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Lawmakers introduce bill to classify 9-1-1 operators as first responders

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:17:31 GMT

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) -- Rep. Norma Torres (D-Calif.) says she still vividly remembers speaking with a child during her days as a 9-1-1 operator."The only thing I could hear was thumping, really loud. Screams, horrific screams. Followed by five shots," Torres said.Torres says she only got the call because her department did not have enough bilingual dispatchers."I was still in training. I should not have been answering those calls," Torres said.This is one of the many reasons why Torres and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Penn) introduced their bill to classify 9-1-1 operators as first responders, instead of clerical workers."There's legal protections that are not available for them because of that classification. There's grants and funding that cannot flow to them because of that designation," Fitzpatrick said.Fitzpatrick and Torres hope those added protection and resources will help keep more of the 9-1-1 operators currently facing burnout on the job."The numbers are going down and as a ...

These states have the highest car theft rates: Where does yours rank?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:17:31 GMT

(KTLA) — Between 2021 and 2022, reported carjackings in the U.S. increased by 8.1%, recently released FBI data shows. The vast majority of those involved an assailant with a weapon, and someone was injured in more than a quarter of all carjackings. A new report shows some states have been hit harder by car thieves than others. The National Insurance Crime Bureau, a not-for-profit organization, reviewed data collected by the FBI's National Crime Information Center to find which states had the highest vehicle theft rates in 2022 per 100,000 residents.Overall, they found states primarily on the West Coast and in the Southwest had the worst vehicle theft rates. For the second year in a row, Colorado topped the list, reporting a theft rate of over 731 cars per 100,000 residents in 2022, up more than 10% compared to 2021, according to the NICB. Ranking second on the list wasn't a state at all: the District of Columbia saw roughly 700 cars per 100,000 residents stolen last year. For compar...

LIVE: Gov. Abbott to sign bill banning COVID-19 vaccine mandates

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:17:31 GMT

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Governor Abbott will sign legislation banning COVID-19 vaccine mandates for private employers at the governor's mansion on Friday afternoon.Once signed into law, Senate Bill 7 will prohibit employers in the private sector from taking "adverse action" against an employee who does not want to get a COVID-19 shot. It would allow people to file a complaint at the Texas Workforce Commission to investigate alleged retaliation. Employers could face a fine up to $1,000 for each violation, according to this legislation.Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, who authored SB 7, emphasized the importance of medical autonomy when discussing his bill during the third special session.“This bill is about protecting individuals,” said Middleton during the third special session. “This protects individuals from losing their job if they don’t believe that COVID vaccine is right for them for whatever reason.” READ MORE: Texas Senate gives final approval to ban on COVID-19 vaccine m...

The relentless determination of new Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:17:31 GMT

Josh Dobbs never missed school growing up in Alpharetta, Ga. Not a single day in 13 years.It started off as a friendly competition with his mother Stephanie Dobbs during his adolescence. She only missed school once as a kid, and she reminded her son of that accomplishment often. If he wanted to beat her, there was literally no margin for error.That served as a compass for Dobbs throughout elementary school, middle school and high school. Nothing was going to stop him from having perfect attendance. Not even his own college decision.As a star quarterback for Alpharetta High School, he skillfully navigated the recruitment process in a way that ensured he never got marked absent. His father Robert Dobbs recalled that if his son had an official visit set up, he would go to school long enough to get credit, then the family would race to the airport to catch a flight. If they missed the plane, they missed the plane.The closest he got to missing school came during his senior year when he w...

The Loop NFL Picks: Week 10

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:17:31 GMT

Saints at Vikings (+2½)Former Vikings quarterback Fran Tarkenton was wowed by Joshua Dobbs’ performance last Sunday, saying what the replacement QB did was “impossible.” Tarkenton’s a bit of an expert on things “impossible” from his days trying in vain to win Super Bowls.Pick: Vikings by 3Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback Fran Tarkenton reaches out for the ball after he fumbled it during second quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl IX, Jan. 12, 1975, in New Orleans. Tarkenton recovered ball in the end zone for a Pittsburgh safety. (AP Photo/Jack Thornell)Jets at Raiders (+1½)Injured Aaron Rodgers was in full backtrack mode after saying on the field Monday night that he’d be back quarterbacking the Jets in “several weeks.: He quickly amended that to “several fortnights,” then admitted he’s going to spend the next several months playing only Fortnite.Pick: Raiders by 3New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers watches from the sidelines against the Los Angeles C...

