Antitrust & Public Safety: Sens. Jim Banks and Elizabeth Warren backed a bipartisan FTC probe into alleged anticompetitive practices in the fire truck market, citing price-fixing, gouging, and delivery delays that can put firefighters at risk. SMB Banking & Onboarding: Swaystack partnered with InstaSwitch to help banks and credit unions move deposits, payroll, and spending into newly opened business accounts—aimed at reducing the “stall” that keeps many small businesses from completing bank switches. SMB Stress Test: A G&A Partners report finds 1 in 5 SMBs fear closing within a year; 83% raised prices to offset costs, and many are freezing hiring despite some expecting stability. Disaster Lending: The SBA opened low-interest disaster loans for drought-hit small businesses and nonprofits in parts of North Carolina and South Carolina. COVID Fraud Crackdown: DOJ announced a $3.85M settlement with a union over improper PPP claims, a reminder of enforcement risk for government-backed programs. Retail Supplier Opportunities: Dollar General reopened its Call for Small Businesses, inviting eligible U.S. vendors to apply through Aug. 17. Trade Policy Shock: New Section 301 forced-labor tariffs take effect July 24, with small businesses and importers facing fresh compliance and cost pressure. Local Growth & Jobs: Michigan approved projects tied to business expansion and small business support, including workforce and community development goals. Contracting Rules Upended: A federal judge struck down Houston’s race-based minority contracting provisions, affecting how some local vendors compete for city work. Tech & Manufacturing Talent: A piece on agentic AI argues it could help manufacturers address engineering shortages while keeping human expertise central.