Author: Editorial Team

Residents of Villa Mireya in Panama are living in fear due to multiple swarms of aggressive Africanized bees (colloquially known as the “killer bee”). The insects have colonized at least four utility poles in this community within the Capira District of Panamá Oeste Province. Community members report that the dangerous hives are located near homes and common walking paths, creating an urgent public safety hazard. Local families say the situation has escalated with several attacks already documented. A six-month-old infant and multiple community dogs have been stung, raising fears of a more serious incident. The proximity to routes children use…

A labor dispute between delivery drivers and the PedidosYa platform has caused significant service delays across Panama this week. The disruption, which began on Monday, April 13, 2026, is affecting approximately 800 affiliated restaurants and thousands of customers who are experiencing extended wait times and limited availability.While the company states its service remains operational, users report that finding a driver to accept an order now takes over an hour, a stark increase from the typical 20-minute window. The platform was largely suspended on Monday, with some customers only offered a pick-up option directly from restaurants. Service showed slight signs of…

The Museum of Contemporary Art of Panama (MAC) has launched its April cultural program with a series of public workshops and events. The museum’s team aims to reposition the institution as an active space for connection and dialogue rather than a passive gallery. This initiative reflects a broader shift in how cultural centers engage with their communities in Panama City. Activities include a unique ceramics workshop and a forum for educators, alongside two major opportunities for emerging young artists. The programming is designed to make contemporary art more accessible and interactive for all visitors. Museum officials stress that these events…

Panama’s banking sector has formally rejected a legislative proposal seeking to impose new controls on interest rates. The Panama Banking Association (ABP) called for the complete overhaul of Bill 552 during a recent industry meeting in Panama City, arguing the plan would damage the country’s financial market.Executive Director Carlos Berguido stated the association submitted its request to the National Assembly’s Commerce Commission, which is currently reviewing the proposal. The bill, introduced by legislator Ernesto Cedeño on March 17, 2026, aims to establish regulatory frameworks for bank lending and deposit rates.Banking Sector Warns of Market InflexibilityBerguido explained the association’s core objection…

A team of U.S. military engineers will present a crucial structural assessment to Panama’s president today. The report details damage sustained by the vital Bridge of the Americas following a serious vehicle fire earlier this month. Panamanian officials confirmed the Cabinet Council will review the findings this afternoon.The inspection was conducted voluntarily by experts from the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Their arrival on Thursday, April 9, came three days after a tanker truck ignited beneath the bridge’s structure. The ensuing blaze engulfed two other vehicles and forced a complete closure of the crossing for several hours.Urgent Assessment Follows…

Panama’s Metro Line 3 project reached a major milestone this week with the first test run of its new monorail train. The trial operation occurred on Monday, April 13, moving the train from the maintenance yard to the Ciudad del Futuro station area, marking critical progress for the country’s largest current infrastructure project.This initial test is a key technical step toward launching a modern transportation system designed to connect western Panama with the capital city. Officials from Metro de Panamá stated the test demonstrates tangible advancement toward a high-capacity system that will fundamentally reshape regional mobility.Project Progress and Technical DetailsCarlos…

The Panama International Book Fair will return to Panama City in August 2026, organizers announced this week. The twenty-second edition of the major cultural event aims to draw record crowds to the Atlapa Convention Center from August 25 to 30.This year’s fair will feature a unique guest of honor, the Panama Canal. Under the theme “The Route of a Thousand Stories,” the event will explore the waterway’s profound historical, cultural, and social impact on the nation’s identity.Honoring a National SymbolOrganizers from the Panamanian Book Chamber revealed the thematic focus during a Tuesday announcement. Paying tribute to the canal recognizes its…

The Panamanian Episcopal Conference issued a strong statement this week expressing its full support for Pope Leo XIV. The declaration comes after former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly questioned the Pontiff’s calls for peace in the Iran conflict.Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa Mendieta of Panama and Bishop Luis Enrique Saldaña of David signed the document. Titled “For respect for the Petrine ministry and the mission of the Catholic Church,” it defends the Pope’s spiritual authority over global political matters. The bishops released their message from Panama City, aiming to clarify the Church’s role on the world stage.The statement argues the Pope’s…

Angela Russo officially assumed the role of Panama’s Ombudsman for the 2026-2031 term in a ceremony at the National Assembly of Panama. The former Supreme Court magistrate was sworn in on Monday by legislative president Jorge Herrera. Her appointment follows a vote by the full assembly and marks the start of a new chapter for the nation’s top human rights office. Russo secured her position with 37 votes in favor after a nomination process conducted via a minority report. She will formally begin her duties this Thursday, April 16. The event was also attended by the assembly’s secretary general, Carlos…

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has partially vetoed a bill that sought to establish a separate judicial circuit for West Panama province. The executive branch returned Bill 229 to the National Assembly of Panama this week, citing significant financial and organizational impacts as the primary reasons for its inconvenience. The proposed legislation had already passed three debates in the national legislature. It aimed to allow residents of West Panama to process civil, criminal, juvenile, and labor cases within their own jurisdiction, rather than traveling to circuits based in Panama City. Executive Branch Cites Fiscal and Structural Impact In a detailed…