Crypto & Politics: Trump shrugged off questions about his finances after filings showed about $1.4B in 2025 crypto income, saying he’s profiting because “the stock market’s going up.” State Budget Watch: North Carolina’s $34B budget heads to a fast vote with limited amendments, pairing tax cuts and pay raises with DEI cuts and other policy riders. Small-Business Sentiment: A Citizens survey finds half of small firms expect revenue growth in the next quarter, even as confidence in the broader economy slips and inflation/costs stay top worries. Banking Deal: Huntington Bank’s $1.7B purchase expands its footprint to roughly 1,400 locations across 21 states, boosting deposits and lending capacity. Regulation & Rates: Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan downplayed recession fears despite a more hawkish Fed outlook, arguing policy aims to keep inflation in check. Insurance Product Launch: ARU rolled out a standalone commercial liability offering for hard-to-place E&S risks nationwide. Tech for Defense: Forward Edge-AI won a Phase I STTR award to advance AI-based chemical/biological threat detection for the U.S. Air Force. Utilities M&A Scrutiny: NextEra’s bid to build a massive utility company drew serious consumer-cost and regulatory concerns. Retail Loyalty: DICK’S launched ScoreCard+, a $99 paid tier promising $100 in annual rewards and added benefits.