Weed weddings could soon become... smokin' hot, Nathan writes.
State of play: Marijuana content creator Bob Ellison of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, is now doubling as a wedding planner specializing in cannabis-themed ceremonies, the USA Today Network reports.
His company, Weeded Bliss, offers a variety of options, including:
Bride and groom taking "tokes off a unity bong," according to the report.
Cannabis-infused mocktails.
"Cannabis sacrament."
"Marijuana stations."
💭 Nathan's thought bubble: Maybe pot-wedding couples should incorporate "for higher or for sober" into their wedding vows.
Mortgage rates dropped below 7% this week, marking a rapid descent since peaking near 8% roughly two months ago, per Freddie Mac's weekly data.
Why it matters: Lower borrowing costs will make homes a tad more affordable for buyers — though mortgages are still quite expensive by historical standards.
Here's what's new on Netflix, Apple TV+, Paramount+, Peacock, Prime and Hulu.
What we're watching: A women's national soccer team doc, the sequel to one of the most successful animated films ever and new movies from stars like Mark Wahlberg and Tommy Lee Jones are all hitting streaming.
Situational awareness: Get your pink back out; "Barbie" will make its streaming debut on Max Friday.
Despite falling gas prices, the Internal Revenue Service is increasing the "optional standard mileage rate" used to calculate tax deductions by 1.5 cents a mile for 2024.
Federal Reserve leadersaren't sure exactly how soon they'll cut rates, or by how much. The details of its playbook are yet to be written. But the broad outlines, revealed yesterday, sure are promising.
Why it matters: The end of the war on inflation is in sight. Barring some unpleasant economic surprises, the central bank is now prepared to take its foot off the brakes and move to a stance in which it is no longer actively trying to slow growth.
Central banks in Europe and the U.K. kept interest rates at historically high levels on Thursday, while officials pushed back on expectations that borrowing costs would be lowered anytime soon.
Why it matters: That stance contrasts with that of the the Federal Reserve, which all but declared the rate hiking cycle over and signaled cuts would be ahead in 2024.
An increasing number of Americans age 65 and older are working — and earning higher wages, per a study from the Pew Research Center out Thursday.
Why it matters: This is good for the economy, especially as the U.S. population ages — but whether or not it's good for older Americans is a bit more subjective.
Stocks jumped as the Federal Reserve hinted that significant rate cuts are on the way next year.
Why it matters: Hopes that rate hikes are finished have fueled this year's 22% rise in the S&P 500. The official statement from the U.S. central bank at 2pm ET on Wednesday — and subsequent remarks by chair Jerome Powell — largely confirmed that view.
Public transit ridership remains stubbornly below pre-pandemic levels in most major U.S. metro areas, per American Public Transportation Association (APTA) data.
Why it matters: Public transit — whether in the form of subway systems, buses, light rail or even cable cars — is key to cities' broader health and vibrancy.
In recent years a convergence has occurred in U.S. online searches bemoaning expensive items, according to a new Google Trends analysis.
The big picture: With the exception of this year's eggflation and last year's gas price crisis, what has most consistently puzzled U.S. consumers as far as rising costs go is revealed by their search for "Why is college so expensive?"
