Creator Economy at Cannes: Cannes Lions is leaning hard into creators, with brands and agencies treating influencers as the new attention engine as traditional reach fragments. Creator Marketing Fraud Watch: Which? and Reality Defenders flag AI-generated influencer use and the lack of clear UK disclosure rules, pushing for better labeling. AI in Ads Ops: Google Ad Manager is testing Gemini-powered “Ask Ad Manager,” while CRM platforms are folding AI into lead scoring and personalization. World Cup as a Brand Lab: FIFA’s hydration-break ads and fan culture are colliding, with Bielsa criticizing the stoppages as momentum-killers. Streaming/CTV Deal Shock: Fox’s $22B Roku acquisition and the broader streaming consolidation fight are set to reshape how advertisers buy and measure TV attention. Local Media Monetization: Richmond, Virginia is paying a newspaper for sponsored podcasts and newsletters to “control the narrative,” raising questions about public communication. Heatwave + Consumer Messaging: France’s extreme heat warning includes a public alcohol ban in parts of the country, affecting event marketing and on-site brand activations. Crypto Ad Buzz: Pepeto’s presale and exchange-listing hype continues to dominate crypto marketing chatter.