Category: Business

• A vast majority of US companies are adopting generative AI tools, according to a new Bain survey.
• Most are also not sure where the value of these tools will come from.
• Lack of internal expertise is a top obstacle to wider adoption by businesses.

Businesses are embracing generative AI at an unusually fast pace. Now comes the messy part: Making money from these big investments.

That's the main takeaway from a new survey of the corporate world by consulting firm Bain & Company.

It surveyed 200 US companies with at least $5 million in revenue. Half were tech companies while the rest were spread across retail and consumer goods, manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services. Here are the highlights:

• 85% of the companies said adopting AI was a top-five priority. 12% listed the technology as their top priority. Only 1% said it was not a priority.
• Language generation and software coding are the two most common AI applications across all types of businesses.
• The companies reported spending $5 million a year on generative AI, on average.
• A fifth of those surveyed said they are spending more than $50 million per year on generative AI.
• The average annual generative AI spend for companies with more than $5 billion in revenue was $13.1 million.
• Companies with $500 million or less annual revenue spent an average of $1.6 million a year on this technology.

The big ROI question

For the most part, the companies told Bain that generative AI has met or exceeded their expectations. However, they also said the business case for significant AI investment is not clear.

It's a crucial question yet to be answered by AI juggernauts, such as Nvidia, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Google. These tech giants are betting on heavy AI usage in the future, but their customers must find value in these new services if the boom is to continue.

Despite the early rush to embrace generative AI, only 11% of the businesses Bain surveyed had a clear vision for how they would use generative AI and how it would add value.

That could be an issue of vision, talent, or it could be an issue with the tools themselves. Though most respondents reported that the AI tech they've tried met their expectations, a significant minority found the tools fell short of expectations.

The top concerns

In the Bain survey, worries about the quality of generative AI outputs tied with data-privacy and security concerns as issues holding businesses back from moving faster to adopt the technology.

There's also a lack of internal expertise. Compared to a similar survey Bain conducted last year, expertise is a rising concern, while performance and security are waning worries.

Gene Rapoport, who leads Generative AI initiatives for Bain's Private Equity practice, said CEOs need to take more ownership of the implementation of AI tools. That's in part because most companies expect generative AI to bolster revenue and increase the productivity and efficiency of the employees they already have, but far fewer have a full understanding of how that will happen.

Driving costs down

Those in the trenches building AI tools may be less concerned, citing the power of the underlying tech and the path of past technological breakthroughs.

"There's a natural cycle where you invest in new technology and then you expect pay-off," said Oren Etzioni, an AI investor and professor emeritus at the University of Washington in Seattle. "I'm very optimistic about the ROI coming."

ROI can and must improve in two ways, he emphasized. An observable contribution to revenue is one, but costs coming down is another.

"As a field, computer scientists are so good at driving costs down. Even in the 19 months since it started, the cost per query has been documented to go down significantly and training is getting more efficient," Etzioni said.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang echoed this urgency in his Computex keynote speech in Taiwan earlier this month, decrying "computation inflation," wherein computing costs grow faster than AI model performance improves.

"This of course cannot continue," he said.

Got a tip or an insight to share? Contact Senior Reporter Emma Cosgrove at ecosgrove@businessinsider.com or use the secure messaging app Signal: 443-333-9088

• Filipino soldiers defended themselves against an attack by Chinese coast guard, a general said.
• One soldier reportedly lost a thumb while others were injured and boats were damaged.
• Beijing denied responsibility, but US and Philippines officials criticized China.

Filipino soldiers had to defend themselves with bare hands against Chinese coast guard armed with swords and knives, according to the Philippines.

The Chinese coast guard personnel reportedly rammed their vessels into boats belonging to the Philippines on Monday, and boarded and attacked them, the BBC reported, leaving some injured and one soldier having lost a thumb.

General Romeo Brawner, the Philippines' top military commander, criticized China for what he described as "reckless and aggressive" behavior while the Philippines navy and coast guard were delivering supplies to Filipino soldiers in the disputed South China Sea.

In a statement posted online, Brawner said: "The Chinese coast guard has no right or legal authority to interfere with our legitimate operations or damage our assets within our Exclusive Economic Zone."

He said the incident "constitutes a blatant violation of international maritime law, Philippine sovereignty, and sovereign rights."

The Filipino army shared photos of the incident, showing damaged boats and Chinese personnel with blades.

