AES Says Giant Flame at Colón Plant Was Controlled Gas Burn, Not Fire
AES confirmed that the enormous flame seen at its Colón plant was a controlled gas burn, not a fire, reassuring residents after alarming images circulated online.

AES confirmed that the enormous flame seen at its Colón plant was a controlled gas burn, not a fire, reassuring residents after alarming images circulated online.

Panama’s new Internship Law creates a certified framework for young people to gain work experience while requiring companies to register interns through a new Mitradel platform. With youth unemployment at 19.9%, the law aims to bridge the experience gap.
The Orquesta Filarmónica de Panamá honored the late salsa legend Willie Colón with two symphonic tribute concerts at Teatro Balboa, with proceeds supporting earthquake-affected communities in Venezuela and Colombia.
A failure at the Gatún power plant knocked out electricity in Panama City and San Miguelito, cutting 600 megawatts from the grid before Etesa restored full service at 10:58 p.m.

Ifarhu has clarified which purchases are allowed and which will be declined on PASE-U cards, as it investigates merchant fraud and prepares an October payment for qualifying families.
A new edition of Joaquín Beleño’s 1963 novel Curundú prompts a rereading of the Panamanian classic as universal literature, beyond its long-standing framing within anti-imperialist narratives about the Canal Zone.
Teenage pregnancies account for 17.1% of all pregnancies in San Miguelito, Panama, prompting health authorities to cite school dropout rates and lack of sex education as key drivers. Officials are calling for stronger intervention to protect adolescent girls’ health and education.

Technology firm Sonda S.A. has clarified how the new fare collection system for the Panama Metro and Metrobús works, insisting users will not be double charged. The explanation comes as passengers adjust to changes on the country’s two busiest public transport services.

Panama’s Electoral Court has proposed eliminating the National Commission on Electoral Reforms and replacing the mechanism used to discuss and build consensus on future changes to the Electoral Code, drawing reactions from political actors.

Families of young Chiricanos believed to be in Russia and Ukraine held a vigil demanding faster action from authorities, as at least three alleged recruiters remain in provisional detention.

The Mayor’s Office of Panama has launched a $533,000 tender for Christmas 2026 activities, including the tree lighting and parade logistics, bringing total planned holiday spending to more than $3.8 million. The bill includes 9,000 meal coupons, 200 portable toilets, golf carts, and private security.
Panama’s environment ministry has approved a 10-year management plan for the Cerro Ancón Nature Reserve, securing the future of one of Panama City’s most iconic green spaces. The roadmap will guide conservation of the historic urban forest for the next decade.

Heavy rains in Bocas del Toro and Chiriquí are fueling a black sigatoka outbreak in Panama’s banana and plantain crops, prompting Mida to announce drainage and fumigation support for growers. Producers warn of possible plantain shortages and price pressure.
A stolen motor from a water pumping station has left hundreds of families in Atalaya, Veraguas, without potable water, with investigators saying the thieves appeared to know how the equipment worked.

Panama’s Social Security Fund (CSS) will begin September pension payments on September 18, with a second payment date on September 21, according to the official calendar for retirees and pensioners.

Panama’s film academy has selected CHICHERO, directed by Arturo Montenegro and Aarón Bromley, as the country’s entry for the 2027 Goya Awards and the Oscar race for Best International Feature Film. The film opens in Panamanian cinemas in late September.

Panama Oeste rallied from a 5-1 deficit with a six-run sixth inning to defeat Los Santos 7-5 and claim the U10 National Baseball Championship at the Mariano Rivera Baseball Academy. The title also avenged an earlier 1-0 loss to Los Santos in the tournament.
Fraud complaints in Panama rose 14% in early 2026 as cybercriminals exploit stolen phones to drain bank accounts. The Superintendencia de Bancos outlines three critical steps victims must take within minutes of a theft.
IFARHU has activated the first 2026 Educational Insurance payment for new Excellence Contest scholarship winners in Herrera, Los Santos, and Coclé via the Caja de Ahorros Punch wallet. Students should check their digital wallets to access the funds.

Panama’s Ministry of Social Development is asking the public for help finding a white Toyota Coaster bus, plate GO9704, stolen from its regional office in Penonomé. The vehicle was used to transport girls from state care homes in Coclé.

