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“The state of the union is strong”

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U.S. President Joe Biden delivers his second State of the Union address to a joint session of congress

U.S. President Joe Biden has delivered his second State of the Union address, sparring with Republicans and appealing for bipartisanship.

With the sitting president eying off the possibility of running for a second term in office, he needs to deliver real change and get the public back on side.

In a show of unity, Biden began his address by congratulating the incumbent House Speaker, Kevin McCarthy.

This is the first time Biden has addressed a GOP-controlled House.

The theme of today’s speech was certainly optimism for the future.

Biden trying very hard to convince the American people his administration is equipped to lead the nation through these turbulent economic times.

Economic uncertainty

The country’s economy was front and centre, with Biden noting it has recovered more quickly from the Covid-19 pandemic than many other major markets.

Inflation’s at a record high, and while it’s beginning to cool after hitting 9.1 per cent, Americans aren’t feeling the impact just yet.

In fact, only only 21 per cent of residents rate the current economic conditions as positive.

Biden’s legislative achievements were front and centre

Biden’s legislative achievements include a sweeping health and climate package, an infrastructure law and investments in the semiconductor industry.

All federal infrastructure projects will need to have materials which have been made in America.

Biden says his economic plan is about investing in places and people that have been forgotten.

The president believes too many people have been left behind.

Biden took aim at big business

As America suffers through an energy crisis, the president says oil companies have pocketed $200 billion in profits.

He says corporations should do the right thing.

Climate change was also addressed

Biden has promised to build new storm resistant power grids, roads, electric vehicle infrastructure, while providing tax credits for residents who want to purchase their own EV.

When it comes to global warming – Biden wants to “finish the job”.

Taxing the rich

Biden reiterated his promise not to tax anyone who earns under 400,000 a year.

“No billionaire should be paying a lower tax rate than a school teacher or a firefighter,” he said.

When it comes to the debt ceiling, Biden warned Republicans not to attempt to cut social security or medicare benefits.

The U.S. hit the debt ceiling set by Congress in January, forcing Treasury to start taking extraordinary measures to keep the government paying its bills.

House Republicans say they will only lift the borrowing if the government introduces spending cuts.

“Folks – as we all apparently agree, Social Security and Medicare is off the books now, right? They’re not to be touched,” Biden said. “We’ve got unanimity!”

“Let’s all agree, and apparently we are, let’s stand up for seniors,” he said. “Stand up and show them! We will not cut Social Security; we will not cut Medicare.”

He added: “If anyone tries to cut Social Security – which apparently no one is going to do – I’ll stop them. I’ll veto it.”

Police brutality

Perhaps unsurprisingly, safety and police brutality were featured in the address.

Biden made a point of acknowledging the parents of late Tyre Nichols.

29-year-old Nichols was beaten to death by police officer in Memphis.

His death has renewed calls for police reform and reignited a national conversation on justice in policing.

Biden’s message: “They must be held accountable”.

Gun reform and abortion rights

Biden reignited calls for gun reform – calling for a ban on assault weapons.

It follows the recent mass shooting in Monetary Park, California.

Abortion rights are a hot topic in the United states.

The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade in late June 2022, repealing a nationwide protections for the procedure which were put in place 50 years ago.

If Congress attempts to pass a national ban on abortion, Biden says he will veto it.

The infamous Chinese balloon was also mentioned.

Biden says it’s never a good move to bet against America.

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Tech, trade & tariffs reshape global economic landscape

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The global economy is undergoing rapid change — with breakthroughs in technology, shifts in trade policy, and renewed inflationary pressures all colliding.

In the U.S., the autonomous vehicle sector is accelerating after Waymo received key regulatory approval to expand its driverless services. The move could give Alphabet a competitive edge over rivals like GM’s Cruise, with the prospect of robotaxis generating real revenue on the horizon.

At the same time, fresh tariff threats are sparking alarm in the retail sector. Walmart has warned that new duties could trigger double-digit price hikes, putting pressure on consumers and potentially reshaping spending patterns, especially in electronics and apparel.

Meanwhile, the UK and EU have struck new trade agreements aimed at reducing red tape around food and emissions. The deals mark a step toward improved cooperation and could provide a modest economic boost for exporters.

With uncertainty still hanging over global markets, investors are once again turning to precious metals. Gold and silver are gaining attention as safe havens, with silver’s industrial use giving it added appeal in an uncertain climate.

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Markets shift, Musk commits, and political tensions rise

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Elon Musk says he’ll stay on as Tesla CEO for at least five more years, while scaling back political donations. Despite falling sales, he’s confident in Tesla’s global strength and hinted at a future Starlink listing—though legal hurdles remain.

In politics, the Nationals have split from the Coalition, with some Liberals calling it a vital reset. Former PM John Howard wants unity, but a party review is underway to regain younger, urban voters.

Australia’s central bank cut rates to 3.85% as inflation eases, though weak spending and global risks remain. GDP rose 1.3%, showing signs of recovery.

And in Victoria, a $167 billion debt budget sparked outrage, with protests over job cuts and a controversial tax as net debt is set to hit $194 billion by 2027.

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Victoria faces record debt with public job cuts imminent

Victoria’s budget forecasts record debt, proposes public sector job cuts, and faces criticism over tax increases and lack of clarity.

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Victoria’s budget forecasts record debt, proposes public sector job cuts, and faces criticism over tax increases and lack of clarity.

In Short:
Victorian Treasurer Jaclyn Symes has unveiled her first budget, projecting a $600 million surplus despite rising net debt and plans for significant public sector job cuts to save $3.3 billion. Reactions are mixed, with opposition leaders criticising increased taxation and insufficient focus on climate change, while some welcome funding for health and crime prevention.

Victorian Treasurer Jaclyn Symes has presented her first state budget, indicating a projected surplus of $600 million amidst soaring net debt, which is expected to reach $167.6 billion this year and further rise to $194 billion within three years.

The budget has flagged significant public sector job losses, with the government noting plans to save $3.3 billion by eliminating inefficiencies, although specific details on job cuts remain scarce. Symes mentioned that approximately 1,200 full-time equivalent positions are included in the savings, with additional cuts likely after a report from bureaucrat Helen Silver in June.

Debt bomb

Opposition Leader Brad Battin condemned the government’s approach to debt, arguing it burdens Victorians through increased taxation, particularly criticising the new Emergency Services Levy. The Greens have also expressed dissatisfaction, highlighting a lack of focus on climate change in the budget.

While the net debt is projected to remain stable, cost increases for state projects have amounted to $3.3 billion. Despite the looming cuts, the budget allocates substantial funds to health and crime prevention, including $11.1 billion for health services and $1.6 billion for crime reduction initiatives.

Tax revenue is expected to rise significantly, spurred by the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, which will place additional financial strain on landholders, particularly farmers. Reactions to the budget have been mixed, with some welcoming support for struggling families, while others decry job cuts and insufficient investment in regional development.

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