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Michigan Senate votes to repeal 2012 law restricting unions

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:24 GMT

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Hundreds of union supporters filled the halls of the Michigan Capitol on Tuesday as Senate Democrats voted along party lines in support of repealing the decade-old “right-to-work” law in a state long considered a pillar of organized labor.Democrats have listed the repeal as one of their top legislative goals this session. The law, enacted in 2012 when Republicans fully controlled Michigan government, prohibits public and private unions from requiring that nonunion employees pay union dues even if the union bargains on their behalf. Senators approved the repeal on a 20-17 vote, sending it back to the House, which passed its own version last week but must approve the final language. Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has said she’ll sign it. The Senate also followed the House’s actions last week in voting to restore the state’s prevailing wage law, which requires contractors hired for state projects to pay union-level wages. “It’s a new day here in Lans...

FOX31 viewers help Bailey the service dog

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:24 GMT

(KDVR) — FOX31 viewers are making a difference for an injured service dog. Bailey needed special surgery after tearing a ligament in her rear right leg. The 3-year-old rottweiler helps Taryn Cortez cope with multiple sclerosis and depression and can even sense when Cortez’s blood sugar is too high or low. Watch: Video shows pharmacy robbery near Denver Cortez couldn’t afford to pay for the surgery, which costs more than $3,000. FOX31 viewers donated enough money to cover Bailey’s surgery and therapy within 30 minutes after the story aired. “I was crying because I was just like, it’s amazing that so many people are willing to help and wanted to help Bailey," Cortez said. Service dog faces another medical hurdleBailey is receiving treatment at Animal Works Veterinary in Fort Collins. Dr. Don Kraft explained that large dogs face challenges when it comes to treatment for torn ligaments. "We're looking at, you know, implants, hardware and things like that, all of which have to go in, ...

Denver mayoral candidates to answer youth questions on drugs, violence, mental health

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:24 GMT

DENVER (KDVR) -- On Thursday, 5280 High School and Rise Above Colorado will host a youth-led mayoral forum to address issues that affect teens like mental health, fentanyl and school-based violence. Thirteen candidates running for Mayor of Denver are scheduled to participate.5280 High School is a school that helps students who are dealing with substance use or mental health issues.A student named Alichia says she had some issues with family members that affected her grades and mental health. "I wasn't doing good at all," she said. But now she is proud of the turnaround she's had at 5280. "Last quarter I actually passed with all A's," she said. Parents want teen who shares massive house party videos stopped Now she and other students want to know how Denver's mayoral candidates plan to address issues affecting young people. Melissa Mouton, the school's executive director, says the students are very concerned about a feeling of community and belonging."Another concern is access...

New bipartisan effort aims to help workforce shortage

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:24 GMT

DENVER (KDVR) — Gov. Jared Polis joined a group of bipartisan lawmakers to announce proposed legislation to help fill the workforce shortage. The first part of the proposal would cover the cost of an associate's degree or industry certificate for up to two years in eligible fields. Those fields include elementary and early childhood education, firefighting, law enforcement, forest management construction trades and short-term nursing. Denver housing costs 37% more than the national average The governor's proposed budget requests $40 million for the zero-cost education and training. If passed, the investment is expected to help 20,000 Coloradans in the next two years. "This is important for the state, because right now we're not filling those jobs. If we can direct students into those jobs and make it cost-free for them to get those credentials, we know we'll increase the number of students, number of graduates available to fill those jobs. That's not just good for them, it's good...

Sun, Sand, and Model Volleyball

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:24 GMT

The hottest event on the beach returns to South Florida this weekend. Over 200 models from top agencies gather at a two-day event to play at the tournament.Saturday is a practice, but the real throwdown happens Sunday.The event has other activities such as rock climbing walls, dunk tanks and fun photo booths. The event will have DJs like Brody Jenner and amazing food, so bring your bestie and don’t miss out.FOR MORE INFORMATION:modelvolleyball.com

Miami Arts Charter School produces show at The Listening Room in Wynwood

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:24 GMT

When the school day ends, performance night begins for the students of Miami Arts Charter school.Students get a chance to experience what it’s like being in the entertainment business when they perform at The Listening Room.The students aren’t only in the show, they are also running it behind the scenes. Teachers get to see the students apply what they learned in class.The shows are open and free to the general public.

Family visiting Fort Lauderdale hook great white off coast

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:24 GMT

A family on a vacation in South Florida expected to catch a big fish, but they were genuinely surprised by what they reeled in off the coast of Fort Lauderdale.“What do you think?” asked a man on cellphone video that captured a great white shark drifting on a fishing line alongside their boat.“Best day ever!” said a boy.The best day ever is how this little guy is describing this incredible fishing adventure.He and his family were out on the waters in Fort Lauderdale when they nabbed the great white.“There he is, hundred by 50,” a man said on the video.The family, who are from North Dakota, said they came to South Florida for an exciting fishing trip, so they booked a shark fishing adventure with Good Hit Sportfishing, but they had no idea how eventful the trip would become.While in the fight to catch another fish, one of the men said they felt a great tug on their fishing line.“All of a sudden, when it hit the one rod, it just hit it and it took o...

Victoria Park in Fort Lauderdale has something for everyone

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:24 GMT

Victoria Park in Fort Lauderdale is a gem filled with history, amazing restaurants and plenty of fun activities. Gateway Theater is perfect for film fans. It has modern updates, but it also keeps some of its history. Gastrothèque is perfect if you are looking for an amazing American food experience. Did we mention it also has a bar?In case you needed a rug, Victoria Park also has you covered. Tufting House teaches a class in making a rug from start to finish.

US senators press Defense Secretary Austin on sending F-16 jets to Ukraine

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:24 GMT

A group of senators from both parties is pressing the Pentagon for more information on what it would take to send F-16 jets to Ukraine.The fresh push came in a letter Tuesday to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin from eight senators, and obtained by POLITICO, as top administration officials from President Joe Biden on down have poured cold water on bipartisan calls to send U.S.-made fighters into the fight for now.The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is “now at a critical juncture,” the senators wrote, arguing F-16 fighters could give Kyiv an edge as Moscow’s full-tilt invasion enters a second year.“After speaking with U.S., Ukrainian, and foreign leaders working to support Ukraine at the Munich Security Conference last month, we believe the U.S. needs to take a hard look at providing F-16 aircraft to Ukraine,” the senators wrote. “This would be a significant capability that could prove to be a game changer on the battlefield.”The letter was organized by Sen. Mark Kelly (D-...

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson rebuts report about September contract offer with cryptic Twitter response

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:24 GMT

Lamar Jackson broke his silence on his contract negotiations with the Ravens on Tuesday. As is often the case when it comes to Baltimore’s quarterback, though, what he actually said was cryptic.The 2019 NFL Most Valuable Player seemed to dispute an ESPN report by NFL insider Adam Schefter that he turned down a $200 million guaranteed deal from the Ravens in September, tweeting an animated gif in response.Then Jackson, who is representing himself in contract negotiations, added another response: “133/3 years fully guaranteed but I need a agent?”For good measure, he added, “People throw [poop emoji] at the wall and hope it stick.”What’s not clear is whether the reported three-year, $133 million offer was its own deal or part of a larger offer from the Ravens. Later on Tuesday, Schefter responded to Jackson’s tweet, clarifying the parameters of the supposed deal.That deal, which was reported in September, included $133 million guaranteed at sig...