Woonsocket Radio News Room

Rep. Vella-Wilkinson organizes annual Veterans and Military Families Outreach Day

 

STATE HOUSE — The House of Representatives will host its annual Military and Veterans Outreach Day on Thursday, May 19, from 2 to 4 p.m. after a two-year, COVID-prompted hiatus.

The event, which is being organized by Rep. Camille F.J. Vella-Wilkinson (D-Dist. 21, Warwick), will give veterans and their families an opportunity to network and get a greater understanding of the resources available to them.

“This annual event has been very successful, encouraging veterans and military families to become engaged with their state government, and I’m glad that it is returning to the State House,” said Representative Vella-Wilkinson, a Navy veteran who serves on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “Veterans are important part of our constituency and we’d like to see them become more involved in state government. It is also an excellent opportunity for the organizations to network with one another, share resources and maximize services for the veterans community statewide.”

Veterans and their families will be given an opportunity to meet their state representatives and discuss the issues that have an impact on their lives. Participants are invited to come to the Bell Room on the first floor of the State House at 2 p.m. to hear a speaking program. Attendees are invited to stay for the House session, which begins at 4 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public. For further information or to participate as an exhibitor, please contact Representative Vella-Wilkinson at (401) 222-2457.  

                       

Former President Trump is complaining that he can't be on the campaign trail because of what he calls a ridiculous trial in New York City. Speaking right after the 12 jurors were selected on Thursday, Trump said the "whole world is watching this scam" and went on to read news articles criticizing the case. The judge hopes to have the six alternates selected by Friday.        House Speaker Mike Johnson needs the help of Democrats to get his foreign aid package across the finish line. Johnson is moving forward with a plan to vote on separate bills to send military assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific, as well as a bill that includes border security measures. However, several conservatives quickly came out against the plan, arguing border policy changes should be directly tied to any additional funding for Ukraine.        The United States plans to veto a Palestinian bid to be recognized as a full member of the United Nations. The State Department calls the Palestinian Authority's effort to gain member status premature. The department said the Security Council's 15 members do not fully agree that the Palestinian Authority met the membership criteria, including standing questions about who governs the Gaza Strip.       The FBI is concerned about threats to Jewish communities in the U.S. as Passover approaches. FBI Director Christopher Wray spoke during an event on Wednesday hosted by a Jewish community nonprofit safety and training organization called Secure Community Network. Wray told the group of security officials the FBI looks for "lone actors" who might target high profile events or religious locations for violence.        Attorneys for Idaho murder suspect Bryan Kohberger filed their client's alibi defense just ahead of the deadline. The 29-year-old Kohberger is accused of fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students in November of 2022, and has pleaded not guilty. Late Wednesday, Kohberger's lawyers submitted a ten-page filing that claimed he was out driving in the early morning hours of November 13th, "as he often did to hike and run and/or see the moon and stars."        Allman Brothers Band singer-guitarist Dickey Betts has died at the age of 80. They said Betts passed away peacefully Thursday at his home in Osprey, Florida surrounded by his family. Betts wrote and sung on the Allman Brothers Band hit "Ramblin' Man" which peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.        

Old News Archives