Texas Judges’ Pay Raises Hinge on Legislative Tug-of-War as Clock Ticks Down

Austin, Texas—Efforts to secure overdue pay raises for Texas judges have stalled amid contentious debates in the legislature. As the session nears its conclusion, lawmakers find themselves in disputes over proposed changes to their retirement plans, complicating the approval of pay increases aimed at addressing a decade-long stagnation in judicial salaries. Senate Bill 293 proposes a 25% increase in judicial salaries, raising the base pay from $140,000 to $175,000. This proposal has garnered broad support across both legislative chambers and various political parties, labeled as essential for maintaining the integrity of Texas’s judicial system. However, … Read more

Phil Davis Takes a Stand: Veteran Fighter Files Antitrust Lawsuit Against UFC, Alleges Monopolistic Practices

Las Vegas, Nevada — Mixed martial artist Phil Davis has filed a new lawsuit against the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), alleging that the promotion engages in monopolistic practices that adversely impact fighter compensation and suppress competition in the sport. The lawsuit, submitted on Thursday in the U.S. District Court of Nevada, seeks to hold the UFC accountable for stifling rival promotions and limiting opportunities for fighters. Davis, who competed in the UFC from 2010 to 2015 before joining Bellator MMA, is represented by the law firm Berger Montague. This firm recently achieved a notable victory … Read more

Clayton City Council in Hot Water: Grand Jury Report Exposes Secret Meetings and Calls for Accountability

CLAYTON, Calif. — The Contra Costa Civil Grand Jury has released a critical report that highlights troubling government practices by the Clayton City Council, including violations of the Brown Act, secret meetings, and manipulation of agendas. Councilmember Holly Tillman has emerged as a vocal critic, calling attention to these issues and urging for meaningful reform. In her response to the report, Tillman emphasized her commitment to transparency and accountability within the city’s governance. She expressed concern over staff turnover and ongoing financial difficulties that the city is facing, believing these challenges must be addressed directly. … Read more

Florida Stripper Age Restriction Challenge Dropped Following Court Ruling on Similar Law

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A legal challenge to a Florida law that restricts dancers under 21 from performing in adult entertainment venues has been dropped following a recent federal appeals court ruling. Plaintiffs, including two adult clubs, a dancer, and a retail store, notified the federal court in Tallahassee on Tuesday that they were dismissing their lawsuit. The lawsuit contested the law on First Amendment grounds. U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor subsequently issued an order that closed the case. While the notice did not provide specific reasons for the dismissal, prior filings indicated the plaintiffs were … Read more