Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world, and as the outbreak in West Texas continues to unfold, questions are circulating about vaccinations — the most infallible tool to protect yourself from infection. Of the 124 cases reported thus far in Texas, the state health department said 119 were in patients who were either unvaccinated, or whose vaccination status was unknown. One unvaccinated child has died. In other news, Saks Global reiterated plans to close the downtown Dallas Neiman Marcus store, adding that it doesn’t have key documents from an agreement with a landlord and the city of Dallas for the site;  the Texas Senate on Thursday passed a bill to ban the use of courier services that facilitate the sale of Texas Lottery tickets. Senate Bill 28 by Republican Sen. Bob Hall of Edgewood was approved 31-0 amid concerns that couriers have hurt the lottery’s reputation; and the explosion of uncertified teachers is a problem — that’s the message Texas’ education chief brought to lawmakers this week. More than half of brand-new educators last year lacked a state certification, meaning it was impossible to know what kind of training they received.

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