Rhode Island officials have set a goal of meeting the state’s electricity needs with 100% renewable energy by 2033, and there’s still a long way to go. Last week, the three southern New England states were hoping to procure enough offshore wind to make serious progress toward their climate goals. But Rhode Island only secured […]
Business
Posted inBusiness, Environment, Local, South Coast Bureau
Mass. and R.I. to buy power from 3 new offshore wind farms, reviving stalled plans
Massachusetts and Rhode Island officials announced on Friday they plan to buy power from three new offshore wind farms, signaling that energy regulators in both states still consider the renewable energy source economically viable in New England after an industry wide contraction last year. Private utility companies in both states will now negotiate contracts to […]
Posted inBusiness, Environment, Local, South Coast Bureau
States to announce Friday if New England is ready for more offshore wind farms
The Captain Les Eldridge used to chase bass and tuna out of New Bedford. Now, the vessel has a new role in the nation’s emerging offshore wind industry. “We’re bringing people out to the offshore wind farms,” said Ed Anthes-Washburn, whose company Coast Line Transfers manages the vessel. “People and stuff.” The Captain Les Eldridge […]
Posted inBusiness, Local
What could the loss of Macy’s mean for the future of Providence Place Mall?
TRANSCRIPT: This transcript has been edited for length and clarity. Luis Hernandez: Joining me now is Katie Castellani, reporter with the Providence Business News. Katie, it’s such a pleasure. Thanks so much. Katie Castellani: Yeah, thanks for having me. Hernandez: There’s conflicting information about the future of the Macy’s location at the Providence Place Mall. […]
Posted inBusiness, Local, South Coast Bureau
New Bedford business improvement district will not move forward
Business leaders hoping to establish a business improvement district in downtown New Bedford have withdrawn their proposal, ending a fierce debate over whether property owners should pay additional fees to spruce up the neighborhood and market it to visitors. In a letter sent to the City Council president on Monday afternoon, a consultant leading the […]
Posted inBusiness, Local, Media
GBH, Frontline veteran named CEO for public media in RI
Veteran multimedia journalism leader Pam Johnston is set to take the helm of the recently merged public broadcasters Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio. In an interview on Wednesday, Johnston says she reacted with tears of joy on learning of her selection as president and CEO. “This is truly a dream job, a dream […]
Posted inBusiness, Health, The Weekly Catch
‘How Medical Malpractice Fails Everyone,’ big changes coming to Rhode Island hospitals, and more
It’s been a big week for healthcare in Rhode Island. The state’s largest hospital system is changing its name, and two cash-strapped hospitals will soon have a new owner. Also, a new documentary explores the impact of the medical malpractice system on doctors, patients, and our society at large. We talk with a Rhode Island emergency room doctor featured in the film, and one of the documentary’s co-directors. And we hear from the writer and director behind “God Talks to an Agnostic,” a radio play exploring the complicated role of the Black church in the life of a person struggling with their spirituality. Plus: Tips on accessing affordable and reliable internet after the end of the COVID-era Affordable Connectivity program, more highlights from the week in Rhode Island politics, and our picks for what to do this week.
Posted inBusiness, Health, Local
Lifespan will change its name to Brown University Health
Rhode Island’s largest hospital system is changing its name. Lifespan Health System, which operates Rhode Island Hospital, the principal teaching hospital for The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, will be renamed Brown University Health, the two nonprofits said in a joint statement released Thursday. The rebranding is part of expanded partnership agreements between […]
Posted inBusiness, Local, Politics, South Coast Bureau
New Bedford City Council delays vote on controversial business improvement district
At a much anticipated Monday night meeting, the New Bedford City Council delayed its vote on whether to approve a business improvement district proposed in the city’s downtown. Instead, the council reversed a previous decision to accept the application paperwork and reopened legal questions about whether the proposal has enough support from downtown property owners […]
Posted inBusiness, Local, Politics
Tax change sought by Citizens Bank lands on fast-track
Banks in Rhode Island are currently taxed on a three-factor calculation that includes in-state sales, property and payroll. Lawmakers balked when Gov. Dan McKee made a late-session budget amendment requested by Citizens to adopt a single-factor tax formula for large financial institutions. At the same time, House Speaker Joe Shekarchi indicated last week that he […]
