The top local stories this morning from KERA News:
Just over a week before going into effect, a federal court in Texas has blocked implementation of a rule that would make an estimated 4 million workers nationwide eligible for overtime pay.
The court in the Eastern District of Texas granted a preliminary injunction yesterday. It prevents the U.S. Department of Labor from implementing the changes until the rule's legality can be further examined.
21 states, including Texas, sued to block the rule before it would take effect on Dec. 1. The regulation would shrink the so-called "white collar exemption" and more than double the salary threshold under which employers must pay overtime to their workers.
The Department of Labor says 400,000 Texas workers would be affected by the ruling if it’s implemented. Supporters say it would more fairly compensate employees for their work, while opponents say it would affect the private sector. The Department of Labor can appeal the judge’s decision.
Other stories this morning:
- A state lawmaker from Dallas has filed new legislation that would increase punishment for those caught targeting police and first responders. It’ll be introduced in the legislative session, which begins in January.
- Despite safety checklists and top -of-the-line technology, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 250,000 Americans die annually due to medical errors. A new patient safety institute in Fort Worth is trying to reduce medical errors.
- AAA predicts 3.3 million Texans will be traveling for Thanksgiving. 3 million of those will be driving. It will likely be cheaper to travel by car this weekend than any other method. Average gas prices across the state dropped by about a nickel to settle at $1.92 per gallon.
You can listen to North Texas stories weekdays at 8:22 a.m. and 6:20 p.m. on KERA 90.1 FM.
