Later this week, William Murphy will step down as speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives.  An intense campaign to succeed him - and to fill one of Rhode Island's most powerful political offices -- has been waged for the past several months. But there have been no television commercials, no public debates and no lawn signs. And as WRNI's political analyst Scott Mackay tells us, only 75 people get to vote in this election.

The National Register of Historic Places has just added a Providence diner to its prestigious list.  It's the "Liberty Elm" diner on Elmwood Avenue and, as Flo Jonic found out, it may look like your grandfather's diner but it sure doesn't taste like it.

Last month, Massachusetts Republican Scott Brown pulled off a stunning upset when he won the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by Democrat Edward Kennedy.  Here in Rhode Island, Republican state Representative John Loughlin is now trying to ride the same wave of populist anger as he challenges Kennedy's son, Congressman Patrick Kennedy.

When the devastating earthquake hit Haiti last month, some members of Rhode Island's medical community dropped what they were doing and headed to the Caribbean country to help. WRNI Morning Edition host Bob Seay has more.

A 38-year-old nuclear power plant in southern Vermont is under intense scrutiny as it seeks permission to operate for another two decades past its scheduled shutdown date.

Reading is one of the first things students learn in school, and studies suggest that by the end of third grade, those who fall behind already face a high risk for becoming dropouts.

A former narcotics detective is encouraging Rhode Island to decriminalize marijuana.  He testified before a senate commission set up to reconsider the state's policy towards the drug last night. WRNI's Megan Hall reports.

Here in the States, we tend to think of English comedy as witty stuff, Noel Coward, don't you know? But in truth, it can be raucous and bawdy. And when it also has something to say, that can be the best. At 2nd Story Theatre they've come up with a British winner, says Bill Gale.

Governor Donald Ccarcieri has unveiled his final state budget. Yesterday, he released the 7.5 billion dollar spending plan for the fiscal year starting July first.

Providence Mayor David Cicilline says jobs creation will be the focus of the last year of his second term in office.