National News

Congressman Rumy Bueso said the Liberal caucus rejects the government's energy reforms, arguing they weaken state utility ENEE, and will introduce a counterproposal to strengthen the public company without privatization.

ASJ economist Obed García warned that rising energy costs and imported inflation could push Honduras's consumer price index up by 1.4%–3.7%, citing CEPAL projections, and urged the government to boost public and productive investment to cushion household incomes.

Former Health Minister José Manuel Matheu criticized the suspension of three hospitals under investigation for cost overruns, saying the projects should continue while authorities probe why costs allegedly ballooned from $79 million to $280 million.

The state power utility reports daily losses of L40 million (about $1.6 million) while Congress delays approval of an energy law overhaul that officials say is needed to improve efficiency, attract investment, and reduce the company's mounting debt.

Congressman Hugo Noé Pino of the Libre party warned that the El Niño drought's damage to food production will push inflation above 5% in the second half of 2026, and called for contingency plans to protect food security in hardest-hit regions.

A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck off Central America's Pacific coast at a depth of 37 kilometers on the night of July 28, with Honduras's emergency agency COPECO monitoring seismic activity.

Cenaos says a tropical wave and Pacific moisture will bring scattered light showers to southern and southwestern Honduras on Tuesday, July 28, while the north, center, and departments of Olancho and Colón may see brief showers by late afternoon, as the dry season's canícula keeps all rainfall weak and intermittent.

Próspera BioHUB signed a partnership with Merck Life Science, and researchers from Stanford, Harvard, Navarra, and UNAH convened at Honduras's First International Medical Encounter.

Cheetah Research AI, an artificial-intelligence research tool developed by the Honduran firm Marketing Total, was chosen by Greenbook to showcase at its 2026 Insights Tech Summit, marking recognition of Honduras-based technical innovation competing at international standards.

Honduras's net international reserves reached $1.165 billion as of July 24, up from January 27, with import coverage holding steady at 6.6 months.

The National Congress heard from the ENEE director and energy regulator on annual contract renewals for 30, 50, and 80 megawatts of electricity, with lawmakers divided over whether the state utility has adequate funds to pay for the supply amid broader financial strain.

Cardinal Óscar Andrés Rodríguez's homily about how drug traffickers and criminals bury illicit money triggered debate among lawmakers, with some urging caution in linking politicians to crime and others arguing the problem extends far beyond cash to property, businesses, and major investments.

Housing Minister Francis Argeñal announced a $400 million National Comprehensive Housing Plan, funded by the Latin American Development Bank and administered by the state housing bank Banhprovi, to provide mortgages to eligible families beginning in September.

Honduras imported over $3.06 billion in Chinese goods in 2025—34% technology and equipment, plus metal products and construction materials—widening the trade deficit with China to $3.13 billion as exports remain limited.

Honduras's Supreme Court ordered a new trial for former judge Wendy Caballero Reyes on charges of abuse of authority stemming from her handling of an asset-laundering investigation involving a minor, with the hearing set for November 26.

Congress secretary Carlos Ledezma introduced a bill to strengthen the law protecting Honduran migrants returning from any country, extending tax-exempt benefits to returnees and their relatives up to the fourth degree of kinship.

Honduras's National Congress approved two cross-border electricity contracts to buy 80 megawatts—50 from Panama and 30 from Nicaragua—at 8 cents per kilowatt-hour to help address the national power deficit.

The Infrastructure Ministry officially took over the El Tablón multipurpose project from the national utility, which aims to generate electricity, supply water, and control flooding while ensuring continuity of technical, administrative, and contracting work.

Congress is considering legislation to limit cellphone use during school hours, and Education Minister Arely Argueta said the ministry supports measures to reduce classroom distractions while preserving access for emergencies and safety.

Congresswoman Alía Kafati withdrew her proposal to limit Honduras presidents to one reelection and bar them from running again after two consecutive terms.

Shelters for women fleeing domestic violence across Honduras operate in crisis on international donations despite a 2024 law mandating state funding, while a new Tegucigalpa facility remains half-built after eight months.

Education Minister Arely Argueta said the ministry is analyzing which support staff to cut from schools, citing excess administrative personnel; about 2,000 civil-service employees have already been dismissed nationwide, prompting protests from parents, teachers, and unions.

Six hospital projects show a split picture: facilities in Choluteca, Tocoa, and Bay Islands are 24–58% complete and funded by international development banks, while hospitals in Santa Bárbara, Ocotepeque, and Olancho face investigations, contract disputes, and budget shortfalls that threaten completion.

Honduras's Constitutional Court admitted a legal challenge to a 2026 law that broadly expanded the definition of terrorist association, with critics warning its vague language could criminalize legitimate protest, strikes, and indigenous territorial rights.

A northern Honduras fuel distributor says crude-oil prices will continue climbing for at least two weeks due to Middle East tensions, though he notes price controls are managed through international regulations to prevent sharp spikes in the basic basket and inflation.

The government, agro-industry, and producer associations agreed on a bulk purchase price of 680 lempiras per quintal (about $27 per 100 lb) of white corn for the 2026–2027 agricultural cycle, with agro-industrial buyers committing to purchase 880,000 to 1.4 million quintals.

Motagua coach Javier López warned his team not to overlook Belize's Verdes in their Central American Cup opener on July 28, saying regional football has grown more competitive and that no rival should be taken lightly.

The National Housing Bank (BANHPROVI) plans to begin distributing L11 billion (about $440 million) in new financing from the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) for housing projects starting in late September 2026.

The Honduran Labor Ministry announced temporary job openings in Spain, Canada, and the United States for Honduran citizens meeting requirements including a clean criminal and migration record, with positions in agriculture, hospitality, logistics, and other sectors.

The Central Bank of Honduras allocated $95.6 million in its July 27 currency auction, establishing a weighted average exchange rate of L26.7885 per US dollar for July 28.