Utility Cost Shift: Virginia regulators move to make data centers pay more of the transmission buildout costs, aiming to stop households and small businesses from absorbing the bill. Local Economic Delivery: New York City’s leadership reshuffle at the Economic Development Corporation signals a push to balance redistribution with actual growth and service delivery limits. SME Finance Watch: Lanka Rating Agency reaffirmed Sarvodaya Development Finance at ‘BBB-’ as its loan book and profitability improved, a reminder that credit access is still a make-or-break issue for small lenders. Productivity for Small Teams: GenOffice, an open-source office suite for Mac and Windows, is pitching native Microsoft file compatibility plus AI built into documents—built for collaboration with clients and partners. Small Business Funding & Markets: Nigeria’s CBN survey says high and multiple taxation is still the top business constraint, while LAPO Microfinance Bank raised N4.46bn via a bond to expand MSME lending and digital services. Customer Experience & Growth: A new push in traditional markets (Home&Shopping + Shinhan Card) uses consumption data to boost sales channels for small merchants. Tech + Privacy: Australia’s attorney-general asks the privacy watchdog to review smart glasses after concerns about discreet recording and misuse. AI Adoption Reality Check: A survey finds only 18% of small firms have incorporated AI beyond basic tasks, mostly using off-the-shelf tools.