AI & Small Business Risk: A new local workshop urges SMBs to use AI for marketing and customer service while watching for “shadow AI” mistakes like sharing private data into free tools and skipping human review. Immigration Crackdown Hits Loans: A report says small-business loans got caught in Trump’s immigration crackdown, tightening access for noncitizens and forcing some owners to rethink plans. Local Delivery Disruptions: World Cup roadblocks and Midtown delivery bans are already reshaping schedules for restaurants and taxi drivers, with real sales risk for small operators. Wage Mandate Backlash: Los Angeles’ push toward a $30 minimum wage is framed as a threat to small-business margins and hiring. DEI Program Halt: A county in Florida moved to suspend DEI-linked purchasing programs after a state law banning local DEI efforts. Broadband Funding: California’s CPUC approved $18.2M for rural fiber, regional planning, and digital inclusion to close the digital divide. SME Finance Pressure: Ghana’s financing ladder is failing entrepreneurs at nearly every stage due to high rates, political interference, and integrity issues. Food Industry Water Rules (Egypt): Egypt formed a joint committee to set water-footprint standards for food projects, aiming to manage a major water deficit. Indonesia Soybean Shock: Rising soybean prices are squeezing tofu and tempeh makers, forcing smaller portions or reduced output. Palm Bay SBDC Expansion: Florida opened a no-cost FSBDC at UCF office in Palm Bay City Hall to boost local consulting and training for entrepreneurs. AI Video for MSMEs (India): Avataar launched Varya, an affordable indigenous video AI model aimed at education, commerce, and citizen services for micro, small, and medium businesses. Local Markets & Community: Santa Rosa’s Farmers’ Market spotlights steady demand for local growers and makers.