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Office of the Mayor

WOONSOCKET, RHODE ISLAND

 

Mayor Baldelli-Hunt Reveals New City Art Sculpture and Its Location With a SMILE

WOONSOCKET, R.I.: Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt disclosed today that the mysterious new art sculpture which the City of Woonsocket collaborated with Riverzedge Arts to create, will be a large, brightly colored, steel construction rendering of the word "SMILE", and that the location of the sculpture will be on the Truman Bypass, on the same side as the bikeway. It is expected that the sculpture will be installed this fall, and that an official public unveiling ceremony will occur soon thereafter. The sculpture was funded with a $10,000 Community Grant that the Mayor and Riverzedge Arts obtained from the Rhode Island Foundation.

Mayor Baldelli-Hunt stated, "A smile is a universal symbol of welcomeness, acceptance, success, and positive feelings, and this SMILE sculpture will visually offer these uplifting attributes to all Woonsocket residents and visitors who pass by. This sculpture will be a comforting piece of art that will immediately lift our spirits, and send us on our way in a better mood, with actual smiles on our faces. It will also present a great photo opportunity for all who travel the bikeway." The Mayor added, "We are pleased to have partnered with Brad Fesmire and Riverzedge Arts, as well as the Rhode Island Foundation, to bring such a fun piece of art into our City, and look forward to future collaborations.

Brad Fesmire, Artistic Director of Riverzedge Arts offered, "This piece of public art will visually activate the Truman Bypass with a positive thought that everyone can enjoy."

Former President Trump is back in court as his criminal hush money trial continues. Former Michael Cohen associate Gary Farro is now on the stand. This comes after jurors heard testimony from former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker who gave details this week on how he protected Trump from negative stories leading up to the 2016 presidential election. Meanwhile, the judge in the case has said he'll consider four more Trump gag order violations being alleged by the prosecution.       President Biden is willing to debate Donald Trump ahead of the November presidential election. During an interview today with radio host Howard Stern, Biden said he doesn't know when, but that he'd be happy to debate Trump. The comment comes as the Biden campaign has declined to commit to a debate for months.        The Biden administration is making it clear to House Speaker Mike Johnson it's up to state governors to decide if the National Guard should be brought in to combat pro-Palestine protests on college campuses. Johnson called on President Biden to call in the National Guard after visiting Columbia University on Wednesday. The Speaker said "there is an appropriate time for the National Guard" if the protests aren't contained quickly.       The U.S. is calling on China to stop supporting Russia's war on Ukraine. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing today. Blinken told reporters he raised concerns with Chinese officials over the country's support for Russia's military. He added that Moscow would struggle to sustain its assault on Ukraine without China's backing.       Saturday is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. It's an opportunity for folks to safely dispose of their prescription drugs that are no longer needed. The goal is to keep prescription painkillers from being misused.       The NFL Draft continues tonight with rounds two and three. A record 23 offensive players were taken in the first round yesterday. Top players still on the board include Cooper DeJean, Jer'Zhan Newton, Kool-Aid McKinstry and Ladd McConkey. USC quarterback Caleb Williams was taken with the first overall pick by the Chicago Bears.       

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