes rates, especially among children.
President Trump demanded free passage for US military and commercial vessels through the Panama Canal and directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to act immediately, a move that raises diplomatic and legal questions for Panama.
The U.S.-China trade war is deepening pressure on LNG traffic through the Panama Canal, which has already been hit hard by drought-driven route changes. The bigger risk for the canal may be container shipping, as tariffs begin to reshape global trade flows.
A recent visit by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to Panama City’s Hilton Hotel drew criticism and renewed debate over U.S. influence and Panama’s sovereignty, highlighting long-standing sensitivities in bilateral relations.
Panamanian opposition leaders have accused the US of a “camouflaged invasion” after reports that US troops were moved to Panama following a visit by US defence secretary Pete Hegseth, a claim underscored by Donald Trump’s remark that “We’ve moved a lot of troops to Panama.”
US defence secretary Pete Hegseth suggested reviving US military bases in Panama to “secure” the canal; Panama’s government quickly rejected the proposal, citing sovereignty concerns.
Panama said the United States recognized its sovereignty over the canal after talks that also addressed U.S. concerns about Chinese influence in local infrastructure. The discussion comes as Panama seeks to balance strategic ties with both Washington and Beijing.
A Panamanian audit says a Hong Kong firm overseeing two key Panama Canal ports breached its contract, spotlighting competition from US and Chinese firms in the country’s port sector.
Panama President José Raúl Mulino says a national bioethanol fuel plan is in its final stage and could begin in 2026. The government says the initiative could create jobs, support sugarcane growers, and cut fossil fuel imports.
Panama added 143.39 MW of new solar capacity in 2024, bringing another boost to the country’s renewable energy expansion. The increase reinforces solar power’s growing role in Panama’s electricity mix.
Panama released dozens of migrants who had been detained for weeks after being deported from the U.S., giving them 30 days to leave the country amid human rights criticism.
Panama says it will release more than 100 migrants deported by the United States and held for weeks in a remote camp. The move could complicate U.S. deportation efforts.
Panama President José Raúl Mulino accused U.S. President Donald Trump of lying after Trump said he was “reclaiming” the Panama Canal, a remark that spurred an immediate diplomatic rebuke.
Panama President José Raúl Mulino accused U.S. President Donald Trump of lying after Trump said he was “reclaiming” the Panama Canal during a joint session of Congress, prompting a sharp diplomatic rebuttal.
Panama has agreed to receive migrants deported from the United States as President Donald Trump expands his immigration crackdown. The move places Panama alongside Costa Rica in a regional response to rising deportations.
Panama’s construction sector says housing sales have lost $300 million amid uncertainty over the Preferential Interest Law. The industry is urging the government to restore subsidized mortgage financing and unblock 75 stalled projects.
Panama is relying on diplomacy and negotiation as U.S. pressure highlights the country’s vulnerability and the strategic importance of the Panama Canal. The canal’s central role in global trade makes stability a top priority.
The Panama Canal’s geographic and commercial importance has made it a focal point in U.S.-China strategic competition, presenting both opportunities and policy challenges for the Republic of Panama.