The Trump nominee uniting Democrats and Republicans
Mar 10, 2025
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A surprising unity emerges as a Trump nominee for the antitrust division gains support from both Democrats and Republicans, signaling a shift in U.S. regulatory dynamics. Meanwhile, Ghana faces a gold rush that threatens cocoa farming, causing economic strife and environmental damage as illegal mining encroaches on farmland. In other news, U.S. startups enjoy a fundraising boom, while Bridgestone and Michelin innovate with air-free tires to improve public transport solutions. Political shifts in Canada further highlight the changing landscape.
Mark Carney's election as Canada's new prime minister emphasizes unity and the need to address U.S. relations amid political challenges.
Gail Slater's bipartisan appointment to the U.S. Antitrust Division signals a shared urgency among political factions to combat excessive corporate power.
Deep dives
Canada's New Prime Minister
Mark Carney has been elected as Canada’s new prime minister, succeeding Justin Trudeau after securing 85.9% of the vote from the Liberal Party. Along with the leadership change, Carney will face immediate challenges, including the necessity to call for a general election by October, with polls indicating a competitive race against Conservative leader Pierre Poliev. Carney's platform emphasizes unity and standing up for Canadian values during a politically tumultuous time. This political shift comes at a moment when managing U.S. relations is expected to be a primary concern.
Antitrust Enforcement Under Review
Gail Slater's appointment to head the U.S. Justice Department's Antitrust Division represents a notable bipartisan support amidst a turbulent political climate. With a background that includes working for the Federal Trade Commission and the National Economic Council, Slater is recognized for her competence in antitrust matters, appealing to both progressive and populist conservative interests. These groups share a desire for tough enforcement against excessive corporate power, albeit driven by different motivations. However, Slater may face challenges in maintaining her independence under the potentially impulsive leadership of President Trump.
Impact of Illegal Gold Mining in Ghana
Illegal gold mining in Ghana is severely affecting the country's cocoa farming, as prospectors encroach on agricultural lands, damaging crops and resources. The rising gold prices are luring farmers away from cocoa production, which is also facing price caps set by the Cocoa Board, further incentivizing the shift towards mining. Environmental damage is escalating, with contaminated water supplies leading to dire warnings of potential drinking water shortages. Despite the long-standing issue of artisanal mining, government responses have been inadequate, with corruption and lack of concrete solutions hindering effective intervention.
Canada’s Liberal party selects a new leader, and US President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Justice Department’s antitrust division is turning heads on Wall Street. Plus, US startups are raising more money than at any point since 2021, and why a gold boom in Ghana is driving up global chocolate prices.
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