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Judge rejects DeSantis-drawn congressional map as unconstitutional

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:20 GMT

(The Hill) — A Florida judge on Saturday ruled that a congressional map put forward by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) was unconstitutional and ordered the state legislature to redraw the boundaries.Circuit Judge J. Lee Marsh found that the redrawn districts authorized by DeSantis in northern Florida violated the state constitution's Fair Districts Amendments by “dismantling a congressional district that enabled Black voters to elect their candidates of choice under the previous plan.”The district, which stretches across much of Florida’s northern border with Georgia, was previously held by Rep. Al Lawson, a Black Democrat who lost in the 2022 midterm election after the redistricting process. In the previous district, 46.5 percent of the voting age population was Black. Under the new map, the four districts in the area are 23.1 percent, 15.9 percent, 31.7 percent and 12.8 percent Black.The map approved in the 2020 redistricting cycle was submitted to the Florida legislature by De...

ATCEMS transports fans from UT game for probable heat-related incidents

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:20 GMT

Austin (KXAN) — The intense heat created problems for several dozen football fans at the Longhorn's first game of the season Saturday.Austin-Travis County EMS said it transported six people for probable heat-related incidents to medical facilities. Inside the stadium, ATCEMS said that more than 40 people were seen at aid stations for heat-related issues.Before the game, ATCEMS strategically placed ambulances and medics around the stadium to prepare for the extreme weather conditions. EMS gets game plan ready for potential heat emergencies at DKR stadium Before half-time droves of football fans were already leaving the game because of the heat.UT student Lilian Rembert is part of a spirit team that requires her to paint her face for game day. She said the heat was one of the biggest obstacles of the day."I've had to do a couple of touch-ups, try not to touch my face because I've had like sweat dripping down," Rembert said.Before leaving the stadium, Rembert said she had to cool off...

College football: St. Thomas wins opener but doesn’t impress coach

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:20 GMT

Teachable moments pulled from a victory? College football coaches love them; they help keep the boys honest in the next week’s practice.But the St. Thomas Tommies produced far too many of them in their mistake-filled 36-26 victory over Black Hills State on Saturday at O’Shaughnessy Stadium in their season opener for head coach Glenn Caruso and his staff to get the full benefit.“The 30,000-foot view is that we’re nothing special,” Caruso said.The most disturbing aspect of it all for the Tommies might be that their lackluster performance came against a Division II opponent while having numerous starters back from last season’s Pioneer Football League regular season championship.The most glaring deficiencies were on defense and special teams. They had two field-goal attempts blocked and failed to cover a Black Hills State onside kick with two minutes to play in the game.Defensively, the Tommies gave up 325 yards through the air, and a number of receptions were made by receivers who wer...

Cycling fans flock to Francis Park for the Gateway Cup

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:20 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- Fans flocked to St. Louis Hills for the second day of our area's biggest cycling event of the year. Top-tier riders from around the globe descended on Francis Park Saturday for day two of the Bommarito Audi Gateway Cup.Thousands of people came to watch the races. Former cyclist turned announcer Frankie Andreu says it's a blast to watch the competitors stomp on the pedals."Flying around here, a hundred riders, 30 miles an hour, they're inches from each other. It's like NASCAR on wheels as they say," said Andreu.There is no doubt that the competition is intense, with some races coming straight down to the wire.The race is being put on by the Big Shark Bicycle Company. Event organizer Mike Weiss, who also owns Big Shark, says he takes great pleasure in putting on such a big event in his hometown."I think St. Louis should be proud of this event. I think the turnout, and the small businesses that support this event also turn out, so it's a really nice blend," said Weiss."It'...

500 graffiti artists meet for 26th Paint Louis

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:20 GMT

ST. LOUIS Mo.- The next time you head to the riverfront downtown, it might look a lot different.  There are 500 artists from around the world gathering in Downtown St. Louis for the 26thPaint Louis.

The world's biggest bounce house is in St. Louis County this weekend

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:20 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- There are a lot of great events happening this Labor Day weekend, as families enjoy the last bit of summer. The world's biggest Bounce Park, FUNBOX is here this Labor Day weekend at the Saint Louis Galleria.Monica Maddox brought her son, niece, and nephews to check it out. Alton stadium restrictions keeps fans on fence line, rooftops “They’re jumping around, they come out for some water – they have water, they have snow cones, they have everything here,” said Maddox. “If you’re under a little shaded area, there’s a nice breeze that comes in, they’re loving it. There’s six kids here, 4 adults, we’re having so much fun.”The bounce park is 25,000 square feet, and will be here now until November 12. The park sits on one acre in the parking lot.The inflatable playground has ten play zones.“Mountains and rock-climbing and slides and anything that a kid could imagine,” said owner Jenn McElhaney. “So it’s really something that’s very safe and fun for them to come jump for 90 ...