Brawner said the Chinese coast guard's actions posed "significant" risks to regional stability, but he added that the Philippines would work with its international partners to try to maintain peace in the region.

China's actions have been condemned by other nations

The encounter is seen as the latest escalation in the disputed waters.

In April, video emerged of a Chinese ship colliding with a Philippine vessel while firing water cannons at it, as Business Insider's Chris Panella reported at the time.

On Monday, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson posted on X denouncing China's "aggressive, dangerous maneuvers."

A Philippine Coast Guard commodore, meanwhile, said that he believed China was trying to "provoke trouble."

"They clearly hope that the US will also be agitated to justify their false narrative that Washington really wants to go to war against Beijing," Jay Tarriela wrote.

However, Beijing denied taking "direct measures" against Filippino soldiers, and claimed the Philippines was responsible for the incident.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said China had acted in accordance with the law.

"The maneuvers at the scene were professional, restrained, justified and lawful," Lin said in a statement.

• As a frequent cruiser, I'm selective about how much I spend on onboard extras.
• But some things, like comfort, cute coffees, and crafted cocktails, warrant a splurge.
• As a parent, I'm also willing to pay up for some "me time" while at sea.

Cruises are so back, and they're only predicted to get more popular.

The global cruise market, valued at $7.25 billion in 2021, is expected to grow about 11% from 2022 to 2028, according to Forbes.

One huge perk of this travel style is that it's pretty all-inclusive. Things like Broadway-style shows, multicourse meals, buffets, pool access, and onboard activities are built into the price of a typical sailing.

But ships also upsell and charge extra add-ons, upgrades, and perks. As a frequent cruiser who's sailed alone over 50 times and with family more than 30, I've increasingly become less likely to pay for these upcharges.

Instead, I save my hard-earned money for the upgrades that are actually worth it. Here are upcharges my family thinks are worth the splurge.

I tend to book a cheaper cabin category, but I'm willing to pay a premium to choose a quiet stateroom location

I rarely pay extra for a balcony room as I find that I don't use this feature enough to warrant the added cost. Instead, I opt for porthole-view rooms, which are generally less expensive.

But when selecting a room category during the booking process, I will pay more for a cabin located in an ideal spot on the ship.

Modern cruise vessels are huge, and I like a room that's centrally located on the ship, giving me easy access to everything I want to see and do. I'm also willing to pay a little more to select a cabin far away from elevators and loud entertainment venues.

After all, I need a good night's sleep to make the most of my days at sea.

Room service offers a level of convenience that makes the delivery fee palatable

One of the best things about cruising is the food, and thankfully, most ships have tons of eateries onboard that don't cost extra. However, room service often comes with an additional fee.

Although I wish all cruise lines offered complimentary room service, it's so convenient I'm willing to pay extra for it — especially for an early breakfast or a snack after a long day of adventures.

I love bringing my son along, and paying for childcare allows me to make the most of my vacation

Cruise-ship kids' clubs are a great selling point for families, and access to them is almost always included in the cost of the trip.

However, the complimentary clubs are typically only open to potty-trained children. For younger kids, many cruise lines offer onboard nurseries for an added cost.

For my family, the nursery fees have proved well worth the investment. My son sailed on dozens of cruises as an infant and toddler, and these vacations produced some of my fondest travel memories.

By paying to use the onboard nursery, my husband and I were able to enjoy date nights and connect during our getaways.

I'm frugal when it comes to food, but I can't resist splurging on unique beverages

I'm not a fan of overpriced "all-inclusive" cruise drink packages, and I try to take advantage of included beverages like tea, juices, and enhanced water as much as possible.

Nonetheless, I'm happy to spend extra on premium cocktails, wine-tasting sessions with the onboard sommelier, and other unique drink experiences.

I'm a sucker for a concoction mixed up by a robot at Royal Caribbean's Bionic Bar or a latte with my favorite cartoon pal etched on top as served in Disney Cruise Line's Cove Café, and these liquid indulgencies often show up on my onboard cruise tab.

Onboard spa treatments get pricey, but the lush thermal suites are worth the added cost

Spa treatments can be far pricier at sea, so I'm particular about what I book.

I save basic treatments like massages and facials for when I'm back on land, where prices are more favorable, but I do try to book at least one day pass to the onboard thermal suite per cruise.

On many ships, these blissful retreats — which can have everything from heated loungers to aromatherapy showers — are a worthy investment for those seeking a quiet atmosphere.

They're the ideal spot to soak up some "me time."

