Latest news with #Bush
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
‘Gentleman Warrior' John Thrasher dead at 81
Former Florida State University President and House Speaker John Thrasher, whose career in politics and public service spanned more than three decades, died Friday after a battle with cancer, his family announced. Thrasher, 81, served in the House and the Senate before being tapped in 2014 as president of FSU, where he had earned his bachelor's and law degrees. During his tenure in the Legislature, Thrasher, a Republican, was a close ally of former Gov. Jeb Bush and helped carry out Bush's overhaul of the state's education system that included a controversial school-grading system and rigorous testing of student performance. 'I am heartbroken. John was one of my best friends in life. I loved the guy. I am praying hard for the wonderful Jean and his children and grandchildren,' Bush said in an email Friday morning to The News Service of Florida, referring to Thrasher's wife of 60 years, Jean. Thrasher, with Bush's backing, was elected to lead the Republican Party of Florida in 2010 after its former chairman, Jim Greer, was forced out amid a probe into the party's finances. Thrasher became speaker in 1998, the same year Bush was first elected — and as Republicans cemented what remains a dominance of state government. Thrasher died Friday morning in Orlando surrounded by his family, according to a statement released by spokeswoman Sarah Bascom. 'The family would like to thank everyone for their well wishes, visits and prayers during the last month and express their deep gratitude for the doctors and nurses who cared for him at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center, Orlando Health and Cornerstone Hospice,' the statement said. In addition to his wife, Thrasher is survived by daughter Jennifer Jordan and her husband, Don; son Jon Thrasher and his wife Millie; and daughter Julie Weinberg and her husband Mark. He also was a 'proud and devoted grandfather' to eight grandchildren, Bascom said in an email. Accolades for Thrasher, who represented parts of Northeast Florida in the Legislature and was fiercely devoted to FSU, poured in after the announcement of his death. Thrasher's bid to become FSU president initially drew some opposition, in part, because of his lack of an academic background. But Thrasher, who as a lawmaker took numerous steps to support the university, such as helping start its medical school, became a widely respected president. Thrasher's presidency, which lasted until 2021, 'marked a period of historic momentum for the university,' according to FSU President Richard McCullough. 'As an alumnus, legislator, trustee and president, he devoted his life to elevating FSU's national reputation and helping the university reach new heights in student success, academic excellence and research,' McCullough said in a statement. 'Jai (McCullough's wife) and I feel incredibly fortunate and blessed to have known him and will always cherish the time we spent together at university events, out on the golf course or sharing a meal. John had a remarkable ability to bring people together with his warmth, humor and unmistakable charm.' Thrasher was 'one of the greatest men I've ever known,' Gus Corbella, a lobbyist who served as director of the House Majority Office during Thrasher's two-year term as speaker, told the News Service in a text. 'He was a mentor to me more than just in public service, but also as a shining example of what a man of integrity, courage and conviction can be in this often challenging world. He was a gentleman of the highest order worthy of every respect accorded to him,' Corbella said. Kathy Mears, who has held a series of high-level staff positions in the Legislature and state government and served as Thrasher's government-relations director at FSU, offered similar praise. 'No words can adequately capture the deserved honor Florida owes to John Thrasher,' Mears said. 'He was a gentleman warrior. He led with quiet strength and firm resolve. He did so much good for so many — as a lawmaker, as a leader, as a mentor, but most of all as a friend.' Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis also praised Thrasher, who served in Vietnam and was elected to the state House in 1992 from Clay County. After a time out of the Legislature following his term as speaker, Thrasher joined the Senate by winning a special election to succeed the late Jim King, R-Jacksonville, in 2009. 'John was a decorated combat veteran, served the state well as both Speaker of the House and as a Florida senator, and provided great leadership as the president of his alma mater, Florida State University. John lived a remarkable life — and he made a big difference in the lives of so many in our state. We send our condolences to Jean and the entire Thrasher family,' the governor said in a post on X. Thrasher 'made a huge impact' on the state GOP 'from his time in public office to his willingness to step in and chair the party during a difficult time,' Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power said in an X post. 