Focus

LOOKING AHEAD: Josh Daly, left, co-founder of Local Return, says the retirement of manufacturers without a succession plan is a “huge economic development issue.” With him is Nancy Forster-Holt, clinical associate professor at the University of Rhode Island’s College of Business.  PBN PHOTO/ELIZABETH GRAHAM

R.I.’s manufacturing sector braces for owner exits

Focus 06/10/2026

A wave of retiring business owners is about to reshape Rhode Island manufacturing, where 80% are approaching an exit without clear succession plans. At least,...

NEW NEIGHBOR: Centreville Bank is preparing to move into the Lauderdale Building on Westminster Street in downtown Providence, a few doors down from Chase Bank and The Washington Trust Co.  PBN PHOTO/WILLIAM HAMILTON

Banks doubling down on downtown branches

Focus 06/05/2026

Bristol County Savings Bank cut the ribbon on its new full-service branch at 5 Exchange St. in downtown Providence in March, placing another community...

HELPING HAND: Lindsey Ricci, a real estate agent at eXp Realty LLC, says the RI AnchorHome program gives prospective homebuyers an extra boost in securing financing.  PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

R.I. treasury deposits fuel lower mortgage costs

Focus 06/05/2026

Rhode Island’s real estate landscape, with rising home prices and limited availability, is pushing the dream of homeownership out of reach for many residents. In...

A BIT EMPTY: Charles Cullinan, Bryant University Accounting Department chair and professor, teaches a class at Bryant in Smithfield in 2025. Industry leaders are concerned about the lack of accounting students moving through the pipeline. PBN FILE PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

R.I. lawmakers get closer to tackling CPA shortage

Focus 06/05/2026

When Connecticut rewrote its certified public accountant licensing rules last fall to expand pathways into the profession, the effects showed up almost immediately, says...

SITE INSPECTION: Jesse Reiblich, left, a University of Rhode Island professor in the marine affairs department, walks near the disputed property line along Roger W. Wheeler State Beach in Narragansett. He is joined, from left, by Nathan Vinhateiro, science director at the URI Coastal Institute, and Melva Trevino, assistant professor in URI’s fisheries, animal and veterinary sciences department.  PBN PHOTO/ELIZABETH GRAHAM

R.I. shoreline rights in legal limbo of sorts

Focus 05/22/2026

When Rhode Island passed a 2023 law strengthening shoreline access, some advocates felt a sense of relief as state and local authorities took a...

DYNAMIC DUO: Erik Brine, left, and Rob Raymond, co-founders of Operation Encore, at their office in Jamestown. The nonprofit provides opportunities for veteran and active-duty singer-songwriters and musicians to take their music to the next level, offering artist development, professional recording and educational services. PBN PHOTO/ELIZABETH GRAHAM

Operation Encore helps provide a second act for veterans turned musicians

Focus 05/22/2026

Afterleaving active duty, U.S. Air Force Reserve Col. Erik Brine didn’t know exactly what he would pursue next, but he was sure of two...

HOLDING COURT: Attorney Mark Mandell, right, has donated $4 million to create a trial advocacy center at the Roger Williams University School of Law. The center will help train law students and practicing lawyers on skills needed in the courtroom. With Mandell is Gregory Bowman, dean and professor at RWU’s law school.  PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

New RWU center will focus on trial training

Focus 05/22/2026

Faced with fierce competition, law schools are investing heavily in recruiting top-notch students. Now, administrators at Roger Williams University School of Law believe they’ll set...

SMOOTH TRANSITION: Steve Bradley, talent acquisition leader at Citizens Bank, says the bank has partnered with several veteran support organizations to recruit former service members and support their transition into civilian careers. PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Banks are looking to military veterans as a workforce pipeline

Focus 05/22/2026

Inside the Johnston offices of Operation Stand Down Rhode Island, a nonprofit supporting homeless and at-risk military veterans with housing, job training and legal...