As thrifty as I am, I never feel guilty blowing my budget on experiences in the cruise ports of call

By saving money at sea and not paying for unneeded extras, I can better allocate my vacation budget where it truly counts — in the cruise ports of call.

There's no shortage of memorable adventures to be found back on land: hiking in the Norwegian fjords, helicoptering to a glacier in Alaska, exploring Mayan ruins, and strolling through cobblestone streets in Italy

For my family, savoring authentic land-based experiences is our main priority, and I'm not afraid to spend a lot on these excursions.

• Cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) have risen suddenly in Japan this year.
• The rare and deadly bacterial infection affects blood and tissue.
• STSS is treated with antibiotics and sometimes surgery. There is no vaccine for the infection.

In Japan, cases of an uncommon but deadly bacterial infection have spiked in recent months, concerning health officials, the Washington Post reported.

Since January 2024, officials from Japan's Health Ministry have reported 1,019 cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), a bacterial infection without a vaccine and treated with antibiotics. At least 77 deaths have been reported due to these STSS infections, with most fatal cases occurring in people over 50.

Officials from Japan's Health Ministry said they are unsure what has caused the sudden increase in cases. But they find the surge alarming, considering that fewer than 1,000 cases of STSS were reported in the country in 2023.

STSS causes and symptoms

STSS is caused by bacteria called group-A Streptococcus (GAS), according to the CDC.

This particular bacteria also causes mild infections like strep throat since it is commonly found in the throat and on the skin.

But if GAS gets into a person's bloodstream or tissue through open wounds or sores, their organs may start to fail within 24 to 48 hours, as per the CDC website. GAS has also been linked to necrotizing fasciitis, an infection that causes a "flesh-eating" disease.

According to the CDC, three in 10 people who develop STSS are likely to die.

Flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, and muscle aches are often the first signs someone has STSS. More severe symptoms that signal organ failure due to STSS include:

• Low blood pressure signs include dizziness, blurred vision, weakness, nausea, and headaches.
• An abnormally rapid heart rate
• Abnormally rapid breathing

If someone has these symptoms, they should go to the hospital right away, according to the CDC.

Treatment typically involves replacing bodily fluids and antibiotics. According to the CDC, surgery may be needed to remove tissue infected by the GAS bacteria in some cases.

Infections like STSS are on the rise globally

Steer told the Washington Post that "we've had streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and invasive strep A infection in the US for decades and decades and decades, hundreds of years."

However, it's an uncommon infection, and healthcare providers should take the sudden uptick in STSS cases in Japan as a cue to increase their awareness of potential symptoms among their patients, said Andrew Steer, director of infection, immunity, and global health at Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Melbourne, Australia.

Since the coronavirus pandemic, health officials worldwide have expressed concern about increasing bacterial and viral infection rates.

In 2022, UK health officials reported 19 child deaths due to group-A streptococcal infections, the same bacteria that causes STSS.

Vaccines could help prevent the spread of these rare but potentially deadly bacterial infections, health experts said. However, creating one has proven to be a decadeslong process that is still in progress due to financial and scientific hurdles.

• California fined Amazon $5.9 million, saying it failed to inform employees about work quotas.
• A state law requires written quota details to prevent pressure and injuries among workers.
• An Amazon spokesperson said it has disputed the allegations and appealed the fine.

California's Department of Industrial Relations announced Tuesday it had fined Amazon more than $5.9 million, saying the e-commerce giant had violated labor laws that require companies to inform warehouse employees of any quotas they must follow.

According to the state's Warehouse Quotas law, which went into effect in January 2022, those quotas must be provided to workers in written form. They could include things like the number of tasks employees are expected to perform in an hour and any potential consequences they could face if they do not meet expectations.

The fines center on Amazon's fulfillment centers in Moreno Valley and Redlands, where the state Labor Commissioner's Office found 59,017 violations between October 20, 2023, and March 9, 2024, it said in a press release.

"The peer-to-peer system that Amazon was using in these two warehouses is exactly the kind of system that the Warehouse Quotas law was put in place to prevent," California Labor Commissioner Lilia García-Brower said in the release. "Undisclosed quotas expose workers to increased pressure to work faster and can lead to higher injury rates and other violations by forcing workers to skip breaks."

Amazon spokesperson Maureen Lynch Vogel told Business Insider the company disagrees with the allegations and has appealed the fine. She added that Amazon does not have fixed quotas.

