The latest, verified reporting on events across Panama and beyond. This section covers breaking stories, developments, and essential daily news.
Businessman and former vice presidential candidate Michael Chen says Colon contributes 18% of Panama’s economy while receiving a fraction in return, and predicts the province will become the country’s second capital. His Sabores de Colon festival drew over 50,000 attendees, far surpassing expectations.
IDAAN has suspended operations at the Santa Marta and Divalá water treatment plants in Chiriquí province due to high turbidity levels in raw water sources. Residents may face supply interruptions until conditions normalize.
Panama’s Imhpa forecasts intense showers, lightning and wind gusts this Saturday, warning of possible flooding, waterlogging and isolated landslides in several regions.
Sections of Vía Israel and the Cinta Costera will close from Saturday night for the Panama City Marathon on Sunday, September 20, with detours and alternate routes in place for drivers.
IFARHU has issued guidance for students whose PASE-U scholarship payments do not appear on their cards, including how to check balances and verify payment calendars. The institute advises students to confirm their payment modality before seeking further assistance.
An explosion in Bijao sent a shockwave that damaged the residence of artist Omar Alfanno, who shared video of the aftermath. The cause of the blast has not been disclosed.
Panama’s bus operators are pushing for a fare review as fuel prices climb, but the government has so far maintained its subsidy, leaving passenger fares unchanged for now.
Panama’s Ifarhu has activated a formal collection process targeting overdue student loan debtors and their co-signers. The move could lead to asset seizures as the institute moves to recover outstanding obligations.
A source headline reported an explosion in an apartment in Bijao, Coclé, but the article body was empty, leaving no verified details to report.
Some Panama retirees and pensioners may find their CSS deposit has not arrived via ACH. Here is how to verify payment status and report the problem.
Ifarhu announced the second PASE-U payment will begin in October, deposited directly to beneficiaries’ cards to avoid the long lines seen during the first disbursement.
Panama’s National Police conduct more than 30,000 identity checks per week at Panama Metro stations, with contempt warrants for unpaid child support the most frequently detected offense. The figure highlights how transit hubs have become key enforcement points for family support obligations.
A crocodile attack on a fisherman has heightened safety concerns in Puerto Coquira, where residents depend on daily fishing and are now being urged to avoid behavior that could provoke the animals. Officials and locals call for coexistence measures as human-crocodile contact rises.
UDELAS has presented a B/.70.7 million budget proposal for 2027 that includes new tuition discounts, alongside planned projects and investments. The plan now awaits review as part of Panama’s national budget process.
Three crew members are missing after their boat disappeared off Veraguas, Panama, with search operations on hold due to severe weather. Teams stand ready to resume as soon as conditions improve.
Panamanian migration authorities denied entry at Tocumen International Airport to two Colombians who admitted they came to work as “gota a gota” lenders, after officials found debt-collection cards in their belongings.
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.
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.
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.
