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Texas Senate gives final approval to ban on COVID-19 vaccine mandates for private employers

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:12:59 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — At the end of a marathon 15-hour day Thursday, the Texas Senate voted along party lines to approve legislation that bans COVID-19 vaccine mandates for private employers, though the author carved out a slight caveat on how some of the rules will apply to hospitals and health care facilities in the state. Senate Bill 7, introduced by Republican Sen. Mayes Middleton of Galveston, passed on a vote of 19-12 Thursday evening, sending it to the Texas House of Representatives for further consideration. The legislation would bar employers from adopting or enforcing a mandate "requiring an employee, contractor, applicant for employment, or applicant for a contract position to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment or a contract position." Senate passes plan to let Texas parents use public funds to pay for private schools Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick released a statement applauding the Senate's decision. "The passage of SB 7 will return medical freedom to Texans ...

Israeli, Palestinian rallies at Texas Capitol this Sunday

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:12:59 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Two groups have rallies planned at the Texas Capitol this Sunday surrounding the events of the Israel-Hamas war.The Austin branch of the Israeli-American Council will host a rally from 12 to 3 p.m. The Palestine Solidarity Committee, a student organization at UT Austin, will host its rally starting at 3 p.m., according to the group's social media accounts. As war continues to rage in Israel, the Texas Department of Public Safety said at this time it is not aware of any specific and credible threats to Texas but wants the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said the city is on "high alert."“We have not received any information to believe that a threat is imminent here in Austin. However, our Austin Police and Homeland Security & Emergency Management departments are on high alert to help prevent and respond to any act of violence that may be attempted,” the mayor said Thursday. City of Austin on high alert as...

Abbott urges school choice supporters to 'not be like UT Football' in final push

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:12:59 GMT

Austin (Nexstar) — Governor Greg Abbott said supporters of school choice are close to their goal at the Capitol. But Thursday night, he urged backers to avoid mimicking the Texas Longhorns in the final push for the legislation. Abbott spoke at Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) 2023 Parent Empowerment Leadership Summit dinner, about an hour after the Texas Senate gave preliminary approval to a bill to allow parents to use public funds to pay for private education. Senate passes plan to let Texas parents use public funds to pay for private schools "We are on the one-yard line, a good place to be," Abbott said.Abbott referenced Texas Football's play calling in Texas's 30-34 loss to Oklahoma in 2023's edition of the Red River Rivalry. He referenced UT's lack of success at the one-yard line as a metaphor to illustrate the current risk, even with success seeming close."UT took four downs from the one-yard line, and — because of strategies, decision making, and maybe execution — they...

Where and when to see peak fall colors in Texas in 2023

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:12:59 GMT

Editor's Note: The above video shows when you can see fall colors across the U.S.TEXAS (KAMR/KCIT) — As communities around Texas welcome the autumn season with an array of festivals and excitement for the upcoming holidays, they're also looking forward to cooler weather and scouting out the best view of vibrant fall foliage. However, as noted by the 2023 fall foliage forecast by Smoky Mountains National Park, autumn colors will touch Texas treetops over the course of multiple months and won't start to peak until November. Much like seasonal allergies, the timing for when Texans will be able to fully appreciate the leaves changing will depend on where exactly they are in the vast regions of the Lone Star State.Here's a look at where Texans and travelers alike can get some of the best views of fall foliage in 2023, and when to time their trip to do so. Big Bend Country and Panhandle-Plains | Nov. 6 - Nov.18While the westernmost and northernmost tips of Texas are expected to see the le...

