We are now back with Dan Rather’s pick of today’s news highlights and headlines. We hope you find them interesting and informative!
Midwest Farmers Now Fear A Chinese Trade-War:
American farmers, particularly those in the Midwest, helped put Donald Trump in the White House. Now, they are fearing the worst as the escalating trade war with China threatens the markets for corn, soybeans and other staple crops. With the soybean business worth $2 billion in Minnesota, a Chinese tariff of 25% could drastically decrease sales and revenue for the farmers who grow the crops. As such, they are worried for their livelihoods. Here is the full article from The Washington Post.
A New Budget Deficit of $1 Trillion:
The government has decided to significantly widen the annual budget deficit; now the Congressional Budget Office expects it to surpass $1 trillion by 2020. The New York Times reports that at the end of the fiscal year in September, the budget deficit will total $804 billion, a big jump from $665 billion from last year. Consequently, the national debt is expected to soar to more than $33 trillion in 2028. At that time, debt held by the public will reach 96 percent of the nation’s GDP, a higher level that has not been seen since the end of the Second World War.
since Reagan:
–all 3 GOP presidents left Oval Office w/higher deficits than when they walked in
–both Dem presidents left w/lower deficits than when they walked in
–per CBO estimate today, Trump on track for 2020 deficit 50% higher than 2017 https://t.co/XtWpQZjPbu
— John Harwood (@JohnJHarwood) April 9, 2018
Trump Lawyer Cohen Now Under Investigation:
The F.B.I. raided longtime Trump lawyer Michael Cohen’s office, and, it turns out, his home after special counsel Robert Mueller passed on information to the Department of Justice. The agents found records relating to the Stormy Daniels case, not previously disclosed. Get the full scoop from The Washington Post right here.
President Trump Threatens Retaliation For Syrian Chemical Attack:
President Trump announced this morning he would have a response to the chemical attack in Syria in the next 24-48 hours. He has referred to the attack on a Damascus suburb as “heinous” and “atrocious.” This is also John Bolton’s first day as National Security Advisor. This is quite the first day for him. Please see the link to our video above.
Kim Jong-un Will Now Discuss His Nukes With The U.S:
The chances of a summit between dictator, Kim Jong-un, and President Trump raised a little when the North Korean leader communicated that he was willing to discuss the parameters of his nuclear weapons program. This comes as a big surprise as many officials in the U.S. did not expect these talks to pan out. Learn more about the sudden turn of events in Politico’s article.
Bill Cosby’s Retrial Begins Today, Inducing Protests:
Bill Cosby, the television star who was accused of sexual assault, begins his retrial. As it got started, CNN reports that a topless woman with the words “Cosby Rapist” and women’s names written on her body was arrested outside of the courthouse. That’s certainly not your average protest. Where will it go from here?
