During the second half of August, there were news stories that reflected advertising, brand identity, brand storytelling, brand experiences, cobranding, personal branding, product packaging, product pricing, rebranding, and more.
MSNBC REBRANDS TO BECOME MSNOW
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, "The MSNBC name is about to be phased out. On August 18, as the news brand preps for a future separated from NBC News, the cable TV stalwart unveiled a new name, logo, and acronym-driven identity: MS NOW, meaning "My Source for News, Opinion and the World." The shift retires a name that was christened in 1996 with the launch of the co-branded partnership between Microsoft and NBC News that carried the MSNBC name. And, while Microsoft exited a couple years later, the cable brand home to Rachel Maddow, Jen Psaki, Chris Hayes, Lawrence O’Donnell and more had stuck with the original branding for decades. The impetus for the change? NBCUniversal owner Comcast is spinning off most all of its TV channels into a separate publicly-traded company, Versant, in a deal that may close this fall. Because of that, the formerly named MSNBC is rebuilding its news outlet for a world in which it doesn’t collaborate directly with NBC News and carry the peacock imagery that’s staying with the home base. After making cuts earlier this year, the soon-to-be-named MS NOW has been hiring reporters, editors and producers in anticipation of the spin off."
VENUS WILLIAMS AS BARBIE
As reported by the World Tennis Association, "Venus Williams' legendary push for equal prize money for women tennis players won't just be immortalized in tennis history books. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion is being commemorated with a new Barbie doll in her likeness. The doll, which is part of Barbie's new Inspiring Women collection, features Williams in the outfit she wore at Wimbledon in 2007, the first year that the grass-court major offered equal prize money for men's and women's singles players. Williams won the tournament, and told USA Today ahead of the August 15 on-sale date for her doll, that it was a "huge moment" in her career, on and off the court. Venus worked with Mattel during the design process - and the doll wears accessories to match the ones Williams wore when she beat Marion Bartoli for the fourth of her five Wimbledon singles titles, including a green gem necklace, drop earrings, wristbands and visors, as well as Reebok sneakers."
Venus said, "To see that moment honored with a Barbie doll is incredibly special. I hope it inspires young girls to speak up, believe in themselves, and know they have the power to change the game too."
TAYLOR SWIFT'S NEXT ALBUM NEWS
As reported by CNN, "When Taylor Swift releases her new album, “Life of a Showgirl,” in October, it can be heard on the usual places, including streaming, vinyl and…cassette tape? The cassette tape was once one of the most common ways to listen to music, overtaking vinyl in the 1980s before being surpassed by CDs. But the physical audio format has become an artifact of a bygone era, giving way to the convenience of streaming. In 2023, 436,400 cassettes were sold in the United States, according to the most recent data available from Luminate, an entertainment data firm. Although that’s a far cry from the 440 million cassettes sold in the 1980s, it’s a sharp increase from the 80,720 cassettes sold in 2015 and a notable revival for a format that had been all but written off."
According to Charlie Kaplan, owner of online store Tapehead City, "Cassettes might not be experiencing the resurgence of vinyls or even CDs, but they are making a bit of a comeback, spurred by fans wanting an intimate experience with music and nostalgia. People just like having something you can hold and keep, especially now when everything’s just a rented file on your phone. Tapes provide a different type of listening experience — not perfect, but that’s part of it. Flip it over, look at the art and listen all the way through. You connect with the music with more of your senses."
OLIVE GARDEN PRICING
As reported by KTLA5, "In a period when restaurant prices have steadily risen, Olive Garden is emphasizing consistency. The chain’s “Never Ending Pasta Bowl” promotion, where guests can enjoy unlimited pasta, soup, or salad, and breadsticks for $13.99, returned on August 25. The promotion will run through November 16. The $13.99 price has remained the same since 2022 - and marks the fourth consecutive year that the price has remained unchanged, according to the company."
KRISPY KREME AND HARRY POTTER COBRANDING
According to news on the doughnut brand's website, "Step into the wizarding world with Krispy Kreme x Harry Potter Back to Hogwarts Collection featuring our Houses of Hogwarts doughnuts and Golden Snitch Latte. The House of Hogwarts doughnuts are a magical dozen featuring two of each house-inspired doughnut: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw, each filled and topped with unique flavors, colors, and iconic crests. Plus, enjoy a surprise-filled Sorting Hat doughnut and four classic Original Glazed. With flavors like cookie butter Kreme, brown butter toffee custard, and blueberry icing, there's a doughnut for every wizard. But hurry, these enchanting treats are only available for a limited time!"
CLOTHING AT THE WHITE HOUSE MEETING
As reported by MSNBC, "The White House reportedly lobbied for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to wear a suit to his Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump on August 18. The Wall Street Journal, citing a European official and another person also involved in planning the summit, reported that the "White House has asked that Zelensky don a suit and tie to meet the president." But when Zelenskyy showed up at the White House, he appeared to have bucked that reported request. He wore a black jacket over a collared black shirt buttoned to the top, and he was not wearing a tie. His ensemble was more formal than his last meeting in the White House, in February, when he wore a black henley emblazoned with a Ukrainian trident." That attire became a major source of irritation to the White House.
