Latest news with #DOGE-canceled
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Mo. Supreme Court Chief Justice calls for better juror pay
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court expressed gratitude as she delivered the 2025 State of the Judiciary to a joint session of the Missouri General Assembly Wednesday. Chief Justice Mary Russell told lawmakers that her 20 years on the bench has been 'something this northeast Missouri farm girl never thought possible, even in her wildest dreams.' While mostly shying away from political issues, Russell did ask legislators to pass something: increased compensation for jurors. 'Last year, you considered changing jurors' compensation, in part by tying their mileage rate to that of state employees,' the chief justice said. 'This year, please send these changes to the governor's desk.' 'Doing so will demonstrate respect for our jurors,' she said. No savings expected from nearly 40% of DOGE-canceled contracts Russell's main theme circled back to the 'frontline heroes' of Missouri's court system. 'During this term as chief justice, my goal has been to visit all 46 judicial circuits,' she said. 'I've been to 36 so far, with just 10 to go.' Russell said what she has learned is an overwhelming commitment to serve. 'In every county, work begins before the courts open,' she said. 'Staff show up early, unlocking doors, turning up the heat and quite a few times so far this year shoveling snow.' She also praised the technology side of the courts. 'Your support allows us to continue providing the high level of online services Missourians expect and deserve,' Russell said. She also encouraged lawmakers assembled as well as members of the public to participate in the process. 'Please go watch a court proceeding,' Russell said. 'Experience it first-hand and thank the court staff for all they do.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DOGE says it has terminated leases of these St. Louis-area federal agencies
ST. LOUIS – The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) says it has terminated leases or contracts for multiple federal agencies based in the St. Louis area. DOGE, an initiative of President Donald Trump's second term and led by Elon Musk, aims to reduce government spending and consolidate the federal workforce. According to a Wall of Receipts on DOGE's website, real estate leases or contracts for at least three federal office locations in the St. Louis area are part of ongoing cuts. These include: The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency in St. Louis, Missouri The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service in St. Louis, Missouri A Federal Acquisition Service office space in O'Fallon, Illinois DOGE claims that these three cuts will save $425,435; $337,219; and $239,250, respectively, or totaling more than $1 million in alleged savings from these St. Louis-area agencies. No savings expected from nearly 40% of DOGE-canceled contracts FOX 2 reached out to a spokesperson with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, who noted there was a lease realignment involving two field offices in the Greater St. Louis Metropolitan Area. A DCSA spokesperson offered the following statement, in part: 'Over a year ago the lessor for one of the offices informed GSA that they wouldn't renew the Government lease and that it would expire in December 2025. DCSA began market research for new space in 2024. 'Once a site is identified, DCSA will consolidate its two field offices into a single location under a new lease. Personnel from the location with the lease ending will work at the second office on an interim basis. 'Reducing the DCSA facility footprint will not only deliver cost savings related to leasing, operating, and managing our facilities, but also enhance mission effectiveness by further integrating our workforce.' DCSA says the two affected field offices currently employ around 16 people. The agency declined to disclose their specific locations due to security reasons. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now FOX 2 also reached out to a spokesperson with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, who confirmed plans to close the St. Louis office. The spokesperson says this decision came after the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) asked the agency about ways to reduce its footprint and evaluate underutilized spaces. Further details on the closure are limited. A phone number listed online for the St. Louis field office was disconnected, and a Google listing for the field office says it is 'permanently closed.' FOX 2 also reached out to the GSA, the agency behind the Federal Acquisition Service for information about the O'Fallon, Illinois, office. Our requests for comments have not yet been returned as of this story's publication. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kennedy Center appearance for Bay Area performing arts group abruptly canceled
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — A San Francisco-based performing group that features volunteer LGBTQIA+ musicians and drag performers has had an upcoming appearance at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. abruptly canceled. The International Pride Orchestra (IPO) was scheduled to take part in the Pride Celebration Concert at the Kennedy Center on June 4. However, earlier this month, President Donald Trump announced via social media post that he would be appointing MAGA loyalist Ric Grenell, who was the first openly gay U.S. cabinet member, as interim executive director of the Kennedy Center. In the post, Trump said that there would be 'NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA' at the center. No savings expected from nearly 40% of DOGE-canceled contracts Trump went on to name himself chairman of the center and fired several of the board members. A few days later, IPO received a one-sentence email from the Kennedy Center, informing them, 'We are not in a position at this time to advance a contract.' 'We were heartbroken when we learned that our concert would no longer be welcome at the Kennedy Center,' said Michael Roest, founding artistic director of IPO. 'The Kennedy Center has long been a symbol of artistic excellence, inclusivity, and freedom of expression.' 'Sadly, to read something like this from the present President of the United States is not surprising, but is in itself profoundly unamerican and therefore disheartening,' said IPO board member and conductor Christine Brandes. 'His actions further embolden us in our purpose. The group will instead move its Pride Celebration Concert to the Strathmore Music Center in Bethesda, Maryland on Thursday, June 5. 'The Strathmore Music Center, known for its commitment to diversity and artistic freedom, quickly stepped in to offer IPO a new home for its landmark event,' read a statement from the group. 'The Pride Celebration Concert will now serve not only as a celebration of LGBTQ+ pride, but as a testament to the enduring power of music to united communities in the face of adversity.' The Pride Celebration Concert, which promises 'an unforgettable evening of music, featuring a diverse repertoire that reflects the richness of LGBTQ+ experience,' will be hosted by noted San Francisco drag performer, Peaches Christ. The Kennedy Center has reportedly seen a 50% drop in ticket sales since Trump announced his intention to take it over. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
3 taken to hospital after multi-vehicle crash involving Baton Rouge Police unit
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Three people were hurt in a crash involving a Baton Rouge Police unit Tuesday morning. Three people were transported to the hospital after a multi-vehicle crash at Plank Road and Hooper Road on Tuesday, Feb. 25, according to emergency medical services officials. A Baton Rouge Police Department unit was among the vehicles that were seen with damage at the crash scene. EMS personnel responded to the crash scene at 3:06 a.m. The condition of those taken to the hospital is unknown at this time. Louisiana First News has contacted the Louisiana State Police for further details about this crash. This is a developing story and more information will be shared as it becomes available. 7 hurt in I-10 East crash involving 18-wheeler carrying 50,000 pounds of flour Security firm under fire after woman is forcibly dragged from Idaho town hall: 'Violent and traumatic' 3 taken to hospital after multi-vehicle crash involving Baton Rouge Police unit 'So magical and cute': Photo of puppy-shaped mountain goes viral, creates tourist destination Musk extends deadline to describe work No savings expected from nearly 40% of DOGE-canceled contracts Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
