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 […]
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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 […]
Posted inBusiness, Local, South Coast Bureau
Business groups battle over the spirit of downtown New Bedford
Love him or hate him, everyone in downtown New Bedford seems to be talking about Marco Li Mandri. The consultant from San Diego arrived here about 10 years ago, at the invitation of a small business association looking for new funding sources to make downtown a more attractive place to shop and dine out. Li […]
Posted inBusiness, Stories
Homes have popped up on the National Mall – showing they can be built fast and cheap
From tiny homes to big ones built in hours, the Innovative Housing Showcase highlights ways to make housing more affordable and plentiful — at a time when many Americans struggle to buy a home.
Posted inBusiness, Stories
‘Washington Post’ CEO tried to kill a story about himself. It wasn’t the first time
The Post’s new CEO Will Lewis tried to stop the paper from publishing a story about allegations he faces in Britain. It wasn’t the first time he’s attempted to head off unwanted coverage. I know, because he tried to do that to me in December.
Posted inBusiness, Stories
Black workers sue General Mills over alleged racial discrimination at a Georgia plant
The eight employees say that since the plant opened in 1988, many systems in place have benefited white workers more than Black staff. They claim that HR has ignored “egregious incidents of racism.”
Posted inBusiness, Stories
Elon Musk’s giant Starship rocket rumbles into space once more
This is the fourth test for Starship, and this time, it returned successfully to earth.