PBC News & Comment: Trump Slaps Tariffs on Mexican Imports, Americans Will Pay

In latest irrational move, Trump threatens tariffs rising to 25% on Mexican imports, another form of collective punishment, hostage-taking…..--his arbitrary, emotional threat does not appear to be legal, and there are many reasons that show it will harm US economy, as WashPost reports
--Mexican President AMLO walks tightrope, trying to avoid confrontation with Trump
--after lightning appeal from TrumpCo, Oakland judge instantly rejects request to allow border wall construction with Pentagon money
--trying to hold on to farm votes in states hammered by China trade war, Trump defies the law and lifts summertime ban on ethanol
--Trump’s unholy alliance with religious extremists leads to possible closure of last abortion clinic in Missouri tonight
--Rob Schenk, a minister who long advocated against abortion, says overturning Roe v. Wade would not be “pro-life”
--UN expert says Julian Assange displays symptoms of psychological torture, as Kevin Gosztola reports
--investigative reporter Derek Seidman exposes cynical effort by oil industry for a corporate-friendly carbon tax
--in pro-Russiagate spin job, WashPost’s Philip Bump argues with AG Barr about investigating the FBI investigation
--Iraq/Afghan war vet Danny Sjursen slams Bolton’s “troika of tyranny”
--as talks in Norway between reps for Maduro and Guaido end, Jeff Faux at The Nation asks why Dems are supporting Trump on Venezuela
--the war in Syria grinds on, as Assad forces bomb Idlib province and at least 250,000 are displaced
--Kim Jong-un has sacked his top negotiator, rumors say he could be in labor camp and that colleagues may have been executed
--14 Dem prez candidates will be in San Francisco for state party confab, as new debate rules cause anxiety for lower-tier candidates