Government services have hit pause as the federal shutdown drags into Day 13. Agencies go dark, unions sue, and the White House tests the limits of executive power, leaving millions wondering how long the stalemate will last. 

In this episode, host Pete Newsome unpacks what the shutdown really means for federal employees, contractors, and local economies, and why the next big decision could come from the courts, not Congress.

Then we turn to the American consumer. Confidence held steady in October, but optimism is fragile. Inflation, tighter budgets, and a softer job market are reshaping how households spend, save, and borrow heading into the holidays.

Meanwhile, a new report confirms the AI divide is real: workers using AI daily earn 40% more than those who don’t. Gen Z professionals are seeing the biggest jumps, but with most employers offering little to no AI training, self-directed learning has become one of the fastest ways to boost your career and earning potential.

Pete also breaks down Amazon’s plan to hire 250,000 new workers across the U.S., including rural communities, offering seasonal pay near $19/hour and a potential bridge to long-term roles in logistics and e-commerce.

News Articles:
1. Vance warning: https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-vance-trump-furlough-congress-fired-6179d3359c0d6f547e963822d67c28b4
2. Consumer sentiment: https://www.sca.isr.umich.edu/
3. Nexford University AI readiness report: https://www.nexford.edu/research
4. Amazon hiring for the holidays: https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/workplace/amazon-seasonal-holiday-jobs-2025

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