The federal sequester’s required across-the-board cuts of $85 billion in the remainder of the federal government’s fiscal year is forcing a number of federal agencies to plan for furloughing employees in order to trim expenses by up to 20 percent. more

Rhode Island’s Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Deborah A. Gist is taking a bit of unwarranted heat these days. more

Social media is all the buzz … for consumers. But a Social Media & Marketing Summit presented by Providence Business News last week made clear that social media provide tools unparalleled in their ability to connect with customers. more

In yet another sign that Rhode Island has driven itself into a ditch, three more members of the board of directors of the R.I. Economic Development Corporation have begged off serving on the board anymore, leaving the 13-member board temporarily with five members, plus the nonvoting Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee. more

Another week and, it seems, another report. Fourth Economy Consulting delivered a report to the R.I. Economic Development Corporation last week based on the goal of building a more vibrant and sustainable economy. more

When Italy-based Lottomatica Group SpA bought GTECH Corp. in 2006, there were worries hereabouts that the Rhode Island-born-and-bred, lottery-game maker would soon find a way to leave the Ocean State and take with it the jobs and community presence associated with a corporate headquarters. more

Following the theme of taking the good news where you can get it, R.I. Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis’ office recently announced that for the second consecutive year, the number of business started in the Ocean State in 2012 increased over the previous year, with the total number was the greatest since 2008. more

The 38 Studios LLC debacle just keeps on giving. more

Forbes Magazine’s naming of Swipely Inc. and founder Angus Davis to two of its signature lists last week – America’s Most Promising Companies and America’s Most Promising CEOs Under 35, respectively – was not unexpected hereabouts. more

With the vacancy rate for industrial space in Rhode Island falling below 10 percent last year for the first time since 2009, and with a number of local banks reporting significant growth in their commercial-loan portfolios in 2012, the evidence is piling up that the region’s economy is improving. more