(opens original source in a new tab)AxiosWhen Mullin's friends in Congress call, DHS answersHomeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin is building a reputation as a Cabinet official willing to do favors for his former colleagues in Congress — even at the risk of drawing a backlash from the White House and MAGA.Why it matters: Some of Mullin's most high-profile moves — such as pausing ICE agents' traffic stops and delaying border security construc (opens original source in a new tab)Brittany Gibson·20 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)AxiosData center uproar scrambles the midterm electionA new populist fever is coursing through the midterms, forcing campaigns to retreat and recalibrate as they confront a groundswell of hostility toward AI data centers.Why it matters: Grassroots pressure is breaking the bipartisan consensus that enabled America's AI buildout. Candidates in both parties are now racing to distance themselves from projects their own leaders spent years courti (opens original source in a new tab)Zachary Basu·20 August 2026
Industry News (opens original source in a new tab)African BusinessBusiness hopes for continuity after 'mixed bag' Zambian election (opens original source in a new tab)20 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)South China Morning PostChina’s supernodes go mainstream as AI model sizes growSupernodes were everywhere at last month’s World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai. Assemblies of dozens or hundreds of computer chips and associated hardware, supernodes are China’s way around the United States’ ban on the export of the most advanced artificial intelligence (AI) chips. Using greater quantities of domestic chips to deliver world-class computing power, they allow China to dodge the chokehold the US is trying to place on its AI aspirations. At this year’s WAIC, (opens original source in a new tab)Wency Chen,Ann Cao·20 August 2026
Industry News (opens original source in a new tab)African BusinessNigeria's APC in major election scare ahead of 2027 vote (opens original source in a new tab)20 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)South China Morning PostArmed with funding boost, SpaceSail accelerates China’s push to rival Elon Musk’s StarlinkIn a record funding round for China’s satellite internet sector, domestic start-up SpaceSail has raised around 7 billion yuan (US$1 billion) to accelerate the buildout of a low-Earth-orbit (LEO) network designed to compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink project. Known officially as Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology, the operator of China’s Qianfan constellation completed its Series B round on Monday, according to a notice published on the website of the Shanghai United Assets and Equity... (opens original source in a new tab)Ben Jiang·20 August 2026
Technology (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AsiaSingapore Sets Three-Part Strategy for AI Workforce TransitionSingapore is positioning artificial intelligence as both an economic opportunity and a workforce challenge, with new initiatives aimed at helping businesses and workers adapt to changing job demands. Speaking at the SCS Tech3 Forum, Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo outlined a three-part strategy focused on keeping Singapore, its businesses and its people […] (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AI·20 August 2026
Technology (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AsiaHong Kong Transport Department Expands AI Use for Licensing and TrafficHong Kong’s Transport Department (TD) is expanding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) across licensing services and traffic management as part of its broader smart mobility strategy. According to the department’s latest announcement, new projects coordinated by its AI Efficacy Enhancement Team aim to streamline application processing, improve traffic operations and strengthen digital transport services […] (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AI·20 August 2026
Industry News (opens original source in a new tab)African BusinessThe debt sustainability analysis Africa actually needs (opens original source in a new tab)20 August 2026
Technology (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AsiaIndia Supports Commercialisation of Indigenous Agentic AI PlatformThe Government of India is supporting the commercialisation of an indigenous agentic artificial intelligence platform designed to automate complex enterprise workflows. The initiative, backed by the Technology Development Board under the Department of Science and Technology, aims to strengthen domestic AI capabilities and support the development of scalable enterprise systems built in India. According to […] (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AI·20 August 2026
Technology (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AsiaThailand Expands Digital Literacy Network Through EDC 2026Thailand’s Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA), working with the National Statistical Office, has completed the latest phase of its EDC 2026 programme to strengthen AI and digital literacy skills nationwide. According to details published in the official project announcement, the initiative trained 2,387 EDC Trainers across all 77 provinces and 591 districts, exceeding its original […] (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AI·20 August 2026