News

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Listen to the WRNI Morning News Podcast for Monday, September 20, 2010.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Karen Feldman is the co-director of Young Voices, a Rhode Island organization that transforms urban youth into powerful advocates. She is joined by teenagers Grace Ajayi, Johanna German and Rick Rodriguez. They believe youth have the power to change Rhode Island.

By SCOTT MACKAY

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – For those of you who were wondering why labor unions have a strong presence at the State House, WRNI political analyst Scott MacKay has an answer business leaders may not want to hear.

By MEGAN HALL

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Letters submitted to the Rhode Island Department of Health that prompted it to re-start its application process for medical marijuana dispensaries list concerns over zoning, proof of financial backing and other issues.

In general, the letters are from two types of people- lawyers representing other applicants, or lawyers representing neighbors of the Thomas C. Slater Compassion Center.

By FLO JONIC

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Gubernatorial candidates Lincoln Chafee and Frank Caprio held fundraisers in Newport yesterday. Caprio's was closed to the press but Chafee's was not.

Chafee, who has spent more than $800,000 of his family's money on his independent race for governor, got some help Sunday from Newport society. In a fundraiser that spanned three adjoining mansions, 125 guests donated a combined total of $35,000.

By Marielle Segarra

Providence, R.I. – A Warwick resident has been arrested for pointing a green laser beam at a plane landing at T.F. Green Airport on Wednesday. The laser beam temporarily blinded the pilot of the plane, which was below one thousand feet and was three miles from the airport.

Thirty-one year old Joseph Aquino said he fired the laser accidentally, but later admitted that he had pointed it at the plane. He also admitted to pointing the laser at a boat on the water and at a vehicle while under the influence of marijuana.

By Simone Landon

Providence, R.I. – The state honored Prisoners of War and soldiers Missing in Action as part of National POW/MIA Remembrance Day.

Veterans and their families met at the State House to share their experiences.

Jackie Walton's father, Sergeant First Class Lewis Clark Walton, went missing in action in 1971 during the Vietnam War. She says that while her family had trouble getting help from the federal government, Rhode Islanders never abandoned her.

By IAN DONNIS

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Frank Caprio catches flak, and Taveras wins big in Providence. That's part of the discussion this week on Political Roundtable. Here's our host, WRNI Political Reporter Ian Donnis.

By Marielle Segarra

Providence, R.I. – US Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Jack Reed met with community bank representatives Friday to talk about the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse says the bill will create jobs by helping small banks. The Small Business Jobs and Credit Act gives $30 billion in loans to community banks.