Filibuster of Judge Nomination Avoided

(WASHINGTON) -- John McConnell, President Obama’s nominee for U.S. District Court in Rhode Island, avoided a threatened Republican filibuster over his nomination. On Wednesday the U.S. Senate voted 63-33, with 11 Republicans siding with the Democrats, to move the nomination to a vote.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce had objected to McConnell’s nomination as they said he was biased against businesses and unfit to serve on the U.S. District Court.

A final vote on McConnell’s nomination is expected on Thursday.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Firefighters Battle Rehoboth Foundry Blaze

(REHOBOTH, Mass.) -- Firefighters are battling a blaze in a Rehoboth building Wednesday morning.

The fire at 128 Bay State Road, the G&W Foundry, started around 8 a.m. The roof of the building reportedly collapsed.

There have been no reported injuries. It is unclear how the fire started.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Rally Held for Same-Sex Marriage

(PROVIDENCE, R.I.) -- A rally for same-sex marriage took place outside the Rhode Island State House Tuesday.

A civil unions bill is currently on the table in the state legislature. Its introduction comes after the gay marriage bill was announced dead last week.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

New Member Appointed to Rhode Island State Investment Commission

(PROVIDENCE, R.I.) -- A new member has been appointed to the Rhode Island State Investment Commission (SIC).

On Monday, Governor Lincoln Chafee announced that Paula McNamara has been chosen to serve on the SIC, which handles the investment of state funds.

“Paula McNamara brings a broad range of investment experiences to the State Investment Commission,” Governor Chafee said. “Her financial knowledge has been formed across the spectrum of private, online development, and education sectors. Paula will be a valuable addition to this important commission.”

McNamara’s appointment will now go before the Senate for advice and consent.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Tuition Fees to Increase at Rhode Island Schools

(PROVIDENCE, R.I.) -- The Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education voted to increase tuition at the University of Rhode Island by 8.5 percent and at Rhode Island College by four percent.

Presidents of the institutions said the hikes were necessary as they still faced a shortfall and would have to make cuts in spending. Gov. Lincoln Chaffee has proposed $10 million for funding to the schools including the Community College of Rhode Island. However, there will still be a shortfall of over $20 million.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio