SME Policy Push: Philippines’ Ledac agenda is set to prioritize tax relief for workers and businesses, including small-business tax relief, plus steps aimed at lowering electricity costs and strengthening food and energy security. Local Business Risk & Infrastructure: Iligan City residents say a flood-control project left their riverbank more vulnerable, arguing riprap work should have been done on both sides—an execution lesson for small operators near infrastructure projects. Energy Costs & Consumer Impact: South Africa’s Eastern Cape high court ordered Nelson Mandela Bay to restore an inclining block electricity tariff and credit households retroactively, after claims the change raised bills far more than disclosed. Federal Workforce Shock: A new report says Trump-era government cuts have driven large federal layoffs, including reductions tied to SBA staffing—raising indirect pressure on small-business support ecosystems. SMB Hiring Signals: Paychex reports steady small-business hiring with more worker hours, while broader coverage notes small business work hours rose in July. Business Finance & Leadership Moves: Multiple public-company updates show ongoing board and executive reshuffles (e.g., Dycom adds directors; Provident promotes a chief accounting officer), while local planning confusion over a “data center” listing in Charles County highlights how misinformation can spook communities and investors. Investor Legal Watch: A wave of securities class-action filings and lead-plaintiff deadlines continues (Intuit, Microvast, Insulet, Wix, and others), a reminder for founders and SMB investors to track governance and disclosure risk.