News

By Marielle Segarra

Providence, R.I. – The gay community in Rhode Island is increasing its efforts to pass gay marriage legislation, in light of a new poll. The poll by democratic firm Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research shows that 59 percent of Rhode Islanders support gay marriage - a 10 percent increase since 2008.

Marriage Equality Rhode Island Executive Director Kathy Kushner says the group will support a civil marriage bill in 2011.

By Elisabeth Harrison

Providence, R.I. – The Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union has filed a complaint with the state Department of Education over a new uniform policy in Woonsocket schools.

The complaint alleges that the policy violates students' right to free speech. It was filed on behalf of four parents and their children.

By Flo Jonic

Providence, R.I. – Commuter rail service is coming to South County. A groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of construction on a new train station in Wickford.

A dozen state and federal officials took spades in hand to break ground for the new Wickford Junction commuter rail station.

The station will provide train service to T.F. Green Airport, Providence and Boston. State transportation director Michael Lewis says the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority has agreed to provide the service.

By Alex Nunes with AP wire reports

Providence, R.I. – State officials are criticizing the size of a bill to the city of Central Falls from a former court appointed receiver.

Attorney Jonathan Savage was picked to oversee city-finances for the cash strapped city, which he did from mid-May to mid-July. Now savage's law firm is charging the state more than 300-thousand dollars for the work.

Governor Carcieri's spokeswoman Amy Kempe says she is "dumbfounded" by the figure.

Providence, R.I. – Listen to the WRNI Morning News Podcast for Wednesday, August 18, 2010.

By Catherine Welch

Providence, R.I. – Hundreds of people attended a public hearing Tuesday night in Warwick where supporters and opponents weighed in on an expansion project proposed for T.F. Green airport.

There are three alternatives, but the preferred option calls for expanding the main runway to the south by a little more than 1,500 feet. Supporters, including the Providence Chamber, say a longer runway will allow T.F. Green to compete with other New England airports for direct flight across country.

By AP

Providence, R.I. – A new train station that will extend commuter rail service from Boston to North Kingstown is being celebrated by state and local officials.

Groundbreaking is scheduled for Wednesday on the station at Wickford Junction. Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Director Michael P. Lewis says train service provided by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is expected to start by the end of next year.

By Flo Jonic

Providence, R.I. – The state senator who represents Central Falls is calling for greater accountability from the receiver who's managing the city. The mayor and city council were sidelined last month when a $5 million deficit forced the city into receivership, a type of bankruptcy.

State Sen. Elizabeth Crowley says she has no issue with retired Judge Mark Pfeiffer, the appointed receiver of Central Falls. But she wants him to communicate better with city residents who ultimately pay the bills.

By Marielle Segarra

Providence, R.I. – Public support for gay marriage is growing in Rhode Island. This year's poll by democratic firm Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research shows that 59 percent of Rhode Islanders support gay marriage - a 10 percent increase since 2008.

Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Vice President David Walker says Rhode Islanders are embracing the gay community now more than ever.

By Catherine Welch

Providence, RI – Central Falls is expecting a $6.3 million budget gap for this fiscal year. The city's receiver Mark Pfeiffer says he was mindful of taxpayers as he crafted the new budget.

To help bridge the gap, residents will pay a ten-percent property tax hike, new fees, and a motor vehicle exemption that goes from $6,000 to $1,000.

To cut expenses, the city chopped nearly a million dollars from the payroll and more than $100,000 in the operations budget by cutting back on cell phones and turning off street lights.