🎃Spooky Spending: Unmasking the Halloween Splurge

Welcome to the Thursday Newsletter, where we cover top industry news stories to keep you in the know.

Good morning. Ah, the juxtaposition of autumn—where we bundle up in coats for the morning commute, only to blast the A/C on the drive home. If you're on the hunt for a less conventional method to combat the morning chill, your spicy salvation is here. The Carolina Reaper has officially passed the torch to a new pepper, as recognized by The Guinness Book of World Records.

Meet the usurper: Pepper X, the brainchild of none other than Ed Currie. It seems Currie has been stewing over this creation for a decade, and his spicy endeavor has paid off. Measured at a scorching 2,693,000 Scoville Heat Units, Pepper X is here to blaze a fiery trail through the crisp fall air. A dash of this fiery fruit is sure to kick the autumn cold to the curb and heat up your mornings.

_{-Bailey Hepler, Mikael Hall}

ENVIRONMENT

Ebay Slapped with a Whopping $1.9 Billion Fine Over "Rolling Coal" Device Sales

Just as you might feel like you're coughing up a lung when driving behind a truck that's 'rolling coal', eBay could cough up a hefty fine for selling the devices that enable it.

The DOJ (Department of Justice) filed a lawsuit against eBay, accusing the platform of facilitating the sale of 343,011 aftermarket emissions defeat devices. These devices and other products are in violation of the Clean Air Act. Due to these alleged infringements, eBay could be subjected to billions in penalties.

Fines. For each violation of the Clean Air Act (343,011 counts), eBay faces $5,580 in fines. These violations could relate to the sale of various products, including ECU tuners, aftermarket exhausts, and other parts that alter factory emissions systems.

EBay defends. eBay has responded to the allegations by labeling the lawsuit as "entirely unprecedented." The e-commerce giant is firm in its stance to defend itself and emphasizes its commitment to providing a "safe and trusted marketplace." eBay also points out its proactive measures, stating that it has removed and blocked "more than 99.9%" of the listings that the DOJ has cited in its complaint.

Big Picture. The DOJ is taking a stringent stance against pollution and environmental violations. Their lawsuit against eBay for violating the Clean Air Act indicates a proactive approach to enforcing environmental regulations.

WORLD

U.S. Set to Deploy 2,000 Troops Amid Rising Israel-Hamas Conflict

When even Russian President Vladimir Putin calls for a peaceful resolution to international conflicts, you know it's time to take action. At least that’s how President Joe Biden sees it. Amid rising tensions between Israel and Hamas, Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the U.S.'s commitment to Israel and discussed coordination with the United Nations for humanitarian aid.

Approximately 2,000 U.S. troops are on standby for potential deployment. It’s important to note that they won't be stationed in Israel, but may be assigned to neighboring countries in supportive roles, ranging from medical assistance to security tasks.

• International Responses. The EU has tripled its humanitarian aid for Gaza to nearly $80 million, aiming to provide relief to civilians.

• Impact on Americans. The conflict has taken a toll on American lives, with a death toll reaching 30 and 13 still missing. On a different note, U.S. gas prices have seen a decline, with the national average dropping by approximately 12 cents.

EDUCATION

The Decline of ACT Scores: A Closer Look

Students in the class of 2023 botched their ACT scores so poorly, performance on the test is at a 30-year low. The recent revelation of low ACT scores have raised eyebrows and prompted the question, “what’s changed?”

😷The Pandemic's Impact. The class of 2023, often referred to as the "COVID cohort", began their high school journey amidst the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic. The shift to remote learning and lack of in-person interactions have played a role in the decline of scores. (Maybe don’t let your hybrid-supportive boss see this).

💯The Emphasis on GPA. While ACT scores have seen a decline, there's been a noticeable rise in student GPAs. This could indicate a shift in focus from standardized testing to overall academic performance throughout the year. Many parents believe teachers have gotten relaxed on the rigor of earning an “A”, compounding on the poor test scores.

🎓Changing College Admission Policies. Many colleges and universities have transitioned to test-optional admissions in light of the pandemic. Institutions like the University of California system and Harvard College have either removed or suspended standardized testing requirements, reducing the emphasis on ACT preparation.

