US AND CANADA

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President Donald Trump has pardoned Changpeng Zhao, founder of cryptocurrency exchange Binance, who was sentenced to prison in April 2024 after pleading guilty to violating US money laundering laws. Binance was previously ordered to pay $4.3 billion (£3.4 billion) following a US investigation that found the exchange had helped users circumvent sanctions. A White House official confirmed the pardon, which was initially reported by the Wall Street Journal.

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In a sudden and seemingly contradictory move, President Donald Trump announced Thursday he was ending trade talks with Canada, reversing course shortly after a cordial White House meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney. The stated reason was an anti-tariff advertising campaign that Trump, in a post on his Truth Social network, deemed "fake." Trump claimed the ad, produced by the Canadian province of Ontario, misquoted former President Ronald Reagan and was designed to influence the Supreme Court's upcoming decision on his sweeping global tariffs.

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Seeking to challenge China's control over the rare earths and critical minerals market, the Trump administration has signed an agreement with Australia to increase the supply of these key resources. According to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the deal will provide support for $8.5 billion worth of projects that are ready to expand his country's mining and processing abilities.

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Amazon is exploring new ways to optimize its delivery operations, unveiling a prototype of AI-powered smart glasses called "Amelia" for its drivers. The glasses, which include a camera and display, sync with a waistcoat that allows drivers to quickly take photos of deliveries. Amazon's Beryl Tomay, VP of Transportation, said the company is "testing it at a number of locations with over a dozen delivery service partners and hundreds of drivers across the country.”