Fraud & Lending Oversight: Massachusetts’ Lawrence mayor Brian DePena was charged with wire fraud and money laundering over an alleged $1.5M COVID-era small-business loan scheme, with prosecutors saying funds were used for his campaign, personal taxes, and other debts instead of the tire shop. State Policy & Small Business Costs: Maine regulators approved ACA premium hikes averaging 14.8% for individual plans and 13.5% for small employers in 2027, warning it will be tough for small businesses and consumers. Payments Meets Credit: Payments platforms are increasingly using merchant sales data to expand working-capital lending, turning transaction relationships into financing revenue streams. Local Governance & Business Impact: Connecticut expanded its Sales Tax-Free Week and made many school-supply items permanently tax-exempt, aiming to cut back-to-school costs for families and support locally owned shops. Tech & Infrastructure Standards: Texas Gov. Abbott announced major data-center operators will comply with his grid, water, neighborhood, and incentive “pay their own way” standards—an issue small businesses feel through utility and permitting pressures. Business Finance Basics: A practical guide highlighted the core records small firms should keep—P&L, cash flow, balance sheet, tax returns, and A/R & A/P aging—to stay compliant and manage cash. SME Support Programs: The Virgin Islands and CDB launched an MSME capacity-building series focused on business continuity, digital marketing, and financial management.