Panama’s IFARHU and MEDUCA move to prepare first PASE-U 2026 payment
IFARHU is working with MEDUCA to validate student data ahead of the first PASE-U payment for 2026. The coordination aims to avoid delays in distributing the education benefit.

IFARHU is working with MEDUCA to validate student data ahead of the first PASE-U payment for 2026. The coordination aims to avoid delays in distributing the education benefit.

The National Lottery of Panama released the results of its Wednesday draw for April 9, 2026. The midweek “miercolito” remains a popular fixture for players across the country.

Serviestiba said operations continue without interruption at the Balboa and Cristóbal ports, with more than 2,000 workers supporting logistics activity. The move helps sustain one of Panama’s key supply chain corridors.

Panama’s president is trying to ease tensions tied to the country’s China relationship while officials assess the broader implications. The dispute underscores how strategically important Panama’s foreign policy remains.
Hospitals in Beirut are under severe strain after Israeli attacks on the city and surrounding areas, with doctors warning that medical supplies are running low. The escalation is deepening Lebanon’s long-running humanitarian and economic crisis.
Copa Airlines has created more than 400 new jobs and is planning more routes as it expands its fleet in 2026. The airline expects to operate 121 aircraft by the end of the year, with 43 Boeing 737 MAX jets still pending delivery.

Panama City Hall will hold a public hearing at Parque Urracá to discuss tariffs for using park facilities. The meeting could affect how residents and event organizers access one of the capital’s key green spaces.

A new pedestrian bridge in El Centenario, Alcalde Díaz, now provides safer access for more than 1,000 residents after years of risky creek crossings. The project was completed through a collaboration between the municipality, the local community board, and neighborhood residents.

Netanyahu said there is no ceasefire in Lebanon, even as Israel says it is open to peace talks. The message highlights the fragile balance on Israel’s northern border and the risk of wider regional escalation.
Authorities seized high-caliber firearms during a security operation in Rio Abajo after a double homicide in the area. The move comes amid stepped-up police activity in Panama City’s corregimiento.

Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial will resume on Sunday after Israel lifted emergency court restrictions imposed during the conflict with Iran. The hearing will include testimony from a defence witness.

Ángela Russo has been elected as Panama’s new Defensor del Pueblo, putting renewed focus on the office’s role in protecting human rights and holding institutions accountable. The post also carries a $7,000 monthly salary and is chosen by the National Assembly.
Panama City Hall has launched Nexus Lab, offering more than 1,000 digital scholarships on Platzi for young people. The initiative aims to expand access to tech training and strengthen youth job prospects.

Angela Russo’s election as Panama’s new ombudsman triggered immediate political reactions, highlighting divisions and alliances inside the National Assembly. The vote also drew attention to the importance of the office in defending citizens’ rights.

President José Raúl Mulino says Panama’s anti-violence strategy is being adjusted daily as the country faces a rise in homicides. By February 2026, 77 homicides had been recorded nationwide, making violence a major public security concern.

The death of Al Jazeera’s Wishah in Gaza has added to the growing toll of journalists killed since the war began in October 2023. The killing highlights the extreme danger facing media workers covering the conflict.
Panama has recorded 1,670 dengue cases, including 10 severe infections and six deaths. Health officials are urging people to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and seek care quickly if warning signs appear.
President José Raúl Mulino’s visit to Balboa port and the election of Ángela Russo as Ombudsperson marked two notable developments in Panama on April 9. Both events highlight the country’s focus on logistics and institutional oversight.
The Panama Canal is seeing a surge in transits as shipping avoids other major chokepoints, with traffic reaching as many as 38 vessels a day. The increase highlights the canal’s global importance and the operational pressures that come with it.
More than 30 artisans and entrepreneurs are participating in the National Fair of Colón in Buena Vista, which runs for 11 days through April 19. The event highlights local craftsmanship and small business activity in the province.

