WASHINGTON — Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, the court's oldest member and leader of its liberal bloc, is retiring. President Barack Obama now has his second high court opening to fill.

Stevens said Friday he will step down when the court finishes its work for the summer in late June or early July. He said he hopes his successor is confirmed "well in advance of the commencement of the court's next term."

Stevens' announcement leaves ample time for the White House to settle on a successor and for Senate Democrats, who control a 59-vote majority, to hold confirmation hearings and a vote before the court's next term begins in October. Republicans have not ruled out attempts to delay confirmation.

Stevens' announcement had been hinted at for months. It comes 11 days before his 90th birthday.

Rhode Island Gov. Don Carcieri is asking residents to get home by dinnertime to avoid what he says is the worst flooding to hit the state in more than 100 years.

Turn To 10 (turnto10.com) posted a list of Rhode Island School closings and delays due to severe flooding on the State.

Rhode Island Public Schools
Central Falls Pub. Schools: Schools Early Dismissal - 1:30 PM; No Afterschool Activities
Chariho Reg. Pub Schools: Sec Schools dismissed@ 11:30; Elem Schools dismissed@1:00
Coventry Public Schools: Early Dismissal; 1-hour early
Cranston High School East: IAES Program Cancelled Today
Cranston Pub. Schools: No PM Activities
East Greenwich Public Schools: Schools closed due to flooding
Foster-Gloc Elem and Reg Schools: After School Activities Cancelled; No PM Sports/Activities
Johnston Public Schools: No PM Activities