Woonsocket Radio News Room

House of Representatives Confirm Supreme Court Nominations

 

STATE HOUSE – The House of Representatives today approved the nominations of Superior Court Judge Melissa Long and former Sen. Erin Lynch Prata to the Rhode Island Supreme Court.  

The vote to confirm Judge Long was 63-0 and the vote to confirm former Senator Lynch Prata was 58-5.

“I congratulate the two nominees and I am proud that the House of Representatives chose to support these two impressive and qualified candidates to our state’s Supreme Court.  With this step, Rhode Island is closer to a better-represented and diverse judicial system that serves our residents honorably and fairly.  History was made tonight and Judge Long and former Senator Lynch Prata should be proud of this incredible accomplishment.  It is my hope that they are both now confirmed by the Senate and I look forward to addressing each of them as Associate Justice Long and Associate Justice Lynch Prata,” said Speaker-elect K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick). 

Governor Raimondo recently selected Superior Court Judge Melissa Long to replace retiring Associate Justice Francis X. Flaherty and former Senator Lynch Prata to replace retiring Associate Justice Gilbert V. Indeglia on the Rhode Island Supreme Court.

Normally, the Rhode Island Senate confirms judiciary appointments, but nominations to the Supreme Court require the advice and consent of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The Senate plans to take up the nominations on Friday.

A Civil War-era abortion ban is being repealed by the Arizona state senate. Two Republicans joined Democrats to pass the proposal. The 1864 law that banned nearly all abortions was revived by the state's Supreme Court last month.        A deadline of today has been set for pro-Palestinian protesters inside New York City's Fordham University to disband. Similar to Columbia University, the protesters set up an encampment inside a university building. Last night, police forcibly removed protesters from a Columbia hall after they took control of the building 20 hours earlier.        Secretary of State Antony Blinken says it's up to Hamas to agree to Israel's ceasefire deal. He the White House is focused on reaching a deal that addresses civilians in Gaza and the remaining Israeli hostages. While in Israel, Blinken made an unannounced visit to a Gaza border crossing where aid trucks are inspected. Prosecutors say they're ready to retry former movie producer Harvey Weinstein. The 72-year-old former movie producer was in handcuffs as he was wheeled into the courthouse. Prosecutors told the judge they could be ready to try Weinstein for a second time, as soon as September.       Interest rates remain unchanged by the Federal Reserve. This comes as officials have expressed they want to be more confident inflation is coming down before cutting rates. The central bank has said its goal is to get inflation down to two-percent.        Live Nation will once again celebrate Concert Week by offering 25-dollar tickets to hundreds of shows. The specially priced tickets will go on sale starting May 8th and will be available through May 14th while supplies last. More than 900 artists will take part in the Concert Week deal, including acts like Blink-182, Iron Maiden, Janet Jackson, Tim McGraw and Peso Pluma.       

Old News Archives