In a government shutdown, the Bureau of Labor Statistics cannot issue its monthly employment report; without that federal data, economists are combining state data and private data like the ADP report to paint an accurate picture of the country’s labor market. President of the Chicago Federal Reserve Austan Goolsbee explains the gaps in an economic picture painted without federal data, and considers what’s next for the central bank’s monetary policy. The $20 billion AI startup Perplexity is out with a new browser, called “Comet.” Founder and CEO Aravind Srinivas views the tool as more of a personal AI assistant, and maps out his vision for a future with AI. Plus, Apple has removed apps that track ICE agents from the App Store, and California Governor Gavin Newsom is threatening to pull billions of dollars in state funding from any California university that signs on to President Trump’s proposal to offer preferential access to federal funding.

Aravind Srinivas - 12:41

Austan Goolsbee - 25:19

In this episode:

Aravind Srinivas, @AravSrinivas

Austan Goolsbee, @Austan_Goolsbee

Steve Liesman, @steveliesman

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin

Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

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The government shutdown prevents the release of the monthly employment report, Blackrock’s Global Infrastructure partners is in talks to acquire a major data center company in a major bet on AI, shares of USA Rare Earth are soaring after talks with the Trump administration over a possible deal, Google parent Alphabet is preparing to spin off its Verily life-sciences unit, and Taylor Swift’s 12th album has its midnight release.

Squawk Box is hosted by Joe Kernen, Becky Quick and Andrew Ross Sorkin. Follow Squawk Pod for the best moments, interviews and analysis from our TV show in an audio-first format.

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As the federal government shutdown enters its second day with no resolution in sight, Joe Kernen and Becky Quick speak with CNBC’s Emily Wilkins about the ongoing negotiations between Democrats and Republicans and whether there is any chance of reaching common ground to pass a budget. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent then joins to discuss the latest developments, including the economic impact of the shutdown, key sticking points in negotiations, the search for the next Fed chair, and the state of U.S. trade talks. Plus, CNBC’s Sharon Epperson breaks down upcoming tax changes for charitable donations, and Yahoo nears a deal to sell AOL.

Emily Wilkins - 05:08

Sec. Scott Bessent - 20:10

Sharon Epperson - 39:21

Emily Wilkins, @emrwilkins

Sec. Scott Bessent, @SecScottBessent

Sharon Epperson, @sharon_epperson

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.