The latest, verified reporting on events across Panama and beyond. This section covers breaking stories, developments, and essential daily news.
MiBus said it will not raise fares despite higher fuel costs but will adjust some routes. Users are divided, praising stable fares while warning of potential mobility impacts.
The Ministry of Government issued Executive Decree 9 of 2026, ordering public offices in Panama to close from midday on April 2 for Semana Santa while exempting essential health, security, transport and basic services.
The Panama Canal Authority said it will allow uninterrupted ship passage during a planned maintenance period from March through September, aiming to prevent transit disruptions.
Panamanian authorities seized more than 1,000 drug packages hidden in a container at a Panamá Oeste port; the shipment was scheduled for transshipment in Belgium and final delivery to Lithuania.
President Mulino has sanctioned a law creating paid internships for Panamanian youth aged 18–25 from secondary, university, vocational or technical education, TVN 2 reported.
The CSS terminated its $9.2M contract with the Alca-Ger consortium for the Boquete polyclinic due to missed deadlines; the consortium appealed to the TACP, suspending the termination.
Reuters reports the Panama Canal will allow uninterrupted ship transits during planned maintenance from March through September, aiming to keep shipping schedules steady despite work.
The Panama Canal will allow uninterrupted ship passage during planned maintenance from March through September, a move aimed at minimizing disruption to shipping and trade.
Panama hosted a conference on March 17 to strengthen sports arbitration ahead of the IV South American Youth Games 2026, featuring experts, officials and athlete outreach.
La Prensa corrected a March 19, 2026 article to state that Caribbean Holding Services Ltd. redirected Odebrecht funds to Martinelli Berrocal, Juan Carlos Varela and Importadora Ricamar.
The University of Panama issued its first digital diploma, awarded to a Faculty of Pharmacy graduate, with 508 diplomas approved for electronic signature out of over 3,000 requests.
A Telemetro report says a new competition dynamic on Calle 7 Panamá led to a novice contestant claiming an immunity shirt, provoking complaints among participants.
New fuel rates took effect in Panama on March 20, 2026: 95-octane gasoline rose 20 centavos/liter, 91-octane 18 centavos/liter, and diesel 30 centavos/liter, prompting many motorists to fill up Thursday night.
Chiriquí beat Panamá Oeste 8-4 to win Panama’s national Little League championship and will represent the country at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, returning after 32 years.
Aaron ‘Ronny’ Mizrachi’s lawyer, Basilio Enrique González, disputes La Prensa’s reporting, saying Mizrachi only received 2009 Odebrecht donations and denies later transfers or payments to other named individuals.
The U.S. Embassy in Panama urged Panamanian citizens to begin visa applications early, noting potential higher demand as major travel events approach, including World Cup 2026.
Bad weather on March 19 forced the postponement of the Béisbol Mayor 2026 game between Metro and Herrera; organizers say the match will be reprogrammed.
Panama Canal Authority chief Ricaurte Vásquez said the canal is operating at top capacity with 36–38 daily transits, and that the Iran conflict has boosted LNG vessel traffic through the waterway.
Panama’s National Police executed Operation Armageddon XXXVII at La Joya Penitentiary in Pacora, seizing weapons, drugs, phones and a Starlink antenna as part of ongoing security efforts.
Reuters reports the Panama Canal is at top capacity with 36–38 daily transits as the Iran war lifts LNG vessel traffic, pressuring scheduling and trade flows.