Vikings at Bears picks: Vikings vulnerable without Justin Jefferson

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:12:59 GMT

Members of the Pioneer Press sports staff who cover the Vikings forecast Sunday’s game against the Bears in Chicago:DANE MIZUTANIBears 27, Vikings 24The loss of Justin Jefferson is going to be too much for the Vikings to overcome against the Bears. The biggest question is whether the result will force the Vikings to at least consider tanking. It would be in their best interest at this point.JOHN SHIPLEYVikings 27, Bears 24The Bears are hot off a convincing victory over Washington but this is a pride game for Minnesota, which believes it is better than its record. Even without Justin Jefferson, they should have enough in Chicago. Right?CHARLEY WALTERSVikings 21, Bears 20Vikings are the better team, even without Justin Jefferson, but only one point better. Lose this one and the season is lost for both teams.Related ArticlesMinnesota Vikings | Vikings at Bears: What to know ahead of Week 6 matchup Minnesota Vikings | The Loop NFL Picks: Week 6 Minn...

Vikings at Bears: What to know ahead of Week 6 matchup

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:12:59 GMT

Here are some things to know before the Vikings travel to play the Chicago Bears on Sunday:Vikings at BearsWhen: 12 p.m. SundayWhere: Solider FieldTV: FOXRadio: KFANLine: Vikings – 3.0Over/Under: 44Keys for the Vikings— Will the Vikings be able to move the ball without injured star receiver Justin Jefferson? That should be pretty clear based on how the Vikings play early in the game. It will be the first time Jefferson has missed a game in his young career. Thus, the Vikings have never been forced to function without him until now.— The renaissance of quarterback Justin Fields has helped the Bears be competitive over the past couple of weeks. If the Vikings can find a way to fluster Fields early in the game, they could find some success. If they allow him to get rolling, it could make things pretty difficult on defense.Keys for the Bears— There’s going to be chances for Bears receiver D.J. Moore to make some plays against an inexperienced group of Vikings cornerbacks. He is fr...

The Loop NFL Picks: Week 6

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:12:59 GMT

Vikings at Bears (+2½)Star wideout Justin Jefferson will be sidelined at least a month, the latest blow to the postseason hopes for the 1-4 Vikings. The big question is whether the official campaign of tanking the season begins immediately, or whether they’ll wait until Sunday’s next debacle.Pick: Bears by 3MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 08: Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings attempts to catch a pass during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)Panthers at Dolphins (-13½)Three Dolphins (Tyreek Hill, De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert) have posted the top speeds in NFL action this season, all in excess of 21.5 mph. The only pass catcher to move faster this year has been the Vikings’ Jordan Addison in his Lamborghini.Pick: Dolphins by 21MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 08: Tyreek Hill #10 of the Miami Dolphins runs the ball to score a touchdown ...

Dutchess County eatery on NYT's 'most excited about' list

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:12:59 GMT

PINE HILLS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A Dutchess County restaurant has been recognized by the New York Times. Stissing House in Pine Plains was one of the 50 restaurants that made the New York Times third annual "The Restaurant List" for 2023. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! "The Restaurant List" was released in September. It features 50 places around the United States that the New York Times is most excited about. Half of this year's list includes new restaurants that have opened since the 2022 restaurant list was published."Despite the upheavals in recent years, this is an expansive moment for independent restaurants," said the New york Times. "We can’t help but feel that cities and towns in the United States are better to eat in today than they have ever been." Inside the new selfie studio at Crossgates Mall Stissing House is owned by Clare de Boer and is in a historic tavern with an open hearth. The menu includes coal-roasted day-...

Musician Marquise Knox will start The Blues home opener on a high note!

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:12:59 GMT

ST. LOUIS - St. Louis Blues Hockey is doing a collaboration with musician Marquise Knox to highlight the rich history of blues musicians in the area.Marquise and a big furry bear (Louie from the St. Louis Blues) both stopped by to make this the most fun Band in the Box segment.Get tickets to The Blues home opener Saturday night by visiting StLouisBlues.com and hearing Marquise sing a brand-new song just for The Blues.

FOX 2's Hispanic Heritage Month special

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:12:59 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- Welcome to our celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. FOX 2 host Chelsea Haynes takes you on a tour of the rich cultures that you will find in the St. Louis area.