Panama has taken control of two strategic ports at the entrances to the Panama Canal after the Supreme Court ruled the concession unconstitutional. The move strengthens the country’s control over a vital global shipping corridor amid rising U.S.-China tensions.
Shipping companies are paying up to $4 million to cross the Panama Canal as disruption in the Strait of Hormuz drives more vessels toward the waterway. The spike highlights Panama’s role as a crucial backup route in global trade.
Panamanian security agencies are probing whether four fake drug shipments seized at ports are connected to a recent surge of homicides in Panama City. Forensic testing confirmed the cargoes contained no narcotics.
Panama’s femicide figures have remained alarmingly steady for a decade, despite the crime being formally recognized in 2013. Experts say stronger protection, better enforcement and social change are still urgently needed.
Deputy Francisco Brea is pressing for faster audits, tighter Assembly rules and rural infrastructure reforms for his Veraguas circuit. He also defended bioethanol debate and called for clearer oversight of public payrolls.
Panama’s National Assembly has advanced a bill to eliminate ITBMS on menstrual products, with lawmakers proposing higher tobacco and vape taxes to replace the lost revenue. Supporters call it a gender equity measure, while officials urge technical review of the funding plan.
Ifarhu begins receiving documents on April 27 for students preselected in the 2026 General Scholarship Contest. The process covers provinces and comarcas across Panama.
Panama’s Education Ministry is still awaiting Comptroller approval and a tie-break decision before fully distributing school milk, cookies and nutritional cream nationwide. Some schools are being supplied with leftover stock and previous-contract deliveries in the meantime.
Bocas del Toro visits Chiriquí on Sunday with a 2-0 lead in the 2026 national baseball final and a chance to take a near-decisive advantage. Chiriquí must respond at Kenny Serracín Stadium to stay within striking distance.
Panama’s Ministry of Social Development has started home visits for more than 9,000 pending applicants to verify eligibility for key social programs. The campaign targets households in extreme poverty and is part of an update to the national beneficiary registry.
Panama finished the South American Games with six gold medals, but its stronger achievement was proving it could host a major event with order and credibility. The smooth execution contrasted with years of problems in the country’s sports administration.
Panama’s scholarship system is under fresh criticism over clientelist influence in IFARHU aid decisions. The debate centers on whether public education support is reducing inequality or reinforcing it.
Panama welcomed Cuba’s release of three Panamanian citizens, even as seven others remain detained. The case continues to focus attention on consular efforts and bilateral diplomacy.
A bomb-laden bus exploded on Colombia’s Pan-American Highway near the Venezuelan border, killing at least 14 people. Authorities blamed dissident FARC rebels for the attack.
Joselyne Edwards delivered a decision win over Norma Dumont at UFC Vegas 116, defeating the No. 3-ranked women’s bantamweight contender. The result marks a major boost for the Panamanian fighter’s standing in the UFC.
Authorities in Colón are monitoring a possible agrochemical inhalation incident after containers labeled aluminum phosphide were found near homes. The case underscores the risks of improper pesticide storage in residential areas.
Panama’s contested appointments to the Electoral Tribunal and Ombudsman have intensified concerns about political bargaining and institutional independence. The vote also exposed new fractures within reform-minded blocs in the National Assembly.
IMA Agroferias will return on April 27 and 28 with affordable staple foods in multiple provinces and comarcas across Panama. Shoppers must bring their identity card to buy products.
Panama has closed the South American Youth Games after two weeks of competition featuring young athletes from across the region. The event highlighted emerging talent and the country’s role as host.
This column argues that Panama’s essential services, from hospitals to the Canal, depend on engineering more than politics or rhetoric. It calls for stronger institutions and greater respect for technical expertise.