The latest, verified reporting on events across Panama and beyond. This section covers breaking stories, developments, and essential daily news.
Education Minister Lucy Molinar says she will not sign university accreditations without real substantiation and has launched an investigation into alleged irregularities in accreditation processes.
Panama’s Court of Accounts ordered former DGI director Luis Cucalón, Cristóbal Salerno and Cobranzas del Istmo to pay $4.4 million after finding irregularities in a 2010 tax-collection contract.
Panama’s Caja de Seguro Social said it will begin paying a permanent bonus to retirees and pensioners in April 2026, with details on amount and payment schedule to follow.
Around 1,000 tunics for Casco Antiguo’s Semana Santa processions are being prepared weeks in advance with volunteer support, honoring the distinct identities of each cofradía.
MiAmbiente announced a reward to capture the person responsible for deliberate fires in La Yeguada, with Minister Juan Carlos Navarro urging information as investigators probe the incidents.
The MEF has set rules for Panama’s 2026 Fiscal Lottery: invoices dated March 15–May 15 are eligible, a new four-region draw format is established, and strict envelope and documentation rules apply.
The Middle East war is creating global economic shocks that reach Panama through trade, shipping and financial channels; sectors urge contingency measures to protect vulnerable populations.
Acodeco reports a slight February rise in chicken and soup-meat prices within Panama’s Canasta Básica and warns the increase could continue into March, potentially affecting household budgets.
Journalistic guilds met with National Assembly President Jorge Herrera, who pledged to advance review of Ley 391 on the right of reply with the responsible commission and the Assembly Board.
DatamarNews reports that conflict choking the Strait of Hormuz has pushed some shipping through the Panama Canal, boosting transits and activity for Panama’s maritime sector.
Panama has created Sierra Llorona National Park in Colón and is redesigning the Corredor del Caribe as the country’s first ecological highway, including 35 wildlife crossings.
UBS upgraded First Quantum ahead of the anticipated restart at the Cobre Panama project, signaling investor optimism and prompting watchfulness over potential economic effects in Panama.
FreshPlaza reports Chiquita has resumed a banana trial in Panama as it prepares to restart exports; the move signals steps toward resuming shipments but details remain limited.
Seatrade Maritime News reported that the Panama Canal shared an infrastructure development plan on March 17, 2026, outlining future priorities for the crucial interoceanic waterway.
CK Hutchison says Panamanian officials did not respond to a lawsuit over seized ports and is contesting a suspension of its Panama Canal operations on procedural grounds. The dispute raises questions about legal processes and potential impacts on canal and port activity.
IATA warns rising jet-fuel prices driven by Middle East tensions and market disruption could push up airfares if the trend continues, a development that may affect travelers and carriers serving Panama.
Environmental prosecutors have cordoned off Puente del Rey in Panamá Viejo to investigate alleged contamination and illegal drug sales after reported resistance from criminal groups.
Los jubilados y pensionados del país recibirán la segunda quincena de marzo este jueves y viernes, a través de depósitos por ACH y entrega de cheques a nivel nacional.
CHORD Real Estate announced a free “Invest Panama Preview” webinar for American investors, offering an introductory look at Panama’s property market, the company said in an openPR release.
An EIN Presswire report says a ports company has accused Panama of causing “drastic and growing damage” in a dispute tied to the Panama Canal, raising concerns about potential trade and operational impacts.