A TOMATO SMOOTHIE
As reported by Food Network, "Whether or not ketchup on its own is a sipworthy smoothie, this summer, iconic ketchup maker Heinz teamed up with national chain Smoothie King to put the red stuff into a summer-ready drink. Smoothie King locations around the country will be adding Heinz Simply Ketchup — the version “made with no artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives and just seven real ingredients” including cane sugar — to a limited-edition drink blended with acai sorbet, raspberries, strawberries, and apple juice."
According to Lori Primavera, Vice President of R&D and Product Marketing at Smoothie King, "After months of meticulous R&D, testing, and tasting, we landed on a savory-sweet blend that celebrates the tomato in all its glory."
ARRIVAL OF PUMPKIN SPICE
As reported by Restaurant Business, "Pumpkin Spice Latte arrived at Starbucks on August 26." But isn't this a fall and winter drink?
HALLOWEEN ADVERTISING
While it was still officially summer during August, the Disney brand welcomed Halloween, the October holiday. At Florida's Walt Disney World, the holiday arrived on August 15, and at California's Disneyland Resort, Halloween arrived on August 22. As the Disneyland website announced, "Spirit Away for Eerily Awesome Fun with Themed Attractions, Entertainment, Dining, and More."
FORD ELECTRIC TRUCK NEWS
As reported by NPR, "Ford is making a multibillion-dollar bet on electric vehicles. At the Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky on August 11, Ford executives announced that they plan to retool the factory so they can roll out a midsize pickup truck in the $30,000 range within 18 months. That would be not just cheap for an electric vehicle but competitively priced for a truck — period. Ford's own electric F-150 Lightning and the Chevrolet Silverado EV both start at around $50,000. Among their competitors, the Tesla Cybertruck starts at more than $62,000, and the cheapest Rivian is more than $70,000. On the gas side, meanwhile, the midsize, gas-powered Ford Ranger starts at $35,000. This isn't the first time Ford has bet big on EVs. The Lightning, a splashy full-size pickup, was an ambitious vehicle when it debuted in 2022, but Ford has never managed to make money on it. Plans for a big electric SUV spluttered to a stop in 2024."
REVIEW OF SMITHSONIAN EXHIBITS AND MORE
As reported by NPR, "The Trump Administration sent a letter to The Smithsonian Institution on August 12 requesting a comprehensive internal review of eight of its museums with the aim of bringing the organization in line with President Trump's cultural directives ahead of the country's 250th anniversary celebrations. Among the eight museums included in the first phase are the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. The process will include an analysis of everything from exhibition texts and social media content to the curatorial process and exhibition planning."
"Within 120 days, museums should begin implementing content corrections where necessary, replacing divisive or ideologically driven language with unifying, historically accurate, and constructive descriptions across placards, wall didactics, digital displays, and other public-facing materials," the letter stated.
According to Chloe Veltman, Correspondent, Culture Desk of NPR, "The Smithsonian has found itself embroiled in an ongoing "culture war" since Trump took office."
FREE DC MOVEMENT
As reported by The 19th, "Nearly an hour into the game on August 15 between the Washington Spirit and Racing Louisville FC, a chant started to spread throughout the stadium that briefly silenced the television announcers for the women’s soccer match. “Free D.C.! Free D.C.! Free D.C.!” the spectators chanted at the stadium in the southwest quadrant of the nation’s capital. It was a response to Republican President Donald Trump’s militarized takeover of policing in the District of Columbia that began last week; it was also a nod to the women-founded grassroots movement that has been organizing Washington’s 700,000 residents to resist federal interventions during the early months of the second Trump administration: Free DC."
According to Keya Chatterjee, one of four co-founders, along with Kelsye Adams, Nee Nee Taylor and Alex Dodds, "We started thinking about the need to have a clear anti-dictator plan, probably starting in October. Nearly every single time Trump made a speech, he said he was going to take over D.C., and it was not being covered very much...so we decided we were going to take that seriously."
A little history: "Free DC is the latest embodiment of a generations-long fight by District of Columbia residents to operate autonomously from the federal government. Its ultimate goal is statehood. In the 1870s, Congress dismantled the elected local government and installed federal commissioners. It wasn’t until the 23rd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1961 that people in the district could vote for president. The enactment of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act in 1973 established that the city could again elect its own local government. To this day, the district does not have representatives who are able to cast votes in Congress despite having a larger population than Wyoming or Vermont — and all city-passed policy is reviewed by the same Congress."
THE END OF AOL (PREVIOUSLY: AMERICA ONLINE)
As reported by CNN, "AOL, an internet pioneer that brought millions of Americans online for the first time, is discontinuing its dial-up service next month. The company that brought the internet to the masses in the 1990s and early 2000s recently posted a notice on its website saying that it routinely evaluates its products and has decided to discontinue Dial-up Internet on September 30, ending more than three decades of operations. Even as broadband and wireless internet became the predominant way people access the internet, AOL never stopped offering its sluggish service that connects people to its service over a landline. However, about 160,000 people connect to the internet through their landline telephone service, data from the 2023 US Census shows. From “You’ve Got Mail” to “Sex and the City,” AOL’s internet was a mainstay in 1990s pop culture and engrained in Americans’ lives, especially for the tones, beeps, and screeches it regularly provided. And the company regularly flooded people’s mailboxes with CDs offering free trials to access the internet. But similar to dial-up internet, AOL is also a shell of itself. The brand’s popular internet messaging service, AIM, was shut down in 2017 and AOL itself has gone through many parent companies."
