🌶️ Emily Blunt’s apology

Happy Wednesday! It’s October 25 — people are talking about Hamas’s latest hostage releases, Emily Blunt’s apology, and more.

As always, we’ve summarized and organized the different shades of perspective, so you can see the big picture quickly. Here at Shades we believe that seeing multiple points of view is the best way to stay informed.

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🇮🇱 In the news: Hamas releases two hostages

On October 23, Hamas released 2 Israeli hostages — 3 days after they released 2 Israeli-American hostages. They are still holding around 200 people hostage.

🇮🇱 Hot Air thinks Hamas will drag out the hostage releases as long as possible — it’s their protection from the Israeli siege.

🇮🇱 Fox News says America shouldn't rely on Israel and Qatar to get their hostages home. The US should lead its own rescue efforts.

🇮🇱 But CNN disagreed — the best way to ensure the safety of the hostages is to continue with negotiations, and Qatar is well equipped to mediate.

🇮🇱 Common Dreams had a different take: A cease-fire would protect the lives of hostages and other innocent civilians. That's the best-case scenario.

🌶️ Cultural trend: Emily Blunt’s apology

A 2012 clip resurfaced of Hollywood star Emily Blunt calling a server at Chili’s “enormous” and making fun of her. After facing backlash, Blunt apologized.

🌶️ @PopCrave provided the original interview footage from 2012 here.

🌶️ Outkick thought her apology was completely unnecessary: What she said was not a big deal. Blunt's “groveling” is silly.

🌶️ But @meredithmlynch said the apology was not good enough. Blunt used a poor waitress as a punchline — she should apologize to her directly!

🌶️ Blunt's apology had its fans, though. @juleesssy said it's normal to cringe at things we've said in the past. Good on Blunt for apologizing.

Quick hits

🧼 A 14-year-old from Virginia was named "America’s top young scientist" after he developed a bar of soap that helps treat skin cancer. (The Guardian)

⚾ The Arizona Diamondbacks topped the Phillies in the NLCS and will play the Texas Rangers in the World Series. (ESPN)

🏛️ The House GOP nominated Mike Johnson after a bid to elect Rep. Tom Emmer failed. (NYT)

⏸️ The US and Russia are both calling for a pause in the Israel-Hamas war to provide more humanitarian aid to people in the Gaza Strip. (Reuters)

That’s it for today. Reply to [email protected] with any feedback, or ideas for tomorrow’s topics!

- Jeff (co-founder of Shades)