Connect with us
https://tickernews.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/AmEx-Thought-Leaders.jpg

News

Donald Trump pleads not guilty to 34 felony counts

Published

on

Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony criminal charges during a court hearing in New York

Donald Trump has become the first former U.S. president to be charged with a criminal offence.

Trump was accused of falsifying records to hide damaging information during the 2016 election. The charges centre around a $130,000 hush money payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels several days before the presidential election.

Prosecutors said Trump did not want to make the payment, and directed his then-lawyer Michael Cohen to delay it “until after the election… because at that point it would not matter if the story became public.”

Cohen has previously admitted paying Stormy Daniels in exchange for her silence on an alleged past sexual encounter with Trump. She maintains the relationship with consensual but Trump has denied any involvement.

“The defendant Donald J. Trump falsified New York business records in order to conceal an illegal conspiracy to undermine the integrity of the 2016 presidential election and other violations of election laws,” prosecutor Chris Conroy said.

Falsifying business records in New York is punishable by up to one year in prison. However, it is elevated to a felony when the motive is to advance or conceal another crime, including election law violations.

What happened in court?

Trump, 76, entered the courtroom wearing a dark suit and red tie. He did not say a word as he walked past police and into the New York courthouse, and replied “not guilty” when asked how he pleaded.

“In total, 34 false entries were made in New York business records to conceal the initial covert $130,000 payment,” prosecutors said.

“Trump then went to great lengths to hide this conduct, causing dozens of false entries in business records to conceal criminal activity, including attempts to violate state and federal election laws.”

ALVIN BRAGG, NEW YORK DISTRICT ATTORNEY

The Office of New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg said “Trump and others employed a ‘catch and kill’ scheme to identify, purchase, and bury negative information about him and boost his electoral prospects.”

“Trump is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with 34 counts of Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree,” Bragg’s office said.

Prosecutors made note of the Access Hollywood tape in which Trump spoke about grabbing women by their genitals.

After this video emerged before the 2016 election, the Trump campaign grew “concerned that the tape would harm his viability as a candidate and reduce his standing with female voters in particular”.

The indictment detailed other similar payments made to suppress potentially damaging stories ahead of the 2016 election.

One of these stories involves a former Playboy model, and another with a doorman.

Judge Juan Merchan did not issue a gag order on Trump. Both sides were told to be mindful of their language.

One of Trump’s lawyers, Joe Tacopina, said the unsealing of the indictment means “the rule of law died in this country”.

“While everyone is not above the law, no one is below it either. And if this man’s name was not Donald J Trump, there is no scenario we’d all be here today,” he added.”

JOE TACOPINA

Another lawyer for Trump, Todd Blanche, said “we’re going to fight it hard.” Blanche described Trump as frustrated, angry and upset about the charges.

What has the reaction been?

In Washington, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked whether President Joe Biden had been briefed.

“What I can tell you for sure is that the president is focused on the American people.

“Of course, this is playing out on many of the networks here on a daily basis for hours and hours, so obviously he will catch parts of the news,” she said.

In New York, barricades separated Trump loyalists, who were seen outside the courthouse. One police officer was heard asking supporters to “keep it civil”, as confrontations occurred.

Others gathered outside the courthouse with signs like “lock him up” held above their heads. Another sign read “Trump is the definition of depravity.”

Trump posted on the platform he founded, Truth Social, shortly after the arraignment.

“The hearing was shocking to many in that they had no ‘surprises,’ and therefore, no case. Virtually every legal pundit has said that there is no case here. There was nothing done illegally!” the post read.

Republicans have also offered their support to Trump, including House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who accused Mr Bragg of “attempting to interfere in our democratic process by invoking federal law to bring politicized charges against President Trump.”

Trump has denied all wrongdoing and is pushing ahead with his 2024 presidential bid.

The next in-person court hearing is set for 4 December.

Costa is a news producer at ticker NEWS. He has previously worked as a regional journalist at the Southern Highlands Express newspaper. He also has several years' experience in the fire and emergency services sector, where he has worked with researchers, policymakers and local communities. He has also worked at the Seven Network during their Olympic Games coverage and in the ABC Melbourne newsroom. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Professional), with expertise in journalism, politics and international relations. His other interests include colonial legacies in the Pacific, counter-terrorism, aviation and travel.

Continue Reading

Leaders

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.

Published

on

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 GalstianHead 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.

Continue Reading

News

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

News

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.

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Trending Now