Morning Brew Daily Government Shutdown = Mass Layoffs? & Quantum Trading is Here
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Sep 26, 2025 Toby and Neal dive into the potential economic fallout of a government shutdown, discussing the stark warnings on mass layoffs. Starbucks is closing 1% of its stores to revitalize the customer experience. CarMax shares are plummeting as the used-car market slows down. IBM teams up with HSBC for groundbreaking quantum-powered trading. Meanwhile, Amazon settles a hefty $2.5B with the FTC over deceptive practices. The hosts also explore fascinating geographic trends in plastic surgery across America.
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How Bill Nye Got His Name
- Neil Freeman and Toby Howell recount Bill Nye receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and his origin story as 'Bill Nye the Science Guy.'
- Toby Howell tells how a stand-up correction of 'Gigawatt' led to the nickname sticking during Almost Live performances.
Political Brinksmanship Spooks Markets
- Markets hate prolonged political brinksmanship because it injects uncertainty into spending and regulation decisions.
- Neil Freeman explains temporary furloughs usually bounce back, but permanent cuts change consumer behavior and market sentiment.
Prioritize Frontline Experience Over Corporate Layers
- Expect companies to favor store-level cuts and frontline hiring when reshaping customer experience strategies.
- Starbucks' CEO Brian Nichols is closing underperforming small pickup stores while hiring baristas to rebuild the 'third place' feel.