Duffy Slams Ford’s ‘Unacceptable’ Use of Chinese Tech

SPEAKER_1 (0:00)

Over 60 years, Medline has demonstrated a track record of delivering consistent growth. Today, Medline is proudly NASDAQ listed and is the largest provider of medical surgical products and supply chain solutions serving all points of care. See how Medline makes health care run better at medline.com.

Luke Vargas (0:18)

The Trump Administration calls out Ford for its unacceptable use of Chinese tech.

Plus, Apple's new CEO prepares to raise the curtain on a slate of much pricier iPhones. And after conquering the airwaves and most days of the week, the NFL's relentless global march is about to reach the land down under.

Jason Gay (0:39)

The NFL is perpetually interested in expanding its reach and not long after this Australia game, they're going to be back down in Brazil for a Ravens-Cowboy game at the American Up.

Luke Vargas (0:52)

It's Wednesday, September 9th. I'm Luke Vargas for The Wall Street Journal, and here is the AM Edition of What's News, the top headlines and business stories moving your world today.

A hundred dollar barrel oil is back. Brent crude futures crossed that milestone this morning for the first time since July, following fresh US-Iran fighting that's raised the likelihood of lasting supply disruptions. We report that the US military destroyed five Iranian oil tankers yesterday after Iran tried to hit American warships. Tehran responded by firing missiles into Jordan. The war is now in its seventh month and continuing to fuel broader instability, most recently in Yemen. US gasoline prices jumped a further seven cents a gallon overnight, according to AAA.

President Trump is dialing up the US-Canada trade war, ordering a ban on certain dairy products, alcohol, and motorcycles after Canada imposed fresh tariffs on American goods. Those bans, which could be ruinous for some businesses, won't go into effect until September 29, giving the two sides time to negotiate. In the meantime, British Columbia Premier David Eby, heard here courtesy of Global News, urged fellow Canadians to buy local.

SPEAKER_4 (2:09)

In the middle of this economic war, a war that we did not start, we can and must be our own best customer.

Every purchase is a choice. Every dollar we spend is a choice. And right now, our choices matter.

Luke Vargas (2:25)

Meanwhile, Republicans are gathering in Dallas today for the GOP's midterm convention. And despite not being on the ballot, White House correspondent Natalie Andrews says that President Trump is putting himself at the center of the party's efforts to keep control of Congress.

Natalie Andrews (2:40)

If you talk to a lot of prognosticators, a lot of them feel like the House is lost. It's just really hard for a president in power to keep the majority. So Republicans want to use these two days to really kick off campaigning. And they hope that they can reach voters who are not following politics, who might turn their TV on in the evening and see Donald Trump talking to them and saying, Hey, I need you to pretend like my name is on the ballot. When you go vote in Iowa, when you go vote in Kansas or you vote in Texas, I need you to A, not take it for granted that your state is a red state and is all going to go Republican because there's tough races there and B, vote. You need to get out and vote and probably bring your friends to vote.

Luke Vargas (3:27)

Natalie says that strategy comes with political risks, as the president grapples with low approval ratings. And as far as conventions go, this one's a bit unusual.

Natalie Andrews (3:36)

Usually, there are no midterm conventions because the political conventions are generally to choose the president during a presidential year. Behind the scenes, a lot of lawmakers have kind of rolled their eyes. They didn't want to come. Some of them are coming for a short time, but not the full time.

It's a made-for-TV event. So on TV, it will probably play out as though people are having a great time.

Luke Vargas (4:00)

With just eight weeks to go until the midterms, campaigning is ramping up and primaries are winding down. With the final two set to be held today in Rhode Island and in Delaware next week.

Apple is set to unveil its long-awaited first foldable iPhone later today. Journal reporter Rolf Winkler called it the company's most consequential product event in years, with new devices, a new chief executive and likely higher price tags all on display.

Rolf Winkler (4:31)

The headline is expected to be a new foldable iPhone, almost tablet-like device that fits in your pocket, that will allow people to multitask using more than one app at the same time. Equally important will be the man introducing it. It's going to be John Ternes, who took over as CEO last week.