Panama Canal Water Crunch: The Panama Canal Authority says El Niño drought will cut daily transits from Sept. 3 (36→34) and again from Sept. 15 (34→32), with tighter draft limits already in place—raising the odds of longer waits and higher logistics costs. Port & Investment Shock: CK Hutchison has launched a fresh international arbitration against Panama, seeking over $1.5bn after the state seized Balboa and Cristóbal terminals, escalating a dispute from commercial terms into investment-treaty claims. Shipping Costs Watch: Drewry’s World Container Index rose 4% as Transpacific rates firmed and capacity tightened; the Canal’s new surcharges and reduced slots could add upward pressure. Regional Growth Update: ECLAC trimmed its 2026 forecast for Latin America and the Caribbean to 2.2%, citing tougher external conditions and weaker momentum. Security Cooperation: The US and Jamaica signed a Status of Forces Agreement to bolster joint action against criminal gangs and narco-terrorists. Tech & Trade: Crowley announced a new weekly container service linking Houston with Guatemala and Honduras, aiming to speed Central America-US supply chains. Business Governance: Panama’s Assembly committee approved B/.40m+ in MINGOB budget transfers. AI & Books Market: Reports say booksellers are seeing irregular bulk orders that may be tied to AI training and “destructive scanning,” with Panama mentioned via a “Project Panama” reference. El Niño Basics: Coverage explains what El Niño is, why this one may be unusually strong, and how it can reshape global weather and economies.