1. More than 30,000 people expected in Houston shelters because of Hurricane Harvey with towns under siege by torrential rain and surging floodwaters. The already-dire circumstances were complicated by the release of water from two reservoirs opened to relieve the stress caused by a downpour that was threatening to equal the area’s average rainfall for a full year. How good of a job are emergency responders doing? Is the federal government doing enough?
2. President Donald Trump will travel to Texas today to review the state’s efforts to recover from Hurricane Harvey. Trump is expected to travel away from the storm zone, avoiding the most hard-hit areas. Should the President try and get a closer firsthand look or is it too much of a security concern?
3. Comedian and actor Kevin Hart donated $25,000 for the Hurricane Harvey relief effort and he’s calling out other celebrities including The Rock, Steve Harvey, Chris Rock, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake and Jerry Seinfeld to donate as well. Does Hart have a point? Should more celebrities be taking the lead by contributing to Harvey relief efforts?
4. The Houston Astros were scheduled to open up a three game series vs. the Texas Rangers in Minute Maid Park in Houston today but Houston is dealing with the aftermath of Harvey. Should MLB post-pone the Astros games? Should they be play at the visiting ballpark? Should they move the games to a neutral Major League ballpark?
5. The U.S. Census Bureau will release a report on computer and internet use in the United States today and it will look at the divide between those who have and those who lack access to computers and the internet. Should the government be responsible for making sure the poor have access to the internet?
6. The Trump administration is preparing to lift a controversial ban on the transfer of some surplus military equipment to local police departments. The program was halted 3 years ago when police departments battlefield-style response to rioting in a St. Louis suburb made some uncomfortable. The new order would provide armored vehicles, large-caliber weapons, ammunition and other heavy equipment from being re-purposed from foreign battlefields to America's streets. Is it too much to have heavy duty military equipment on American city streets?
7. A hearing for former Flint, Michigan officials charged in the water crisis case was held this week. It’s a probable cause hearing for four former Flint officials with charges including involuntary manslaughter, false pretenses, and conspiracy to commit false pretenses in relation to the water crisis. What should happen to them?
8. Ohio Republican Gov. John Kasich and Colorado Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper are reportedly considering a run for the White House as a unity ticket in 2020. Do you think it’s possible in American politics to see a Democrat and a Republican on the same ticket running for President of the United States?
9. The man once known as “America’s Toughest Sheriff”, former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio was found guilty of criminal contempt last month for disobeying a judge’s order to stop his immigration round ups looking for undocumented workers. He received a pardon from President Trump over the weekend. What do you think about the pardon?
10. The man accused of resisting arrest in a viral video posted to Facebook plead not guilty. Richard Hubbard III, 25, faced charges of resisting arrest and driving on a suspended license when he appeared in court for his initial arraignment. In the video above, officer Michael Amiott can be seen punching Hubbard several times after telling Hubbard to face away from him. It happened after Hubbard was pulled over on E. 228th Street earlier this month. Hubbard was wearing a neck brace during the court hearing, and said he feared for his life and did not resist the officer. Officer Amiott was suspended for 15 days without pay, removed from the SWAT team and will be undergoing further training. Do you think Hubbard will be cashing in from the city of Euclid?