"Individual performance is evaluated over a long period of time, in relation to how the entire site's team is performing. Employees can — and are encouraged to — review their performance whenever they wish," she said. "They can always talk to a manager if they're having trouble finding the information."

Lynch Vogel also provided a link to an Amazon blog post that describes how it manages the performance of fulfillment center employees, including its communication of work expectations and its use of robots to improve worker safety.

Amazon operates a vast network of fulfillment centers where workers pick and pack orders before they are sent out to customers. Some are as large as 1 million square feet and employ more than 1,000 workers. The company has attracted the attention of regulators over allegations of low pay and stressful working conditions, and in 2022, workers at the company's fulfillment center in Staten Island, New York, voted to unionize.

• With the 2024 presidential race in full swing, both parties are eyeing their pathways to victory.
• The 2024 election is set to be a rematch of the 2020 contest between Joe Biden and Donald Trump.
• A band of swing states in the Midwest and Sun Belt are at the top of the list for Biden and Trump.

Over the past two decades, the road to the White House — once dominated by Florida and Ohio — has evolved.

While bellwethers like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin remain a critical part of the calculus for Democratic and Republican presidential nominees in reaching the 270 electoral vote threshold for victory, the Sun Belt region has also grown in importance.

For President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, who are set for a November rematch, every vote will be crucial in what is predicted to be a tight contest. And the campaigns of both men will target a narrow band of seven swing states to capture the White House: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Democrats — who defied conventional political wisdom in 2022 by retaining their Senate majority and minimizing major losses in the House despite losing control of the lower chamber — are working hard to reelect Biden as he continues to face voter unease over the economy and pushback over his handling of the Israel-Hamas war.

Republicans believe Biden will be a liability for Democrats. However, the GOP's stewardship of the House has not exactly worked out how they had hoped. They elected a speaker (Kevin McCarthy of California) who was subsequently removed and have struggled to enact an agenda under a new speaker (Mike Johnson of Louisiana) with a razor-thin majority. The series of events created a "chaos" narrative around the party, which doesn't help at the top of the ticket.

The GOP must also contend with the toxicity of Trump's political brand among a sizable contingent of voters, especially among suburbanites and Independents who are likely to decide the election.

One major issue that has continued to weigh down Republican candidates is abortion rights, especially as voters in an array of states have rejected several anti-abortion measures following the Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Democrats have won big in urban and suburban districts over the issue — from congressional races to local elections — and they've even made inroads in some GOP-leaning areas where blocs of Republicans support some form of abortion rights. 

Trump has been eager to take credit for installing three conservative justices on the Supreme Court, and in April 2024 he stated that abortion was now an issue to be determined in the states, frustrating many conservatives who have sought a national abortion ban.

It's now set to be a defining issue of the 2024 race, especially in the battleground states.

Arizona

2012 margin: Romney +9.0%

2016 margin: Trump +3.5%

2020 margin: Biden +0.3%

Between 1952 and 2016, Arizona backed the Republican presidential nominee in every election except for 1996 — when then-President Bill Clinton won the state over former Kansas Sen. Bob Dole by a little over 2 points.

Long associated with Barry Goldwater, the conservative political icon who was the Republican presidential nominee in 1964, the Grand Canyon State for decades had a decidedly red lean in federal races.

But as the population of Arizona has swelled, its political orientation has also shifted.

In 2012, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney easily won the state over then-President Barack Obama, but former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton whittled the GOP margin of victory down to just under 4 points in 2016.

Biden, buoyed by gains among the state's burgeoning Latino population, narrowly won the state over Trump in 2020 by a little under 11,000 votes out of nearly 3.4 million ballots.

Democrats remain encouraged by their performance in Arizona in the 2022 midterms.

Not only did Secretary of State Katie Hobbs defeat MAGA-infused Kari Lake in the gubernatorial race, but Sen. Mark Kelly won a full six-year term over Republican Blake Masters. Adrian Fontes was also elected to succeed Hobbs over state Rep. Mark Finchem, who repeatedly questioned the 2020 presidential election results.

Biden must recreate a win in a state where Republicans have long been the dominant party. And Lake is now running in the state's marquee Senate race, where she's poised to face Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego should both candidates win their respective party primaries in August.

Georgia

2012 margin: Romney +7.8%

2016 margin: Trump +5.1%

2020 margin: Biden +0.2%

For decades, Republicans could easily depend on the Peach State's electoral votes falling into their column. No more.