What’s the Tea with Judi D: We congratulate Clementine’s Creamer

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:17:31 GMT

ST. LOUIS - The STL is the home of the best ice cream in the nation. Celebrate Clementine’s Creamery getting the top award for their Smoky Italian Fig flavor! Plus, see what’s the most popular pose to do on social media, - it’s a bit odd! We are spilling some tea with Judi Diamond! You can hear Judi weekly morning on KLOU 103.3.

Kansas City ranked outside top 10 for best sports cities in survey

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:17:31 GMT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — When you think of Kansas City, one of the first things you think of is sports. In fact, the city is home to some of the passionate sports fans in the world, pioneered by their decades-long infatuation with the Kansas City Chiefs. In search of the best sports cities from the fan’s perspective, WalletHub compared 397 cities across more than 50 key metrics related to the five largest sports in the U.S.: football, basketball, baseball, soccer and hockey, and somehow, Kansas City was ranked 14th. St. Louis is ranked #38 on the same list.The advantage that the other cities ranked above Kansas City had was they either boasted an NFL or NHL team. But, what Kansas City lacks in major sports teams, they make up for in enthusiasm, passion, creativity and loyalty. Kansas City Chiefs fans are among the best in the world, a reputation they've developed since they moved to Arrowhead in 1972, long before the near-unprecedented success you see today. In fact, in 2014, Chiefs fan...

'Veterans Voices' Uplifting stories of St. Louis area military vets

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:17:31 GMT

ST. LOUIS - Join us Friday for a special FOX 2 news presentation, 'Veterans Voices.'FOX 2's military veteran air force Lt. Col. Chris Higgins is hosting the program of uplifting stories of the area military veterans.

Dealing with the ‘stuff’: Couples who have made a senior move say de-cluttering is tough but worth it

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:17:31 GMT

Making a senior move to a place with better amenities, less maintenance, and fewer steps to climb involves a number of complicated tasks. But couples who have successfully navigated a move like that say that the very hardest job is the most mundane one — getting rid of the stuff they’re not taking along.FREE SEMINARS, REFRESHMENTS INCLUDEDWhat: The Steller Group, Inc., agents specializing in downsizing moves: listing, selling, improving to increase salability, handling discards, low-maintenance living, purchase & rental.When: Tues. Nov. 14, “Downsize 2024,” 10-11:30 a.m.Where: Arvada Elks Lodge, 5700 Yukon St., ArvadaWhen: Fri. Nov. 17, “Downsize 2024,” 10-11:30 a.m.Where: Southglenn Library, 6972 S. Vine St., CentennialWhen: Fri. Dec. 1, “Downsize 2024,” 10-11:30 a.m.Where: Belmar Public Library, 555 S. Allison Pkwy, LakewoodPhone: 720-593-9355Sign up At: DenverSeniorSeminars.com“Downsizing is horrible, but now we’re happy to be here,” says Roxann Headley, who with hus...

Hacienda La Puente school board votes to close campuses

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:17:31 GMT

Parents and students crowded into a Hacienda La Puente Unified School District meeting Thursday night where officials approved a plan to close four schools.The district says it needs to close the schools as part of a reconstruction plan to address declining enrollment. It was approved by a 3-2 vote, according to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.The enrollment trend, which is being seen across numerous Los Angeles-area school districts, is being blamed on declining birth rates. The schools being considered for closure include Bixby Elementary School, Sunset Elementary School, Los Robles Academy and Del Valle Elementary School.Attendees, who spilled out of the board meeting room and into the hallways, urged the members not to move forward with the closures saying it would create transportation and safety issues, as well as disrupt students' education. “It is clear this plan did not take into account the emotional needs of our students. None of you thought about this. None of you thought...