DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROVIDENCE – The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announces the temporary closure of Rhode Island state parks and beaches due to the COVID-19 public health crisis.  To protect public safety, all state parks and beaches, along with their parking areas, will be closed beginning Friday, April 3, until further notice.  “It […]

Pawtucket Leaders Commit to Hold the Line on Taxes Coronavirus is hurting our residents and economy, taxes should not. PAWTUCKET – Mayor Donald R. Grebien and the Pawtucket City Council announced today that tax rates for the upcoming fiscal year billing cycle will be held flat at this year’s rates for both residential and commercial […]

Hope & Main’s new “Nourish Our Neighbors” program will feed local families in need Wholesome, ready-to-eat meals will be available for families and seniors during the COVID-19 crisis WARREN, RI  — Hope & Main, the nonprofit food business incubator, announced today the launch of Nourish Our Neighbors, a food access program for East Bay families and seniors […]

Massachusetts Building Trades Council votes unanimously to call for a statewide suspension of all regular activity at construction sites in Massachusetts MALDEN, MA – Today, the Executive Board of the 75,000 member Massachusetts Building Trades Council voted unanimously to call on Massachusetts Governor Charles Baker to declare a statewide suspension of all regular activity at construction sites in […]

EarthTalk®   From the Editors of E – The Environmental Magazine Dear EarthTalk: Internet data centers are fast becoming the largest power hogs in the world. What’s being done in this industry to make Internet usage more energy-efficient? — M. T., Reno, NV Though our online activity uses no paper, it still consumes quite a […]

The Bristol Art Museum Introduces Video Tours and Virtual Galleries In the wake of closures due to COVID-19, The Bristol Art Museum is changing gears and going digital to remain accessible to audiences.   Among the many changes underway is their online Social Distancing Gallery, a contact-free gallery experience where artists of all levels can […]

Pawtucket, RI Announces New Loan Program for Small Businesses Impacted by Covid-19 Outbreak Pawtucket – The unexpected coronavirus pandemic has been difficult for the small businesses. In response, Mayor Donald R. Grebien and the Pawtucket City Council announced a new emergency loan program, created by the City’s Pawtucket Business Development Corporation (PBDC), to quickly get funds […]

United Regional Chamber of Commerce on the COVID-19 Pandemic The past three weeks have been nothing short of unbelievable and that adjective does not even seem adequate. The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly challenged us — our leaders, businesses, workers and economy. The severity of the very fluid situation changed hourly, shifting to daily. In a […]