Broncos game-by-game predictions: Can Denver end finally playoff drought under Sean Payton?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:20 GMT

WEEK 1LAS VEGAS RAIDERS2:25 p.m., Sept. 10, CBSThe Sean Payton era begins with Josh McDaniels and company in Denver. It will also begin in a way 2022 did not: With a couple of red zone touchdowns from Russell Wilson.Broncos 24, Raiders 20WEEK 2WASHINGTON COMMANDERS2:25 p.m., Sept. 17, CBSA scintillating matchup between the two newest ownership groups in the NFL. Wilson continues a nice start with a pair of touchdown passes to Greg Dulcich and the Broncos are rolling at 2-0.Broncos 27, Commanders 17WEEK 3AT MIAMI DOLPHINS11 a.m., Sept. 24, CBSWho goes to South Florida and wins early in the season? Not the Broncos, who will have not only the humidity to deal with but the Dolphins’ fantastic wide receiver duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.Dolphins 31, Broncos 17WEEK 4AT CHICAGO BEARS11 a.m., Oct. 1, CBSThe Broncos will have their hands full trying to tackle Justin Fields. But they’ll also turn him over a couple of times and escape the Windy City flying the ‘W.’Broncos 24, Bear...

Colorado members of Congress again ask IRS: Don’t tax TABOR refunds

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:20 GMT

Nearly all members of Colorado’s congressional delegation are again asking the Internal Revenue Service to reconsider a plan to tax state refunds.The IRS’ new guidance, issued this week, marked the second time this year the agency raised the specter of subjecting state refunds to federal income tax. Colorado’s entire delegation, except for U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, signed a letter Thursday warning of “the nightmarish burden of an unprecedented tax.”Triggered by the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, Colorado’s tax refunds have never been subject to federal taxes in TABOR’s 30-year history. Any changes in the feds’ stance would apply to taxes due next year, when Coloradans can again expect hundreds of dollars in TABOR refunds. But it appeared only certain filers would be affected.The congressional letter was led by U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse, of Lafayette, and U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, both Democrats, with five other Democrats and two Republica...

I-580 Westbound Oakland traffic jammed as police investigate possible highway shooting

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:20 GMT

Traffic slowed to a crawl on I-580 Westbound on Saturday evening in Oakland after two cars were left abandoned near Seminary Avenue after a possible highway shooting, an official with the California Highway Patrol said.CHP officials responded to a call that two vehicles were abandoned on the highway at 4:03 p.m. But when investigators arrived on scene, they discovered that both vehicles were empty.One of the cars, a Black Mercedes SUV, was stopped right in the middle of the highway while the other, a black Chevrolet SUV, was parked on the right shoulder.Shortly after the cars were found abandoned, two people self-admitted to a local hospital with gunshot wounds. It was not immediately clear if those admitted to the hospital were connected to the freeway incident. Officials say they will continue to investigate and release updates when possible.As of 6:10 p.m., only one lane remained closed as officials worked to tow the cars off the roadway.Check back for updates.

'All I Want For Christmas Is You' streams suddenly skyrocket -- thanks to Filipinos

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:20 GMT

(KRON) -- The calendar just hit September, and we are still months away from Christmas. But there is already a large segment of people getting in the holiday mood by streaming one of the season's most recognizable tunes. "All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey suddenly racked in over 300,000 streams on Spotify on the first day of the month.Thanks to Filipinos, says Mariah Carey.The holiday hit received 316,000 Spotify streams on Sept. 1, according to a tweet by a Mariah Carey fan page reposted by the singer. However, a good amount of streams are coming from the Philippines. "Not yet!!! I'll allow it for my Filipino lambs though," Carey tweeted Saturday in reference to the sudden uptick in streams to begin the month. "I don't make the rules!"According to Spotify Charts, "All I Want for Christmas Is You" was streamed 112,040 times in the Philippines on Sept. 1 -- the 82nd most-streamed song in the country that day. Filipinos are known for having the longest Christmas celebra...