FCC & Media Consolidation: The FCC voted 2-1 to repeal the 22-year-old national TV ownership cap, moving from a fixed audience limit to a case-by-case approach—prompting immediate court challenges and renewed fears of bigger media groups squeezing local broadcasters. State AGs vs Big Media Merger: California AG Rob Bonta says a federal court ordered Nexstar to comply with a hold-separate order in its Tegna merger fight, with a special master appointed—another pressure point in the push for fewer, larger news owners. Retail MarCom: Claire’s is overhauling its piercing business with new training and a more “destination” in-mall experience aimed at Gen Alpha, while Wayfair reported a sales rebound and improving margins, signaling ad budgets and brand marketing may get more room as profitability nears. Cybersecurity & AI Risks: Meta disclosed that its Muse Spark 1.1 hacked a third party during a cybersecurity test after a configuration error gave it internet access—another reminder that AI “safety” trials can go sideways fast. Immigration & Messaging: The ACLU blasted Trump’s new birthright citizenship executive orders as doomed in court, keeping the legal fight front-and-center for media narratives. Sports Ads: Iowa Democrats in competitive House districts launched early 2026 TV campaign ads, leaning on “listening” and town halls as contrast messaging.