Gillette's new ad, which focuses on a culture of "toxic masculinity" more than it does actual shaving, seems to be sitting well with consumers, according to new data from Morning Consult.
Why it matters: The new polling suggests that internet backlash over the controversial ad has been overstated, and that while the ad may not immediately increase Gillette's sales, it was generally received well by consumers.
Former CBS chairman and CEO Les Moonves has told CBS' board that he intends to dispute its ruling to strip him of his $120 million severance after he was fired with cause, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The network pulled the payment after an internal investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.
Why it matters: Sources at CBS and within the industry say that Moonves' ego ultimately prevented a more graceful exit at CBS. His reluctance to step down after initial reports about his behavior, his attempts to undermine investigations, and his current fight to keep his money all highlight the extent to which he is willing to fight these allegations at the expense of his reputation.
Nordstrom, one of the few retail market bright spots in 2018, announced earnings and guidance on Wednesday that were unimpressive.
By the numbers: The company projected earnings per share for fiscal 2018 will fall to the lower end of its $3.27 to $3.37 range and noted weakness in its full-price stores, where same-store sales rose by 0.3%. It will resort to promotions to unload the excess inventory. Nordstrom's stock fell 5% as a result.
The New York Times has published a series of portraits to document the record 131 women in Congress, evoking the imagery we're used to seeing in the halls of power.
What they're saying: "Viewed together, the photographs demonstrate the scale of the number of women in both the House and Senate. But, when seen as singular portraits, each image represents an individual with her own perspective — in political beliefs, personal goals and histories."
One of the hardest things about reporting on President Trump is his tendency to propose wild ideas out loud and then repeat them before coming to his senses or getting talked off the ledge.
The big picture: The media, us very much included, break news on controversial ideas that never happen, leaving all of us to wonder: Was this a real idea killed by exposing it or a POTUS brain blip? It’s the virtual reality dimension of this presidency.
European Central Bank President Mario Draghi gave hints that he may continue the central bank's bond-buying program through this year, saying the economy of the 28-member bloc is weaker than he previously expected.
What's happening: The central bank just last month began to phase out its bond purchase stimulus program that has totaled 2.5 trillion euros, in a first step toward higher interest rates. Interest rates on some deposits are still negative in the euro zone.
Why it matters: The stats only underscore the unbelievable media power of the 29-year-old House freshman. The video, meant to garner negative press on the eve of her swearing-in, backfired as an opposition play and took on new life as a meme, nearly tripling the consumption of a song approaching its 10th anniversary.
Economic data is pointing downward and investor sentiment is turning negative.
Driving the news: Perhaps most worrisome is the massive pile of highly leveraged debt that continues to grow. Bank of America-Merrill Lynch's monthly survey of fund managers finds that, for the first time since 2009, corporate leverage is the top concern among investors surveyed.
Sears Chairman Eddie Lampert won a bankruptcy auction for the ailing department store chain with a boosted $5.2 billion bid, which could save some of its 425 stores and 45,000 jobs, Reuters reports.
Yes, but: The deal could still fall apart as it still requires approval from a bankruptcy judge — and a group of creditors is objecting to the deal. A hearing is likely to take place later this week.
U.S. companies — desperate for workers despite the threat of recession — are lowering the qualifications they've previously demanded of new employees. But they arefinding that many long-term jobless Americans first require training and help in the very basics — getting to work, doing so on time, and paying for any required uniforms.
What's happening: Cities across the U.S. are stepping in with "life and employment skills" classes and assistance for Americans who have been left out of the economy — former convicts, ex-drug addicts, and others at the fringes.
The editorial boards of two major newspapers in Iowa — the Des Moines Register and the Sioux City Journal — called on embattled Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) to resign Tuesday in the wake of growing scrutiny over the congressman's racist comments in the New York Times.
The backdrop: The editorials were published on the same day the House passed a resolution condemning King, who questioned in a Times story last week when terms like "white nationalist," "white supremacist" and "Western civilization" had become offensive. The comments sparked backlash from House Democrats and Republicans, who voted Monday to strip King of his committee seats.
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