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• GOP campaign committees are appealing to the Supreme Court after the US Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit blocked an FCC order regarding TV election ad pricing. • The disputed FCC rule sought to extend mandatory broadcast discounts, typically reserved for candidates, to political parties and joint fundraising committees. • The 4th Circuit ruled that the FCC's order cannot be enforced because it contradicts the explicit language of existing US law.

• OpenAI is expanding ChatGPT ads into 31 new markets next week, including France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, and Austria. • The expansion follows a reported 25% growth in daily ad revenue since the beginning of August, according to the company's CMO. • This strategic move to monetize its user base comes as OpenAI reportedly prepares for an initial public offering (IPO).

• The Taipei Music Expo (TMEX) 2026 will take place from August 27 to 30 at the Taipei Music Center under the theme "Tune in to Taiwan. Sync with Asia." • The event will feature "JAM JAM ASIA," a showcase across seven stages on August 29 and 30, featuring over 80 musical acts from 14 different markets. • This edition expands its industry reach by including music export agencies from Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, and Taiwan's TAICCA on the exhibition floor.

• The Taipei Music Expo (TMEX) 2026 is scheduled to take place from August 27 to 30, operating under the theme "Tune in to Taiwan." • The event combines a four-day professional industry market with the JAM JAM ASIA festival, featuring headliners such as HYUKOH, Taeko Onuki, Asian Dub Foundation, and Accusefive ft. Mayday Masa. • This platform serves as a critical hub for the Asia Pacific music industry, facilitating networking and showcasing diverse regional talent.

Discussions to focus on Australia’s acquisition of Mogami-class frigates as Japan plays down Albanese’s podcast commentsJapan’s defence minister will visit Canberra this week, the highest level engagement with Australia after controversy over Anthony Albanese’s comments about a gift of melons from prime minister Sanae Takaichi.The defence minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, will meet his counterpart and deputy prime minister, Richard Marles, on Tuesday, with discussions focused on Australia’s acquisition of Japan’s Mogami-class frigates and enhanced security cooperation. Continue reading...

• Political parties are tailoring campaigns to target youth voters in Negeri Sembilan by promising improved public transport, affordable housing, education, and better job opportunities. • The election outcome may depend on the "mobile electorate," consisting of students and workers living outside the state who must return home to cast their ballots. • A victory for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's unity government would bolster confidence in his administration's stability.

Pharmaceutical company’s move to new £400m research centre accompanied by encouraging news for shareholders“A vote of confidence in British business,” trumpeted Andy Burnham, seizing the political gift of GSK splashing out £400m on a shiny new research and development centre in Cambridge.For positive vibes, it definitely beats the early pharma news his predecessor as prime minister received. That was the painful tale of how AstraZeneca, frustrated by indecision in the Treasury, cancelled its intended £450m expansion of a vaccine plant in Speke in Liverpool. Continue reading...