During the last month, there were news stories that reflected advertising, brand experiences, brand identity, brand storytelling, personal branding, product packaging, promotions, retail, sports advertising, television and the First Amendment, and more.
BEN & JERRY'S ICE CREAM NEWS
On September 17, co-founder Jerry Greenfield resigned from the ice cream company he co-founded nearly five decades ago. Ben Cohen, his former business partner, revealed why Jerry felt he had to leave, "Jerry has a really big heart, and the conflict with Unilever was really kind of tearing him apart. So he felt like he had no choice but to resign."
According to CNN, "Greenfield shared on social media that he was quitting the ice cream company, accusing parent company Unilever of curtailing Ben & Jerry’s ability to speak out on social and political causes, which is synonymous with the brand’s identity. The conflict between the co-founders and Unilever erupted into public view over the past several years, resulting in lawsuits and publicly posted letters. But Cohen told CNN that as management at Unilever turned over, no one who signed the deal with Ben & Jerry’s remains, and the conglomerate started to disrespect the terms of its unique arrangement with the ice cream maker. Tensions boiled over in recent years as Ben & Jerry’s opted to pull its operations from Israel, a decision that was overruled by Unilever. Since then, the company and its parent have feuded, mostly over politically focused social media posts that Cohen said Unilever opposed – and threatened to fire people over. Speaking out on political issues, ranging from President Trump to Israel and the Gaza Strip, angered Unilever, which fired the company’s CEO earlier this year. Ultimately, Greenfield had enough. Cohen said he chose to stay to continue to fight for the company’s independence."
BEST AMERICAN CITIES FOR COFFEE
Personal finance company WalletHub compared the 100 most populous cities in the U.S. across various metrics, including the average price per bag of coffee and the number of affordable coffee shops rated 4.5 stars or higher per capita to determine the most ideal conditions for coffee fanatics.
According to MentalFloss, "Portland (Oregon) earned the No.1 spot - the same as last year’s ranking. Orlando (Florida) came in second, primarily due to its high density of coffee places, doughnut shops, and cafés per capita. Florida experienced a significant jump from the previous year, rising from fifth place."
Here's the list of the top 15 U.S. cities for coffee fans in 2025:
(1) Portland, Oregon
(2) Orlando, Florida
(3) Long Beach, California
(4) Miami, Florida
(5) Seattle, Washington
(6) Tampa, Florida
(7) San Francisco, California
(8) Austin, Texas
(9) Oakland, California
(10) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
(11) Atlanta, Georgia
(12) Las Vegas, Nevada
(13) Los Angeles, California
(14) New Orleans, Louisiana
(15) Denver, Colorado
CRACKER BARREL'S REDESIGN PLAN
As reported by AP, "Cracker Barrel is suspending remodels of its restaurants after criticism from many longtime fans. The announcement came two weeks after Cracker Barrel backtracked on a separate plan to modernize and simplify its logo. Fans of the chain had also loudly criticized that move. Cracker Barrel said on September 9 that only four of its 660 restaurants had been remodeled as part of a test. The remodels, which began last year, added more comfortable seating, brighter lights, lighter paint, and a simplified assortment of antiques but kept signature elements like fireplaces.
According to a company statement, "We heard clearly that the modern remodel design does not reflect what you love about Cracker Barrel. Of course, we will continue to invest in our restaurants to make sure that they are in good shape and meet your expectations."
NEW WORD: CHIPOCALYPSE
As reported by Politico, "Illinois Democrats sharply criticized President Trump on September 6, who suggested in a Truth Social post earlier that morning that his administration will go to "WAR" with the city of Chicago. Trump posted an AI-generated meme on his social media platform, depicting himself as an officer in the 1979 war movie “Apocalypse Now,” with the caption “Chipocalypse Now.” His hostile stance comes as he ramps up tensions between Democratic-controlled cities over an immigration crackdown. He has deployed National Guard to both Los Angeles and Washington, a practice he would like to expand to other cities, such as Chicago."
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson wrote on X, "The President’s threats are beneath the honor of our nation, but the reality is that he wants to occupy our city and break our Constitution."
DENMARK'S READING CRISIS
As reported by the BBC, "The Danish government has announced it will abolish a 25 percent sales tax on books, in an effort to combat a "reading crisis." The tax is one of the highest in the world. Culture Minister Jacob Engel-Schmidt says he hopes scrapping the tax will lead to more books flying off the shelves. Data from the OECD, an intergovernmental think tank, shows that a quarter of Danish 15-year-olds cannot understand a simple text. Surveys have shown declining levels of reading and comprehension among Danish teenagers, said Mads Rosendahl Thomsen, vice-chair of the government's working group on literature. He said removing VAT on books was not a complete solution, but it would make books more accessible."
