Latest news with #Leach
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Texas Approves Judicial Pay Bump, Boosting Own Pensions
(Texas Scorecard) – In a dramatic, last-minute deal to end the legislative session, Texas lawmakers approved a measure that will raise judicial salaries—and, in turn, increase their own taxpayer-funded pensions. Passed just before the legislature adjourned Sine Die, Senate Bill 293 sets the starting salary for state district judges at $175,000, up from $140,000. Because legislative pensions are tied to judicial salaries, the vote also raises the maximum annual pension for lawmakers to $175,000. The compromise, however, decouples judicial salaries from future legislative pension increases, a move that had been at the heart of a days-long political dispute. While the legislation tasks the Texas Ethics Commission with reviewing and recommending any changes to legislative pensions every five years, that begins in 2030. In the short term, lawmakers' maximum annual pensions will increase by $35,000. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick had accused House sponsor Jeff Leach (R–Allen) of 'killing' the judicial pay raise after Leach's version of the bill removed automatic pension increases for legislators that are typically triggered by judicial salary hikes. Patrick struck down that provision on a rare point of order, citing germaneness. Leach, meanwhile, defended the House's position, saying lawmakers should raise judicial pay without giving themselves a pension bump—a stance backed by House leadership and many rank-and-file members. The stalemate drew the attention of Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock, who issued a memo over the weekend calling on both chambers to 'find a short-term solution' to address urgently needed judicial pay increases now and revisit the pension debate next session. He noted Texas ranks 49th in the nation in judicial pay. On Sunday night, both chambers appointed conference committees to come up with a compromise. 'While this proposal may not be perfect, I believe it is a thoughtful compromise that balances the concerns of both chambers while achieving our top agenda—that [of] supporting the integrity of our judiciary and getting something done on this issue this session,' said Leach. The legislation passed the Senate unanimously, while it was approved by the House in a 114-26 vote, shortly before both chambers adjourned for the last time during this regular session.
NBC Sports
a day ago
- Entertainment
- NBC Sports
Heisman winners Ingram, Newton, Griffin are among players on College Football Hall of Fame ballot
Heisman Trophy winners Mark Ingram, Cam Newton and Robert Griffin III and former AP National Player of the Year Ndamukong Suh are on the ballot for the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class. The National Football Foundation released the ballot Monday for the class that will be announced in January. It includes 79 players and nine coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 100 players and 35 coaches from lower levels. Ingram became Alabama's first Heisman winner in 2009 after running for 1,658 yards and 20 touchdowns. Newton in 2010 was just the third player in FBS history with 20 passing and 20 rushing touchdowns. Griffin in 2011 led the nation in points responsible for and ranked second in total offense. Suh was a force for Nebraska in 2009 and became the first defensive lineman in 15 seasons to be named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. He finished fourth in voting but was honored as the nation's top player by The Associated Press. Among other players on the ballot are Iowa's Brad Banks, Colorado's Eric Bieniemy, Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant, Penn State's Ki-Jana Carter, Pittsburgh's Aaron Donald, Syracuse's Marvin Harrison, Oklahoma's Josh Heupel, Ohio State's James Laurinaitis, Washington State's Ryan Leaf, California's Marshawn Lynch, Illinois' Simeon Rice and Florida State's Peter Warrick. Among coaches on the ballot are Larry Coker, Gary Patterson and Chris Petersen. Coker led the Canes to consecutive national championship games and won the 2002 Rose Bowl to become the first rookie head coach to lead his team to a title since 1948. Patterson is TCU's all-time wins leader who led the Horned Frogs to six AP top 10 final rankings. Petersen is Boise State's all-time wins leader who led the Broncos to two undefeated seasons and led Washington to the 2016 College Football Playoff. The NFF also announced an adjustment to the eligibility criteria for coaches to be considered for induction. The minimum career winning percentage required for coaching eligibility will go from .600 to .595 beginning in 2027. The change would make Mike Leach eligible. Leach, who died in 2022, had a .596 winning percentage with a 158-107 record over 21 seasons at Texas Tech, Washington State and Mississippi State. Leach was known for his innovative wide-open offenses and his knack for pulling upsets. He won 18 games against Top 25 opponents when his team was unranked.
Mercury
a day ago
- General
- Mercury
Council pamphlet in Victoria omits Australian flag while displaying pride and Indigenous
Menzies Research Centre's Freya Leach discusses a Victorian kindergarten council pamphlet promoting the school without including the Australian flag. 'Proudly on the front was displayed the pride flag, the Indigenous flag, the Torres Strait Island flag,' Ms Leach said. 'Notably missing was the Australian flag.'
Sky News AU
a day ago
- General
- Sky News AU
Council pamphlet in Victoria omits Australian flag while displaying pride and Indigenous
Menzies Research Centre's Freya Leach discusses a Victorian kindergarten council pamphlet promoting the school without including the Australian flag. 'Proudly on the front was displayed the pride flag, the Indigenous flag, the Torres Strait Island flag,' Ms Leach said. 'Notably missing was the Australian flag.'
Fox Sports
2 days ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Heisman winners Ingram, Newton, Griffin on College Football Hall of Fame ballot
Heisman Trophy winners Mark Ingram, Cam Newton and Robert Griffin III and former AP National Player of the Year Ndamukong Suh are on the ballot for the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class. The National Football Foundation released the ballot Monday for the class that will be announced in January. It includes 79 players and nine coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 100 players and 35 coaches from lower levels. Ingram became Alabama's first Heisman winner in 2009 after running for 1,658 yards and 20 touchdowns. Newton in 2010 was just the third player in FBS history with 20 passing and 20 rushing touchdowns. Griffin in 2011 led the nation in points responsible for and ranked second in total offense. Suh was a force for Nebraska in 2009 and became the first defensive lineman in 15 seasons to be named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. He finished fourth in voting but was honored as the nation's top player by The Associated Press. Among other players on the ballot are Iowa's Brad Banks, Colorado's Eric Bieniemy, Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant, Penn State's Ki-Jana Carter, Pittsburgh's Aaron Donald, Syracuse's Marvin Harrison, Oklahoma's Josh Heupel, Ohio State's James Laurinaitis, Washington State's Ryan Leaf, California's Marshawn Lynch, Illinois' Simeon Rice and Florida State's Peter Warrick. Among coaches on the ballot are Larry Coker, Gary Patterson and Chris Petersen. Coker led the Canes to consecutive national championship games and won the 2002 Rose Bowl to become the first rookie head coach to lead his team to a title since 1948. Patterson is TCU's all-time wins leader who led the Horned Frogs to six AP top 10 final rankings. Petersen is Boise State's all-time wins leader who led the Broncos to two undefeated seasons and led Washington to the 2016 College Football Playoff. The NFF also announced an adjustment to the eligibility criteria for coaches to be considered for induction. The minimum career winning percentage required for coaching eligibility will go from .600 to .595 beginning in 2027. The change would make Mike Leach eligible. Leach, who died in 2022, had a .596 winning percentage with a 158-107 record over 21 seasons at Texas Tech, Washington State and Mississippi State. Leach was known for his innovative wide-open offenses and his knack for pulling upsets. He won 18 games against Top 25 opponents when his team was unranked. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! recommended Get more from College Football Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
