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Joe Biden’s baseball field: The summer of Washington | ticker VIEWS

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4 years ago

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With rising temperatures in Washington,

It is the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, and President Joe Biden will spend a fair part of the summer in his beloved Delaware, at Rehoboth Beach. 

It’s an Atlantic Coast playground where much of Washington decamps to cool out in July and August.

However, in Washington, it is hot and the temperature is rising. 

At 150 days in office, Biden has secured a complete victory on his first priorities: ending the pandemic and economic recovery. 

Without any Republican votes in Congress, the American Rescue Plan was enacted and is doing its job.

Close to 70 per cent of the country will be at least partially vaccinated by Independence Day on July 4. The economy and jobs are coming back strongly, with growth forecast above 5 per cent this year.

It was with these winds at his back that Biden could meet with 30 allies in Europe, including Australia.

American allies renewed their support for US, carrying Western power into summit with Putin last week.

Biden outlined issues where the two countries could work through tough problems, such as Russia-based cyber attacks on US infrastructure; leave no doubt that the US would respond fully if provoked by Russian behaviour; and reaffirm core US values of democracy and human rights to Putin.

  By all measures, Biden achieved what he wanted to accomplish.

In the United States, it is the height of the baseball season in America, so let’s do some inside baseball analysis:

Biden returned to Washington at the next critical juncture of his presidency:  to win approval in Congress of multitrillion dollar program to rebus the country and provide economic security – in education and health and opportunity – for American families.

With his decades of service in Congress, Biden wants to see whether he can do at least some of this important work in the way he prefers to do it:  with bipartisan cooperation. 

And that effort is underway.  At the same time, he wants to hold all his Democrats together – and he needs virtually every Democratic vote in the House and Senate to win floor votes.

This is unfolding on two tracks.  A smaller joint bill with some Republicans on “basic” infrastructure: roads, bridges, broadband.  About a trillion dollars, and Biden wants it paid for without new taxes or user fees on the middle class. 

This package may get there. We will know in the next week or so if the talks are successful.

If a deal is reached, perhaps 15 Republicans can join with most Democrats to pass it in the Senate.

However this smaller package hardly meets the ambitious program Biden and Democrats want given the urgency of the country’s needs. So, a parallel mega-bill of perhaps $5 trillion will get underway. 

The test for that package is whether Democrats will hold united against withering Republican attacks on a “radical, socialist, extremist” program of “tax and spend” that will bankrupt the country.   

If these scenarios play out with Biden victories, there will be some earnest rebuilding of infrastructure across the country.  And people will see that things are getting better. And that will paty political dividends for Biden.

If the bipartisan talks fail, and Democrats cannot maintain the unity required to see the mega-Biden program through, then Biden’s legislative program comes to a griding halt.

That would have the most profound consequences for how much President Biden can indeed accomplish in these first four years.  A home run?  Or three strikes and you’re out?

Read more by Bruce Wolpe here. This article was edited by Keira Wright and Brittany Coles.

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Bruce Wolpe is a Ticker News US political contributor. He’s a Senior Fellow at the US Studies Centre and has worked with Democrats in Congress during President Barack Obama's first term, and on the staff of Prime Minister Julia Gillard. He has also served as the former PM's chief of staff.

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Australia’s workforce revolution sets the stage for a four-day work week

Australia’s AI Workforce Revolution: Automation Paves the Way for a Four-Day Work Week and New Job Redesigns.

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3 hours ago

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February 7, 2025

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Australia’s AI workforce revolution: automation paves the way for a four-day work week.

In Short

UiPath’s report highlights the rapid shift towards “agentic automation,” where AI makes autonomous decisions, encouraging businesses to reassess roles and harness automation for productivity. This evolution may enable a four-day work week and necessitates the retraining of staff while ensuring regulations are in place for trust and compliance with AI integration.

The trend towards work reallocation is rapidly advancing, with UiPath’s new report identifying significant shifts in AI and automation.

Key insights from the report suggest a move towards “agentic automation,” where AI begins to make autonomous decisions. Yelena Galstian, Head of Solutions and Customer Advisory at UiPath shares her key insights.

Organisations are encouraged to reassess existing roles and identify areas where automation can enhance productivity.

A critical aspect will be the orchestration of collaboration between human employees, AI agents, and software robots to ensure effective teamwork.

Looking ahead, the motto for businesses is to “redesign and reassign” processes while considering how AI can handle repetitive tasks, allowing human employees to focus on more complex responsibilities.

As organisations embrace these changes, we could see a potential transition to a four-day work week, made feasible through increased efficiency and productivity from AI.

For further insights into the research and methodologies for implementing AI in business, interested parties can connect with the UiPath team through their website.

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Future of hospitality: AI, smart automation, and record-breaking 2025 travel growth

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5 hours ago

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February 7, 2025

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As global tourism revenue surges, cutting-edge technology and automation are revolutionising the hospitality industry.

Global travel demand remains strong heading into 2025, with industry experts predicting record-breaking tourism revenue.

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, global tourism revenue is set to hit $1.9 trillion this year.

With record-breaking growth projected for the travel industry, hospitality leaders are embracing AI, automation, and luxury innovations to enhance guest experiences.

As demand for international travel remains strong, hospitality businesses are adapting to evolving traveler expectations through technology and innovation.

One of the key trends shaping the industry is the rise of artificial intelligence and smart automation.

From AI-powered customer service to energy-efficient hotel management systems, technology is redefining guest experiences.

Luxury boutique hotels like London’s Eccleston Square Hotel are at the forefront of this transformation.

Known as one of the world’s most technologically advanced hotels, Eccleston Square has recently unveiled a major tech upgrade.

The hotel is now using Apple TVs from ROOMNET, an advanced automation system developed with Leading Edge Automation, and a cutting-edge building management system by HSYCO. These innovations enhance operational efficiency while maintaining a commitment to sustainability.

These enhancements work in sync with the hotel’s property management system, MEWS, to create a smarter, more sustainable hospitality experience.

As AI continues to reshape the hospitality landscape, Eccleston Square Hotel’s approach reflects the industry’s broader shift toward innovation, efficiency, and sustainability—paving the way for the future of luxury travel.

Olivia Byrne, Owner and Company Director Eccleston Square Hotel joins Veronica Dudo to discuss.

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Nightmare for Labour as Reform UK leads in poll

Reform UK surpasses Labour in polling for first time, with Brexit leader Nigel Farage gaining support amid Conservative decline.

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5 hours ago

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February 7, 2025

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Reform UK surpasses Labour in polling for first time, with Brexit leader Nigel Farage gaining support amid Conservative decline.

In Short

Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has overtaken Labour in a YouGov poll with 25% support, while Labour sits at 24% and the Conservatives at 21%. This shift indicates growing discontent with the government, particularly as Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch struggles to regain support.

The poll, conducted among 2,223 adults at the beginning of February, shows Reform UK at 25 percent support, a rise of two points from the previous poll.

Labour has declined by three points to 24 percent, while the Conservative Party has dropped to 21 percent.

While these results are notable, the next general election is not required until August 2029, and Reform’s lead falls within the poll’s margin of error. POLITICO’s Poll of Polls shows Labour and Reform both at 25 percent, with Conservatives at 22 percent.

This polling data is troubling for the government, particularly after Labour’s dominance in the last election, where they achieved a majority with 33.7 percent of the vote. Reform UK was in third place with 14.3 percent.

The findings also reflect poorly on Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who seeks to restore support following recent losses.

YouGov indicates that 24 percent of those who voted Conservative in July would now choose Reform, with 43 percent of Conservative voters in 2024 favouring a merger between the two parties.

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