AV News: Shutdown Drags On As U.S. Military Getting Paid
The federal government shutdown continues and that means some key economic reports that would normally be released today will not come out. We’ll be missing weekly jobless claims, retail sales data and the inflation-indicating producer price index. This, after the Senate on Wednesday rejected a bill for the ninth time that would have ended the federal government shutdown. It came after President Trump said he will cut programs favored by Democrats, with a full list of targeted programs expected Friday.
U.S. Military Getting Paid During Shutdown
U.S. service members got paychecks this week, despite the government shutdown. The White House released a memo from President Trump directing the Pentagon to use unspent funds to pay the military. Those funds will be replenished once the shutdown ends. Speaker Mike Johnson warned that the move was a “temporary fix.”
Judge Blocks Shutdown Layoffs
A federal judge has put a block on the Trump administration from laying off federal workers during the shutdown. Unions asked the federal court to block the move, calling the firings illegal. Susan Illston, a President Clinton-appointed judge, called the layoffs “politically motivated.” Her decision is expected to be appealed by the White House. White House budget director Russell Vought said the Trump administration could cut over 10-thousand federal jobs during the government shutdown
Houston City Council Approves Polk St. Closure
The Houston City Council has approved to permanently close a section of Polk Street in downtown. The move clears the way for the George R. Brown Convention Center’s major expansion. Many East End residents expressed concerns about losing the section of Polk Street will make for longer commutes and further isolate their community.
Harris County Commissioners To Vote On Burn Ban
The Harris County Commissioners Court is expected to vote on a burn ban in unincorporated areas of the county at its meeting today. This comes at the request of the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office amid the dry conditions. Several counties in southeast Texas have already implemented burn bans amid the dry conditions. The Harris County Commissioners Court meeting is scheduled at ten this morning.
