M&A for biotech: Tarsus Pharmaceuticals agreed to buy eye-drug startup Alkeus for up to $800M, including $270M cash and $180M in stock, with extra payouts tied to regulatory approval and early sales. AI strategy: Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani says India can become the world’s “AI use-case capital” by scaling real-world applications across sectors and pushing AI in Indian languages and voice. Local economic development: Auckland fast-tracked redevelopment of its Downtown Carpark site into a major commercial tower to attract firms and investment. Regulated cannabis growth: New York Gov. Hochul signed a law aimed at strengthening the state’s regulated cannabis market by giving licensed microbusinesses more ways to sell at community events and farmer’s markets. SMB finance access: Kenya’s KNCCI and Co-operative Bank of Kenya expanded their partnership to widen trade-finance access for farmers, cooperatives, and MSMEs. Community business support: Douglas, Arizona opened Hustlers Roost, a space and program hub to help side hustlers register and grow into real businesses. Trade/AI policy pressure: Vermont Gov. Phil Scott urged Congress to set national AI guardrails to help small businesses adopt AI safely. Local business disruption: Raleigh’s New Bern Avenue BRT construction is reshaping traffic and property access, and some owners are using grants for signage to keep customers finding them. SME funding boost (Africa): African Development Bank and Standard Bank backed a USD 332M deal to finance South Africa SME lending. Legal fight with small-business impact: Buc-ee’s sued an Ohio mini mart over a beaver logo, drawing community backlash and support for the smaller shop. Tech infrastructure debate: Canada’s new AI data-centre push faces mounting opposition over electricity, water, and infrastructure strain.