While GOP politicians were enjoying double-digit wins in statewide races, former Democratic state House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams — who saw the possibility of a more politically-competitive Georgia — worked behind the scenes to build a turnout organization that could rival that of the Republican Party.

In 2018, Abrams came within 55,000 votes of winning that year's gubernatorial election.

Two years later, Biden won the state by roughly 12,000 votes over Trump, followed by the dual 2021 runoff victories of Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff over Republicans Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue, respectively.

The exponential growth of the Atlanta suburbs, driven by new Black, Asian, and Latino residents, has given the state a purple veneer — but the 2022 midterms also showed the limitations of Democratic gains.

Warnock won a full six-year term in a December runoff after fending off a challenge from Republican Herschel Walker, becoming the only Democrat to win statewide in the midterms. But Walker, aided by robust support in the state's rural counties, still won 48.6% of the vote in the runoff, despite a candidacy that some Republicans saw as deeply flawed.

And Republicans were victorious in every other statewide election, led by Gov. Brian Kemp, who defeated Abrams in a rematch of their 2018 contest by nearly 300,000 votes.

This year, both Biden and Trump are fighting hard to capture the state's 16 electoral votes: Biden is focused heavily on turning out Black voters and suburban voters in metro Atlanta, while Trump is looking to boost his support in the state's rural stretches.

Translation: Georgia will continue to be on everyone's mind this year.

Michigan

2012 margin: Obama +9.5%

2016 margin: Trump +0.2%

2020 margin: Biden +2.8%

Michigan has long been a critical part of the electoral calculus for Democrats, as they carried the state in every presidential race from 1992 to 2012 by appealing to voters in Detroit and its middle- and upper-middle-class suburbs, while also enjoying support among union households and moderates in the exurban and rural stretches of the state.

But the party was stunned by Trump's narrow 2016 win in the longtime blue state, as the Republican made significant inroads with the base of white working-class voters who had been slowly drifting away from Democrats cycle after cycle.

In 2020, the party put a premium on flipping the Wolverine State back into its column, which Biden did, winning by nearly 3 points over Trump.

And in November, Democrats in the state boasted some of their party's most impressive victories in the entire country.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer won reelection by nearly 11 points, while state Attorney General Dana Nessel and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson easily won their races. The party also flipped control of both houses of the Michigan legislature, and a referendum enshrining reproductive rights into the state Constitution was approved by voters.

Still, despite the Democratic wins, the state's 15 electoral votes will be a sought-after prize for both parties in 2024.

A major caveat: Biden continues to face enormous pushback from the state's Arab American community over his handling of the conflict in Gaza, which led more than 100,000 Michiganders to vote "uncommitted" instead of selecting the president in the March Democratic primary.

Nevada

2012 margin: Obama +6.7%

2016 margin: Clinton +2.4%

2020 margin: Biden +2.4%

Democrats have been victorious on the presidential level in the Silver State since 2008, when Obama won by nearly 13 points, followed by his victory of nearly 7 points in 2012.

But Clinton and Biden both won the state by a little over 2 points, as Republicans have seen the fast-growing Western state as one that can be flipped into their column, especially if they can make inroads in Democratic-heavy Clark County.

In the 2022 midterms, Republicans got a huge boost in the state when their gubernatorial nominee, Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo, defeated incumbent Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak.

But Democrats also notched a major win by reelecting Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto to a second term over former state Attorney General Adam Laxalt, who had been strongly backed by Trump. And after state Democrats approved congressional maps that some in the party saw as especially risky in a GOP wave year, all three of the party's House incumbents — Dina Titus, Steven Horsford, and Susie Lee — won their respective races.

The ticket-splitting in the midterms once again showed the critical nature of Nevada in national politics. Both Biden and Trump are looking to win the state in 2024, especially as the economy remains at the forefront of voters' minds.

North Carolina

2012 margin: Romney +2.04%

2016 margin: Trump +3.7%

2020 margin: Trump +1.3%

Since 1980, Republican presidential nominees have won North Carolina in virtually every election, with the exception being Obama's razor-thin 2008 victory over then-Arizona GOP Sen. John McCain.

And no presidential candidate has secured a majority of the vote in North Carolina since Romney won 50.4% of the vote in 2012, making this once solidly-red presidential state a real battleground.

The Biden campaign is focusing heavily on North Carolina this year, given the close nature of the results in 2020, as well as the fact that Democrats see the state as one where they can appeal to its suburban electorate — a critical part of the president's coalition four years ago.

