Morning Brew Daily

Walmart is strategically attracting high-income shoppers, reporting impressive earnings as they gear up for the holidays. Jersey Mike's is making waves with an $8 billion investment from Blackstone, positioning itself as a contender against Subway. Meanwhile, Jaguar is rebranding for the ultra-luxury electric vehicle market. Northwestern is pushing boundaries with plans for a groundbreaking stadium experience. Tune in for insights on these trends and the latest headlines to keep you informed!

Spirit Airlines’ recent bankruptcy reveals struggles within the budget airline industry, with challenges heightened after the pandemic. The new FCC chair, Brendan Carr, is stirring up debates on Big Tech regulation while a Pew report shows that social media influencers are gaining ground as news sources. Additionally, dermatology is becoming a hot career choice, driven by social media trends and a desire for work-life balance. The episode wraps up with insights into the evolving media landscape and the broader implications for various industries.

Netflix's foray into live sports faced major glitches, frustrating viewers during a highly anticipated event. Tensions rose between Trump and Musk over potential Treasury Secretary picks. Meanwhile, the NBA secured a deal with Warner Bros. to keep their content alive on streaming. The decline of spam calls is notable, thanks to regulatory efforts battling rising scams. Plus, pop artists are making surprising country music moves, and essential financial news rounds out the conversation, setting the stage for the week ahead.

Meta faces an antitrust trial that could split Instagram and WhatsApp from the tech giant. Disney shines in the spotlight with rising Disney+ subscriptions, raising questions about Bob Iger's legacy. The electric vehicle sector feels the heat as tax credit changes loom. Meanwhile, satirical front-runner The Onion makes waves by acquiring InfoWars, prompting discussions about media accountability. Plus, the latest headlines round out your weekend news.

A massive loss of $6.5 billion marks Grubhub's acquisition by Wonder Group, raising questions about its future in a competitive delivery market. As some users abandon X for new platforms, brands are contemplating a return. NYC's new bill shifts broker fees from renters to landlords, potentially easing financial burdens. Additional insights include Amazon's market maneuvers, NFL bettors defying the odds, and Netflix's intriguing podcast evolution. Finally, updates on Red Lobster's hush puppies and Spotify's video venture add a dash of flavor to the discussion.

Wall Street is seeing a comeback with rising bonuses for finance professionals after a two-year slump. Activist investor Elliott Management is shaking things up at Honeywell, calling for significant restructuring. Meanwhile, the futuristic city of Neom faces setbacks with the sudden departure of its CEO. On the tech front, Amazon is innovating with smart glasses for delivery drivers to streamline operations. The chat wraps up with insights on today's biggest headlines.

Discussing the economic repercussions of potential mass deportations, the hosts highlight the vital role undocumented immigrants play in various sectors, positing a staggering potential GDP loss. A surprising mishap led to Mattel accidentally linking dolls to a porn site for the ‘Wicked’ movie, prompting damage control. They also explore the challenges faced by educational platforms like Chegg amid AI disruptions. As COP29 kicks off, questions about U.S. climate commitments loom large, making for a compelling conversation.

Bitcoin is making headlines as it crosses $80,000, fueled by political changes and crypto-backed candidates. Barnes & Noble is making a comeback with plans to open 60 new stores, focusing on community engagement. The Grammy nominations are creating buzz with Beyoncé’s records and some surprising snubs. Plus, New York’s congestion pricing faces political tension and logistical challenges, while global sporting events await new regulatory influences.

The discussion dives into the potential economic shift as Trump heads back into the presidency and how that affects the Federal Reserve's strategies. Despite a drop in inflation, mortgage rates are still climbing, leaving many puzzled. The implications of proposed tariffs on trade, especially with China and Europe, are analyzed, revealing potential price hikes for consumers. A humorous twist is added with tales of monkeys on the loose, while serious reflections on retail challenges and FDA proposals keep things engaging.

Elon Musk's wealth surged following the election, thanks to a Tesla stock boost. The reemergence of mergers and acquisitions could reshape the market landscape. Discussions around government contracts raise questions about potential conflicts of interest for Musk. Meanwhile, TGI Fridays faces a $50M dilemma with unclaimed gift cards amid its bankruptcy struggles. The impact of economic perceptions on voter decisions is also explored, alongside Starbucks' festive innovations and a marathon controversy that ignites online debates.