Newsroom Panama Quick Reads for November 21 & 22 2025 – Check Back for Updates

Copa Airlines has increased by almost 40% its seating capacity on the route between Panama City and David (Chiriquí).

Observing its Progress: A View from the Tunnel of Line 3 of the Panama Metro

A great engineering project advancing steadily and with Panamanian hands.  Japanese technology is among the best in civil engineering construction.   It’s not political parties that move a country forward, it’s the people who have the desire and the interest to really do it.  Great Job President Mulino.  It will soon be a reality!!  Excellent!

Esteban de León’s Family Announces Criminal Complaint Against Those Involved in the Crime

As the days go by, more disturbing findings from the investigation are emerging. The case of Esteban de León continues to shock the country as an investigation, which the the Public Prosecutor’s Office says is still in its initial stages, progresses. The victim’s family, along with their legal team, will present new evidence to strengthen the case and clarify the facts. So far, two people face charges related to the case, and authorities are searching for a possible third person involved. 

17,000 Christmas Trees Arrive in Panama: They Come from Canada and Oregon

Inspections of pine trees before their arrival in Panama. The arrival of these trees marks the beginning of the Christmas season.

Mingob and the Discreet Direct Contract to Sprintico for $1.6 Million Poses Questions

Relialert XC3 electronic bracelets for inmates, whose rental for $1.6 million was directly awarded by the Ministry of Government to Sprintico Corp., despite inconsistencies in the file and questions about the contract.  The Ministry of Government (Mingob) directly awarded a contract for the rental of 500 electronic bracelets for $1.6 million to Sprintico Corp., just hours after canceling a highly questionable award that favored the same company.  This is a story in progress.

Escudo de Varaguas closed for cruising, fishing, and visiting is strictly prohibited.  For a year it will be closed according to the government press release. 

Panama Lawmakers to Visit Taiwan: Diplomatic Tension Does Not Stop the Trip

The ten Panamanian congressmen who registered to participate in the official trip to Taiwan have ratified their decision to keep the trip going, despite the controversy it has generated, both internationally and internally.

The Rainy Season Could Extend Beyond Mid December, Even Until the End of 2025

NOAA warns of a ‘weak La Niña’ and the ACP forecasts above-average rainfall through the end of the year. NOAA’s involvement in the Republic of Panama is for scientific collaboration, environmental monitoring, oil spill response planning, and supporting international agreements, not to establish a permanent physical base in the country. NOAA’s activities related to Panama include: Environmental Monitoring and Prediction: NOAA uses data from buoys (like Station 32411 – WEST PANAMA) to monitor ocean conditions, which helps predict changes in climate and weather, such as the El Niño phenomenon that affects Panama’s rainfall.

Former Conades Official Arrested in Case of Alleged Embezzlement of Nearly $500,000

The former official will be brought before a judge in the coming hours. This is an ongoing story.  Check back throughout the day.  Consejo Nacional para el Desarrollo Sostenible, Conades, is Panama´s state-run entity tasked with coordinating and executing programs for the supply of drinking water and lots more… https://www.conades.gob.pa/