(opens original source in a new tab)AxiosHouse Ethics investigating Rep. Jimmy Gomez over sexual misconduct allegationsThe House Ethics Committee announced Monday that it is investigating Congressman Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) over allegations of sexual misconduct.Why it matters: Gomez is the latest House member to face scrutiny over alleged sexual misconduct amid a string of incidents that have prompted calls to tighten Congress' rules.Gomez said in a statement that he' (opens original source in a new tab)Kate Santaliz·17 August 2026
Technology (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AsiaNew Zealand Expands Vehicle Enforcement for Unpaid Court FinesThe New Zealand Government is expanding its enforcement approach for unpaid court fines and reparations through a nationwide operation involving vehicle number plate scanning. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said every bailiff in the country would participate in the operation on 19 August 2026, using handheld technology to identify vehicles linked to people with overdue court-ordered […] (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AI·17 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)South China Morning PostNvidia to provide up to US$105 billion guarantee for OpenAI’s Ohio data centreNvidia has agreed to provide a guarantee of up to US$105 billion to help OpenAI lease a sprawling data centre in Ohio being developed by SoftBank-backed SB Energy, in one of the chipmaker’s largest infrastructure financing commitments. The Jensen Huang-led firm said on Monday it will also invest US$1.5 billion in SB Energy, months after a US$1 billion investment from OpenAI and SoftBank to expand data centre infrastructure. The new deal is the latest example of Nvidia financing the... (opens original source in a new tab)Reuters·17 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)AxiosTrump fails to undo E. Jean Carroll verdict at Supreme CourtThe Supreme Court once again declined to take up President Trump's attempt to toss a jury's $5 million finding that he sexually abused and defamed E. Jean Carroll.The big picture: Carroll's payday had been long delayed as the president fought the verdict. The Supreme Court <a href="https://www. (opens original source in a new tab)Avery Lotz·17 August 2026
Industry News (opens original source in a new tab)African BusinessAfrica's Young Disruptors: Gambia's climate activist advising the UN (opens original source in a new tab)17 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)South China Morning PostAlibaba sells gaming arm Lingxi Games as tech giant sharpens focus on AI and e-commerceAlibaba Group Holding has agreed to sell its wholly owned gaming business Lingxi Games to Trustar Capital as the Chinese technology giant pivots away from noncore sectors to prioritise e-commerce and artificial intelligence, according to an internal letter issued on Monday. “As part of Alibaba’s broader strategy to sharpen its focus, the group has decided to entrust Lingxi to Trustar Capital,” stated the letter seen by the South China Morning Post and signed by Lingxi CEO Zhou Bingshu. The... (opens original source in a new tab)Wency Chen·17 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)Rest of WorldBan on Chinese robots leaves U.S. startups strandedWashington’s limits on foreign parts promises a supply chain revolution — but Silicon Valley founders say domestic alternatives don’t exist yet. (opens original source in a new tab)Viola Zhou·17 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)AxiosBirding, silent book club, Mahjong and more: America's meetup explosionYoung people raised on swiping, DMing and streaming are doing something bold: going out.Why it matters: Amid a loneliness epidemic, millennials and Gen Zers are craving IRL connection — enough to show up for meetups built around activities once considered solitary, or "grandm (opens original source in a new tab)Carly Mallenbaum·17 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)AxiosWhy prescription drug prices are plungingData: Bureau of Labor Statistics; Chart: Courtenay Brown/AxiosAmerica is experiencing its biggest prescription drug price deflation in generations. Why it matters: By one important measure, there is a striking reversal underway for one of health care's most stubbornly expensive necessities amid a major Washington push to lower drug costs.By the numbers: Prescription drug prices fell 0.8% in July and are down 3.1% from a year ago — (opens original source in a new tab)Courtenay Brown·17 August 2026
Technology (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AsiaHong Kong Explores AI Use in Public Service DeliveryHong Kong’s Digital Policy Office (DPO) convened government officials, legislators and technology sector representatives on 17 August 2026 to discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) could support the transformation of public service delivery. The exchange session focused on practical AI applications in government operations, including workflow optimisation, complaint handling and data analysis. According to the official […] (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AI·17 August 2026
Industry News (opens original source in a new tab)African BusinessAfrica's AI moment: Is Africa ready to reap the economic benefits of AI? (opens original source in a new tab)17 August 2026