Woonsocket Radio News Room

Sen. Archambault Condemns Racist Graffiti in Smithfield

 

STATE HOUSE — Sen. Stephen R. Archambault (D-Dist. 22, Smithfield, North Providence, Johnston) issued a statement today condemning racist graffiti that was discovered on part of a Route 116 bridge that spans the Woonasquatucket River.

“It’s extremely upsetting and offensive to see this type of hatred in a town that prides itself on being welcoming and inclusive,” said Senator Archambault. “This type of behavior is not to be tolerated in any way and is certainly not indicative of the people of Smithfield, who I am sure join me in condemning the graffiti. It’s certainly heart-wrenching that it comes on the heels of a call for national unity from our new president. But it’s a stark reminder that hate still exists in the most unlikely places and we must stay vigilant in combating it with zero tolerance.”

The graffiti has been painted over by town highway crews, but Senator Archambault urges other officials to use the incident as an opportunity to speak out against hatred and intolerance.

 

A measure to end the government shutdown is once again being rejected. The Republican-backed measure failed to be passed for a ninth time on Wednesday. It came after President Trump said he will cut programs favored by Democrats, with a full list of targeted programs expected Friday.        A federal judge in San Francisco has blocked the Trump administration from laying off federal workers as the government shutdown continues. Unions asked the federal court to block the move, calling the firings illegal. Susan Illston, a President Clinton-appointed judge, called the layoffs "politically motivated."        U.S. service members got paychecks this week, despite the government shutdown. The White House released a memo from President Trump directing the Pentagon to use unspent funds to pay the military. Those funds will be replenished once the shutdown ends.        The Trump administration has authorized the CIA to take covert action in Venezuela. That's according to the New York Times, which reports that the CIA has been given the authority to conduct lethal operations inside the country. This comes as the U.S. has struck several boats in the Caribbean as part of its campaign against alleged drug smugglers from Venezuela.        Chicago officials are condemning a federal ICE operation on the city's Southeast Side. Homeland Security says the incident began yesterday after a chase ensued when a suspected illegal immigrant rammed into a federal vehicle. After a crowd formed and objects were reportedly thrown, ICE agents deployed tear gas, leaving 13 Chicago police officers exposed.        New car prices are seeing record highs in the U.S. According to Kelley Blue Book, the average American new car buyer paid just under 50-thousand-and-100-dollars in September, which is the first time the figure has ever topped the 50-thousand-dollar mark. The record high is being paid despite automakers and dealers offering new discounts and incentives.       

Old News Archives