Tuesday, December 18
New Google Campus Accelerates Tech’s March Into New York (New York Times) New York’s transformation into a tech center began after the 2008 financial crisis, when Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg focused on the industry as an engine of future growth. His administration sought to upgrade the tech skills of the local labor force, a campaign that led Cornell University and its partner, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, to open an applied science and engineering campus on Roosevelt Island. Tech initiatives — new courses, buildings and research institutes — are also underway at Columbia University, New York University and the City University of New York.
Economy Watch:
-U.S. Stocks Close at 14-Month Low in Broad Sell-Off (Bloomberg)
-Fed Entering Brave New Policy World as Rates Near Normal Levels (Bloomberg)
-For Trump, Economy is Potential 2020 Storm Cloud (Associated Press)
-A Year After the Middle Class Tax Cut, the Rich Are Winning (Despite Claims They Wouldn’t) (Bloomberg)
Transparency Today: Environment, Social & Governance Metrics For Investors In Infancy, SEC Told (Forbes) The assertion about ESG was made by Janine Guillot, director of capital markets policy for the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board. She said there is a need for a widespread common language for investors and companies in ESG like there is for financials. Formed by Michael Bloomberg with former SEC Chair Mary Schapiro as vice chair, SASB is the most relied upon of over 100 think tanks, investment managers and consultants who are creating ESG standards.
Election Meddling Today: Russia’s Voter Suppression Operation Echoed Trump Campaign Tactics (Bloomberg)
Lock Him Up…Or Not: Trump Wishes Michael Flynn Good Luck Before Sentencing at 11AM Today (New York Times)
Health Today: U.S. Officials Fret Unprecedented Vaping Boom Among Teens (Associated Press)
In response, Mike Bloomberg tweeted: “Today’s alarming report that the number of high school students using e-cigarettes has doubled since last year should lead to major new steps to prevent companies from marketing their products to children.”
Sale of Bloomberg LP Said Not Being Considered (WWD)
Midterm Consequences: House Democrats Eye Quick Action on Guns in New Congress (Politico) Advocates of curbing gun violence believe the political landscape has shifted decisively in their favor. Democratic presidential hopefuls will also have to be much more aggressive in talking about gun control, even if proponents can’t get such measures through Congress, say lawmakers and party activists. “Any Democrat running for president or dog catcher has to be talking about gun policy,” said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.).
Brexit’s Angry Bellwether Town Senses a Shift Toward Staying in the EU (Bloomberg)
Best of late night.
“To save money, New York City is thinking about cleaning subways less often. Apparently the annual once over with a wet nap was just way too expensive.”
— Jimmy Fallon
On the White House canceling this year’s holiday party for members of the press:
“Now, does it technically count as canceling if nobody RSVP’d?”
— James Corden
“Not only did he cancel the press party, he’s also very close to canceling the Republican Party as a whole.”
— Jimmy Kimmel
For more best of late night from the New York Times, click here.