Jihadi John target of drone strike
The fate of Jihadi John, seen in various gruesome beheading videos, is unknown after a US drone strike targeted the ISIS propagandist on Thursday. UK Prime Minister David Cameron said Friday morning that he could not confirm the executioner was dead.
Fantasy fans take to the streets
FanDuel and DraftKings have encouraged customers to protest Friday morning outside the Manhattan office of New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who issued a cease-and-desist order against them this week. They’ve also beefed up comms and public affairs support, though Bloomberg reports DraftKings is trying to lower its profile.
Southwest’s Hardage to retire
Ginger Hardage, the top communications executive at Southwest Airlines, is calling it a career at the end of this year after 25 years at the company. SVP of customers and culture Teresa Laraba and VP and CCO Linda Rutherford are each taking over parts of her role.
Nordstrom takes Hanukkah sweater off the rack
Bowing to pressure on social media, retailer Nordstrom has pulled a Hanukkah sweater from its holiday lineup. Some complained the sweater, which had "Chai Maintenance" written across the chest, reinforced negative stereotypes of Jewish women.
New Sanders strategy for Saturday debate
In what could be a make-or-break moment for his campaign, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is preparing new lines of attack for Saturday night’s Democratic debate, hoping to hit Hillary Rodham Clinton on trade, gun control, and her email use while running the State Department. Twitter is partnering with CBS News on the event, which will take place in Des Moines, Iowa. The Republicans are heading for a weekend summit outside of Orlando, Florida.
Activists want Yik Yak to take on hate speech
A lawyer for a group of women’s and civil rights groups is demanding anonymous social media app Yik Yak do more to halt hate speech on its platform. Two men were arrested this week for posting threats to University of Missouri students and staff via the app.
Pork plant tightens controls after video surfaces
Quality Pork Processors has tightened controls at its Austin, Minnesota, facility after Hormel, its only customer, demanded it do so. An undercover video of poor conditions at the plant surfaced this week, showing employees slitting the throats of pigs and other poor treatment of animals.
