News

By Flo Jonic

Providence, RI – Her visit comes as many Rhode Islanders are still bailing out soggy basements, struggling to re-open businesses, and assessing damage to bridges, roads and dams.

Yesterday, the state's congressional delegation promised to secure as much federal assistance as possible. WRNI's Flo Jonic reports.

By Anthony Brooks

Providence, RI – Three days of steady rain caused the Blackstone River to swell dramatically - sending waves of water crashing down Valley Falls in the town of Cumberland, just north of Providence. About a dozen people watched in awe.

Among them, Laurie Lefebvre of Cumberland, who was stunned by the sight.

"This might impress some of these young guys out here that don't underestimate mother nature," she said. "Mother of all mothers."

By Anthony Brooks

Cranston, RI – Because of the flooding, Rhode Island residents are being asked to conserve water and electricity because of flood damage to sewage systems and electrical sub-stations. In Warwick, a water and sewage treatment plant actually failed, and in Cranston, city officials are also coping with a damaged plant. WRNI's Anthony Brooks spoke to Cranston Mayor Allan Fung about the situation, and what he's telling his residents.

By Trinity Rep Radio Theater

Providence, RI – Resident company members Janice Duclos, Mauro Hantman, Anne Scurria, and Rachael Warren join Curt Columbus and Bob Seay with two hilarious tales:

* "Why I Live at the P.O.": The postmistress of the second-smallest town in Mississippi tells all
* "Petrified Man": A beauty salon, a traveling freak show, and a $500 reward

By Flo Jonic

Providence, RI – The state government is open for business as usual today - a day after all non-essential employees were told to stay home. At seven o'clock yesterday morning Governor Carcieri's office urged all schools and businesses to follow his lead by requiring only essential personnel to report to work. With a big section of Interstate 95 closed, his major concern was gridlock.

By Frederic Reamer

Providence, RI – Imagine a news story about the daily goings-on at a typical large, urban high school. What images come to mind? Do you picture academic success stories spinning out of a maturing student body, or does your mind run toward more dismal scenarios? As Fred Silva, notes, urban education is filled with remarkable triumphs, even miracles.

By Ian Donnis

Providence, RI – Democrats succeed in enacting healthcare reform. That's part of the discussion this week on Political Roundtable.

By Rhode Island Artscape

Providence, RI – Brown Bird is a locally-based folk, Americana band. Their sound draws on influences from Appalachian, gypsy and shanty music, and features the sometimes somber lyrics of lead singer David Lamb. Lamb, joined by cellist MorganEve Swain and steel guitarist Mike Samos, recently sat down with Morning Edition host Bob Seay to discuss their music.

By Frederic Reamer

Providence, RI – It sounds a little too much like a question on a college application: "Please identify a book that has changed your life. Discuss." The truth is, most of us can identify a book that has changed our lives in profound ways, and that's certainly the case for Jan Keough.

Keough is co-founder of the Origami Poems Project, an experiment to provide free poetry to enthusiastic readers. She lives in Cumberland with her musician husband, Kevin, and two mini-schnauzers.

By Ian Donnis

Providence, RI – This week on Political Roundtable: national health care reform, the firing of teachers in Central Falls and Mayor Cicilline's campaign for Congress hits a bump.