Thursday, September 19
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First Look: Michael Bloomberg’s New Six-Figure Climate Ad Buy (Axios)
The Michael Bloomberg-backed Beyond Carbon campaign has launched a 6-figure digital ad buy just ahead of the 2-day climate forum with 2020 Democratic hopefuls that MSNBC is co-hosting Thursday and Friday.
The campaign — running on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube — features commentary from former New York City Mayor Bloomberg, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan, Nicole Horseherder (Navajo environmental group Tó Nizhóní Ání’s ), Hip Hop Caucus CEO Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. and Sierra Club’s Mary Anne Hitt.
In one of the spots, Mike Bloomberg says:
“We’ve been working harder than ever to take smart steps that cut emissions and grow the economy...The climate crisis is happening now. We’re not waiting for a president who believes in science, we’re acting now.”
Watch all five spots here, and learn more about the $500 million Beyond Carbon campaign here.
Climate of Hope.
Cleaner Energy Supplies Coming: U.K. Set to Open $25 Billion Contest for Offshore Wind Farms (Bloomberg)
Beyond Coal: Solar and Wind Can Now Supply More Power to America’s Grid than Coal (Bloomberg)
Today’s Headlines.
OECD Outlook: Global Economy Seen Sliding Toward Weakest Growth in Decade (Bloomberg)
Intensifying trade conflicts have sent global growth momentum tumbling toward lows last seen during the financial crisis, and governments are not doing enough to prevent long-term damage. OECD also warned a no-deal Brexit would push the UK into recession.
U.S. CEO Confidence Sinks to Lowest Level Since 2016 While Consumers Keep Spending (Axios)
CEO confidence has fallen to the lowest level in three years in a closely watched Business Roundtable survey with responses from 138 CEOs — the biggest quarter-over-quarter decline since 2012.
Top executives are feeling the pain from the trade war, prompting them to hold off on hiring and spending decisions that propel economic growth.
But consumers, so far unshaken by tariffs, haven’t pulled back. In fact, a blockbuster holiday shopping season is expected — even stronger than last year.
Keep an Eye On This: Trump ‘Promise’ to Foreign Leader Subject of Intelligence Community Complaint (Washington Post)
The dispute is expected to escalate today when Intelligence Community Inspector General is scheduled to appear before the House Intelligence Committee in a classified session chaired by committee Chairman Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.).
Today in Elections.
Is Third Election Coming to Israel? Benjamin Netanyahu Urges Rival Benny Gantz to Form National Unity Government (Bloomberg)
Ahead of Canada’s Oct 21 Election: Justin Trudeau Apologizes for Wearing ‘Brownface’ Makeup to 2001 Gala (Bloomberg)
2020 Watch: Polls Still Can’t Tell Us Much About 2020 (Bloomberg Opinion – Jonathan Bernstein)
Voters are only now beginning to pay attention to the nomination race. Their opinions could change dramatically.
IPOs Today.
If you are about to IPO, these are not the first words you want in your front page WSJ profile: “His office-rental giant WeWork was months away from being valued at $47 billion. Revenue was doubling annually. And Mr. Neumann was zipping across the Atlantic Ocean in a Gulfstream G650 private jet with friends last summer, smoking marijuana.”
Read More: How Adam Neumann’s Over the Top Style Built WeWork (Wall Street Journal)
Future of Electric Vehicles.
GM CEO Mary Barra Bets Big on Electric, Self-Driving Future (Bloomberg Businessweek cover)
The Fight Against Vaping.
Behind India’s Vaping Ban (Quartz)
India’s move comes soon after Michael Bloomberg pledged that his foundation will spend $160 million fighting youth vaping.
Gun Safety in America.
In Case You Missed It: Shock Public Service Ads for School Safety Go Right For the Gut (USA Today)
A powerful new ad for school safety was released Wednesday by Sandy Hook Promise, the anti-violence nonprofit founded by the parents of victims of the Sandy Hook school shooting in 2012 that killed 26 people, including 20 children between 6 and 7 years old.
Watch the 1 minute spot here.
Music Tour News.
Madonna Takes Chances, Bans Cell Phones at Intimate Madame X Concert Tour (New York Times)
Her latest tour launched Tuesday at the 2,000-seat Brooklyn Academy of Music, with an opening feature of her anti-gun anthem, God Control, and a call for action on gun violence.
Fine Dining section.
Best of late night.
On KFC testing a new fried chicken sandwich served between two glazed doughnuts:
“It’s cool! Instead of a toy, the meal comes with a shot of insulin.”
— Jimmy Fallon
On ‘Pilot Pete’ being announced as the next ‘Bachelor’ on ABC:
“The show is expected to premier in January, but since Pete is a pilot for Delta, it will probably be delayed until March.”
— Jimmy Fallon
“Tinder just announced that it will be making its own TV show. It’s a tough show to cast, because everyone who auditioned looked nothing like their headshot.”
— Jimmy Fallon