Energy Regulation Shake-Up (Montana): Montana’s Unleashing American-Made Energy Task Force is urging major changes to how the state’s utility regulator works, including moving toward appointed commissioners and exploring new power sources like nuclear and geothermal. Disaster Readiness for SMBs (Oahu): Honolulu launched “Stay Open Oahu,” offering a preparedness hub, a step-by-step guidebook, free workshops, and partner support so small businesses can plan for storms and other disruptions. Trade War Pressure (Canada–US): Canada announced fresh retaliatory tariffs on hundreds of U.S. products, raising the odds of higher costs for Canadian businesses and consumers. SMB Fraud Warning (Mobile Payments): A Houston-area restaurant owner says tap-to-pay mobile wallet fraud is driving chargebacks and real losses for small businesses. AI for Business Ops (Intuit): Intuit says 75% of Intuit Enterprise customers use its AI agents monthly, with claims of faster pay and less manual work. Procurement Set-Aside Scrutiny (US): GAO says NIH improperly passed over a small business set-aside, spotlighting how federal contracting rules can affect SMBs. Local Growth Spotlight (Iowa): The Field of Dreams event is projected to generate at least $40M in economic activity, boosting local restaurants, shops, and hotels. Cash Access Gap (New Zealand): Research finds ATM “dead zones” are growing, leaving some remote communities far from cash machines—an issue that can hit small towns and small businesses.