PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Business Plan Competition has chosen six finalists for its 2013 competition, the organization announced. 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

The rapid spread of H7N9 flu throughout China and with it, fears of a potential global pandemic, has Rhode Island health officials examining protocols and plans, in case the deadly flu spreads to the U.S. more

In our fast-paced, ever-changing business world, the notion of “prevention” – which generally means doing something you don’t absolutely have to do right now – often gets lost or set aside. But with so much riding on how smoothly things run at your business, that ounce of prevention can indeed far outweigh a pound of cure later on. more

When Peter VanLancker, president of Hunt Yachts, joined the company two years after its inception, in 2000, he saw a solid business idea but a fledging execution for a boat-building business. more

Vicki Lee Blair, a 63-year-old former computer analyst from Westminster, Calif., had the surprise of her life. Blair went to a clinic seeking antidepressant medication. She said she was shocked when clinicians bombarded her with questions about a blood test in her file indicating thyroid problems and illegal drug use. more

Using your home as an ATM no longer is a financial option, but the tools that allowed owners to pull out massive amounts of money during the boom years – equity credit lines and second mortgages – are making a comeback. more

After a winter respite, sewer-line installation along Providence’s Hope Street has returned, along with traffic detours, parking woes and inconveniences to pedestrians, all of which are causing disruptions and headaches for the area’s small businesses. 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