The latest, verified reporting on events across Panama and beyond. This section covers breaking stories, developments, and essential daily news.
An EIN Presswire report says adolescent sexuality remains taboo in Panama, creating silence, myths and shame that leave many teens without reliable information or support.
March is shaping up as a pivotal month for determining the viability of the Panama–David–Border Train after Panama’s National Railway Secretariat and Costa Rica’s railway authority moved toward a regional agreement.
The Panamanian government approved an $18.84 million transfer to the Western Tariff Fund to keep electricity rates unchanged for about 183,000 residents in Bocas del Toro.
Earth.com reports that a coastal ocean renewal process dubbed the “ocean’s breath” has disappeared off Panama’s coast for the first time in about 40 years, prompting concern among scientists about impacts on marine productivity and fisheries.
Panama’s ETESA and the National Energy Secretariat received 71 bids in a tender for existing power plants designed to secure supply, reduce tariff volatility and require reconversion of some thermal units.
Silence and misinformation on adolescent sexuality in Panama are linked to rising STI rates, teen pregnancies, and preventable HIV deaths. Experts and youth groups call for comprehensive, early sex education.
China has stepped up inspections of Panama-flagged ships amid tensions over Canal-related port contracts, a move that could affect shipping operations and diplomatic ties.
The Feria San José de David’s grand cabalgata will take place on March 19, 2026, featuring over 35 delegations and around 10,000 riders, with live coverage on RPC and Telemetro.
A private driver fired roughly three shots at a passenger coaster in Arraiján after a dispute over a road closure; one shot struck the bus driver while passengers were uninjured.
Telemetro’s March 18 recap of Calle 7 Panamá highlights the episode’s immunity winner and notable tensions within the yellow team, combining competition results with on-screen controversy.
The National Energy Secretariat announced fuel price increases effective Friday, March 20: 95-octane gasoline +20 centavos/L, 91-octane +18 centavos/L, and diesel +30 centavos/L.
A pre-Hispanic tomb in Panama, dated to about 1,000 years ago, yielded pottery, gold jewelry and funerary offerings. The finds offer new clues about ancient craft and burial practices in the region.
Panama expects first-phase feasibility results for the Panama–David rail project by March 31. A newly signed memorandum with Costa Rica aims to create a regional railway logistics corridor linking Panama City to Paso Canoas.
Telemetro examines whether Panama’s Día del Hombre falls on 19 March or 19 November, explaining the day’s meaning and stressing its role in promoting men’s health and preventive care.
A driver in Panamá Oeste shot at a bus in Arraiján following a road dispute, wounding the bus driver. Authorities have not yet released further details.
An EcoPortal report says scientists are taking major risks to reintroduce Panama’s golden frogs after the species disappeared from the wild. The effort highlights urgent conservation challenges and national interest in restoring this iconic amphibian.
A US tourist drowned at Playa Las Lajas in a private area described as outside surveillance coverage, according to Telemetro. Authorities and further details were not reported.
Customs inspectors at Panamá Pacífico retained US$19,252 from a passenger who failed to declare the funds on entry, Telemetro reported. The incident highlights the importance of complying with customs declaration rules.
Panama’s National Assembly approved a law on March 19, 2026, regulating debt-collection agencies and limiting calls and emails to specific hours. The measure aims to curb intrusive contact while implementation details are still pending.
Telemetro reports gasoline prices in Panama on March 19: 95-octane at 0.95 centavos/liter and 91-octane at 0.89 centavos/liter. No confirmed new rates for March 20 were published.