BIG CHANGE FOR MEXICO AND PRESIDENT SHEINBAUM
As reported by ABC7, "Mexico kicked off Independence Day celebrations on September 15 with President Claudia Sheinbaum ending a more than century-long practice in which only men as chief executives led the country's most important celebration. Before tens of thousands of people gathered in the main square of the Mexican capital, Sheinbaum shouted from one of the balconies of the Government Palace: "Long live the dignity of the Mexican people! Long live freedom! Long live equality! Long live democracy! Long live justice! Long live a free, independent, and sovereign Mexico!" Shortly after, Sheinbaum rang the bell of the historic palace to commemorate the 215th anniversary of Mexico's independence from Spain, which was followed by the ringing of the bells of the capital's cathedral and the singing of the national anthem."
Alfredo Avila, a researcher at the Institute of Historical Research at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, said, "The fact that it's a woman who gives the cry represents a substantial change."
PREVIEW OF KAMALA HARRIS' PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN MEMOIR
Leading up to the launch of Kamala Harris' book on September 23 about her 2024 presidential bid entitled, "107 Days," she shared an excerpt in The Atlantic: "When the stories were unfair or inaccurate, President Biden’s inner circle seemed fine with it. Indeed, it seemed as if they decided I should be knocked down a little bit more. Their thinking was zero-sum: If she’s shining, he’s dimmed. None of them grasped that if I did well, he did well. That given the concerns about his age, my visible success as his vice president was vital. It would serve as a testament to his judgment in choosing me and reassurance that, if something happened, the country was in good hands. My success was important for him. [But] his team didn’t get it."
The sad thing is that this treatment and comments are very familiar to many women in the workforce.
SOUTH PARK AND CROCS COLLECTION
As reported by Sneaker News, "South Park has carved out a spot in the American animated series Pantheon with its irreverent sense of humor and “fire at anyone” attitude. That’s never been more true in the current moment, when Trey Parker and Matt Stone have thrown their Colorado cadre into the middle of the political climate, taking aim at the various faces of the current U.S. administration. However, for their latest trick in footwear, they don’t need to travel far beyond their home state, unveiling the South Park x Crocs Classic Clog collection. Available on September 12, the retail pricing ranges from $80 to $90 in mens’ sizes."
RETURN OF A KRISPY KREME CLASSIC
As reported by All Recipes, "There's no denying that Krispy Kreme is a busy place. It almost seems like there are new, limited-edition doughnut flavors being introduced monthly, along with amazing savings for customers. While it's hard to resist a cheesecake-stuffed doughnut or an adorably decorated Pacman-inspired doughnut, we can’t forget what put Krispy Kreme on the map: The Original Glazed Doughnut...The classic glazed doughnut is ever an icon, but that doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten Krispy Kreme’s other glazed offerings: the strawberry- and chocolate-glazed doughnuts.
Krispy Kreme’s Chocolate Glazed Doughnut was originally released in 2017 to celebrate the solar eclipse, then brought back in 2018 as part of World Chocolate Day. After a six-year hiatus, Krispy Kreme brought it back last summer, thanks to the excitement of its fans. Then, the brand quietly reintroduced these treats to stores in July — but only for one day. To celebrate International Chocolate Day, which falls on September 13, the Chocolate Glazed Doughnut will make a brief comeback and will be available by the dozen and individually in stores across the U.S., online, and through Krispy Kreme's app from September 11 to September 14."
JIMMY KIMMEL, DISNEY, ACLU, AND THE FIRST AMENDMENT
Following statements made by Jimmy Kimmel on his late-night TV show, The Walt Disney Company (parent company of ABC) indefinitely suspended his show - under pressure from the Trump Administration. Then, over 400 actors, musicians, and film directors (including many A-list stars) signed an open letter organized by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) that decried "a dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation."
