Woonsocket Radio News Room

Ruggerio, Shekarchi Issue Statement on Gubernatorial Transition

 

STATE HOUSE – President of the Senate Dominick J. Ruggerio and House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi today issued the following statement regarding the confirmation of Gov. Gina M. Raimondo as U.S. Commerce Secretary and the swearing-in of incoming Gov. Daniel J. McKee today:

 

“Congratulations to Governor Raimondo as she embarks upon a new role in service to our nation as Commerce Secretary after today’s overwhelming vote. As Governor, Gina Raimondo led our state to record employment levels before the pandemic hit, and she provided steady, compassionate leadership over this past, most difficult year. On behalf of the General Assembly, we wish her and her family all the very best as she takes on this very important role.

 

“We also want to extend our congratulations to Governor Dan McKee. He has been a consistent and strong voice on behalf of Rhode Island’s hard-hit small business community. He brings a valuable perspective as a former municipal leader, which will be important as we work collaboratively to rebuild our state. We know everyone in the legislature looks forward to working in collaboration with Governor McKee to address the many challenges facing our state.”

 

The Supreme Court will hear arguments today on former President Donald Trump's claim he has absolute immunity on charges of attempting to overturn the 2020 election. The outcome could determine whether Trump faces a federal trial this year on four felony counts brought by special counsel Jack Smith, which include conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and obstruction of an official proceeding.        The abortion issue was front and center in America on Wednesday. First, the U.S. Supreme Court heard a case is over whether Idaho's near-total abortion ban conflicts with a federal law requiring hospitals to provide patients emergency care. A decision is expected in June. Later in the day, Arizona's House of Representatives voted to repeal a Civil War-era abortion law that bans nearly all abortions, and the bill now heads to the state Senate.        The seven World Central Kitchen workers killed in Gaza will be honored this morning at Washington National Cathedral. The workers were killed in an Israeli airstrike on April 1st while bringing food aid to people in the war torn Palestinian territory.        The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is suing the Federal Trade Commission over its banning of noncompete agreements. The FTC voted Tuesday to block new noncompete agreements and require employers not to enforce current noncompetes, with an exception for senior executives. Business groups argue that these agreements are actually necessary to protect their intellectual property. They accuse the FTC of regulatory overreach.       A Beatles guitar that's been missing for over 50 years has been discovered in the attic of a British house. Julien's Auctions says the 12-string Hootenanny acoustic guitar is the same one John Lennon played on classics like "Norwegian Wood," and he can be seen playing the guitar in the movie "Help!" It will be going up for auction next month in New York City.        The road to the NBA Finals continued on Wednesday. The Miami Heat pulled off a 111-101 upset victory over the Boston Celtics in Game Two at TD Garden. Out West, the Oklahoma City Thunder crushed the New Orleans Pelicans 124-92 at the Paycom Center.        

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