The recently approved American Airlines and US Airways merger could soon mean fewer flights from fewer airports, including regional destinations like T.F. Green Airport, and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in New Hampshire. The flights that remain will be more expensive and on smaller aircraft – and that may push some airports to downsize, according to one airline expert. more

Bel Air Finishing Supply in North Kingstown first tapped state professional-development grants five years ago when the company was making a push for exports and needed to train workers in overseas marketing. more

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island last week officially returned control of financially troubled Central Falls to local elected officials, the Associated Press reported last week. City officials are now charged with guiding the municipality through a recovery plan crafted under state oversight and approved by a federal bankruptcy judge. more

SOUTH KINGSTOWN – South County town officials say regulations enacted in 2012 have allowed dozens of small home-improvement projects that were stalled to go forward. more

BOSTON – The Mass. Department of Environmental Protection is seeking public comment for proposed amendments to agency regulations that deal with wetlands, waterways and water-quality certifications, as well as wastewater-related changes to state-issued permits and operation standards for sewer-treatment works. more

NEW YORK – Fitch Ratings last week affirmed its AA rating of the Massachusetts Port Authority’s $1.16 billion revenue bonds and its A+ rating of the authority’s $127.4 million passenger facility charge revenue bonds. Fitch said the rating outlook is stable for all of the authority’s debt. more

Nearly a year of reassurances from Rhode Island’s top political leaders that the state will pay off its 38 Studios LLC debt hasn’t quieted advocates of a tactical default. more

The first medical-marijuana dispensary has opened in Rhode Island and likely will soon be followed by another, despite uncertain business prospects due to scaled-back plans following years of legal and legislative wrangling. more

More changes appear to be coming for the R.I. Economic Development Corporation, whether Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee wants them or not. Competing House and Senate proposals suggest that whatever ultimately emerges from the General Assembly, the independent governor’s reshuffling of the agency over the past year will not be the final word. more

BOSTON – Gov. Deval L. Patrick has requested federal relief for small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by the Boston Marathon bombing that occurred April 15. more