'Florida is better for his service,' added Power, calling Thrasher 'a legend.' Senate President Ben Albritton also lauded Thrasher, who after leaving the House helped found The Southern Group, one of the capital city's most influential lobbying firms. 'Integrity, perseverance, and strength propelled John to success at every level of public service and private industry. His life was rooted in devotion to public service, patriotism, a love of the law, and a passion for education. From the battlefields of Vietnam where he returned as a highly decorated officer, to years of honorable service as speaker of the House, Rules (Committee) chair of the Senate and president of Florida State University, John was regarded by all as a strong, fair leader with unquestionable judgment, timeless principles of honor, and a gentleman all the way through,' Albritton said. The family will hold a private burial for Thrasher in Orange Park. A celebration of life is scheduled on Aug. 19 at Florida State University's Ruby Diamond Concert Hall in Tallahassee. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
USA Today
4 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Four-star linebacker from Alabama announces visit to LSU
Four-star linebacker from Alabama announces visit to LSU A 2026 linebacker recruit took to social media to announce a visit to LSU. JJ Bush will visit LSU on June 13, the third of four Summer visits on the slate. Bush will also make trips to Missouri, Cincinnati, and Arkansas over the summer. The three-star prospect ranks No. 16 in Alabama and No. 36 at his position, according to On3's Industry Rankings. 247Sports is the highest on Bush, slotting the LB as a four-star and No. 14 nationally at his position. The Theodore, AL native is also considering offers from other Power Four schools. On3's Prediction Machine gives Miami the best chance to land his commitment, followed by Tulane. LSU's 2026 class ranks No. 2 in the country, but the Tigers have a need at linebacker. Bush would be the first linebacker commitment and second Alabama native alongside four-star safety Dylan Purter, who hails from Tuskegee. Bush made positive comments about his relationship with the Tigers' staff following his first trip to campus in April.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
MSNBC Is Working to Build Its Podcast Portfolio. Next Up: A Nicolle Wallace Show
As the line between a conversational podcast and a TV segment blurs rapidly, MSNBC is stocking up on original audio shows — 18 and counting — as the progressive news brand pivots its business beyond its cable news roots. The latest bet: The Best People, billed as the first podcast from Nicolle Wallace, the network stalwart who has hosted Deadline: White House since joining MSNBC in 2017 from ABC's The View and who has held roles in the Bush administration and as an advisor to the late John McCain. More from The Hollywood Reporter MSNBC Makes Key Political Hire as It Builds a New D.C. Bureau Stephanie Ruhle Sets MSNBC Primetime Special With Laid-Off Federal Workers (Exclusive) At WHCD Weekend, Glam With a (Small) Dash of Dystopia The podcast will be an interview format with notable figures — Jason Bateman, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jeff Daniels and NBA coach Doc Rivers are among the first round of guests — cutting across the entertainment, sports and political landscape. The series, which launches June 2, is part of the network's efforts to bring on-air linear TV talent to other platforms. MSNBC's primetime hosts like Rachel Maddow, Jen Psaki and Chris Hayes have already made the leap with offerings like Ultra, The Blueprint and Why Is This Happening? while former primetime host Alex Wagner was dispatched for the podcast Trumpland during the first 100 days of the new administration. Earlier this month, the company hired Madeleine Haeringer, who recently worked at Pod Save America producer Crooked Media, as its senior vp of digital, audio and longform to oversee MSNBC's offerings. The network says both its showcasts (audio versions of existing TV series) and original podcasts saw 13.4 million downloads in April. For comparison, Fox's audio division saw 37 million-plus downloads and streams last month, Paramount (which includes CBS News) hit 20.6 million and CNN landed at 12.2 million for April, per industry research firm Podtrac's latest tally. The news brand, now led by CNN veteran Rebecca Kutler, is also experimenting with bundling all of its originals and showcasts (32 titles in total) in a MSNBC Premium bundle on Apple Podcasts that offers early and ad-free listening and extra content at a $2.99 a month price point. (For