The letter read in part:
"Last week, Jimmy Kimmel was taken off the air after the government threatened a private company with retaliation, marking a dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation. In an attempt to silence its critics, our government has resorted to threatening the livelihoods of journalists, talk show hosts, artists, creatives, and entertainers across the board. This runs counter to the values our nation was built upon, and our Constitution guarantees. We know this moment is bigger than us and our industry. Teachers, government employees, law firms, researchers, universities, students and so many more are also facing direct attacks on their freedom of expression. Regardless of our political affiliation, or whether we engage in politics or not, we all love our country. We also share the belief that our voices should never be silenced by those in power – because if it happens to one of us, it happens to all of us. This is the moment to defend free speech across our nation. We encourage all Americans to join us, along with the ACLU, in the fight to defend and preserve our constitutionally protected rights."
Actress Cynthia Nixon posted to Facebook and Instagram that she canceled her Disney Plus and Hulu subscriptions and expressed her family’s disappointment in missing shows like “Abbott Elementary” and “Only Murders in the Building,” but she emphasized the importance of free speech, stating, “We would miss the First Amendment a whole lot more.” She urged others to take similar actions, including avoiding Disney theme parks and cruises, to stand up for free speech rights.
Disney announced that Jimmy Kimmel's show would return on September 23, and at the beginning of his show, Kimmel was greeted with a standing ovation. The highlight of his 15-minute monologue was this: "I don’t want to make this about me, because – and I know this is what people say when they make things about them, but I really don’t – this show, this show is not important. What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this. I’ve had the opportunity to meet and spend time with comedians and talk show hosts from countries like Russia, countries in the Middle East who tell me they would get thrown in prison for making fun of those in power. And worse than being thrown in prison. They know how lucky we are here. Our freedom to speak is what they admire most about this country.”
AWARD REVERSAL FOR TOM HANKS
As reported by The Washington Post, "Tom Hanks, 69, was to receive the prestigious Sylvanus Thayer Award, which recognizes an "outstanding citizen" who did not attend West Point [but] has a distinguished record of service that exemplifies the academy’s ideals: “Duty, Honor, Country.” A ceremony and parade were scheduled for September 25. [However] Retired Army Col. Mark Bieger, President and CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates, announced that the alumni association, in coordination with the academy, will not be holding the Thayer Award ceremony as originally scheduled and apologized for the cancellation. It is unknown whether Hanks’s award has been revoked or if it will be presented in some other format. The decision marks a dramatic shift from June, when the association announced Hanks as its 2025 Thayer recipient. The alumni group cited his work acting in several movies portraying U.S. service members, including “Saving Private Ryan,” “Forrest Gump” and “Greyhound.” It also credited his producing of “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific,” both World War II-themed miniseries, and his extensive advocacy for veterans."
According to Robert McDonald, a former secretary of veterans affairs and the alumni association’s board chairman, "Tom Hanks has done more for the positive portrayal of the American service member, more for the caring of the American veteran, their caregivers and their family, and more for the American space program and all branches of government than many other Americans."
NEW CHANGE FOR MLB IN 2026
As announced on September 23 by Major League Baseball, "Upon further review, the ABS Challenge System has been confirmed for the 2026 MLB season. The Joint Competition Committee voted on September 22 to bring the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System, powered by T-Mobile, to the big leagues following several years of experimentation in the Minor Leagues and use in MLB Spring Training and the All-Star Game this year. Considered a middle ground between so-called “robot umps” that could call every ball and strike and the long-standing tradition of the natural human error that comes with human umps, the ABS Challenge System gives teams the opportunity to request a quick review of some of the most important ball-strike calls in a given game."
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement, "The previous rule changes that have been adopted by the Joint Competition Committee have had staying power and created momentum for the game. We used the same process with ABS that started with listening to fans, conducting extensive testing at the Minor League level, and trying at every step to make the game better. Throughout this process, we have worked on deploying the system in a way that’s acceptable to players. The strong preference from players for the Challenge format over using the technology to call every pitch was a key factor in determining the system we are announcing today."
Will this system help or hurt baseball? Time will tell.
"JUST DO IT" BECOMES "WHY DO IT?"
According to Nike's website, "When Nike launched “Just Do It” in 1988, it wasn’t only a tagline — it was a call to action. A challenge to start, to try, to move forward even when it’s hard. Now, after nearly four decades of inspiring athletes to reach their dreams through “Just Do It,” Nike is reintroducing the iconic rallying cry to a new generation with the launch of its latest campaign, "Why Do It?” Designed to meet young athletes where they are, the campaign reframes greatness as a choice, not an outcome — handing “Just Do It" to today’s generation and emboldening them to write the next chapter."
