Good morning. While Starbucks burned and Blue Origin soared, relationship scientists quietly dropped the most practical dating advice you'll ever hear. Here's what happened.

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A group of centrist Democrats and Independent Sen. Angus King secretly negotiated with Senate Republicans to end the month-long shutdown, bypassing Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (WSJ). The talks in Majority Leader John Thune's office produced a deal that passed 60-40 Sunday.

The agreement funds government through January 30 and some programs for a full year. Eight Democrats voted for it after constituents missed paychecks and food programs ran out. Schumer opposed the deal, saying it failed to address healthcare.

Republicans promised a vote on expiring Obamacare subsidies by mid-December but no guaranteed outcome. The deal reversed federal layoffs and banned future layoffs through January. With January funding expiration, Democrats retain leverage. Employees are returning back to work.

Disney shares fell 8% Thursday after reporting flat fourth-quarter revenue of $22.46 billion, missing Wall Street expectations. Operating income declined 5% to $3.48 billion, dragged down by weakness in television and movie divisions despite streaming and theme park gains.

The company's streaming subscriptions rose 12.4 million to 195.7 million total across Disney+ and Hulu. Parks and experiences revenue increased 13%, generating $1.88 billion in operating income—more than half the company's profits. TV networks faced political advertising decline.

Disney doubled share buybacks to $7 billion annually and increased its dividend 50% to $1.50 per share. The company expects streaming profitability to double to 10% this fiscal year. Disney continues a $60 billion, decade-long theme park expansion. What does Disney make per revenue stream?

More than 1,000 unionized Starbucks workers went on strike at 65 U.S. stores Thursday, disrupting Red Cup Day—one of the busiest days annually. Strikes affected 45 cities including New York and Seattle. No end date set.

Workers demand higher pay, better hours, and contract agreement after negotiations stalled since April. Baristas struggle getting 20 hours weekly for benefits eligibility. Starbucks first unionized in 2021; 550 of 10,000 company-owned stores are unionized.

Starbucks said operations remained unaffected and met sales expectations Thursday. The company offers wages and benefits worth $30 hourly, including paid leave and tuition. More unionized stores prepared to join if no agreement reached.

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A 2025 Date Psychology survey found 98.2% of women rate reading as men's most attractive hobby, followed by learning languages and playing instruments.

The pattern? Intellectual curiosity wins. Relationship expert Matthew Hussey's research shows partners don't need identical hobbies—they need shared values those hobbies represent.

Professor Robert Vallerand's studies confirm "harmonious passion" for any authentic interest creates better relationships than forced compatibility.

The takeaway: geeking out over your genuine interests signals depth and curiosity, filtering for the right person while repelling superficial connections. Enthusiasm itself is contagious and attractive.

Rowing activates over 600 muscles in the body, making it one of the most efficient endurance exercises for stimulating mitochondria function and boosting energy levels. The series "Limitless with Chris Hemsworth" demonstrates how endurance training—including rowing, biking, and jogging—helps restore broken-down mitochondria throughout the body. Just two weekly hours of exercise can significantly impact immune system function and overall longevity.

See clip | Order rowing machine*

▲ Blue Origin launches first NASA mission, lands booster on barge after deploying Mars satellites

▲ Verizon CEO ousted after losing customers to T-Mobile; successor plans 15,000 job cuts

▲ Trump signs THC ban limiting hemp products to 0.4 milligrams per container with one-year delay

▲ Verizon cuts 15,000 jobs, largest reduction ever, as carrier loses customers for three straight quarters

▲ NBC Sports Network relaunches Nov. 17 with NBA, Premier League content after shuttering in 2021

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