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.
Panama’s National Police say they arrested a 27-year-old woman at Tocumen Airport who was wanted for a violent armed attack at Plaza Tocumen. Authorities say investigations and legal steps will continue.
MEDUCA and the Hotel Association have reactivated a tourism education program for students, with MEDUCA saying it will pursue more private-sector partnerships to expand the model.
Maritime News reports CK Hutchison says the Republic of Panama missed an arbitration response deadline; the outlet gave no further details on the dispute or tribunal.
MIDES announced that nearly 20,000 Panamanians with severe disabilities will receive the first Ángel Guardián payment of 2026, affirming continued social support for beneficiaries.
The Comité Olímpico de Panamá reported that Panamanian athletes stood out at the Copa Nacional Interligas de Esgrima, delivering notable performances in both individual and team events.
The IMA will hold agro‑fairs in more than eight provinces on March 17–18, starting at 8:00 a.m., offering quality agricultural products at accessible prices to consumers.
Panama’s National Statistics Agency reported a 4.4% increase in GDP for 2025, signaling continued economic momentum tied to services and trade.
TradingView reports Panama’s economy expanded 4.4% in 2025, with the transport sector identified as the primary driver of growth. The result highlights the continuing centrality of transport and trade-related services to Panama’s economy.