News

Providence, R.I. – Patrick Lynch is out of the race for governor, and the congressional candidates just completed their debate. That's part of the discussion this week on Political Roundtable. Listen to the discussion, moderated by Flo Jonic.

Providence, R.I. – Hear the daily morning podcast for Wednesday, July 14, 2010.

Providence, RI – Every seasoned parent knows that this complex, daunting task is full of uncertainty and includes a complicated mix of joys and challenges. For some parents, the challenges include caring for a child with chronic illness. As Bekah Ham notes, caring for such a child can teach all of us profound lessons about what life truly is all about.

Ham is a New England native, wife, and mom of two girls she describes as "amazing." She is an artist and teacher, and is currently in what she describes as career puberty.

By WRNI Staff

Providence, R.I. – Advocates for the disabled say they are concerned about proposed cuts to RIPTA bus service. Among the potential changes is the elimination of 14 of 56 holiday runs.

Lorna Ricci, executive director of the Ocean State Center for Independent Living says reductions in public transportation can have a major effect on a disabled person's mobility.

By Elisabeth Harrison

Providence, R.I. – The group that opened the Democracy Prep Charter School in Cumberland is looking to expand and bring a new charter school operator into the state.

Democracy Prep opened last year as the state's first mayoral academy. That means it operates completely outside of union contract rules. Now organizers are moving to build a network of similar schools.

By Flo Jonic

Providence, R.I. – It was the first time the four candidates for the first district congressional seat shared a stage in a debate forum. The location: The Providence Performing Arts Center. The sponsor: WPRI Television.

Host Tim White asked the candidates if to reduce the national deficit they would support raising the Social Security retirement age to 70. Providence Mayor David Cicilline said "we have to study it but we made a commitment to the American people we need to keep that commitment."

By AP

Providence, R.I. – A flash flood watch will soon be in effect for much of Rhode Island.

The National Weather Service says thunderstorms and torrential rain are expected from Tuesday evening through Wednesday afternoon.

Urban areas are expected to be most affected, and drivers should be on the lookout for flooding in low-lying areas like underpasses.

By AP

Fall River, Mass. – A Fall River Marine who drowned while trying to rescue two comrades struggling in the waters off Guantanamo Bay Naval Base was remembered by his wife as the "ultimate hero."

Cpl. Paul Fagundes was honored by hundreds of friends and family Tuesday at a funeral Mass at St. Anne's church.

His wife, Cynthia, said her husband left his mark on the heart of every person in the church.

The Navy says the 29-year-old Fagundes and two other Marines died July 4 after Fagundes went back into the water to help the others.

By Scott MacKay

Providence, R.I. – We resume our series of interviews with candidates for political office in Rhode Island. Today: the second Congressional District and incumbent Congressman James Langevin.

A Warwick Democrat, the 46-year old Langevin is seeking his sixth term in the House. Langevin is a member of the Armed Services Committee and a graduate of Rhode Island College and Harvard University. He's also served as a state representative and Rhode Island secretary of state.

By Flo Jonic

Providence, R.I. – The U.S. Senate is back to work following a week long vacation and some unfinished business awaits their action. That's the business of extending unemployment benefits for another six months.

More than two million people have had their benefits cut off in the six weeks since lawmakers began debating the bill. And for some in Rhode Island the situation is becoming desperate. WRNI's Flo Jonic introduces us to one such woman.