According to Nicole Graham, Nike EVP & Chief Marketing Officer, “‘Just Do It’ isn’t just a tagline — it’s a spirit that lives in every heartbeat of sport. It’s the belief that, together, we can inspire, unite, and elevate ourselves beyond what we thought possible. “With ‘Why Do It?,’ we’re igniting that spark for a new generation, daring them to step forward with courage, trust in their own potential, and discover the greatness that unfolds the moment they decide to begin.”
TOO MANY TOURISTS IN SCOTLAND
As reported by the BBC, "Tourists driving in the Scotland Highlands are being encouraged to display "T-plates" in the hope it will reduce accidents. The signs, which feature a green letter "T" and have the word "Tourist" written at the bottom, are intended to alert other road users that the driver might not be familiar with Scotland's roads. This came about after Transport Scotland warned earlier this year that the number of crashes caused by "inexperience of driving on the left" had increased sharply. While not an official government endorsement, the plates are legal to display and have gained online traction, with a portion of sales often supporting road safety charities."
END OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE TAX CREDIT
CNN reported, "Sales of electric vehicles in the United States are almost certain to tumble when the $7,500 federal tax credit for EV buyers expires on September 30, leaving automakers and car buyers wondering where prices will go. The tax credit, which was passed in 2022 as part of the Biden administration’s legislative push to support EVs and green energy, is going away as part of President Trump’s tax bill that passed in July. The end of the tax credit means demand for EVs is expected to fall, which means prices in real terms will rise — a concept not lost on the many consumers who rushed to buy EVs in August and September. But that surge is likely to result in plunging sales in the final three months of the year and could lead to lower EV prices ahead."
According to The News Wheel, "Among all U.S. states, California faces the steepest drop if the federal EV tax credit ends. The state, which has long led the country in EV adoption, could miss out on approximately $1.1 billion in incentives. Texas follows with nearly $273 million at stake, and Florida comes next, potentially losing around $201 million in benefits. The scale of California’s reliance on the tax credit is a direct reflection of its aggressive push toward clean energy and transportation alternatives. By contrast, some states may barely register the change. Mississippi, North Dakota, and Louisiana are cited as regions where the EV credit had minimal impact in the first place. With fewer residents investing in electric vehicles, the loss of the credit in these areas is unlikely to disrupt local markets in any significant way."
FIRST WOMAN CEO FOR SIERRA CLUB
The Sierra Club Board of Directors voted unanimously on September 13 to select Loren Blackford as its eighth Executive Director, the first female Executive Director in the organization's history.
Sierra Club President Patrick Murphy said, "The Board of Directors is thrilled to celebrate Loren as Sierra Club’s next Executive Director. The Sierra Club has never backed down from our mission to protect our communities, wildlife and special places, and our planet – and that’s not changing now. Action cannot wait. We must and will move with the utmost speed to powerfully meet this crucial moment, and Loren is the best person to lead us forward. In Loren, we have someone who brings significant experience and a deep commitment to the movement as a leader on staff and as a volunteer. She has served on the board of the Sierra Club and the Sierra Club Foundation. She knows our opportunities, our challenges, and our mission by heart."
FROM TV SET TO NEW YORK CITY
As reported by Chainstoreage, "An iconic hangout that had a starring role in a popular television sitcom is opening its second real-life permanent location. The Central Perk Coffeehouse from “Friends” will open in Times Square this fall, on the corner of Seventh Avenue and 47th Street. The same team of food, beverage, and design experts behind the inaugural Boston location (on Newbury Street) will guide the New York City outpost. Designed as a modern take on the classic Central Perk from “Friends,” the Times Square cafe will feature a “cozy” orange sofa room inspired by the iconic couch in the show. The food and beverage offerings will include six original "Friends" themed coffee blends. The shop will also sell exclusive, newly-created merchandise.
Paul Landino, company executive CenPer Holdings, LLC., said, "When we launched the first Central Perk Coffeehouse in Boston, our goal was always to expand to New York City, a place where fans and friends alike could create their own stories in the city where the series was set. Opening in Times Square, known as the crossroads of the world, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring that vision to life, offering creative coffee drinks and delicious food in a space that is both familiar and refreshingly modern."
Peter van Roden, executive VP, Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, said, "''Friends' is one of those rare shows that continues to bring people together, generation after generation. At the heart of that story was always Central Perk, the iconic coffeehouse and the group's home base, set in Manhattan. It was a place where laughter, connection and unforgettable moments were shared...and it remains that today. After a warm welcome in Boston, we're excited to bring Central Perk Coffeehouse to Times Square, a location that perfectly captures the energy, spirit, and global love for 'Friends,' right in the city where it all began."
