SME Tech Adoption: Made Smarter boosted its North West team with four specialists to help manufacturers digitalise operations and tackle skills gaps, with new registrations up 49% last year. AI for Small Business: OpenAI marked Australia’s developer push by awarding $5.5m+ in API credits to founders and even Year 12 students, aiming to spur practical AI products. Data Center Buildout: Digital Realty won a provisional 50MW allocation in Singapore’s DC-CFA2 to expand low-carbon capacity on Jurong Island, targeting AI inference and high-performance workloads. Banking Pressure on Housing Credit: Australia’s big banks faced scrutiny as mortgage demand cools and costs/impairments rise, with CBA’s dividend narrative under fresh pressure. Energy Permitting Reform: Ohio Sen. Jon Husted backed a bill to speed federal permitting for energy and mineral projects, aiming to cut delays and litigation. Trade War Fallout for SMBs: Canada-U.S. tariff escalation is already hitting small firms, including a B.C. stationery business absorbing U.S. pre-order costs. Retail Copyright Clash: Sony Music filed a California suit against Kroger over allegedly unlicensed commercial use of music in social media ads. Local Tech Growth: Leeds Digital Festival unveiled its 2026 programme, citing fast-growing tech firms and major regional economic impact. Crypto/Speculation Watch: AlphaPepe presale passed $2.5m as it moves through stages ahead of its roadmap reveal.