Sales of new U.S. homes advanced in March as near record-low mortgage rates helped the industry complete the strongest quarter since 2008, putting the economy on firmer footing. more

The U.S. Navy has awarded a $20 million contract modification to General Dynamics Electric Boat for nuclear-maintenance work for submarines. more

Sensata Technologies Holding N.V. reported a bottom line of $34.7 million, or 19 cents per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2013, a 10.9 percent decline from the $38.9 million, or 21 cents per diluted share, reported during the first quarter of 2012. more

Gasoline prices in the Ocean State fell 9 cents this week in the seventh consecutive week of price declines, AAA Southern New England reported Monday. more

Toy and game maker Hasbro Inc. saw its net loss widen 159 percent from $2.6 million, or 2 cents per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2012 to $6.7 million, or 40 cents per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2013, the company announced Monday. more

Honda will begin shipping autos to the Port of Davisville in 2014, a “key sign of growth in the port’s emergence as one of the largest auto-importers in North America,” the Quonset Development Corporation announced Friday. more

At a board meeting at 8:30 Wednesday morning, the R.I. Turnpike and Bridge Authority voted unanimously to charge tolls on the new Sakonnet River Bridge and approved increased tolls on the Pell Bridge. more

The Rhode Island Boat Show is expanding to five venues for its third year, its organizers announced Wednesday, in a move to increase its showcasing of the Ocean State as a recreational boating destination that also houses a varied group of boating businesses, facilities and products. more

Iconic toy- and game-maker Hasbro Inc. has formed a collaboration with World Trade Jewelers to create and distribute jewelry designs replicating some of Hasbro’s products. more

Textron Inc. – parent of Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company and Textron Systems – posted net income of $119 million, or 41 cents per diluted share, during the first quarter, a very slight increase from the $118 million, or 40 cents per diluted share, it posted during the first quarter of 2012. more