McDonald's to require masks; becoming a comms futurist; Breaking through during Congress' recess; 'Mixternal' tips; and more

DAILY SCOOP

McDonald’s to require masks, Everlane addresses claims of racism and toxic culture, and Microsoft teams up with NBA on virtual fan experience

Also: Red Robin maps out consumer decisions, Frito-Lay highlights its offerings in its 2020 Snack Index, O: The Oprah Magazine to stop printing, and more.

HOW WE DID IT

How to move from communications firefighting to futuring

Stagwell’s Ray Day reflects on his time in the auto industry during the Great Recession of 2008 and how that experience taught him to make bold moves in the face of adversity.

COVID-19

The importance of digital media during Congress’ summer recess

With the COVID-19 crisis changing so much for lawmakers, PR pros and lobbyists who want to have an impact must embrace digital channels.

PR INDUSTRY

11 benefits of mixternal collaboration

E.W. Scripps’ Kari Wethington and Beth Welter share why—and how—internal and external communications teams can collaborate better.

WRITING & EDITING

3 keys to simple, succinct and clear communication

As word counts grow, your readers’ concentration and comprehension will slow. Try these tips to keep content nice and tidy.

DAILY SCOOP

Hearst president resigns after sexual harassment claims, Twitter to test subscriptions as revenues fall, and Seattle’s NHL team releases the ‘Kraken’

Also: The future of the workplace relies on a culture of meaning, Hotels.com’s robe brings roadtrips to the consumer, Waffle House celebrates National Tequila Day, and more.

VISUAL & VIDEO COMMUNICATIONS

How Mars Petcare used Facebook tools to create a hotline during COVID-19

The pet brand wanted to provide pet owners with reliable information during the pandemic, so it created a hotline with social media tools.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Why PR agency chief Kathy Tunheim is hopeful for the future

As chief executive of her Twin Cities firm, she makes time for exercise and family while still ensuring clients get top-quality service.

LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATIONS

How communicators can improve financial literacy—and secure a better seat at the table

Upping your business acumen can increase your effectiveness and boost your authority. Here’s what you need to know.

DAILY SCOOP

NYT acquires ‘Serial’ production company, Nike braces for layoffs, and KFC crocs are coming soon

Also: Hershey tweets visuals highlighting second-quarter results, Starburst celebrates self-care with branded kit, Facebook examines racial bias and more.

THE WORKPLACE

5 health barriers working women face—and how to break them

It’s been 100 years since U.S. women won voting rights. Communicators, ensure that women won’t wait as long to rid the workplace of unfair health barriers.

THE WORKPLACE

Research: WFH employees feel pressured to ‘over-perform’

New data reveals insights into the mental and emotional tolls of telecommuting, which employers should be mindful of as the pandemic persists.

SOCIAL MEDIA

How travel brands can fill the social media void

As organizations in the travel and hospitality space adapt to the reality fo the global pandemic, there’s still a way for them to engage on social media platforms, even without user-generated content.

LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATIONS

Why your CEO might not be your best messenger

Though it’s important for some messages to come from top leaders, sometimes authenticity requires turning to someone other than your chief executive.