Topic: Police Budget

A mass shooting on Sixth Street in Austin, Texas, left 14 people injured and sparked a debate over local law enforcement resources following a $150 million police budget cut. The Austin Statesman faced criticism for withholding a suspect description to avoid "perpetuating stereotypes." Meanwhile, Governor Greg Abbott faces political pressure regarding a pending "constitutional carry" bill that would allow unlicensed handgun carry for adults over 21.

Berkeley High School is facing budget cuts that will reduce its unarmed campus security force from 15 to 13 officers. Despite the city's reputation for anti-police sentiment, students expressed concern that the reduction would jeopardize their safety. The hosts find it ironic that students in a "Dimension B" political environment are advocating for an increased security presence on campus.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan faced intense questioning from Piers Morgan regarding the 400 jihadis who have returned to the UK from Syria. Khan attributed the inability to monitor all suspects to police budget cuts, a response Morgan criticized as inadequate given the security risks.

The Rio 2016 Olympics are reported to be 50% over budget, leading the city to declare a financial emergency. A "sub in the water" report from a technician in Rio describes poor construction, overcrowded housing, and broken plumbing in the media center. Additional stories highlight the dangers of local crime, including bodies left on Copacabana Beach and the notorious reputation of the Brazilian police.