LOS ANGELES LAWSUIT
On August 20, Krisin Crowley, the former Los Angeles Fire Department chief who was fired by Mayor Karen Bass six weeks after the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history, has filed a legal claim against the City of Los Angeles and the Mayor.
According to the statement from Crowley's representatives, "The claim sets out a pattern of dishonesty, scapegoating, and unlawful retaliation that destroyed the career of a 25-year public servant not because of any failure in her duties, but because she told the truth. The tort claim makes clear that Fire Chief Crowley did her job. She told City leadership and the public that Mayor Bass' budget cuts and the City's decades of neglect had left the LAFD underfunded, understaffed, and ill-equipped to handle the rising demands of a growing city, especially one at risk of dangerous wildfires. Instead of addressing those concerns, Mayor Bass retaliated. The legal claim demands immediate retraction of all false and defamatory statements, a formal and public apology to Crowley, and an end to all ongoing retaliation."
THE FUTURE OF AIRLINE PRICES
As reported by CNN, "Time could be running out for Spirit Airlines to continue operating, which would be bad news not only for its employees and customers but for all people seeking low-priced flights. For decades, the discount carrier has helped push prices down for domestic flights. The Florida-based airline, which emerged from bankruptcy earlier this year, said it's making changes to avoid being forced to shut down. But if the airline does shutter, or is bought by a competitor, that could raise airfares across the board. Spirit's model of offering no-frill, bargain fares (and charging passengers for any extras, including carry-on baggage) has forced the nation's major airlines to offer their own cheap seats, often under the "basic economy" class of tickets."
According to Scott Keyes, CEO of Going.com, a discount airline ticket site, "I think you can expect fares to go up in a world where Spirit no longer exists. Even for folks who never would fly Spirit, you owe them a debt of gratitude for cheaper flights."
NO TOURISTS ALLOWED
As reported by CNN Travel, "The abandoned Venetian island of Poveglia — site of a plague pit and former asylum three miles from St. Mark's Square — is about to take on a happier new identity. In August, a group of Venetians took possession of the supposedly haunted island under a 99-year lease from the Italian state and will embark on a project to turn it into an urban park open only to residents of the Italian city. The locals fought off stiff competition from property developers to ensure Poveglia remained a public asset. The renovation of the island, which lacks electricity and running water, is being guided by the APsyM laboratory at the University of Verona’s department of human sciences."
STATUS OF THE ENERGY STAR PROGRAM
As reported by NPR, "The federal government's Energy Star program is in jeopardy. Almost 90 percent of Americans recognize the blue Energy Star logo, which the Environmental Protection Agency awards to the most energy-efficient appliances. The EPA estimates the Energy Star program has saved Americans over $500 billion in energy costs since it was established in 1992. That's why supporters are defending Energy Star against Trump administration plans to privatize or eliminate it...In July, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved continued funding for the program — $36 million. Now the rest of Congress likely will decide whether Energy Star will continue to be funded in coming months."
KODAK MAY CEASE OPERATIONS
As reported by Fortune, "After 133 years, a bankruptcy, and multiple reinventions, Kodak’s latest snapshot is grim: The company says there’s “substantial doubt” it can stay in business. In a quarterly filing released August 11 alongside its second-quarter earnings report, Kodak’s management raised serious concerns about its ability to continue operating over the next year."
A little history: "Founded by George Eastman in the late 19th century, Kodak revolutionized photography by democratizing film, making cameras affordable for the masses. Its slogan, "You push the button, we do the rest," became synonymous with convenient sentimentality. At its peak in the 1970s, Kodak controlled nearly 90% of U.S. film sales and 85% of the camera market. Then the digital revolution upended the industry, and Kodak stumbled. In a twist of irony, it was a Kodak engineer who created the first digital camera, but, fearing the innovation would cannibalize their current product, the company sat on the invention. They bet on film being a source of nostalgia, even as digital cameras took over the market with a promise of even more convenience. Kodak’s film output today includes industrial products like films for automotive components, not just 35mm rolls. Additionally, Kodak shifted from its consumer camera business to focus on commercial printing, packaging, and specialty chemicals. In recent years, it has sought growth in advanced materials, including film for the movie industry and components for pharmaceuticals. In fact, the pharmaceutical pivot was so successful that the day Kodak secured a government loan to pursue manufacturing, their stock soared so quickly it broke circuit breakers. Kodak has also leaned into nostalgia with hundreds of brick-and-mortar retail stores, which are particularly popular internationally."
BASEBALL'S PLAYERS WEEKEND
During August 15-17, "Players Weekend" returned to Major League Baseball. This special weekend allows hitters to showcase individuality through custom bat designs, while also supporting charities. Along with the bats, regulations are relaxed so that players can use personalized cleats and other creative flourishes. Players also have the opportunity to auction the weekend's bats and other equipment for charity following the weekend's games.
According to MLB, "Thanks to the Reds’ continued partnership with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, for the second consecutive year patients at CCHMC painted cleats for Reds players to wear during all games played on Players' Weekend. At the conclusion of the weekend, the cleats will be put up for bid in an online auction with all proceeds benefiting Cincinnati Children’s Hospital."
