The latest, verified reporting on events across Panama and beyond. This section covers breaking stories, developments, and essential daily news.
A La Prensa op-ed spotlights Project of Law 510 by deputy Jairo Salazar, proposing prison or fines for knowingly claiming false paternity; the bill passed a first commission vote on March 11, 2026.
TVN 2 reports a rise in fuel prices in Panama is increasing transport costs across the supply chain, leading restaurants and fondas to raise prices and squeezing consumers’ budgets.
Reports say contamination of the Río Pacora may affect over 400,000 people in Panama; authorities are investigating critical hotspots and possible health risks. Further testing and official updates are pending.
Telemetro reports the application period for Panama’s Defensor del Pueblo closed on March 21, 2026, with 35 candidates submitting documents. The process will now move from intake to evaluation.
A cold front produced sudden heavy rains in Panama City, causing flooded streets and traffic disruptions; the front may persist for at least 24 hours, TVN 2 reports.
The University of Panama has released the official list of aspirants for its 2026 elections, naming candidates for rector, deans and regional center leadership as the institution begins its selection process.
Panama’s National Police are investigating an alleged internal network of officers accused of stealing and selling institutional vehicles. A March 18 operation recovered a Toyota Corolla and a discarded institutional motorcycle in Chiriquí, and one civilian was detained.
A student in Veraguas was injured with a bladed weapon and taken to a medical center; local authorities have opened an investigation and details remain limited.
El Hospital Materno Infantil de Obaldía participó en la Feria de David presentando la mascota infantil “Doctora Ova”, creada desde el dibujo de un paciente para acompañar a menores en procesos médicos.
The 83rd Campeonato Nacional de Béisbol Mayor is being covered live through TVMAX, TVN Pass and the TVMAX PANAMÁ YouTube channel, offering minute-by-minute results and streams for fans.
Panama’s Ministerio Público is asking the public for help locating 19-year-old Michael Roberto Wright Small, last seen in Pacora’s Cabra sector wearing dark clothing and a cap.
Panama’s National Police are being investigated over an alleged network involved in vehicle theft and illegal vehicle sales; raids were carried out and one person detained.
Reuters reports the Panama Canal is operating near top capacity as the war in Iran boosts LNG vessel traffic, canal chief Vasquez says, highlighting the waterway’s strategic role in global energy shipments.
MINSA reports a 12-year-old student in Colón with pertussis is improving under treatment; a school epidemiological screening found no additional cases.
Mongabay reports that captive-bred Panamanian golden frogs have been released into the wild in Panama, part of conservation efforts to restore wild populations.
Mongabay reports that captive-bred Panamanian golden frogs were released into the wild in Panama on March 20, 2026, marking a noteworthy step in reintroduction efforts. Further monitoring will be needed to evaluate outcomes.
Panama and Costa Rica signed an agreement to promote the Panamá–David–Frontera rail project, which officials say could help integrate rail transport across Central America.
Panama’s Asamblea Nacional will choose the next head of the Defensoría del Pueblo from a list of 35 candidates, including incumbent Eduardo Leblanc González and former Supreme Court magistrate Ángela Russo Mainieri.
Minsa warns that tap water in Llano de Piedra and Las Tablas (Los Santos) is not safe after tests found elevated microorganisms; residents are advised to boil water 3–5 minutes.
The National Assembly closed nominations for the Defensor del Pueblo with 35 candidates; citizens can file objections March 25–26, TVN 2 reports. The short objection window begins the next phase of selection.