The American newspaper industry remains gripped by a cycle of decline. Readers and advertisers continue to move to the internet, but web-based advertising is less profitable than the old print advertising. This upheaval is sparking some new approaches, including the emergence of web-only newspapers entirely dedicated to covering much smaller communities. WRNI's Ian Donnis examines what this means for Rhode Islanders.

Imagine finding out in the middle of an otherwise ordinary day that you could save a friend's life - a friend with a chronic, debilitating illness - if you are willing to sacrifice one of your own organs.  Would you hesitate, or would you jump at the chance to donate one of your body parts, and to endure the invasive surgery, in order to keep a friend alive?  Indeed, this was the choice facing Daniel Carpenter. 

Carpenter teaches Latin, Ancient Greek and Ancient Literature courses at the University of Rhode Island.  He is especially interested in the study of the Greek epic poet, Homer.  Carpenter lives with his wife, Jean, in Wakefield, Rhode Island.

Few issues have provoked debate in Rhode Island and drawn the attention of those across the nation as has the proposal to strip the word "plantations" from the Ocean State's official name.