Villagers are wary of plans to dam a river to ensure Panama Canal's water supply

EL JOBO, Panama (AP) — A long, wooden boat puttered down the Indio River’s chocolate waters carrying Ana María Antonio and a colleague from the Panama Canal Authority on a mission to hear directly from villagers who could be affected by plans to dam the river. The canal forms...

In annual religious pilgrimage, Panamanians crawl to reach the Black Christ of Portobelo

PORTOBELO, Panama (AP) — At dawn, pilgrims like Ernesto Troya undertook the hardest stretch of their journey to reach the statue of the Black Christ of Portobelo in Panama. Moved by faith, they crawled for several hours along the street toward the image of the saint. It is one of...

PHOTO COLLECTION: Panama The Black Christ

Pochettino wins US debut as Musah and Pepi score second-half goals in 2-0 victory over Panama

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Mauricio Pochettino arrived at Q2 Stadium to see posters and banners with his face around the grandstand and behind a goal. By the time he left, he was saluting fans who were cheering his name. The 52-year-old Argentine's debut as U.S. coach was a...

Pochettino era of US soccer begins against Panama, with eyes on 2026 World Cup

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A new era for United States soccer is set to begin, led by an Argentine coach expected to deliver big results at the 2026 World Cup on American soil. Former Tottenham and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino makes his U.S. debut in a pair of friendlies, leading...

Migration through Darien Gap increased in September, led by Venezuelans after the election

PANAMA CITY, Panama (AP) — The number of migrants crossing the Darien Gap — a rugged jungle passage between Colombia and Panama — increased sharply in September, according to Panamanian government data, and a human rights organization says there’s less capacity to assist migrants. ...

Zack Steffen returns to US national team in Mauricio Pochettino's first roster

NEW YORK (AP) — Mauricio Pochettino’s first player move as U.S. coach was to bring back goalkeeper Zack Steffen, who started nearly half the 2022 World Cup qualifiers but was exiled by Gregg Berhalter. “He deserved the opportunity to be with us,” Pochettino said Wednesday...

Venezuelans crossing the Darien Gap say they lost hope after July's election

LAJAS BLANCAS, Panama (AP) — Venezuelans trekking across the Darien Gap – a rugged jungle passage between Colombia and Panama – say they're making the perilous journey because they lost hope for change after a contentious presidential election handed victory to President Nicolás Maduro...

PHOTO COLLECTION: Panama Immigration

What to know from the UN: Ukraine doesn't want the world to forget, and attention turns to Lebanon

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Sometimes the issues brought forward at the United Nations signature annual meeting may feel a bit familiar. Climate change is always in focus, especially in the past few years. There are regular disputes about who is on the security council. Pleas to stop wars and address...