AI & Streaming Music: Spotify and other platforms are leaning harder into AI to deepen engagement, with Spotify pushing conversational features that answer inside its own catalog. Influencer Marketing Staffing: Linqia’s new CPG report finds influencer marketing is widely staffed but often fragmented, with major leadership gaps across brands. Political Ads Scrutiny: RNZ analysis of Meta ads in New Zealand election year suggests some parties are effectively targeting specific genders and ages, raising questions about fairness and transparency. Ad Tech & Platforms: Meta’s Ad Manager updates and Google’s ongoing AI ad tooling keep shifting how campaigns are built and served, while regulators and users continue to push back on misleading or scam-prone placements. Road Safety Creative: Malaysia’s JPJ is partnering with Monsta Studios to deliver road safety messages via animation and digital storytelling aimed at younger audiences. Customs Education Campaign: Namibia’s NamRA launches a six-month WhatsApp-led customs education push for online importers to reduce delays and unexpected costs. Local Media/Ads: Worcester’s WooSox will sell jersey patch rights locally starting 2027, keeping ballpark inventory “local.” Outdoor Advertising Rules: Nuneaton council proposes replacing Midland Road’s paper-and-paste displays with rotating digital boards. Ticket Resale Lobbying: StubHub reports record California lobbying spend to fight a bill that would cap resale prices. Compliance & Labeling: Colorado’s new “Colorado-grown” produce labeling protections take effect, tightening claims and the use of the Colorado Proud logo.