👩‍💼A Call for Systemic Change. ACT CEO Janet Godwin has emphasized that more needs to be done to ensure graduates are genuinely ready for college. Low ACT scores require a holistic solution, involving policy changes, educators, and the community.

HALLOWEEN

Record Halloween spending & this year’s top costumes

As quickly as cherry blossoms bloom in the spring, Spirit Halloween stores pop up in the fall. This elusive niche costume and décor shop loves making an appearance once the air gets crisp, and for good reason.

2023 has witnessed an unprecedented surge in Halloween spending. Consumers have opened their wallets this year, pushing the total Halloween spending to a staggering $12.2 billion. This figure overshadows the previous year's total by almost $2 billion. A significant chunk of this expenditure, $4.1 billion to be precise, has been allocated solely for costumes.

Timeless Costumes for Adults. While new trends emerge every year, some choices remain timeless. The allure of the classic witch and vampire costumes remains undiminished. Data from the National Retail Federation (NRF) reveals that 5.8 million enthusiasts are gearing up to don the witch's hat, while 2.4 million are set to transform into vampires.

🎀Pop Culture's Influence. Movie releases always influence costume choices, and you guessed it…

• The Barbie movie's blockbuster success has spurred approximately 1.8 million people to choose Barbie-themed costumes.

• Addams Family

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

• Additionally, a nostalgic wave has brought the 1970s back into the limelight, with tie-dye, bell bottoms, and fringed dresses becoming the go-to choices for many.

🐶Paw *Control. Our furry friends aren't left behind in the Halloween festivities. The trend of dressing up pets has seen an uptick, with pumpkins, hot dogs, and bats being top picks. Pet costume spending saw a $200 million increase.

SPORTS & POP

Peloton Live TV, Intuit Dome, F.A.T.H.

🚲Peloton Live TV. Partnerships to land live sports are now expanding from linear TV networks and Tech Giants to popular exercise equipment and media company, Peloton. Launching during the NBA season that tips off next week, Peloton will soon offer live NBA and WNBA games from compatible devices through its new entertainment hub, marking the first time it has paired any live sports broadcasts to its product. Members of the subscription package NBA League Pass can access live and on-demand games while working out on the company’s bikes, treadmills, and rowers. On top of media rights for live and on-demand games, Peloton will create NBA and WNBA-themed classes during their respective seasons.

🏀Clippers Arena. In what seems to be an arms race between sports franchises building new stadiums and arenas, the Los Angeles Clippers are one year away from a brand new $1.2 billion arena called the Intuit Dome. The new stadium is projected to bring $260 million and 7,000 jobs to the arena to the community, and around 30 percent will go to Inglewood residents. The new stadium will boast:

• Power jacks at every seat

• Twice as many toilets as any other NBA arena

• Massive two-sided halo video screen that will sit above the court replacing the conventional jumbotron

• Bathroom Tech

• More parking

• Arena entry are designed to get fans to their seats as quickly as possible in order to provide a hassle-free experience.

🥇For All the Hits. The most popular rapper on the planet and most prolific hit-maker in music has now tied Michael Jackson with the most number one songs for a solo male artist. After the release of his studio album, For All of the Dogs, Drake has officially charted 13 songs at No. 1 with the ‘First Person Shooter’ with J. Cole. For All the Dogs also debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album, with six other songs cracking the top 10.

_{-Written by Mikael Hall}

THURSDAY SHORTS

• 📷Photo of the Week: “Luca Melcarne, a mountain guide in France's Vercors Regional Natural Park, photographed this ibex after spending a bitterly cold night in a temporary shelter. He first had to thaw the camera with his breath. His effort and skill earned him the Rising Star Portfolio Award.” - BBC Science

• 🏠The median age of homebuyers has rose to the highest recorded age of 36, for data going back to 1981 when we began tracking the stat. “I’m tired of this, Grandpa!”

• A cutting edge surgery that fuses bone with metal and electrodes was performed for the first time, giving Swedish woman robotic prosthetic controlled with her mind.

• California becomes third state to pass right-to-repair act guaranteeing seven years of parts for your phone.