SOCIAL SECURITY'S 90TH ANNIVERSARY
According to Social Security's website, "This year marks a remarkable milestone in our nation’s history, the 90th anniversary of the Social Security Administration (SSA)! Since the Social Security Act was signed into law in 1935, Social Security has been a cornerstone of economic security for millions of Americans. What began as a bold vision to protect Americans from poverty in old age has grown into one of the most successful and enduring programs in our country’s history. Social Security provides financial security to more than 72 million people, including retired workers, survivors, and those with disabilities."
According to Investopedia, "Social Security's spending has exceeded its revenue since 2021, because the number of beneficiaries is growing faster than the pool of younger workers who pay into the program. If Congress doesn’t act to make changes, the trust fund covering the funding gap is estimated to run out by 2034. Without intervention, recipients will only receive 81% of their expected benefits at that time."
NEW TITLE: CHIEF DIGITAL AND OMNICHANNEL OFFICER
The brand known around the United Kingdom and around the world in advertising and marketing circles for its amazing December holiday ads has made personnel news. As reported by Marketing Week, "Retailer John Lewis has appointed former marketer Dom McBrien to the newly created role of CHIEF DIGITAL AND OMNICHANNEL OFFICER, at what is described as a pivotal time in the retailer's transformation journey. According to the retailer, the creation of the role reflects the "importance of omnichannel" to the business. McBrien will join the business on 1 October, the same day as incoming Chief Customer Officer Anna Braithwaite. Formerly clothing and home marketing director at Marks & Spencer, Braithwaite will lead on brand and marketing across all channels involving customer experience, loyalty, and content. The impending arrival of two senior hires comes at an interesting time. As part of its £800m (approximately $1.1 million) commitment to the John Lewis brand, in early August, the retailer added 100 new menswear and womenswear brands to its stores. These latest additions join the 49 new brands introduced earlier this year for the spring/summer season. Currently, the retailer stocks around 650 brands."
KAMALA HARRIS BOOK TOUR
Similar to recent book tours featuring Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton, on August 21, former Vice President Kamala Harris announced her "107 Days" book tour. According to CBS News, "Tickets for Harris' book tour, called, "A Conversation with Kamala Harris," include a copy of "107 Days." Other packages include VIP meet and greet tickets, a photo with Harris, and a signed copy of the book. Harris announced on July 31 that she wrote "107 Days" about the 2024 campaign, highlighting the breakneck pace of her last-minute bid for the presidency, which she ultimately lost to President Trump. The book will be released on September 23 and is published by Simon & Schuster. The "107 Days" book tour spans 15 cities beginning in New York City on September 24 followed by stops in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Houston, San Francisco, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Durham (North Carolina), Birmingham (Alabama), Portland (Oregon), Nashville, ending in Miami on November 20 - the tour will also include international stops in London (United Kingdom) and Toronto (Ontario, Canada)."
VOTING RIGHTS FOR WOMEN?
A pastor told CNN that, "In my ideal society, we would vote as households, and I would be the one that would cast the vote, but I would cast the vote having discussed it with my household." Another agreed, saying he’d back an end to a woman’s right to vote: “I would support that, and I’d support it on the basis that the atomization that comes with our current system is not good for humans.”
As reported by The 19th, "The discussion of 19th Amendment rights was part of a news segment focused on Doug Wilson — a self-proclaimed Christian nationalist pastor based in Idaho — that was reposted to Twitter/X by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The secretary is among Wilson's supporters, and his involvement with Wilson's denomination highlights how a fringe conservative evangelical Christian belief system that questions women’s right to vote is gaining more traction in the Republican Party...While it’s still far from a mainstream opinion, several figures within the Republican Party have flirted with the idea of repealing the 19th Amendment."
According to Ms. Magazine, "This was no fringe rant from the manosphere. CREC has more than 130 affiliate churches around the globe, and Hegseth is a member of a CREC-affiliated church in Tennessee. CREC’s doctrine is clear: It teaches that wives should submit to their husbands and allows male church members to cast church votes for the whole household. Wilson says that adopting the 19th Amendment — which granted women the right to vote — was a bad idea. The fact that the U.S. Secretary of Defense is now publicly aligning himself with these views should alarm every American. Hegseth is not just any churchgoer; he’s a Cabinet official lending credibility to a movement that openly seeks to roll back women’s rights by more than a century. Second only to the president, Hegseth is also the highest-ranking civilian in command of America’s military, which includes over 230,000 women."
How regrettable that this news was reported only a few days before August 18, the day that the 19th Amendment was ratified by the state of Tennessee — leading up to August 26, the date that the 19th Amendment was formally adopted into the Constitution by proclamation of Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby.
CRACKER BARREL UNVEILS NEW LOGO
As reported by The Hill, "Cracker Barrel, the “old country store” eatery that has been a staple of interstate detour dining since its growth in the 1990s, is facing backlash and becoming a point of partisan conflict as the chain tries to meet modern times. The Southern-style restaurant/gift shop announced on August 20 that it is changing its logo: removing the old man and carefully sketched barrel, as well as the whipping "K" flourish over the restaurant’s name."
