Monday, July 13, 2026

Honduras's municipal mayors' association reminded elected officials to act responsibly and uphold the dignity of public office after a video circulated appearing to show a mayor drinking alcohol inside a municipal building.

Honduras reports that 6.1 million citizens now hold national identity cards (DNI), while annual death registrations have climbed from 24,000 to 34,000.

Juan Carlos Aguilar, transparency director at the ASJ, warned that electoral reforms lack the votes to pass Congress and cautioned that parties could face voter backlash if they fail to deliver the promised fixes to the electoral system.

Mirtha Discua de Quiñónez, the Honduran entrepreneur whose restaurant Zulimar became a landmark for the Honduran diaspora in the United States, has died.

The Tegucigalpa-Comayagüela city government plans a smart traffic-signal system that in its first phase will link 90 to 120 intersections to a central control hub to ease traffic and improve road safety.

Honduras's health ministry confirmed that two children, ages 6 and 16, died of dengue in Choluteca, raising the country's 2026 death toll to three, as officials urge early treatment and steps to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

Also reported by: Radio América

A large medical brigade in the Comayagua community of Guachipilín treated about 7,800 patients, according to Dr. Yefrin Maradiaga.

Yoro department accounts for nearly one-seventh of Honduras's documented socio-territorial conflicts, many rooted in disputes over land, water, and mining, prompting civil-society researchers to hold a regional dialogue on the findings.

The National Pedagogical University drew a 32% jump in admissions applications this year, with 1,700 candidates from across Honduras sitting the entrance exam as the school expands its programs to match labor-market demand.

COPECO warned that Honduras's prolonged dry season will continue despite recent rains, which authorities say bring only temporary relief.

Bessy Carolina Martínez de Centeno, a prominent Honduran journalist, has died, and the National College of Journalists issued a statement mourning its member.

Also reported by: Radio HRN

The Honduran league will open its 2026–27 season on July 31, just 12 days after the July 19 World Cup final, with traditional clubs Olimpia, Motagua, Real España, and Marathón joined by newcomer Estrella Roja de Danlí.

Honduran referee Said Martínez, whose calls have drawn scrutiny during the tournament, awaits FIFA's decision on July 13 on whether he will keep officiating in the World Cup's final rounds.

Also reported by: Once Noticias, TuNota (Canal 5 / TSI)

Thiago Vázquez, the 23-year-old son of Argentine coach Diego Vázquez, is training as a goalkeeper with newly promoted Estrella Roja de Danlí, hoping to earn a spot for the Apertura tournament in Honduras's top division.

Honduras has recorded eight cases of people staging their own kidnappings in 2026, most in San Pedro Sula, according to police, who along with human rights groups blame economic hardship and emotional distress, with some perpetrators seeking ransom money to fund migration or escape family troubles.

Also reported by: Policía Nacional de Honduras, Radio Cadena Voces (X)

Elmer Natanael Ramírez, 45, was struck in the head and killed with a machete by an acquaintance while drinking at a home in San Nicolás, Copán; a suspect was found at the scene with the weapon.

A 4-year-old boy named Ian died and two family members were wounded in a shooting at their family business in El Bálsamo, El Progreso, on July 11.

Also reported by: Once Noticias, Radio HRN

President Asfura and his government are backing the Satuyé Technology & Data Center, a Prospera-supported project in La Ceiba that pairs data infrastructure with AI services developed jointly with MAG Technologies Group, though experts warn of data-security and environmental risks.

Honduras sold its presidential aircraft for just over $5 million — about $9 million less than a previous Nationalist administration paid for it — prompting Libre opposition lawmakers to question the process, while the government says the sale was transparent and the proceeds will fund social projects.

Also reported by: Radio América, Infobae – Honduras

Economist Amparo Canales says Honduras must reassess its economic outlook as unstable oil prices and rising international inflation force a review of the monetary program in the third quarter.

Finance Minister Emilio Hernández Hércules said the Public Safety Tax will bring in more than L6 billion (roughly $240 million) this year — up from L5.3–5.4 billion in prior years — driven by economic growth and higher banking activity, with the money going to police, courts, prosecutors, defense, and the 911 emergency system.

Honduras's ambassador to Colombia unveiled a strategy to deepen economic ties and draw Colombian capital into maquila manufacturing, banking, agribusiness, and automotive production to create jobs and boost exports.

The Energy Ministry announced fuel price cuts of 5 centavos to 2.25 lempiras (roughly 2 cents to 90 cents) starting Monday, saying a recent 5% jump in global oil prices from escalating US-Iran tensions kept the reductions from going deeper.

A new report on the March 2025 Roatán crash that killed 12 confirms the Jetstream lost hydraulic fluid before impact and flew without a required flight data recorder, but stops short of naming a probable cause.

The capital's water authority fined four residents between L 2,500 and L 20,000 (about $100–$800) over the weekend for using hoses to water gardens and wash vehicles, enforcing a zero-tolerance policy during the city's water shortage.

Carlos Hernández, a former SANAA engineer, warns that Tegucigalpa will likely reduce its water output to stretch supply through September amid the ongoing shortage.

Also reported by: Radio Cadena Voces (X)

Honduras has recorded 5,064 dengue cases in 2026, including three deaths and 89 severe cases, with the capital accounting for nearly a quarter of infections and health officials warning that adolescents face a higher risk of complications.

Also reported by: Infobae – Honduras

Hospital San Felipe in Tegucigalpa is performing 30 surgeries a day and has completed 2,200 procedures so far this year, according to hospital director Edwin Cruz.

Firefighters rescued three young people and a puppy unharmed after they got lost hiking in woodland near La Tigra National Park; authorities warned against using unauthorized trails that lack safety infrastructure.

Also reported by: Radio Cadena Voces (X)

Heavy rains sent the Patuca River over its banks in Wampusirpi, Gracias a Dios, affecting about 100 people and destroying crops, with the mayor warning that the municipality remains on alert as the rain continues.

Dry conditions will hold over most of Honduras, with scattered light showers possible in the east, center, and west as easterly winds carry Caribbean moisture inland.

With the country's 205th independence anniversary approaching on September 15, the coordinating committee has begun organizing the traditional parades and security operations, deploying more than 3,000 police officers to keep the peace during the month-long festivities.

Roatán is hosting the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, drawing delegations from more than 15 countries competing for ranking points toward international circuits, with a $7,000 prize purse and the Honduran national team taking part.

The Acropora Eco Trail Run returns to Roatán on August 1 with a $40 entry fee and courses of 2 to 20 kilometers along the island's north coast; organizers expect about 600 participants and hope to raise money for marine conservation and sustainable development.

A 28-year-old man was arrested in Olancho on suspicion of sexually abusing a 5-year-old girl after her mother reported the allegations to police; the suspect is a relative of the victim's family.

Police in Yoro arrested a doctor and a hospital orderly on accusations of releasing the body of four-year-old Ian Suárez, who died in an armed attack, to relatives without following proper protocol, though colleagues insist the doctor acted correctly.

Also reported by: TuNota (Canal 5 / TSI), Radio HRN, Radio Cadena Voces (X)

Honduran police in Comayagua arrested a man wanted on a warrant for continuous sexual assault.