Day one of the RNC
Day one of the Republican National Convention had its share of everyday Americans speaking for President Trump. Former and current administration officials are also making the case for another term. Ex-ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley says despite what democrats say, republicans know black lives matter amid cries for racial justice.
“The black cops who have been shot in the line of duty, they matter. The black small business owners who’ve watched their life’s work go up in flames, they matter,” says Haley.
Senator Tim Scott says the election is about more than just Donald Trump versus Joe Biden.
“It’s about you and me, our challenges and heartbreaks, hopes and dreams,” says Scott.
The theme for night two of the RNC is “Land of Opportunity,” with a heavy dose of the Trump family and the president himself.
Continued defunding of the police department
Austin’s Human Rights Commission is demanding that the citizens be able to choose their police chief. Commission member Nathan White, who is publicly calling for the full abolition of the Austin Police Department, says public pressure should be applied to APD to force out Chief Brian Manley and have him replaced with someone voted in by the public
District 6 Council Member Jimmy Flannigan doesn’t feel that city manager Spencer Cronk has done enough to answer calls for social justice. This week the council will discuss the future of Cronk’s employment. Flannigan says change needs to happen immediately. He feels Cronk is acting as a barrier because ultimately Cronk gets the choice of who leads the Austin Police Department.
Constitutional carry bill
The defunding of the Austin police has prompted a central Texas state representative to seek a constitutional carry bill for the upcoming legislative session. Kyle Biederman owns a hunting and hardware store in Fredericksburg and says sales of guns and ammo have tripled.
“I am proud to file legislation to restore the citizen’s right to protect themselves without being required to seek permission from the government,” says Biederman.
Constitutional carry would remove the requirement to obtain a license before carrying a handgun. More than a dozen states already have similar laws in place.
Park rangers enduring attacks
Some local park rangers say anti police rhetoric combined with frustration over COVID-19 restrictions are leading to more attacks. Back In May, videos circulated showing a ranger being shoved into the water. However, Park Ranger Supervisor Patrick Chaiken tells CBS Austin there have been many more cases than just that.
“Park monitors are just being either shoved or hit. We’ve had things shouted at us. We’ve had, you know, called derogatory comments, things of that nature.” says Chaiken
He says he understands that frustration but park rangers are just there to enforce the rules and keep people safe.
Food and beverage permits
More and more bars are reapplying for food and beverage permits, allowing them to operate as restaurants. At the same time, the Texas Bar Nightclub Alliance is expected to release its own plan today that would help its members reopen their doors. Since the first shutdowns were ordered, numerous bars and nightclubs across Austin had to close their doors permanently.
COVID-19 update
Travis County’s COVID-19 hospital count dropped by only one over the past day but it’s still heading in the right direction. 171 people are hospitalized currently; there’s also been a slight drop in the number of people requiring a ventilator. Overall, 25,890 cases have been discovered in the county. 24,672 of those are people who have recovered from their illness.
This news and more on News Radio KLBJ:
https://omny.fm/shows/klbjam-flash-briefing-1/am-newscast-8-25-20
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