According to Sarah Moore, the company's chief marketing officer, "We believe in the goodness of country hospitality, a spirit that has always defined us. Our story hasn’t changed. We’re honoring our legacy while bringing fresh energy, thoughtful craftsmanship, and heartfelt hospitality to our guests this fall.”
However, it appears that some customers and social media users had a different response. The Hill continued, "The name "Cracker Barrel" was initially derived as an homage to people in the South who gathered to play cards and other table games around barrels, which were used to transport items that could be crushed in delivery, like edible crackers. "Cracker" has also been used as a derogatory euphemism for white people, creating fodder for a younger generation as Cracker Barrel faces its new hurdles.
The brand's website explained the new marketing focus, "Cracker Barrel has been a destination for comfort and community for more than half a century, and this fifth evolution of the brand’s logo, which works across digital platforms as well as billboards and roadside signs, is a call-back to the original and rooted even more in the iconic barrel shape and word mark that started it all back in 1969. The new logo is sleek with few flourishes — nothing beyond brown text and a simple brown outlying loop on a deep golden background. But it quickly drew questions from people wondering what happened to the iconic man and barrel that featured in the old logo."
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office entered the discussion. Newsom, a potential Democratic candidate for president in 2028, has increasingly been adopting President Trump’s tone and all-caps style on social media. He wrote that Cracker Barrel should stick with the old logo. His office posted on Twitter/X:
“WHAT IS WRONG WITH CRACKER BARREL?? KEEP YOUR BEAUTIFUL LOGO!!! THE NEW ONE LOOKS LIKE CHEAP VELVEETA ‘CHEESE’ FROM WALMART, THE PLACE FOR ‘GROCERIES’ (AN OLD FASHIONED TERM)!!! ‘FIX IT’ ASAP! WOKE IS DEAD!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER."
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES' CONTINUED EVOLUTION
As reported by CNN, "Southwest Airlines has been a low-cost carrier for most of its history, with relatively uncommon features like offering only one class of tickets, open seating, and no baggage or change fees. But within the last couple of years, Southwest has, under pressure from an activist shareholder group, started charging baggage fees for the first checked bag, began red-eye flights, and announced plans for premium seating and reserved seating. The reserved seats will be available starting in January."
According to the brand's website, “Southwest Airlines is continuing to consider ways to grow our business as we evolve to meet the needs of our current and future customers. One of the things we are exploring is the potential to expand our network to new international destinations on our Boeing 737 aircraft.”
This is another sign that the once-distinctive Texas airline is following the path of rival carriers. Southwest currently serves only 10 international markets, all relatively close to the United States: Mexico, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Aruba, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Belize, Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos.
MOVIE INDUSTRY BOOST FROM DRIVE-INS
As reported by CNN, "Drive-ins helped movie theaters stay afloat during the pandemic, when their fate was in serious doubt. Now, years later, drive-in theaters are still providing a small but meaningful boost for the industry. Drive-ins accounted for a significant portion of box office revenue in 2020, due to social distancing policies that reduced entertainment options. From late March through mid-August of 2020, drive-ins generated 85 percent of box office revenue in the United States, compared to 2.9 percent during the same time period in 2019, according to Comscore data. As pandemic restrictions eased, movie-goers began to return to brick-and-mortar cinemas, and some drive-in locations shuttered for good. In 2024, roughly 283 drive-ins were operating nationwide, down from about 305 in 2019 and 318 in 2021, according to the United Drive-In Theatre Owners Association (UDITOA).
“We have these younger couples purchasing drive-in theaters or reopening drive-ins to carry it on, so it has great name recognition of the experience,” said Mike Kerz, co-owner of the Midway Drive-in Theater in Illinois and a UDITOA board member.
Donna Saunders believes that "Some people bring their grandchildren to drive-ins as part of an ongoing cycle to motivate younger generations to attend drive-ins. Drive-ins often do well with throwback and retro content. On Labor Day weekend, for instance, Universal Pictures’ "Jaws" will re-release for its 50th anniversary."
Victor Bonacore, who manages Ohio’s Dixie Twin Drive-in, estimated an average of 150 cars attend on any given Friday night, "Nostalgia is a huge part of our society and I feel like people will still come out for it."
SNEAKFLATION
As reported by CNN, "Retailers and major brands know that many Americans live paycheck to paycheck, so they're using "sneakflation" to pass along Trump's tariffs in small increments in hopes that consumers won't notice or will be able to better absorb it."
According to Google, "Sneakflation is the practice by companies of subtly reducing the value of a product or service without raising its price, in order to pass on increased costs to consumers. This is done by reducing quantity, downgrading quality, adding hidden fees, or decreasing features, rather than explicitly increasing the price tag on an identical item."
Heather Long, chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, told CNN, "Lower-income Americans are sadly adept at juggling their expenses and trying to make every dime count. They may go without meat or coffee one week in order to buy shoes for their kids. The next week, they may skip a car payment to cover their electric bill and a medical expense. It’s a constant juggle where they allocate money to their most urgent need at that moment."
US MINT NEWS
As reported by American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), "On Wednesday, August 13, disabled people and allies gathered at the National Museum of American History to celebrate the release of a new quarter depicting Stacey Park Milbern, a leader of the disability justice movement. She is the 19th woman honored as part of the American Women Quarters Program, which celebrates the accomplishments and contributions made by women throughout American history.