However, the GOP is banking on Trump's popularity in the state's rural regions, which could sway the statewide tally in the former president's favor if he's able to effectively turn out his supporters.

And in the midst of the presidential race is the highly-competitive gubernatorial contest between Democratic state Attorney General Josh Stein and Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, two well-known statewide figures who are angling to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper.

Pennsylvania

2012 margin: Obama +5.4%

2016 margin: Trump +0.7%

2020 margin: Biden +1.2%

Biden's hometown of Scranton is dear to his heart so Pennsylvania was always going to be a key state for the party in 2024.

Democrats carried Pennsylvania in every presidential race from 1992 to 2012, until Trump narrowly edged out Clinton in 2016, gaining support among the white working-class voters who populate the exurban and rural communities across the state.

But Biden clawed back in 2020, boosted by strong returns in Philadelphia and its affluent suburbs, as well as a robust vote in Allegheny County, which includes Pittsburgh.

And in 2022, Democrats had a huge year in the state, electing Lt. Gov. John Fetterman to the Senate to succeed retiring GOP Sen. Pat Toomey, while also electing state Attorney General Josh Shapiro in a landslide to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf.

The party also regained control the state House of Representatives, winning back a majority they lost in the 2010 midterms.

Despite the GOP losses, the party — keen on winning back some suburban voters and improving their margins in the state's rural outposts — will again make a major play for Pennsylvania this fall.

Wisconsin

2012 margin: Obama +6.9%

2016 margin: Trump +0.8%

2020 margin: Biden +0.6%

Wisconsin is one of the most politically-divided states in the country.

Democratic presidential nominees Al Gore and John Kerry eked out statewide wins in 2000 and 2004, respectively, and Obama won the state easily in 2008 and 2012.

But Trump flipped Wisconsin to the GOP in 2016, the first time it had supported a Republican presidential nominee since 1984.

Democrats, stunned by the loss, regrouped and elected Tony Evers as governor in 2018 — knocking out onetime GOP star Scott Walker — while also reelecting Sen. Tammy Baldwin to a second term.

Biden went on to narrowly win the state over Trump in 2020.

And in November 2022, Evers was reelected to a second term over Republican businessman Tim Michels, while GOP Sen. Ron Johnson narrowly defeated then-Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes to earn a third term in the upper chamber.

Both parties are eyeing the Badger State — and looking to turn out their respective bases — in what will be another competitive race on the presidential level.

• I tried on similar linen-blend dresses at Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Gap. 
• All the dresses were made of the same material but varied greatly in price.
• I liked the fit of the Gap dress but thought the Old Navy version provided the best value.

I've always been a fan of feminine fashion, and dresses are a staple in my wardrobe. Linen dresses are my go-to summer ensemble because of their versatility and lightweight, comfortable feel. With the warm weather officially here, I went on the search for some new staple pieces for my summer wardrobe.

I visited Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy — all owned and operated by parent company Gap Inc. — to try on similar linen-blend dresses and find the best overall value.

Gap Inc. is the largest specialty retailer in the US, with 2,554 company-operated stores worldwide. I figured that if that many people were shopping at Gap Inc. stores, they'd likely have a good selection of options to choose from.

I evaluated each brand and dress based on the quality of materials, garment construction, fit and comfort, sizing, in-store experience, and price.

Here's the full breakdown of my shopping experience at Banana Republic, Gap, and Old Navy.

• The IMF released a lengthy report this week warning of massive labor disruption from generative AI.
• Business Insider then asked OpenAI's ChatGPT to summarize the report and highlight key findings.
• GPT-4 concluded that AI presents "significant risks" and that policymakers must remain flexible.

The International Monetary Fund on Monday released a lengthy report this week warning of "profound concerns about massive labor disruptions and rising inequality" from the increased use of generative artificial intelligence.

In a densely worded 43-page note, lead author Fernanda Brollo and colleagues seek to provide analysis and guidance for policymakers preparing for AI's economic impact.

IMF fiscal affairs deputy director and report co-author Era Dabla-Norris told the Financial Times that a shift to a more AI-powered economy "could be painful for workers."

"You want to be able to cushion this costly transition and maintain social cohesion in societies," she said.

The authors also note that many corporate tax incentives already encourage the displacement of workers, even as many countries rely more on taxes on labor than they do on the taxation of capital.