FANS CAN VISIT THE BRADY BUNCH HOUSE FOR CHARITY
As reported by Parade, "Fans of "The Brady Bunch" will have the chance to step back in time. The iconic mid-century home featured on the classic ABC sitcom in exterior shots will open to the public for the first time ever for a special fan event in November. “The Brady Bunch” ran for five seasons from 1969 to 1974, airing 117 episodes. HGTV bought the home in 2018 and renovated it to resemble the show’s interiors, including the famous staircase and the burnt orange-and-avocado green kitchen. Originally, the home was used only for the show’s exterior shots, with interior scenes filmed on a Paramount sound stage.
For three days (November 7-9), the iconic house located on Dilling Street in Studio City, (a suburb of Los Angeles) will be open for “The Brady Experience,” led by pop culture historian Alison Martino. The $275 per ticket event will benefit the animal rescue Wags and Walks, a nonprofit dog rescue giving at-risk pups a second chance. Martino will take fans on an hour-long tour of the house, but they will also be allowed to explore the house on their own to check out all the retro artifacts that have been added, such as the vintage Plymouth station wagon on the driveway - and at the end of the tour, fans will get their photo taken on the iconic staircase."
RETAIL NEWS
Chainstoreage reported that, "Toys”R”Us is expanding its footprint at home and abroad as it gears up for the toy industry's busiest season. Toys"R"Us is also growing its footprint with military families. It has six new stores slated to open through its partnership with Nexcom, building on the first two already serving U.S. Navy and military bases. And globally, Toys"R"Us is expanding into new an array of new markets, including Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Morocco and Lebanon, while also reestablishing a presence in Turkey. The brand is also strengthening its footprint in major markets such as the U.K., Mexico, South Africa, Asia, and South Korea, where it is introducing new concept formats with strategic partner Lotte."
And Chainstoreage also reported that, "Office Depot is going private. The ODP Corp., whose portfolio includes Office Depot and OfficeMax, ODP Business Solutions, and distribution logistics service provider Veyer, has entered into an agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of private equity group Atlas Holdings. The deal, which is subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Upon closing, ODP will become a privately held company, and its stock will no longer be listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange. Headquartered in Greenwich, Conn., Atlas and its affiliates own and operate 29 companies which employ more than 60,000 associates across 375 facilities worldwide. The company operates in sectors such as automotive supply, building materials, capital equipment, construction services, food manufacturing and distribution, metals processing, packaging, paper, power generation, printing, pulp, supply chain management and wood products. Atlas’ companies together generate more than $20 billion in revenues annually."
As reported by CNN, "Michaels announced that it is bringing a “Knit & Sew Shop” format to all of its US and Canada locations, which features the Joann name on the signage as well as the Big Twist yarn, a cult-favorite collection that Michaels bought when it also purchased Joann’s intellectual property in June. The “store within a store” concept, which encompass about 25 percent of a Michaels store, is now available in 840 stores and will expand to an additional 250 locations in the coming months. The selection is also available online."
ALDI BRAND NAME
As reported by CNN, "As Aldi expands across the United States, so does its name recognition. Now, that name will be stamped on all of its own products. Aldi announced sweeping changes across its product portfolio, drastically reducing the number of in-house brands from about 90 to 26 and consolidating them under a unified “The Aldi Brand” label. The store’s more popular labels — like Clancy’s and Simply Nature — remain but will have “An Aldi Original” title added to their packaging. Aldi, a discount grocer that started in Germany, is rapidly expanding across the US with about 2,570 current locations and plans to open an additional 200 by the end of 2025."
SHAKE SHACK HIRES CHIEF BRAND OFFICER
Shake Shack announced on its site, "Effective September 15, Michael Fanuele will start as our new Chief Brand Officer and will report to Rob Lynch, CEO of Shake Shack. This role marks a new addition to the Company’s leadership structure. As Chief Brand Officer, Fanuele will oversee Advertising, Paid Media and Insights and Analytics working in close collaboration with Chief Growth Officer Steph So and Chief Communications Officer Luke DeRouen to advance Shake Shack’s marketing strategy."
How many brands have Chief Brand Officers? Not enough.
