STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:

Good morning. I'm Steve Inskeep. Rhode Island lawmakers held a toast in honor of St. Patrick's Day. And they did it despite allegations of excessive drinking. Just one week ago, a Democratic representative told WPRO radio there's, quote, "an insane amount of drinking at the state house." Top lawmakers deny that. I mean, define insane. The House speaker says the Irish celebration is tradition and so is the Italian celebration of St. Joseph's Day, so cheers. You're listening to MORNING EDITION. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.