The Zeitgeist: July 12, 2024

Today’s Edition: Pickles, Rural America and Brat Green

Happy Friday! This week has been a whirlwind of events! The latest Consumer Price Index report is boosting confidence that America's inflation woes are easing. Meanwhile, the U.S. is sizzling with deadly heatwaves, while the Arctic Circle is ablaze with wildfires.

Tesla is hitting the brakes on its robotaxi event, pushing it back two months for more prototype perfection. Samsung's latest smartphone launch in Paris was all about the AI tech inside, featuring a surprise and awkward appearance by Sydney Sweeney. Also, the Mall of America’s use of facial recognition technology sparks concerns among privacy advocates and lawmakers.

In other news, this weekend will be a sports fan dream with the Copa America, Euro 2024, and Wimbledon finales all colliding on Sunday, July 14.

Campaigns

Earned-friendly campaigns & clever moments

Also, Claussen x Baked by Melissa pickle cupcakes, Ikea on the joy of missing out, McDonald’s limited-edition Special Grade Garlic Sauce on streaming service Crunchyroll, Taco Bell’s early retirement community, and Urban Outfitters ‘Shift Happens’

Culture 

Snackable bites of consumer culture

Corporate

Commerce

Shopper society snapshot

Connections

Feed intelligence

Media Moves:

  • The Seattle Times has hired Alex Halverson as a business reporter.

  • TechCrunch has appointed Max Zeff as a senior writer to cover consumer news, artificial intelligence, startups, and related topics.

  • Inc. magazine hired Rob Verger as its senior editor, overseeing technology coverage.

  • The Financial Times has named Claire Jones its global economy news editor. Jones has been with the FT since 2011.

  • The Information has hired Nathaniel Popper as bureau chief for its artificial intelligence and enterprise coverage. He will start July 17 and be based in San Francisco.

  • Aaron Gordon has been hired by Bloomberg News as a data reporter.

  • James Graff is joining The Washington Post’s Business staff as Tech Policy Editor, helping to drive coverage of efforts in Washington, state capitals, and nations worldwide.

  • Chris Rowland is stepping into a new role as editor of The Washington Post's transportation, energy, and healthcare teams.

  • NPR has hired Anna Yukhananov as its deputy Washington editor. She will oversee daily news coverage and work alongside Dana Farrington, the deputy Washington editor for planning.

  • Fox Weather correspondent Max Gorden is moving to a reporter role at Fox Business Network.

  • Sarah Douglass joined Quartz as executive editor, tasked with managing journalists, driving news planning and coverage, and strengthening and streamlining operations.

Also... from Barbiecore to girl dinner, here’s a glossary of popular TikTok trends from Fast Company.

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