1. WHO TRUMP, POMPEO BLAME FOR ATTACK ON SAUDI OIL PLANTS
The president, secretary of state and other U.S. officials say Iran carried out the drone strikes that damaged a key petroleum facility. Iran, meanwhile, called the U.S. claims “maximum lies.”
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2. MORE THAN 49,000 UAW WORKERS GO ON STRIKE
Contract talks with General Motors stall and workers shut down 33 manufacturing plants in nine states across the U.S., as well as 22 parts distribution warehouses.
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3. WHAT DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS SAY GUN LEGISLATION MUST CONTAIN
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer warn President Trump that any proposal on gun control must include a House-passed bill to expand background checks – or risk defeat.
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4. ARCH SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN
Beginning today, construction is set to begin around 7th and Neches to reduce the amount of sidewalk outside of the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless. The goal is to reduce the number of people loitering outside of the ARCH, thus reducing the amount of crimes committed. Other changes planned for the area include more lighting and water fountains.
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5. FINING THOSE WHO FUND THE PANHANDLERS
A guy who ran against Mayor Steve Adler and lost reaches out to his office with some different ideas about dealing with the homelessness crisis…Alex Strenger proposes a fine for people who give money to begging panhandlers.
“You’re, like, a young, defenseless girl and some guys houding you for money you’re, like, scared to say no, you know, that is a problem, so you want to discourage aggressive panhandling in Austin because I think that is what people are most afraid of,” Strenger says.
But Strenger also says if the person is trying to sell something or perform a commercial service then that should be supported. He says parking meters should give you the option to donate to homeless organizations.
