Woonsocket Radio News Room

 

Sen. Kallman honored with a Pacesetter Award from the Women Legislators’ Lobby

 

STATE HOUSE – Sen. Meghan E. Kallman has received the 2021 Pacesetter Award from the Women Legislators’ Lobby (WILL), a program of Women’s Action for New Directions (WAND).

The award, presented Oct. 5 at the organization’s national summit, “Fund Communities, Build Security,” recognizes noteworthy legislative service, contributions to sound policy and groundbreaking leadership in states. Senator Kallman (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, North Providence) was among seven Pacesetters, women state legislators nationwide who are leading the way in redirecting much-needed federal funds back to their constituents.

“I am proud to receive this award among such an esteemed group of state legislators. As we recover from the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic, we are have a unique opportunity to help Rhode Island and our nation transform to become more equitable, just and prosperous for all people,” said Senator Kallman. “We must ensure that the necessary resources and services are in place for our citizens, protect vital programs and invest in people and their wellbeing.”

 

President Trump is heading to Asia tonight. The trip includes a high-stakes sit-down with Chinese President Xi Jinping [[ she jeen-peeng ]] in South Korea. China and the U.S. have been involved in a trade standoff since Trump took office for the second time. Trump will start the trip in Malaysia, which is hosting a regional summit, then he'll go to Japan, where he'll meet the new prime minister.        President Trump's extravagant new White House ballroom is getting donations from several major tech companies. The East Wing of the White House is being demolished to make way for the 90-thousand-square-foot ballroom. CNN says the ballroom donors include tech giants Apple, Meta, Google and Microsoft; and defense contractors such as Palantir and Lockheed Martin. Billionaire donors include casino mogul Miriam Adelson, Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman, and cryptocurrency billionaires Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss.        The U.S. has struck another alleged drug boat in the Caribbean Sea. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the overnight strike in a post on X Friday morning. He said the boat was operated by Tren de Aragua, which has been named a Designated Terrorist Organization. All six people on board were killed. This was the tenth strike by the U.S. military on alleged drug trafficking boats.        New York Attorney General Letitia James says she's not guilty of mortgage fraud charges. A federal grand jury in Virginia indicted the Democrat earlier this month. James has said the charges are "baseless" and that Trump's only goal is political retribution. James and President Trump have traded public insults for years, especially after the Democrat won a civil fraud case against Trump. She said the charges have "angered her soul," and she promised to do her job every day while fighting them.        House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries is handing his endorsement to Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor. He made the announcement ahead of early voting starting tomorrow. Jeffries acknowledged "areas of principled disagreement," but added Mamdani has "explicitly committed to being a mayor for all New Yorkers." The New York Congressman had faced questions for months about whether or not he would endorse Mamdani. Polls show Mamdani leading former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.        UFC 321 kicks off tomorrow in Abu Dhabi. In the main event, heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall will face off against former interim champ Ciryl Gane [[ ser-al gahn ]]. Aspinall is making his first defense after being promoted from interim champion due to the retirement of Jon Jones. In the co-main event, Virna Jandiroba [[ VEER-nah jah-nde-ROH-bah ]] will fight Mackenzie Dern for the vacant women's strawweight championship.       

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