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Good morning.Arnold Schwarzenegger may appear to be the kind of person who chugs protein shakes, but he told BIHe adheres to a diet that is 70% composed of plant-based foods..

In today’s major news, federal employees are receiving their paychecks, but the amounts will be lower due to the continuing government shutdown.Some of them shared with us how they are handling it.

What’s on deck:

Markets: A glimpse into JPMorgan’s newly established headquarters. (Thank you, TikTok.)

Tech: Google just reversed its position after a BI report on acontroversial approach linked to an external AI tool.

Business: The views and moments fromBari Weiss’ big bash.

But initially, the number is low.

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The big story

Payday panic

Not noticing the impact of the government shutdown yet? Federal employees are soon going to experience it in their paychecks.

Over 658,000 federal employees who are being paid today are receiving smaller-than-usual paychecks due to the shutdown, with conditions expected to deteriorate further. BI interviewed almost a dozen workers from different agencies.those who are either on unpaid leave or working without compensation.

These paychecks cover only three days of lost wages from October 1, when the shutdown began, up to October 3. However, if the situation persists, it will get worse.

On Tuesday, an additional 686,000 employees will get reduced paychecks. On Wednesday, 1.7 million active-duty personnel will not receive their full paychecks.

A federal worker, with over three decades of experience in government service, shared with BI that she may not be able to afford her medications if the shutdown persists. A NASA employee mentioned that some staff might end up using credit cards to cover expenses.

The administration, on the other hand, continues to assert that Democrats are causing delays.

“The Democrats’ choice to close the government in pursuit of free healthcare for undocumented immigrants is negatively affecting every American,” Abigail Jackson, a White House spokesperson, stated in a message to BI.

Resuming government operations may not mark the conclusion of employees’ challenges.

Furloughed employees are not necessarily assured of back pay, according to a preliminary memo from the Office of Management and Budget obtained by Business Insider.

It is uncertain whether this is legally binding, as a 2019 law is generally seen as ensuring back pay after a government shutdown. Additionally, guidance from the White House Office of Personnel Management last month indicated, “retroactive pay will be issued as soon as possible.”

If the White House decided to stop paying salaries, the consequences might extend beyond the employees.

USAA, a financial institution serving military personnel, veterans, and their families, is providing interest-free loans matching the paychecks of affected federal employees. The bank approved and disbursed $85 million for approximately 23,000 loans within the first 24 hours the initiative launched. Navy Federal Credit Union has also introduced a comparable program.

And it’s not only banks that are helping to close the gap during the government shutdown, but also … the government.

The Maryland Department of Labor’s newly introduced Federal Shutdown Loan initiative has already garnered over 300 applications.

3 things in markets

1. A TikTok exploration of JPMorgan’s latest headquarters.As staff start to occupy the 60-floor, $3 billion Park Avenue high-rise, a small number are offering sneak peeks into their daily routines at work.Check out the food court, fitness center, and biometric identification. through their eyes.

2. The supremacy of the dollar is acceptable, in fact.This year has centered on gold, as the valuable metal has increased by 53% so far this year. Its rapid rise has raised some worries regarding possible effects on the dollar, however. Two figures demonstratewhy is the greenback still the dominant currency.

3. The real estate sector is showing indications of trouble.Foreclosure rates have been increasing consistently lately. The number of homes entering foreclosure proceedingsjumped to 17% in the previous quarter, according to the data provider ATTOM. This increase highlights the expensive nature of home ownership and growing financial pressure.

3 things in tech

1. Google changes its stance on AI health policy.The major technology company is now stating that employees are no longer needed to choose to share their personal information with a third-party AI tool following reports of employee dissatisfaction with the policy. Google statedemployees will continue to qualify for health insurance coverageno matter if they decide to participate or not.Read more about Nayya, the startup found itself in the middle.

2. Is legal technology too specialized to be beneficial?Legal-tech companies have already secured $320 million this month. However, some industry experts are questioning whether general-purpose AI is “sufficient” for legal tasks. For the time being, investors are hoping that startups canout-specialize their all-purpose rivals.

3. Does it seem like everyone nearby is utilizing ChatGPT?Researchers from OpenAI, Duke, and Harvard mentioned last month that ChatGPT had approximately 700 million monthly users, roughly10 percent of the global adult population. If Sam Altman has his say, that number will continue to increase — he’s been on adealmaking tearthat indicates no signs of decelerating.

3 things in business

1. Socializing with Bari Weiss and Palmer Luckey.The founder of The Free Press marked her new role as editor in chief of CBS News with a Washington, D.C. gathering filled with like-minded individuals. BI’s Julia Hornstein noted plenty of yacht rock, sweet drinks, and at least one”Hot Girls for Capitalism” shirt.

2. The states that are not providing C-section statistics.Approximately 10% of pregnant women have a cesarean section that is not medically required. According to experts, the most effective way to prevent this is to select a hospital with low C-section rates, but only 11 states provide this information in an easy-to-access manner, as reported by BI. Healthcare professionals, researchers, and consumer advocates argue that states keeping this data confidential prevents expectant mothers from making informed decisions.essential details regarding their medical care.

3. Enthusiastic Disney fans are not concerned about increased park fees.On the other hand, the Mature Mouseketeers claim that the price increases are positive. They believe that higher prices willdeter some visitors, resulting in less congested parks. (And additional rides on Space Mountain.)

In other news

David Ellison acquired Paramount. It now appears thatWarner Bros. might be the next one on his list.

Sora 2 is attracting a large number of young male fans.This doesn’t bode well — trust me.

Meta refused to hand over AI chatbot records in the lawsuit,setting up court fight.

Disney salaries revealed: What is the income of analysts, engineers, and others in 2025?

Reddit takes on Madison Avenue witha key advertising hire.

Gen Alpha enjoys a photo dump — and a social media startup islooking to capitalize.

20 stocks are poised to spikeThis earnings season, Goldman Sachs states.

The chief executive officer of the ‘AI companion’ startup Replika ismoving aside to start a new business.

PepsiCo’s CEO says fiber will be the next protein.

What’s happening today

• Recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize revealed.
• Annual session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

Dan DeFrancesco, deputy executive editor and anchor, based in New York.Meghan Morris, chief bureau, in Singapore.Akin Oyedele, deputy editor, in New York.Grace Lett, editor, in New York.Amanda Yen, assistant editor, in New York.

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