In January, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva predicted that AI will affect roughly 40% of jobs worldwide, with the figure reaching up to 60% in advanced economies.

To get generative AI's interpretation of the report, we uploaded a PDF of the document to the GPT-4o model and used the following simple prompt:

Please summarize this note from the IMF and highlight the most significant takeaways.

Here's what ChatGPT said:

The IMF Staff Discussion Note titled "Broadening the Gains from Generative AI: The Role of Fiscal Policies" explores the significant potential and challenges posed by generative artificial intelligence (gen AI). Here are the most significant takeaways:

Key Points:

1. Potential of Gen AI:

• Gen AI can substantially boost productivity and transform public service delivery, enhancing sectors like healthcare, education, public procurement, and social transfers.
• It offers significant opportunities for both businesses and governments, including cost savings, new revenue streams, and improved public service efficiency.

2. Challenges and Risks:

• Unlike previous disruptive technologies, gen AI's rapid diffusion could cause massive labor disruptions, affecting both low- and high-skilled jobs.
• This technology may exacerbate income and wealth inequality, as it could lead to job losses in cognitive occupations and further reduce the labor share in national income.

3. Fiscal Policy Recommendations:

• Tax Policies:

  • Special taxes on AI to reduce investment speed are not recommended due to operational difficulties and potential harm to productivity growth.
  • Existing corporate tax incentives that favor rapid labor displacement should be reconsidered.
  • General capital income taxes, which have declined over decades, should be strengthened to protect the tax base and address rising wealth inequality.

• Social Protection Systems:

  • Social protection systems should be expanded to cushion the negative labor market effects of gen AI.
  • Policies should include more generous and portable unemployment insurance, wage insurance, and active labor market policies to help workers transition and adapt.
  • Education and training programs need to focus on lifelong learning and sector-based training to prepare workers for future jobs.

• Public Funding:

  • Public investment should focus on fundamental research, necessary infrastructure, and public sector applications of AI, particularly in education and healthcare.

4. Agile Policymaking:

• Policymakers should adopt an agile approach to handle both routine and highly disruptive scenarios brought by gen AI.
• Fiscal policies should steer AI innovation and deployment to maximize societal benefits while cushioning transition costs and preventing rising inequality.

5. Impact on Inequality:

• The note emphasizes the potential of gen AI to reinforce market power for dominant firms, leading to increased economic rents and more unequal distribution of capital income.
• Policies should aim to mitigate these effects by ensuring a more equitable distribution of the gains from AI.

Conclusion:

The note concludes that while generative AI holds the promise of transformative productivity gains, it also presents significant risks of labor market disruptions and increased inequality. Fiscal policies must be carefully designed to support social protection systems, reconsider corporate tax incentives, and strengthen capital income taxation to ensure a more equitable distribution of the benefits from AI advancements. Policymakers must remain flexible and prepared for both incremental and highly disruptive impacts of gen AI.

• Business Insider spoke with former Disney World employees about their favorite places to eat.
• One restaurant offers attraction views, and another is themed after a classic Disney film. 
• Both sit-down and quick-service locations can offer high-quality cuisine and service. 

Disney World vacations aren't cheap. A weeklong trip to the parks costs at least $6,000 for a family of four if they stay on the property.

If you're shelling out all that money, you want to ensure you're getting the best value — especially when it comes to the plentiful dining options in the parks.

Business Insider spoke with former Disney World employees about their favorite places to eat on the property.

Here's what they said.

Flame Tree Barbecue at Animal Kingdom is a must-try

For former Magic Kingdom employee Kaitlyn Cahalen, Flame Tree Barbecue is the main Animal Kingdom restaurant she frequents.

She specifically praised the quick-service location's baked mac and cheese with pulled pork.

"I have tried a couple of other restaurants in Animal Kingdom, but I always go back to Flame Tree Barbecue for this dish," she said.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ has great options for picky eaters

If you're traveling to Disney World with picky eaters, Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios can be a lifesaver.

Kalyn Breisch, a former Disney College Program participant who worked at Epcot, told Business Insider that she can be picky. But she appreciates the lengthy list of sides on the menu.

"Roundup Rodeo is the perfect place to mix sides that you know you will like such as mac and cheese, but also be able to try ones like street corn."

Le Cellier offers an elevated in-park dining experience

Josie Maida Aguirre, former Disney World employee turned writer and content creator, enjoys the fancy vibes and higher-quality menu offerings at Le Cellier in the Canada Pavilion at Epcot.

