California Gov. Gavin Newsom says there's no imminent threat to the state from Iran. ABC News says the FBI warned California that Iran had aspired to send drones to the West Coast in retaliation for war. The FBI later released text of the alert, which noted that the information was based on "unverified information." The White House now says, "No such threat from Iran to our homeland exists." Newsom says California and various agencies plan for worst-case scenarios. Police in Los Angeles and San Francisco say they are monitoring world events for any risks.
To President Donald Trump, "tariff" is more than "the most beautiful word in the dictionary." In Trump's view, tariffs are a cure for many of the nation's ills and a tool to reach new heights. As the Republican president has touched off a trade war with America's trading partners, he's offered an array of reasons to justify steep tariffs on goods coming from Mexico, Canada, China and beyond. Among his reasons: stopping the flow of illegal fentanyl, balancing the budget, making America rich and protecting "the soul" of America. Most economists see taxes paid on imports as capable of addressing unfair trade practices but are skeptical of the quasi-miraculous properties Trump claims they possess.
By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER and JOSH BOAK AP Economics Writer
Updated
President Donald Trump on Thursday postponed 25% tariffs on many imports from Mexico and some imports from Canada for a month amid widespread fears of the economic fallout from a broader trade war. The White House insists its tariffs are about stopping the smuggling of fentanyl, but Trump's proposed taxes have caused a gaping wound in the decades-old North American trade partnership, and Canada has felt compelled to quickly take aggressive countermeasures. Trump's tariff plans have also caused the stock market to sink and alarmed U.S. consumers.
San Francisco's Board of Supervisors appears ready to grant newly elected Mayor Daniel Lurie greater powers to expedite the city's response to its fentanyl and homelessness crisis. The 11-member board will vote on a proposal Tuesday to eliminate competitive bidding and procurement requirements for some contracts and leases. The proposal would allow Lurie to solicit private donations. It already has the six votes needed to pass. Lurie says he needs more flexibility to act with greater urgency to combat open-air drug dealing and public use. Supervisors acknowledged it is unusual to give up oversight powers, but they want to work with the administration.