Stacey Park Milbern, whose Korean name was Park Ji-hye, led and strengthened the modern Disability Justice movement. She had congenital muscular dystrophy and died on May 19, 2020, on her 33rd birthday. She was an activist, writer, speaker, and movement organizer who focused on the issues faced by queer and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) disabled people. She worked as Director of Programs at the Center for Independent Living in Berkeley, California, and President Barack Obama appointed Milbern to the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities."
TARGET'S IDENTITY CRISIS
As reported by MarketWatch, Jamie Meyers, senior analyst at Laffer Tengler Investments, said, "Target seems to be experiencing something of an identity crisis, and we believe the company needs someone from the outside. It’s unclear what they represent as they’re not an office retailer, a low-budget chain, a dollar store, or a direct competitor to Walmart or Amazon. Target is caught somewhere in between, and we think an outside perspective is needed to help move the company forward."
On August 20, Target replaced its CEO of 11 years, Brian Cornell — a shakeup that was widely expected and likely overdue, however, Cornell's right-hand man is taking his place.
WINDOW-LESS SEATS ON AIRPLANES
As reported by ABC News, "Two class-action lawsuits have been brought against Delta and United over seat configurations where some passengers who say they paid for a window seat say they were left with a blank wall instead of a view. The separate suits on the issue claim that some Delta and United passengers who booked these seats, and in many cases paid a premium to do so, actually had no window, according to the complaint. The complaints said the carriers operate Boeing 737s, Boeing 757s and Airbus A321s with seats that would usually have a window, but due to the design and the placement of air conditioning ducts, electrical conduits, or other parts, the window cannot be installed. Some airlines describe every seat along the side of the plane as a window seat, according to the lawsuits. These lawsuits claim that other carriers including American Airlines and Alaska Airlines, inform passengers during the booking process about so-called "windowless window seats," but that Delta and United did not. The standard fee to select a basic economy "window" seat on United can exceed $50, the suit claimed. On international flights, the extra fees can be over $100. Both lawsuits claim the airlines have sold millions of these seats and the lawsuits aim to rectify costs for passengers who bought them."
ESPN LAUNCHES ITS STREAMING SERVICE
AS reported by Poynter, "ESPN has launched its much-anticipated direct-to-consumer streaming service product and a set of new features on an enhanced ESPN App. ESPN Unlimited, which costs $29.99 a month or $299.99 a year, gives viewers access to all of ESPN’s linear networks: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network — in addition to ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+ and ACCNX. It includes 47,000 live events a year, on demand replays, studio shows, original programming and more."
ESPN Chair Jimmy Pitaro said, "This is a monumental day for all of us at ESPN, for The Walt Disney Company and, most importantly, for our fans. ESPN DTC and the ESPN App are a powerful combination marking a major turning point in how we serve sports fans — anytime, anywhere — for years to come. We’re approaching our 46th year here, and I would say that this is one of the biggest days at ESPN, if not the biggest."
ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF TRUMP DISINFORMATION
As reported and checked by PolitiFact, President Trump has vowed to take action against voting by mail, which he said makes the United States an outlier. Trump posted on Truth Social on August 18, "We are now the only Country in the World that uses Mail-In Voting." Trump did not explain his evidence, and hours later, softened his language when he said he "may be wrong."
In 2024, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance based in Sweden found that 34 countries or territories allow postal voting, or mail-in voting. For example, Australia has had mail-in voting for a century, and all Canadians are eligible to vote by mail. Looks like this statement by Trump is false.
WORLD CONFERENCE FOR FACT-CHECKING IN JUNE 2026
As reported by Poynter, "The world’s fact-checking journalists will convene in Lithuania’s capital city of Vilnius for the 13th annual GlobalFact summit in June 2026. Presented by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) at Poynter, GlobalFact is the world’s largest and most impactful summit for professional fact-checking. Every year, fact-checkers come together to address industry-wide challenges, exchange best practices, and build collaborative solutions to improve our shared information ecosystem. Discussions are centered on universal challenges that fact-checkers face today, such as navigating artificial intelligence, upholding information integrity, and investigating online disinformation campaigns."
According to Aistė Meidutė, editor of Delfi’s fact-checking unit Melo detektorius, "Throughout its history, Lithuania has proven itself a tireless defender of democratic values and press freedom. Today, as the world faces unprecedented challenges of disinformation — exacerbated by the rise of authoritarian regimes — it is more important than ever to demonstrate unity and determination in safeguarding the public’s right to reliable, fact-based information."
RECENT PEW STUDY ABOUT NEWS COVERAGE
According to Poynter, "The vast majority of Americans want honesty, intelligence, and authenticity from their news providers, a Pew Research Center study released on August 20 found. The study, based on a poll of more than 9,300 U.S. adults in April, found that more than 80 percent of respondents said it was “important” that the people they get their news from display those three traits in their work. More than 90 percent also said it was at least “somewhat important” that their news providers have a deep knowledge of the topics they cover. Employment by a news organization or a university degree in journalism was less important. The study also found that while 59 percent of Americans believe that journalists are important to the well-being of society, nearly half think journalists are losing influence. One reason for this loss of influence, according to focus group participants, was the rise of alternative news sources and the lowered barriers to entry for news providers."
