Canal Procurement Update: Panama extended the deadline for firms to pre-qualify for the Canal’s Corozal and Telfers Island port concessions plus a gas pipeline, citing clarifications and the need for more time to submit “robust” proposals. Energy & Trade Pulse: Rising LNG and energy shipments are lifting demand for Canal transit routes as the Canal recovers from drought limits and Middle East tensions keep supply-chain risk front and center. Banking Regulation: Panama’s banking regulator says the country remains a real banking hub, not a “sham,” pointing to Law 526’s economic substance rules as a boost to international perception. Local Water Pressure: Old Town residents and businesses report months of low water pressure and irregular potable supply, with complaints to IDAAN and the 311 hotline not yet producing fixes. Maritime Security: Russian drone strikes in the Black Sea targeted foreign-flagged commercial ships, including vessels registered under Panama’s flag, underscoring navigation risks. Regional Crime Data: Mercosur plans a university-validated crime monitoring center to standardize offense measurements and publish verified figures online. Tourism Numbers: Panama’s tourism generated $6.583B in foreign-exchange earnings in 2025, with 3.0M international visitors and continued growth into early 2026.