Hemp Rule Shock: A Virginia hemp store, Redfern Market, is scrambling after a new state THC limit took effect Aug. 15, forcing it to pull popular gummies and sleep products overnight. Disaster Loans: The SBA is offering disaster loans to Webster County, Missouri residents and businesses still recovering from April storms, with help aimed at gaps insurance didn’t cover. Storm Response: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is pushing FEMA and the SBA to speed up federal storm-damage assessments after repeated rounds of severe weather left crews overwhelmed. Small-Business Contracting: The SBA wants to expand small-business access to federal contracts, including a proposal to broaden small-biz size standards. Federal Procurement & Growth: Vermont’s Navy Week event (Aug. 26) will connect small firms with the Department of Navy’s small-business office, mentor-protégé, and SBIR/STTR resources. Branding for SMBs: Xero hired San Francisco’s Argonaut for a global brand campaign targeting small business owners across multiple countries. Insurance Pressure from Data Centers: Insurers say data-center growth is straining coverage limits, with many projects in high-catastrophe-risk areas. Local Jobs at Risk: Los Angeles leaders are urging settlement talks in the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger fight, warning of production standstills and worker impacts. Digital Paperwork: HelloSign is promoting template-driven e-sign workflows as a way for small businesses to speed up and secure agreements.