BIG ENGAGEMENT NEWS
Unless you live under a rock, you've already heard the news that singer/songwriter/entrepreneur Taylor Swift and her NFL football boyfriend Travis Kelce are now engaged. The two shared the news on Instagram on August 26 with several photos and a cute message that "Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married," and immediately, the world went wild. The level of interest in this announcement rivals the engagement announcement of England's former Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.
I've said many times here on my blog that, "Brands that are able to align their products or services to an event, holiday, or trending news story that everyone is talking about have the potential to be memorable." According to Brianne Fleming, author of the marketing newsletter By Popular Demand, "Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are such a power couple that their influence touches countless brands and industries...It makes sense that brands are reacting to Swift's engagement because it's an opportunity not only to promote themselves but to share in fans' excitement...These days, to know your audience is to know pop culture. If you want your audience to love you, you have to understand what they love — and a good majority of them probably love Taylor Swift."
APPLE NEWS
According to Engadget, "Apple has announced the dates for its 2025 fall event. The company will unveil new hardware on September 9 at 1PM ET at its Cupertino headquarters. The tag line for the event is "awe dropping," which doesn't give a whole lot away. There has been plenty of speculation already about what will be announced at the upcoming event. The highlight of the iPhone lineup this year is expected to be a new ultra-thin, ultra-light, most likely called the iPhone 17 Air. We've already heard rumors about everything from the frame material to the battery for this new offering, so it should be interesting to see whether Apple has managed to keep anything about iPhone 17 Air under wraps to reveal during the event.
One thing we know without a doubt is that the new iPhones will launch with iOS 26, which brings Apple's biggest design refresh in years. It's easy to imagine the company highlighting the new model's displays as the best way to experience the new Liquid Glass visual language. As for the naming scheme, there haven't been any leaks pointing to a similar hardware rebranding ("iPhone 26," "iPhone 26 Pro," etc.). But hey, Apple does like surprises."
CRACKER BARREL BACKLASH
Later in the month, as reported by CNN on August 28, "After days of intense backlash, most recently from President Donald Trump, Cracker Barrel is scrapping its new minimalist logo. Last week, Cracker Barrel received a barrage of criticism when it unveiled its modernized logo, which got rid of the namesake barrel and the old-timer figure. Some loyal fans feared the 56-year-old chain was drifting too far from its bucolic roots, and the company’s shares (CBRL) nosedived more than 12 percent days after the announcement. A deputy White House chief of staff posted on X that he received a call from Cracker Barrel saying they thanked President Trump for weighing in on the issue.”
According to a company statement, "We could’ve done a better job sharing who we are and who we’ll always be. We thank our guests for sharing your voices and love for Cracker Barrel. We said we would listen, and we have. Our new logo is going away and our ‘Old Timer’ will remain. At Cracker Barrel, it’s always been – and always will be – about serving up delicious food, warm welcomes, and the kind of country hospitality that feels like family. As a proud American institution, our 70,000 hardworking employees look forward to welcoming you to our table soon."
In addition, CNN also reported that, "After backing away from a controversial logo rebrand loudly opposed by many right-wing influencers, Cracker Barrel also quietly made changes to its website this week. The Tennessee-based roadside restaurant chain deleted a dedicated "Pride page" and scrubbed references to employee resource groups, including its LGBTQ+ and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging groups, from another part of its website."
A Cracker Barrel spokesperson said the website updates reflected the removal of outdated content, "In connection with the Company’s brand work, we have recently made updates to the Cracker Barrel website, including adding new content and removing out-of-date content. Several months ago, the Company also made changes to our Business Resource Groups that now focus all sponsorships or events on our corporate giving initiatives: addressing food insecurity, supporting community needs through food, and reducing food waste."
The question from this brand experience is, should the US President weigh in on logo redesigns? And furthermore, this situation shows that Cracker Barrel has clearly picked political sides.
ANOTHER JERSEY MIKE'S SPOKESPERSON
In addition to actor Danny DeVito who was recruited as a brand spokesperson back in 2022 - and who generated higher brand awareness and sales - the sandwich chain has added football great Eli Manning to its list of spokespeople.
As reported by Nation's Restaurant News, "The chain's new national campaign features DeVito feeling a little territorial as Manning — whom he accuses of "stealing" his job — joins the brand’s spotlight. The campaign marks the brand’s first creative push since becoming the “Official Sub Sandwich Sponsor” of the NFL in April 2025. According to Jersey Mike’s senior vice president of marketing Jeff Hemschoot, "Eli’s charm and low-key wit combined with Danny’s big personality make for an unforgettable duo. As a proud New Jersey resident and longtime Jersey Mike’s fan, Eli was a natural fit. He’s one of Jersey’s most iconic sports figures and we’re thrilled to have him on our team."
INTERNATIONAL DOG DAY AT DUNKIN'
"BARK, a leading global omnichannel dog brand with a mission to make all dogs happy, announced the return of its highly anticipated dog toy collaboration with Dunkin’, the largest coffee and donuts brand in the United States, and the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation. Together, BARK and Dunkin’ have raised over $12.5 million for the charitable foundation since launching their partnership in 2020. Now in its sixth year, the BARK x Dunkin’ Joy partnership has become an annual tradition in high demand from dogs and dog parents.