"The food is incredible — always amazing," she said. "Steaks are great, and the desserts just cannot be missed."

Be Our Guest restaurant offers a themed atmosphere and high-quality cuisine

Although Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom is on the pricier side, Joyce Wingate Boyden, a former merchandise employee at Epcot and Magic Kingdom, is a big fan of the "Beauty and the Beast"-themed restaurant.

"The decor and theming is amazing, and it is so fun to feel like you're eating delicious food inside a movie set," she told BI. "The 'Grey Stuff' is delicious."

You can watch an attraction in action while eating at Pinocchio's Village Haus

Pinocchio's Village Haus gives diners a front-row view of the iconic Magic Kingdom ride It's a Small World.

Wingate Boyden recommended ordering one of the flatbread pizzas and sitting near a window to get the best view of guests boarding the attraction.

"It's fun to wave to them as they are floating by," she told BI

Casey's Corner is a go-to for comfort food and parade views

If you're looking for a quick-service meal at Magic Kingdom but don't want to spend too much money, Casey's Corner on Main Street is a solid pick.

"The corn dog nuggets and fries will never let you down, and if you're lucky, you might get a table outside and catch a glimpse of the parade," Breisch said.

Hollywood & Vine hosts a lively character breakfast

As far as character-dining opportunities go, Wingate Boyden recommended Hollywood & Vine at Hollywood Studios.

"I love the buffet options and the character meet and greets," she told BI. "It's a special bonus to get pictures with favorite Disney characters while seated at a table."

The Hollywood Brown Derby offers one of the best salads on the property

When it comes to quality salad, The Hollywood Brown Derby at Hollywood Studios does not disappoint.

"I love their Cobb Salad. First, because it's always delicious, and second because it reminds me of very happy memories of when my parents came to Disney World." Wingate Boyden said. "The decor and ambiance of the restaurant are beautiful and very enjoyable."

• North Korea and Russia signed a strategic partnership upgrade on Wednesday.
• The agreement includes mutual defense clauses and guidelines for political and trade ties.
• The US has accused North Korea of arming Russia in its war against Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin made his first visit to North Korea in 24 years on Wednesday, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un saying the two nations have upgraded their partnership to "a new high of alliance."

South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported that Kim made the comment during a joint news conference following the signing of a strategic partnership agreement.

While the full text of the agreement has not yet been released, it suggests a strengthening of the relationship between the two countries, both of which are seen as major threats to the US.

It also shows the deepening of Kim and Putin's war bromance, which this week also saw the Russian leader once again gift his North Korean counterpart a luxury car.

State-run Russian news agency TASS reported that North Korea returned the favor by gifting Putin several pieces of art depicting his likeness.

According to the news agency, the new agreement includes a clause requiring the countries to come to each other's aid in the event of aggression against either of them.

It also sets guidelines for deepening ties in "political, trade and investment, cultural, and humanitarian fields, as well as the security sphere," TASS reported, with Putin mentioning the possibility of "military-technical cooperation," according to Yonhap.

Ramon Pacheco Pardo, KF-VUB Korea Chair at the Brussels School of Governance, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, told BI that the agreement is significant, but largely confirms what we already knew about North Korea and Russia's intentions to cooperate.

The aggression clause, however, is the exception, he said.

"North Korea is supporting Russia right now," he added, "but I think more significant is that now, at least in theory, Russia will have to support North Korea."

"Until now, we wouldn't have assumed this was going to be the case," he said.

The new document replaces a previous treaty of friendship and mutual assistance, TASS reported, as well as a 2000 treaty on bilateral ties, and the 2000 and 2001 Moscow and Pyongyang declarations.

Russia and North Korea have developed closer ties since the launch of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Ukraine, the US, and the UN have accused North Korea of giving Russia millions of shells and other weapons that have been used in the fighting in Ukraine.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday that Russia was trying "in desperation, to develop and to strengthen relations with countries that can provide it with what it needs to continue the war of aggression that it started against Ukraine."

US intelligence officials told NBC News that the Biden administration is concerned that Russia might help North Korea develop its first submarine capable of launching a nuclear-armed missile.

The White House did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

South Korean media reported that Russia was also helping Pyongyang's space program.

CNN noted that while Putin did not explicitly describe the new agreement as an alliance, he acknowledged that ties between North Korea and Russia have reached a "new level."

Kim maintains that the agreement is "peaceful and defensive," according to TASS.