The Maguro, the first ship in an activist flotilla, docked in Havana carrying medical supplies, food and solar panels as Cuba faces an escalating energy crisis amid a US fuel blockade.
Shipping disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz are driving up freight, energy and raw-material costs, prompting some Chinese factories to cut production and suspend exports, including to Iran.
The National Museum of Natural History reports that ForestGEO hosted its 2023 annual analytical workshop in Panama, an event that supports forest science collaboration and data analysis.
Surging fuel costs linked to the Iran war are straining budgets in developing economies from Pakistan to Egypt, raising import bills, transport costs and inflationary pressure across the Global South.
UK authorities intercepted about one tonne of cocaine hidden in a banana shipment that had travelled from Nicaragua via Panama before arriving in Southampton.
A proposed $10 transit charge at Tocumen, reintroduced by deputy Benicio Robinson González as draft No. 131, promises revenue for hospitals and airports but draws opposition over potential harm to Panama’s hub competitiveness.
Hong Kong’s ICAC charged five people over an alleged HK$90 million bribery scheme tied to renovation contracts at three housing estates, involving casino chips and red packets.
Diesel price spikes in March — to $1.21 per liter — are increasing freight operating costs in Panama, prompting contract adjustments and warning of higher consumer prices.
Higher fuel costs are squeezing freight operators moving produce from Tierras Altas in Chiriquí to Merca Panamá, prompting carriers to consider raising rates soon.
La Prensa’s Tal Cual reports deputies urged virtual work over fuel costs, Alexandra Brenes presented the Inamu bill, officials were named for leaving money at the Assembly, and PPC expanded arbitration claims beyond $2,000 million.
A La Prensa column criticizes Panama’s revived bioethanol bill, legislative budget increases, President José Raúl Mulino’s public remarks, and MIDES minister Beatriz Carles’s absence amid Senniaf allegations.
The ILO has placed Panama on a list of 24 countries cited for serious breaches of union rights, spotlighting gaps between the country’s international commitments and domestic labour practices and raising concerns about reputation and investment climate.
Analyst Trita Parsi says Iran is unlikely to agree to end the war without meaningful sanctions relief, underscoring sanctions as a central hurdle for diplomacy.
San Miguelito’s municipal government launched a $1.2 million public tender to rehabilitate Brisas del Golf park in Rufina Alfaro, with works including courts, stormwater infrastructure, an administrative building and spaces for older adults.
Thousands marched in Buenos Aires to mark the 50th anniversary of Argentina’s 1976 military coup, a day of national remembrance for victims of the ensuing dictatorship.
Camtur rejected draft bill No. 131 proposing a transit passenger fee at Tocumen, warning it would hurt Panama’s competitiveness as an air hub and impact tourism-linked industries.
A constitutional challenge alleges Law 513’s $450 internship stipend and provisions undermine Panama’s social security, minimum wage and equal-pay protections; the CSJ will decide.
An op‑ed warns that low trust—measured by corruption perception and public confidence—raises Panama’s borrowing and operating costs, filtering out patient investment and inflating prices.
La Prensa warns a draft proposal to charge transit passengers at Tocumen could damage Panama’s aviation hub, risking rerouted flights, lost connectivity and investor uncertainty.
OpenAI has pulled its AI video app Sora amid growing concerns over deepfake videos and is redirecting focus toward potentially more lucrative areas like coding tools.