Starting today on August 26 for National Dog Day, the 2025 Dunkin’ x BARK collection is back at participating Dunkin’ locations nationwide and online at bark.co/dunkin, while supplies last. With a $16 donation to the Joy in Childhood Foundation, guests will receive a limited-edition toy as a thank-you – giving pups a playful way to join in their humans’ favorite coffee rituals while supporting kids battling illness or hunger. This year’s collection features:
*Dunkin’ Cold Brew Toy: This plush toy includes an oversized squeaker, ultra-fluffy stuffing, irresistible crinkle fabric, and a playful whip-n-flip straw.
*Dunkin’ Chocolate Frosted Donut: This sweet treat is a 2-in-1 toy packed with fluff, featuring two squeakers and layers of crazy crinkle for irresistible play.
Donations benefit the Joy in Childhood Foundation’s programs that bring joy to children battling illness and hunger, including Dogs for Joy, which places highly trained facility dogs in children’s hospitals across the country. These full-time pups support patients by teaching kids how to take medication, providing comfort during medical intervention, and motivating them through treatment."
According to Dave Stangle, Vice President of Brand Marketing at BARK, "We’re incredibly proud of how this partnership unites dog lovers, coffee fans and a shared purpose — to bring joy to kids when they need it most. It’s a meaningful way for us to connect with our community and support a cause that brings comfort and happiness to so many." Woof!
COVID VACCINE STATUS
As reported by Scientific American, "The upcoming fall and winter months are about to bring the usual crop of respiratory illnesses — influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and, of course, COVID. But this will be the first time since COVID vaccines were developed that many people in the U.S. will not have easy access to immunization against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the disease, which has contributed to the deaths of more than 1.2 million Americans to date.
Public health experts had nervously tracked U.S. health agencies’ actions on vaccines in general and COVID vaccines in particular since February, when longtime anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., took the reins of the Department of Health and Human Services.
According to Katelyn Jetelina, an epidemiologist and founder of the newsletter Your Local Epidemiologist, "We typically have this very clear set of dominoes for a vaccine rollout: it’s smooth; it’s synchronized; it’s sequenced. But we have these missing or wobbling dominoes right now, and so the rest of the chain is backed up."
On August 27, the FDA approved the updated COVID vaccines only for adults aged 65 or older and those with underlying health conditions that increase risk of severe infection. The decision leaves healthy children and adults without easy access.
DR PEPPER BUYS PEETS
As reported by ABC7, "Keurig Dr Pepper will buy the owner of Peet's Coffee in an $18 billion deal, then break itself in two, with one company selling coffee and the other selling cold beverages like Snapple, Dr Pepper, 7UP, and energy drinks. The agreement will essentially unwind the 2018 merger of Keurig and Dr. Pepper, and it arrives at a time when consumers are pulling back, and the trade wars under President Donald Trump threaten to send coffee prices soaring. Yet Keurig Dr Pepper sees both coffee and cold beverages as areas of growth that would be better navigated by independently operating companies."
According to CEO Tim Cofer, "This is a transformational moment for the sector. By creating two sharply-focused beverage companies with attractive and tailored growth propositions and capital allocation strategies, we are poised to generate significant shareholder value in both the near and long term."
NOVEMBER 1 WILL BE FERNANDO VALENZUELA DAY
As reported by ABC7, "The state of California has declared November 1 as "Fernando Valenzuela Day." That's the birthday of the late Dodgers pitching sensation, who sparked a movement known as "Fernandomania." Valenzuela died October 22, 2024 of septic shock at the age of 63. California State Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, who represents parts of Los Angeles and Orange counties, introduced the measure to highlight the positive impact his legacy created in the Latino and Hispanic community. The Los Angeles City Council proclaimed Aug. 11 as "Fernando Valenzuela Day" for the city in 2023."
EMILY IN PARIS — AND ITALY
"Emily in Paris" television show creator Darren Star has said, "From Parisian rooftops to Roman ruins, we can't wait to share where Emily's next chapter takes us." That's because Emily Cooper of the Netflix show, "Emily in Paris" will tell her story in both cities during the show's fifth season set to debut on December 18. According to ABC News, "This time around, Emily (Lily Collins) will be exploring not only France but also Italy, just as she did at the end of season 4. She will spend time in Rome once again and also take a visit to Venice for the first time."
Should Netflix change the name of the show?
What other recent marketing buzz caught your attention? Since there's always something happening that impacts marketing, read #DebbieLaskeysBlog for the scoop!
Image Credits: Heinz and MSNOW.
Read about the "kerfuffle" concerning Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's attire worn to a meeting at the White House in early 2025:
https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2025/03/marketing-news-of-month-brand-names.html
Read 20 interesting facts about Cracker Barrel:
https://blog.crackerbarrel.com/20-surprising-facts-about-cracker-barrel/
Read about the American Quarters Program:
https://www.usmint.gov/coins/coin-programs/american-women-quarters-program/
Graphic of global in-country postal voting data:
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/tools/special-voting-arrangements/postal-in-country
Read highlights from the Pew Research Center study:
"How Americans View Journalists in the Digital Age"
https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/2025/08/20/how-americans-view-journalists-in-the-digital-age/
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