Halloween has become more than just a day of costumes, candy, and haunted houses—it’s a multi-billion-dollar industry with significant economic impact. While traditionally rooted in ancient Celtic and Christian customs, Halloween has evolved into a commercial phenomenon in North America and beyond, with businesses and communities gearing up months in advance for the festivities. The holiday’s economic influence extends into sectors as varied as retail, entertainment, travel, and even agriculture, making it a vital contributor to the fall economy. Retail Spending on Costumes, Decorations, and Candy Halloween is one of the largest spending holidays in the U.S., second only to…
Author: David Wafula
Halloween, celebrated annually on October 31, has grown into one of the most widely observed and culturally rich holidays around the world. Known for costumes, trick-or-treating, haunted houses, and an overall spooky theme, Halloween brings communities together to embrace mystery, fear, and the unknown. But how did Halloween start, and why has it become the holiday we know today? In this article, we’ll dive into the origins of Halloween, how it is celebrated in different cultures, and the traditions and meanings behind this captivating holiday. The Origins of Halloween Halloween has deep-rooted origins that trace back over 2,000 years to…
Nakuru County Senator Susan Kihika has voiced concerns over what she perceives as an increasingly negative and almost unpatriotic outlook among Kenyans. Kihika’s comments follow public resistance to the government’s plan to lease Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for further development under a public-private partnership (PPP). Expressing her frustration, Kihika questioned what the public truly wants. “Good people, I’m sitting here wondering what Kenyans really want. You don’t want the President to borrow more money, but when we have investors for PPPs, you’re up in arms. You also don’t want internal revenue raised through the Finance Bill,” she said. The…
Starbucks is discontinuing its line of olive oil-infused “Oleato” drinks in the U.S. and Canada less than a year after their national launch. Starting in early November, the coffee chain will remove these beverages as part of new CEO Brian Niccol’s efforts to simplify the menu, which he described as “overly complex.” According to a source, the decision to end the drinks came before Niccol’s tenure began. The Oleato lineup, introduced with much fanfare, was developed by former CEO Howard Schultz. Inspired by his experience with an olive oil producer and his own habit of consuming olive oil daily, Schultz…
Dave Matthews Band announced on Tuesday that they will host a special benefit concert, “Soulshine,” at Madison Square Garden in New York City on November 24. The concert will follow the band’s two scheduled performances at the venue and aims to support those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The lineup for “Soulshine” includes popular acts like the Warren Haynes Band, hailing from storm-impacted Asheville, North Carolina, as well as Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats and Goose. Special guest performers will include Trey Anastasio, Mavis Staples, Robert Randolph, Trombone Shorty, Joe Russo, Susan Tedeschi, and Derek Trucks. Proceeds from…
The global rise of TikTok has made Zhang Yiming, co-founder of its parent company ByteDance, China’s wealthiest individual, with an estimated fortune of $49.3 billion (Sh7.3 trillion). This marks a 43% increase in his net worth since 2023, according to the Hurun Research Institute’s latest China Rich List. Though Zhang, 41, stepped down as ByteDance CEO in 2021, he still holds around a 20% stake in the company, which has seen massive success through TikTok, now one of the world’s most popular social media platforms. Despite concerns from several countries about ByteDance’s potential ties to the Chinese government, both ByteDance…
Mariah Carey, known as the “Queen of Christmas,” is reminding fans that another season comes first – voting season. In a playful video posted on social media Monday, Carey appears ready to perform her holiday classic, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” when actress Kerry Washington steps in with a message. “No, no, no,” Washington tells Carey. “It’s not your season yet, Mariah. It’s voting season.” She then asks Carey if she’s registered to vote and has a plan, to which Carey responds that she does, and she’s already acted on it. Washington celebrates Carey’s response, popping open a…