example, new episodes of The Best People will arrive on Mondays but subscribers will get access to the show on the Friday before.) The leap to audio (or, in some cases, video podcasting) arrives as news consumption habits have shifted quickly since the first Trump administration boosted cable viewership when the real estate mogul came to power in 2017. Shortform video platforms like TikTok and longform podcasts on platforms like Spotify hosted by entertainers and influencers have arguably become the center of the media ecosystem, with legacy brands looking for a way in. Network executives are also looking past the declining pay TV industry — a model that had sustained MSNBC, CNN and Fox News via lucrative carriage deals with cable and satellite providers — to try and reach consumers directly. Though, as of now, the only way to view MSNBC is through a pay TV provider. A podcast bundle allows the network to sell its full breadth of offerings in a different, increasingly popular format. MSNBC is also staffing up in preparation for a major corporate ownership change. The news brand, long a part of the NBCUniversal portfolio, is expected to be spun out this fall into a new company, the nondescriptly titled Versant, that will house MSNBC and CNBC along with other cable channels like USA Network, Oxygen, E!, Syfy and the Golf Channel. Best of The Hollywood Reporter How the Warner Brothers Got Their Film Business Started Meet the World Builders: Hollywood's Top Physical Production Executives of 2023 Men in Blazers, Hollywood's Favorite Soccer Podcast, Aims for a Global Empire
Economist
2 days ago
- Politics
- Economist
Why would Texas Republicans object to conservative, pro-family developers?
A few steps past torn and twisted steel beams from the destroyed World Trade Centre, the George W. Bush Presidential Library in Dallas, Texas, projects clips of Mr Bush speaking in the days after the attacks of September 11th 2001. In different settings he is by turns sorrowful, fierce and resolute, yet the video shows he also struck another note, not just of tolerance but of goodwill towards people some Americans might immediately suspect as enemies. Six days after the attacks Mr Bush spoke at a mosque, the Islamic Centre of Washington, DC. 'These acts of violence against innocents violate the fundamental tenets of the Islamic faith,' he informed the country. Islam, he said, 'is peace'.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Reggie Bush ranked No. 2 college football player of the 21st century by The Athletic
Reggie Bush ranked No. 2 college football player of the 21st century by The Athletic USC's Reggie Bush continues to receive his due from college football historians and scholars Recently, The Athletic published rankings of college football's greatest teams, players, coaches, programs, and games of the 21st century (so far). USC was well-represented in the greatest teams rankings, with the 2004 Trojans coming in at No. 5. On the top players list, USC was once again featured prominently, with star running back Reggie Bush coming in at No. 2 on the list. Bush's accolades at USC certainly made him more than worthy of inclusion. He won two national championships, a Heisman Trophy, a Doak Walker Award, was twice named the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year, and was a two-time first-team All-American. Here is what The Athletic's Bruce Feldman had to say about Bush: "Arguably the most electrifying player in college football history, Bush helped the Trojans win national titles in his first two seasons and then won the Heisman in his third. In 2005, he averaged 223 all-purpose yards per game, including a memorable Saturday night when he went for 513 against Fresno State. His knack for game-changing plays was uncanny. 'He single-handedly won us some games,' said [Ed] Orgeron, a former USC assistant. "When I asked experts for their take on the best player of the 2000s, Bush's name came up by far the most. 'The only perfect grade I ever gave to a college player was Reggie,' Daniel Jeremiah said. 'He was a jaw-dropping college player. He was so much better than everybody else on the field, it wasn't even close. You went out of your way to watch him. He was literally must-see TV.'" Interestingly, Bush was the only USC player in the rankings, with none of USC's three Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks making the cut. Matt Leinart, Bush's USC teammate and one of two quarterbacks this century to win a Heisman and multiple national championships, was a particularly glaring admission. In addition, a strong case could have been made for two USC star safeties from the 2000s, Troy Polamalu and Taylor Mays, who racked up a combined five first-team All-America honors. So, while Bush certainly deserves his flowers, many USC fans will feel as though the Trojans did not get the recognition they deserved in the rankings.
