March 24, 2026

Panama restaurant owners report reduced consumption this month and are considering menu changes or smaller portions as they respond to higher fuel prices impacting costs.

The Panama Canal Authority says it expects to start resettlements for the Río Indio infrastructure project in May 2027 and has launched outreach to explain the project scope and relocation options.

Buques de guerra de EEUU participarán en “Mares del Sur 2026” y se espera que hasta 3.500 tripulantes desembarquen por día en la Ciudad de Panamá durante la escala del ejercicio.

South Africa are using a friendly against Panama to trial a revamped squad ahead of the World Cup, with media lists naming players such as Orlando Mosquera and Lyle Foster. The sides previously met in the 2005 Gold Cup quarter-finals, decided on penalties for Panama.

Digital nomads are increasingly favoring Panama for its reliable internet, dollar-based banking, strong transport links via Tocumen Airport, and a livable Panama City that supports both work and leisure.

Two deputies told TVN 2 that the upcoming comparecencia of Carles will be decisive in clarifying institutional management and the operation of child care centers amid public concern.

A New Mexico jury found Meta liable for endangering children on Facebook and Instagram, ordering the company to pay US$375 million after a six-week trial where the state sought US$2.2 billion.

A bill on digital regulation of minors goes to a first debate in Panama’s Legislative Assembly, where lawmakers are divided and will decide whether it has enough support to advance.

The Independent reports UK Border Force has seized a tonne of cocaine shipped from Panama, with an estimated value of £80 million. The large seizure highlights ongoing international drug trafficking challenges and may prompt increased cooperation and investigations.

Former Biden officials told a Carnegie Endowment event that President Trump’s second-term China policy lacks a coherent strategy, echoing problems from his first term and raising concerns about global economic and diplomatic effects.

The South China Morning Post’s Open Dialogue featured Gary Liu and Liu Xiaochun discussing stablecoins, contrasting China and US approaches and noting Hong Kong’s expected policy moves.

Chef Daniel Boulud has opened Terrace Boulud, a rooftop brasserie at Landmark Prince’s in Central Hong Kong, featuring a French-meets-Cantonese dim sum menu and a 300-label wine list.

Art Basel Hong Kong opens with new curated sector Echoes and the Asia debut of Zero 10 for digital art; SCMP highlights nine artists to watch, including Aya Shalkar and Uuriintuya Dagvasambuu.

President Mulino received letters of credence from ambassadors of Italy, Cuba and other countries on March 24, 2026, welcoming the diplomats and holding individual talks on bilateral agendas.

President Trump said the U.S. may soon be “winding down” its three-and-a-half-week air campaign in Iran, though several of the five goals he listed remain undefined or unmet.

Panama’s Ministry of Health reports a drop in dengue cases to just over 1,300 so far this year, down from about 2,000 in the same period of 2025; malaria figures were not specified.

Media issued a public appeal on March 24, 2026 seeking help to locate Marcos Madrigal Cuesta, missing in Las Cumbres; a physical description accompanies the request.

A New Mexico jury found Meta’s platforms harmful to children’s mental health and in violation of state consumer protection law, a key early victory in mounting social media litigation.

Panama’s Commerce and Economic Affairs Commission approved in first debate Bill 443 to require gasoline sold in the country to contain 10% anhydrous bioethanol; five of nine commissioners voted in favor.

In Colón, owner Josué Alarcón and his lawyers filed a criminal complaint after two American Bully dogs died while locked in a car. The querella launches a prosecutor-led inquiry into alleged animal mistreatment.