Panama’s National Assembly suspended bill 491, a proposal to raise lower pensions using a fee on containers. Supporters say the pause is strategic, not final.
IMA will close its Santa Ana store from May 6 to May 8 for a scheduled event, with service expected to resume afterward. The temporary shutdown may affect shoppers in one of Panama City’s busiest districts.
President José Raúl Mulino visited the construction site of Panama’s new Hospital del Niño, a $705.8 million project slated for delivery in 2027. The contract also includes equipment, maintenance, and related work at Santo Tomás Hospital.
Panama begins receiving documents for the 2026 General Scholarship Contest on Friday, May 1. The program is open to students in primary, secondary, and university education.
Panama’s Ministry of Public Works is advancing a $3 million pothole-repair plan in Herrera as part of a nationwide road maintenance strategy. Minister José Luis Andrade highlighted the province during a supervision tour.
Twenty-five students in Coclé were exposed to an agrochemical at school and are now reported to be out of danger. Health authorities are keeping them under observation as a precaution.
Ricky Lindo Jr. has boosted Panama’s profile in European basketball by standing out in the BKT EuroCup. His achievement adds to the growing presence of Panamanian players in international leagues.
A man was shot and killed outside a restaurant near Panama City’s Mercado del Marisco. Authorities are reviewing surveillance cameras and conducting operations to identify the attackers.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route. The appeal comes as tensions around one of the world’s most important shipping chokepoints raise concerns about oil, trade and regional stability.
José Augusto Broce will be honored in Cuba for his contribution to the décima, spotlighting Panama’s role in preserving regional folk traditions. The recognition strengthens the country’s cultural presence in the ibero-American sphere.
President José Raúl Mulino criticized Law 491 over the lack of consultation and said a veto remains possible. Business groups are warning that the pension increase could hurt Panama’s competitiveness.
Residents of El Clavel in Arraiján say they have gone more than a month without water, forcing families to spend more on basic needs. They are urging IDAAN to restore service as the problem worsens.
The U.S. House has passed a bipartisan bill to fund most of Homeland Security, setting up the end of the longest agency shutdown in history. The measure excludes immigration enforcement operations but restores critical functions tied to security, travel and border management.
Panama’s government is planning to buy 10,000 bulletproof vests for the National Police as officials respond to rising crime. The move would ease pressure on officers now sharing about 5,000 vests across different units.
Thomas Christiansen said Panama’s World Cup roster remains open and that some of his selection decisions will not please everyone. His remarks put the spotlight on the competition for places as the 2026 tournament approaches.
Panama’s National Assembly will meet in extraordinary session from May 4 to June 5 to debate a Fiscal Code reform on economic substance. President José Raúl Mulino says the bill is key to helping Panama move off an EU tax list.
President José Raúl Mulino defended Panama’s discretionary fund, saying it helps finance urgent surgeries, transplants and emergency aid for families. The comments put the spotlight on how the government balances fast medical support with public spending oversight.
President José Raúl Mulino discussed detained Panamanian-flagged ships in China, extraordinary sessions in the National Assembly, and a pause in bioethanol debate. The remarks underscored Panama’s focus on shipping, legislation, and energy policy.
Transport operators in Ngäbe Buglé have gained access to the fuel subsidy, easing costs for the sector. But long-standing uncertainty over transport permits continues to affect drivers without formal concessions.
Armed groups launched coordinated attacks across Mali, killing the defence minister and exposing the country’s deepening security crisis. The assault highlights the persistent threat from jihadist and rebel forces in the Sahel.