Panama Canal Operations: The ACP says El Niño could force changes to daily transits (currently about 34), with an announcement expected within 48 hours as water preservation becomes the priority. Fuel & Cost of Living: Panama’s National Energy Secretariat set new maximum retail prices starting Aug. 21: 95 octane down to $1.23/l, 91 octane down to $1.16/l, while low-sulfur diesel rises to $1.35/l. Digital Tax Compliance: MEF Minister Felipe Chapman says digital platforms in Panama must apply ITBMS (7%) and issue digital invoices—explicitly targeting streaming services like Netflix. Logistics & Trade Links: Crowley launches a weekly container service from Port Houston to Santo Tomás de Castilla (Guatemala) and Puerto Cortés (Honduras), aiming to speed Central America–U.S. supply chains. Security & Extractives: Senafront reports 21 Colombians arrested in Darién tied to illegal mining, with dredges and pumps seized; in a separate operation, agents intercepted a Pacific vessel carrying 71 drug packages. Public Works & Mobility: Panama Metro opened proposals for the Panama–San Miguelito cable car; the single submitted bid exceeds $255.16M. Housing Finance Restructure: A bill to close Panama’s National Mortgage Bank (BHN) outlines a progressive shutdown by Dec. 31, 2027, shifting functions to Miviot and mortgage financing to Caja de Ahorros. Energy Investment in the Region: Atera Energy begins operations in Mexico with a planned $350M investment by 2030; it already operates in Panama among other markets.