Woonsocket Radio News Room

 

Sen. Thompson sworn in as General Assembly convenes

 

STATE HOUSE — Sen. Brian Thompson (D-Dist. 20, Woonsocket, Cumberland) was formally sworn into office today as the 2025-2026 term of the Rhode Island General Assembly convened.
Senator Thompson was one of six new members of the Senate who took the oath of office, which was administered to all 38 Senate members by Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore.

The Senate began its legislative year with a program of activities that included the re-election of Dominick J. Ruggerio as president of the Senate.

Prior to his election to the Senate, Senator Thompson served a two-year term as a member of the Woonsocket City Council.

Originally from Massachusetts, Senator Thompson has lived in Woonsocket for more than 20 years. He works as a general foreman for a sheet metal contractor. He and his wife, Christine, have six children who have attended Woonsocket’s public schools.

Senator Thompson was appointed to serve on the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and the Senate Labor Committee, which is expected to be changed to the Committee on Labor and Gaming.

The Senate Health and Human Services Committee handles all legislation and matters relative to public health and welfare; health care and human service access and quality; health and human service professional standards of practice, and facility standards of care.  The Senate Labor and Gaming Committee deliberates legislation relating to workers’ compensation and labor laws in addition to laws regarding gambling and games of chance.

Russian President Putin says his country is open to a ceasefire plan. During a news briefing today, he reportedly said the proposal needs to "lead to an enduring peace and should remove the root causes of this crisis." This as U.S. officials traveled to Moscow today to discuss a possible ceasefire with Russian officials. Earlier this week, Ukraine said it would agree to a U.S.-backed 30-day ceasefire plan if Russia did as well.        Anti-Israel protestors are being arrested inside Trump Tower in New York City today. They are calling for the release of a detained activist. Video shows at least 100 people crowded in the dining area of the building. They are pushing for former Columbia student Mahmoud Khaill to be let go after he was arrested last weekend.        Alcohol is latest target of the global trade war. President Trump says he will place a 200-percent tariff on European wine and Champagne. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said it would be in response to a 50-percent tariff on Whiskey implemented by the EU. The President said the union was created for "the sole purpose of taking advantage of the U.S."        President Trump's pick for CDC Director is having his nomination withdrawn by the White House. According to a senior administration official, former Florida congressman Dave Weldon will no longer attempt to be confirmed as the next head of the CDC. It came just hours before Weldon was set to testify before a Senate committee at his confirmation hearing. It's unclear why the nomination was withdrawn.        Cities in the U.S. are growing again, and it's driven by immigration. According to the Census Bureau, the number of people living in U.S. metro areas went up by three-point-two million between 2023 and 2024. That's more than a one-percent gain. Nearly 90-percent of U.S. metro areas grew in population. All of the country's 387 metro areas had an increase in international migration in the same time period, accounting for almost two-point-seven million of the total population gain.        Conference tournament action is in full swing in the college basketball world. Major conferences like the ACC, Big East, and Big 12 are playing their quarterfinal round games today, while the Big Ten and the SEC are playing their 2nd round games. Games of note include number 12 Iowa State vs. number 18 BYU in the Big 12, number ten Clemson against SMU in the ACC, number 23 Marquette vs Xavier in the Big East and Indiana is taking on Oregon in the Big Ten tourney.       

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