Panama has increased surveillance at airports and ports after measles cases were reported in Costa Rica and Colombia. Authorities say vaccines are available and screenings have been strengthened.
Telemetro reports roughly 96,000 young Panamanians are unemployed — an estimated youth unemployment rate of 17.8%–19.9% — with many turning to occasional or informal work.
Experts warn that elevated temperatures in Panama can cause dehydration and heatstroke in pets. They advise avoiding walks during peak sun and keeping animals in cool indoor spaces.
Media reports warn of a new SMS phishing scam in Panama using the names of ATTT, ENA and Sertracen to solicit fraudulent payments via links in text messages. Recipients are urged not to click links and to verify claims through official channels.
CK Hutchison’s Panama unit says the government failed to answer an arbitration claim by the March 13 deadline after a court ruled contracts for two Panama Canal–area ports unconstitutional and the state took control.
David in Chiriquí will host Panama’s largest cabalgata on March 19, with more than 10,000 people expected. The event highlights local equestrian traditions and will require coordinated logistics.
Mitradel has detected 14 cases of child labor so far this year. Minister Jackeline Muñoz outlined the ministry’s response procedures and said authorities are addressing each case.
Panama’s Public Ministry and National Police arrested 19 people in an anti-gang operation in Coclé on March 17, 2026; suspects are allegedly linked to criminal groups and will face investigation.
The Maritime Executive reports the Panama Canal Administrator presented recent operational advancements at the CMA Shipping conference, outlining progress affecting canal services and stakeholders.
Parents and students at Escuela Los Jorones in Las Palmas, Veraguas, blocked a road to protest a lack of teachers, leaving first- and sixth-grade classes unable to start.
Telemetro reported that a 55-year-old man died in a crash and rollover in Los Santos, becoming the province’s third traffic fatality, according to a March 17, 2026 bulletin.
MIDA has begun a dialogue with Panamanian ranchers on cattle genetic improvement in partnership with a U.S. cattle genetics export association, aiming to boost herd productivity and competitiveness.
The U.S. Embassy in Panama donated rescue equipment to SINAPROC on March 17, 2026, to strengthen disaster preparedness and response capacity in the province of Veraguas.
A syndicated APTOPIX photo feature on the Panama Canal was published by the Bluefield Daily Telegraph, using imagery to highlight the canal’s ongoing global importance.
The Bluefield Daily Telegraph posted a feed item titled “Panama Canal” on March 17, 2026; the feed lacked full text. We outline why even brief notices about the canal matter for Panama’s trade and economy.
The Bluefield Daily Telegraph published a piece titled “Panama Daily Life” on March 17, 2026, highlighting everyday aspects of life in the Republic of Panama; readers should consult the original for full details.
Patients across Panama report visiting multiple pharmacies to find prescribed medicines and often leaving without them, highlighting concerns about access and potential health impacts.
Panama Canal administrator Ricaurte Vásquez said the Canal could see increased traffic due to the war in the Middle East, potentially benefiting Panama but also raising operational challenges.
A ports company told The Tico Times it is experiencing “drastic and growing” damage stemming from a dispute with Panama over canal-related issues, raising commercial and political concerns.
Czech drinks group Kofola bought a 49% stake in Panamanian drinks company Alta Fermentación, a minority investment that could strengthen ties between European beverage firms and Panama’s market.