Washington, D.C
East Texas lawmaker travels to Washington D.C. to learn about hostile foreign threats
TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – State Rep. Cole Hefner (R-Mount Pleasant) is back in East Texas after traveling to Washington D.C. to meet with experts on hostile foreign threats. Hefner said the meetings were organized by U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran (R-Tyler.)
“We hear everybody talk about the adversarial foreign countries or foreign agents owning our agricultural land,” Hefner said. “And that’s a big deal and an important issue, but it’s much bigger than that.”
Hefner is the chair of a new Texas House committee focused on securing Texas from hostile foreign threats. The House Select Committee on Securing Texas from Hostile Foreign Organizations will assess the threat posed to the state’s economy and security by “hostile foreign organizations,” with a focus on protecting the real and intellectual property rights of Texans.
“We don’t want to do something that just sounds good and grabs the headlines,” Hefner said. “We want to do stuff that actually has an effect and actually accomplishes what we’re after here.”
Hefner admits there is a fine line to toe when it comes to protecting the state while also respecting and protecting individual and business rights. A point echoed by committee member State Rep. Cody Harris (R-Palestine.)
“There’s a lot of good people in this country who might unintentionally fall under some category and prevent them from buying real estate,” Harris said. “And I think we need to make sure that that doesn’t happen.”
In the March primary election, an overwhelming majority of Republican voters said Texas should ban the sale of land to citizens, governments, and entities from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia.
PREVIOUS STORY:
+ East Texas lawmakers tasked with assessing foreign threats
Copyright 2024 KLTV. All rights reserved.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Oregon will not participate in President Donald Trump’s upcoming Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C.
Washington state also opted out of the fair, which is organized by Freedom 250, a nonprofit aligned with Trump.
Organizers say all 50 states and U.S. territories will still be represented when the event begins June 25.
READ ALSO | PHOTOS: White House prepares for UFC spectacle ahead of America’s 250th birthday
In a statement to KATU, Gov. Tina Kotek’s office said Oregon withdrew because of “the cost of participating in the Fair and growing concerns that the event in Washington, D.C. is shaping up to be a more partisan affair than originally presented.”
Despite the decision, Kotek’s office said the state remains committed to celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.
“The Governor will still be proudly celebrating America’s semiquincentennial here in Oregon and is looking forward to all of the great exhibitions and events the America 250 Oregon Commission will be planning through the summer and beyond,” the statement said.
The Great American State Fair is scheduled to open June 25 in the nation’s capital as part of celebrations marking the United States’ semiquincentennial.
WASHINGTON (7News) — Mayor Muriel Bowser has issued a HEAT ALERT for D.C. as hot, humid conditions increase the risk of heat-related illness.
The alert remains in effect until 8 a.m. Saturday, June 13.
SEE ALSO | Weather Alert Day: Heat Advisory and severe storm chances Thursday
Temperatures will feel hotter
Officials said daytime temperatures will feel like 95 degrees or hotter, while overnight temperatures may feel like 80 degrees or hotter.
Hot temperatures and humidity during the day and overnight can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for people working outside or participating in outdoor activities.
Cooling centers available
Residents can find cooling centers by visiting heat.dc.gov or calling 311 for hours and locations.
Officials are urging residents to stay in air-conditioned or shaded areas, drink plenty of water, and limit time outdoors during the hottest parts of the day.
Check on neighbors, pets
Residents are also encouraged to check on neighbors, especially seniors, children, people with disabilities, and others with access or functional needs.
Officials said children, pets, and service animals should never be left in hot vehicles.
Anyone who sees an animal left outside in extreme heat or in distress can call the Humane Rescue Alliance’s Humane Law Enforcement team at 202-723-5790 ext. 1.
People who need free, accessible transportation to a day center or low-barrier shelter can call the shelter hotline at 202-399-7093 or dial 311.
-
Detroit, MI4 minutes agoAirbnb Is Betting on Detroit as a Destination
-
San Francisco, CA13 minutes agoGray whale found dead near Pier 80 in San Francisco, vessel strike suspected
-
Dallas, TX18 minutes agoDallas Mavericks Reportedly ‘Open’ To Trading 9th Pick in 2026 NBA Draft
-
Miami, FL25 minutes agoMichael Stern’s JDS to bring on partner Jeff Soffer at Mercedes-Benz Miami project, working on $1B loan
-
Boston, MA28 minutes agoFlight from California to Germany diverted to Boston due to disturbance
-
Denver, CO33 minutes ago
Broncos sign Head Coach Sean Payton to new five-year contract through 2030 season
-
Seattle, WA40 minutes agoWEST SEATTLE SCENE: Pride flags in The Junction, plus more on tonight’s celebration
-
San Diego, CA43 minutes agoReport: Phil Mickelson kicked out of San Diego club for inappropriate contact with female employee