Singer Shawn Mendes took a moment during his Colorado concert on Monday to address personal questions surrounding his sexuality. Performing at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the 26-year-old Canadian artist paused his set to share what he called “the truth” about his journey. In a video shared widely on social media, Mendes reflected on his experience, saying, “Since I was really young, there’s been a lot of talk about my sexuality.” Mendes, who began his career at 15, explained that he sees sexuality as “beautifully complex” and doesn’t believe it should be defined in strict terms. “It always felt like an intrusion…
Grammy-winning Jamaican artist Sean Paul will return to Nairobi, Kenya, on December 1, 2024, for a major concert at the Waterfront 2 Gardens, Nairobi Jockey Club. Known for hits like Get Busy, Give Me the Light, and No Lie, Sean Paul will be headlining the event organized by Who Said Events and Win Group Agency. Organizers shared their excitement: “The wait is over! Sean Paul is coming to Nairobi! Get ready to sing along to all his hits and dance the night away!” This will be his first performance in Kenya since 2004, when he last thrilled fans but also…
President William Ruto expressed optimism about the positive impact of Kenya’s school feeding program on student learning and retention during the Second Ministerial Meeting of the Global School Meals Coalition. He reported that the program now supports 2.6 million students, a remarkable increase from just 240,000 in 2009, with a target to reach 10 million students by 2030. “The outcomes have been inspiring,” President Ruto stated, noting that the program has contributed to high enrollment, retention, and academic performance. Beyond education, he highlighted that the program is creating job opportunities and boosting the agricultural sector by sourcing locally. However, the…
The Kenyan government has disbursed Sh9 billion to the Social Health Authority (SHA) to settle overdue bills for healthcare facilities under the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). This funding, announced 29 days after SHA’s launch, aims to improve healthcare access across the country, according to Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Harry Kimtai. By the end of this week, the funds will be distributed, including Sh1 billion for the Linda Mama program to support free maternal healthcare. Speaking in Nakuru County during the launch of the Rift Region Multi-Sectoral Committee, Kimtai emphasized the ministry’s commitment to prompt payments, now processed within…
Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has revealed why he will not report an alleged bribery attempt to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), related to the recent impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Speaking on the Obina Show on Monday, Thang’wa stated that he was offered a substantial amount of cash from a car trunk by a colleague ahead of the impeachment vote, but he declined the offer. According to Thang’wa, only 13 senators refused the bribe, while the rest accepted it. When asked about the exact amount he was offered, Thang’wa replied, “There was a lot of it,”…
Pumpkin carving is a Halloween tradition that combines artistry, creativity, and a touch of spooky fun. Whether you’re looking for simple designs to try with kids or intricate carvings to impress neighbors and guests, there are endless ways to transform a pumpkin into a Halloween masterpiece. Below is a collection of creative pumpkin carving ideas, ranging from easy to advanced, that can elevate your Halloween decor this season. Classic Jack-o’-Lantern with a Twist Start with the classic triangle eyes and a jagged mouth but add flair by giving your jack-o’-lantern extra details like eyebrows, scars, or a crooked smile. Try…
US banking giant JP Morgan Chase is suing several customers accused of exploiting a glitch in its ATM system to illegally withdraw large sums of money. Dubbed the “infinite money glitch” on TikTok, the flaw allowed users to deposit large checks to themselves, withdraw funds immediately, and collect the cash before the checks were rejected. The lawsuits target two individuals and two businesses in Houston, Miami, and Los Angeles, demanding repayment with interest, coverage of overdraft fees, and legal expenses. In a statement included in court filings, JP Morgan emphasized its commitment to combatting fraud and holding those responsible accountable,…
Comedian Jay Johnston has been sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot. Johnston, 56, pleaded guilty in July to a felony charge for obstructing law enforcement as they attempted to stop rioters from breaching the U.S. Capitol. Known for his roles in shows like Bob’s Burgers, Mr. Show, and Arrested Development, Johnston’s Hollywood career came under scrutiny after he was identified as a participant in the Capitol attack. Following his identification, Johnston was removed from his role as Jimmy Pesto on Bob’s Burgers in December 2021. His lawyer…