Rhode Island

The Bottom Line: The Effects of an Internet Sales Tax

Dave Fallon and Mark Murphy — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:30:00 +0000

Providence Business News Editor Mark Murphy joins Rhode Island Public Radio's Dave Fallon for a weekly business segment we're calling "The Bottom Line." Each Friday they look at business news and themes that affect local business and the public.

This week Dave and Mark discuss the proposed Internet tax in Congress and implications for state revenue, sales tax, and brick-and-mortar stores.

When to Listen

You can hear The Bottom Line each Friday at 5:50pm.

RI Unemployment Rate Drops to 8.8 Percent

Flo Jonic — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:55:50 +0000

Rhode Island’s unemployment rate took a healthy drop in April. But the state is still a long way from restoring all the jobs lost to the recession.

Rhode Island’s April unemployment rate was 8.8 percent. That’s three tenths of one percent lower than in March and the lowest rate in four-and-a-half years. Charles Fogarty, director of the state Department of Labor and Training, attributes the decline to increased consumer confidence.

Hop On Your Bike For National Bike To Work Day

Don Borman and Dylan Weiser — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:49:50 +0000

Providence is among the cities that will observe National Bike to Work Day Friday. A gathering at Burnside Park 8:00am Friday will include members of the Rhode Island Bicycle Coalition and will also include Mayor Angel Taveras. The event is to show how biking is a healthy commute to work, said Matt Moritz the president of the Rhode Island Biking Coalition.

RI State Police Remember Those Who Died in the Line of Duty

Flo Jonic — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:36:14 +0000

As the Rhode Island State Police took a moment to remember those who died in the line of duty, they also paused to honor trooper Roupen Bastajian who rushed to help survivors of the Boston Marathon bombings.

Every year, Rhode Island state police gather to remember the seven troopers killed in the line of duty since the agency was founded in 1925. But this year, a trooper who’s very much alive was honored as well. Trooper Roupen Bastajian received the State Police service ribbon for aide he rendered at the Boston Marathon bombings.

Westerly Starts Spraying for Mosquitos

Flo Jonic — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:32:53 +0000

Westerly residents may be awakened to the sounds of helicopters overhead Thursday morning. Continuing a practice begun in 1997, the town of Westerly is conducting aerial spraying against mosquitos.

The targeted areas are portions of Chapman Swamp and the swamp area adjacent to Hespar Drive.

The town uses Bti, a naturally occurring bacterium which prevents larval mosquitoes from developing into adults. The state Department of Environmental Management says it safe to humans and the environment.

Spraying begins Thursday at 7:00am and continues through 2:00pm.

Former Brown President Simmons Honored by French Government

Flo Jonic — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:28:03 +0000

Former Brown University president Ruth Simmons is being honored by the French government for her contributions to the advancement of French arts and culture.

Brown has been named Chevalier in the French National Order of the Legion of Honor. The award is the highest decoration offered by the French government.

Simmons is not only fluent in French but has written about French-speaking authors and poets.

RIPTA Making It Easier For PawSox Fans On Sundays

Don Borman — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:00:05 +0000

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority is trying something new to make it easier for PawSox fans to get to McCoy Stadium.

Moderate Party's Ken Block Taking Hard Look at RI Gov Race

Flo Jonic — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:37:33 +0000

Rhode Island Moderate Party leader Ken Block is weighing a second run for governor. Block said he will announce in the not-too-distant future whether he’s in the race.

In 2010, Moderate Party founder Ken Block, with virtually no statewide name recognition, garnered 6.5 percent of the vote in the race for governor. Block is hinting he’s going to make another gubernatorial run in 2014.

Gov. Chafee's Pick for EDC up for Committee Vote

Ian Donnis — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:28:54 +0000

Gov. Lincoln Chafee’s choice to lead the state Economic Development Corporation faces approval by a state Senate committee Tuesday. The vote comes amid debate over whether to reorganize the EDC.

Chafee’s choice, Marcel Valois led the EDC back in the 1990’s during Lincoln Almond’s tenure as governor. Valois is the vice president of an economic foundation. He was previously chief operating officer of the Penske Automotive Group.

Hollywood's Richard Jenkins Returning to Trinity Rep.

Catherine Welch — Tue, 14 May 2013 05:52:00 +0000

Hollywood actor Richard Jenkins and his wife will return to Trinity Rep next year to co-direct the musical Oliver.

Richard Jenkins is best known for his role in HBO’s Six Feet Under and the 2008 film “The Visitor.” But before he hit it big in Hollywood Jenkins and his wife Sharon were part of Trinity Rep – she was a choreographer and he was an actor and later the artistic director.

The couple will return next season to co-direct the musical “Oliver.” Trinity Rep’s artistic director Curt Columbus said audiences can expect to see a smart production.