PAMPERS' AD CAMPAIGN
As reported by Marketing Dive, "On September 7, Pampers unveiled a new ad campaign and refreshed brand ethos that will underpin the marketing creative and products for the Procter & Gamble-owned diaper brand moving forward. The ad called "Behind Every Baby" launched with a 60-second anthem spot around the NFL’s opening weekend. The commercial aims to tug on the heartstrings as a rendition of "Stand By Me" shows the key role diapers play in every baby’s growth journey, concluding on a shot of a baby standing up and walking, presumably for the first time...Pampers is embracing more cinematic, emotionally driven ads to better stand out from rivals that lean on product-led marketing. The P&G brand launched its latest effort, part of a larger revamp of its brand ethos, around NFL season kickoff, capitalizing on a destination TV viewing occasion for families...The anthem spot for "Behind Every Baby" tracks tots in Pampers through several stages of growth and emotional ups and downs, from being born to sleeping soundly in a crib and finally taking first steps. The ad underscores Pamper’s legacy of more than six decades in diaper innovation while spotlighting product offerings centered on comfort."
MACY'S PREPARES FOR THE HOLIDAYS
According to Chainstoreage on September 17, "Macy’s kicked off its "100 Days" countdown to Christmas by unveiling holiday plans that include a gift guide, new Santa national tour experience, and the expansion of its market of curated local vendors. The retailer's "Top 100 Holiday Gifts" will feature a “thoughtfully curated” selection of unique gifts at every price point...After the finale of the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Santa Claus will begin a journey to Macy’s nationwide. And continuing a more than 160-year tradition at Macy's, Santa will return to Santaland at the retailer's Herald Square flagship in New York City, and at Macy’s State Street store in Chicago. Macy's Inc. operates approximately 680 stores across its banners."
Sharon Otterman, Macy’s chief marketing officer, said, "Macy’s creates memories and has been part of our customers’ traditions for generations. We’re celebrating 100 days until Christmas because anticipation is part of the magic. Wonderful stories start here. We aim to deliver joy and create memories throughout the holiday season."
Do you look forward to seeing the red mailbox in Macy's stores, where you can mail a letter to Santa?
AUTISM AND TYLENOL
Following unsubstantiated claims by the White House, Tylenol's stock shares rose on September 23.
According to NPR, "President Trump's suggestion that a link exists between autism and acetaminophen — the active ingredient in Tylenol — has raised concerns within the scientific community. Trump, along with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid chief Dr. Mehmet Oz, said that autism rates are up because pregnant women are taking the medicine that is often used to treat pain and fever."
Helen Tager-Flusberg, director of the Center for Autism Research Excellence (CARE) at Boston University and founder of the Coalition of Autism Scientists, called the administration's announcement "appalling." She said it was "a very significant distortion" of what science says about any possible links between acetaminophen and autism. She added that the message "is likely to impact millions of lives of pregnant women right now. Mothers of autistic children who are going to be so fearful that this is what they did to cause their child's autism, which is absolutely not the case."
COMMENTS FROM FORMER PRESIDENT OBAMA
As reported by CNN, "Former President Barack Obama said on September 24 that the Trump administration engaged in “violence against the truth” with its recent announcements linking autism and Tylenol. Obama said, "We have the spectacle of my successor in the Oval Office making broad claims around certain drugs and autism that have been continuously disproved. The degree to which that undermines public health, the degree to which that can do harm to women who are pregnant, the degree to which that creates anxiety for parents who do have children who are autistic, which by the way itself is subject to a spectrum, and a lot of what is being trumpeted as these massive increases actually have to do with a broadening of the criteria across that spectrum, so that people can actually get services and help. All of that is violence against the truth.""
WOMEN OUTNUMBER MEN IN NASA'S NEWEST ASTRONAUT CLASS
As reported by She The People, "NASA has officially introduced its 2025 class of astronaut candidates, a group of 10 individuals poised to play a pivotal role in the future of American space exploration. This new class, the first in four years, is notable not only for its members' impressive qualifications but also for a historic milestone: for the first time, women outnumber men, with six women and four men making the cut. Upon successful completion of their training, these 10 individuals will become eligible for a range of flight assignments. These could include missions to the International Space Station, as well as the ambitious Artemis missions to the Moon and, eventually, the first human missions to Mars."
Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy welcomed the all-American 2025 astronaut candidate class in Houston, "I’m honored to welcome the next generation of American explorers to our agency! More than 8,000 people applied – scientists, pilots, engineers, dreamers from every corner of this nation. The 10 men and women sitting here today embody the truth that in America, regardless of where you start, there is no limit to what a determined dreamer can achieve – even going to space."
STARBUCKS BACK IN THE NEWS
On September 25, CNN reported, "Starbucks is taking “significant action” to turn around its struggling business, closing a large number of cafés and announcing a second round of layoffs at its headquarters as part of CEO Brian Niccol’s efforts to resuscitate the troubled chain. Starbucks will close hundreds of stores this month, or about 1 percent of its locations. The company had 18,734 North American locations at the end of June, and the company said it will end September with 18,300 stores. In a letter to employees, Niccol said the company underwent a review of its footprint and the locations that will close were ones 'unable to create the physical environment our customers and partners expect, or where we don’t see a path to financial performance.'"
In a weird twist, "Despite the hundreds of closures, which will take place before the end of the company’s fiscal year next week, Starbucks said it will return to growth mode and also plans to remodel more than 1,000 locations. The new look for Starbucks features cozier chairs, more power outlets, and warmer colors."
Back in June, according to CNN, "Over the last few years, Starbucks pulled out 30,000 comfortable seats, installed hard wooden stools, blocked electrical outlets and turned stores into takeout counters for customers picking up orders off its mobile app. The changes backfired and customers left for local coffee shops and other chains and brewed more coffee at home. Now Starbucks is trying to win back customers looking to sit down for a cup of coffee by renovating 1,000 stores — 10 percent of its company-owned US locations—with comfy chairs, couches, tables and power outlets in the next year. The company aims to make changes to all of its US stores within the next three years for an undisclosed price tag."
DEATH OF POLLY HOLLIDAY
As reported by CBS News, "Polly Holliday, a Tony Award-nominated screen and stage actor who turned the catchphrase "Kiss my grits!" into a national retort as the gum-chewing, beehive-wearing waitress aboard the long-running CBS sitcom "Alice," died at age 88 on September 9. "Alice" ran from 1976 to 1985, but Holliday had turned into such a star that the network gave her her own short-lived spin-off called "Flo" in 1980. It lasted a year. Holliday earned four Golden Globe nominations and won one in 1980 for "Alice," as well as four Emmy Award nominations, three for "Alice" and one for "Flo." As for the "Kiss my grits!" line, the Alabama-born Holliday was quick to distance herself from it, telling interviewers that the line was "pure Hollywood" and not a regional saying. But she identified with Flo."
Holliday told The Sarasota Herald-Tribune in 2003, "Flo was a Southern woman you see in a lot of places. Not well educated, but very sharp, with a sense of humor and a resolve not to let life get her down."
DEATH OF STEVE HAYDEN
You may not recognize the name, but if you're a marketing or tech pro, you know his work. As reported by MSN, "The advertising world recently paused to mourn the passing of Steve Hayden, a creative force whose ingenuity reshaped modern marketing. Hayden, an award-winning writer and executive, died on August 27 in Patchogue, New York, at the age of 78. His career was marked by a profound ability to blend strategic thinking with compelling storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on some of the most recognizable brands of his era. His legacy is most famously tied to his pivotal role in crafting Apple’s ‘1984’ commercial for the Macintosh computer. This 60-second spot, aired just once during the Super Bowl on January 22, 1984, transcended traditional advertising to become a cultural touchstone. It introduced a revolutionary product without showing it and set a new standard for Super Bowl advertising, transforming it into an arena for cinematic and highbrow commercial art."
According to Ogilvy, "Steve Hayden was a copywriter at heart, a craftsman who believed in the power of words to move, to persuade, and to connect. As he once said, "If you want to be a great copywriter, please your reader." He lived that philosophy, always striving for clarity, impact, and a deep understanding of the audience. His commitment to the craft, his unwavering belief in the importance of compelling copy, and his ability to inspire those around him set a standard that continues to guide us."
DEATH OF ROBERT REDFORD
CNN reported, "The dashing actor and Oscar-winning director who eschewed his status as a Hollywood leading man to champion causes close to his heart, died on September 16 at age 89. During his youth in Southern California, because his family couldn’t afford a babysitter, Redford spent hours in the children’s section at the local library where he became fascinated with books on Greek and Roman mythology. Known for his starring roles in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and “All the President’s Men,” Redford also directed award-winning films such as “Ordinary People” and “A River Runs Through It.” His passion for the art of filmmaking led to his creation of the Sundance Institute, a nonprofit that supports independent film and theater and is known for its annual Sundance Film Festival. Redford was also a dedicated environmentalist, moving to Utah in 1961 and leading efforts to preserve the natural landscape of the state and the American West."
Redford once said, "The sad thing you have to work against, as a filmmaker, is held opinions about what works or doesn’t work. Sports movies don’t work, political movies don’t work, movies about the press don’t work – so I’ve done three of them."
DOG TAX IN ITALY
As reported by CNN Travel, "Well-traveled pets already get their own passports. Now, in an age of overtourism — where visitors are sometimes charged fees to counter their impact on inundated communities — there’s inevitably a tourist tax on dogs. Announced on September 24 and starting in 2026, owners of dogs visiting the northern Italian city of Bolzano will be hounded for a daily tax of 1.50 euros, just under $2, part of a wider and controversial clampdown on canines in the pristine destination, a gateway to the Dolomite mountains. They won’t be the only ones. Local owners are being asked to pay an annual tax of 100 euros per dog. The initiative is meant to offset the cost of street cleaning and to fund new parks designed exclusively for dogs and their owners. The tax comes on the heels of another contentious measure: requiring owners to pay to have their dogs’ DNA registered so that uncollected droppings can be matched to the culprit and fines issued. Dog owners who fail to pick up after their pets currently face penalties of up to 600 euros per violation."
SWISS WATCHMAKER
CNN reported that, "Swatch, the Swiss watchmaker, is trolling the 39 percent tariffs that the United States placed on its home country by selling a watch that flips the location of the 3 and 9 numerals. The new watch — dubbed “WHAT IF...TARIFFS?” — is inspired by the “current events unfolding in today’s world,” according to the description on the company's website. The inversion of Arabic numerals 3 and 9 on the dial subtly references the number 39. Swatch jokes that the new watch is “hopefully just a limited edition.” The watch is available only in Switzerland and therefore won’t be subject to the 39 percent tariffs - among the highest imposed on a European country by President Trump. The brand will stop selling the watch when a deal is reached between the United States and Switzerland.
The United States is the biggest customer of Swiss watches, with exports amounting to $5.4 billion in 2024, according to data from the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry. Switzerland was shocked by the sky-high tariffs, Swiss media reported during August, and its leaders are still figuring out how to improve relations with the Trump administration. And Rolex, another major Swiss company and maker of luxury timepieces, has also made efforts to improve Swiss-American relations."
APPRECIATION OF MATH DAY
Do you know the significance of the date 9/16/25? All three numbers are perfect squares. Three times three equals 9, four times four equals 16, and five times five equals 25. And those perfect squares come from three consecutive numbers: three, four, and five. And even better for math fans, three, four, and five are what's called a Pythagorean triple. The sum of three times three (9) added to the sum of four times four (16) equals the sum of five times five (25). That is the most famous theorem in all of mathematics: the Pythagorean Theorem: a squared plus b squared equals c squared.
According to NPR, "There are no other dates this century that meet all these conditions, so most of us will experience it just once in our lifetime."
FUTURE OF AD SPENDING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
As reported by Marketing Dive, "Unilever's pledge to commit half of its ad spend to social is just one piece of a larger evolution for a category trying to shed its stodginess and win over Gen Z."
According to Nick Valenti, CEO of agency Madin, "[A bigger pivot to the social-first model] largely has to do with capturing the next generation and FOMO (fear of missing out). Gen Z no longer goes looking for information. It finds them through the feeds they live in. Social is where they form taste, trust, and identity. Tools for measurement and brand safety help, but the deeper truth is behavioral: if you’re not where the next generation discovers meaning, you don’t exist to them."
What other recent marketing buzz caught your attention? Since there's always something happening that impacts marketing, read #DebbieLaskeysBlog for the scoop!
Image Credits: Nike and Krispy Kreme.
Read the ACLU's open letter to defend free speech:
https://www.aclu.org/defend-free-speech-letter-kimmel
Read Jimmy Kimmel's full monologue from September 23, 2025:
https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/24/business/monologue-transcript-kimmel-return
Read all the particulars about the ABS Challenge System before the 2026 season begins:
https://www.mlb.com/news/abs-challenge-system-mlb-2026
Read more from Nike:
https://about.nike.com/en/newsroom/releases/nike-why-do-it-campaign/
Read the history of Apple's "1984" ad:
https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/08/29/1984-macintosh-ad-writer-steve-hayen-dies-aged-78
Read "How legacy CPG brands can crack the social-first marketing code" from Marketing Dive:
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