Brett Smiley - Providence Business News

Third lane on eastbound side of Washington Bridge expected to open...

Government 04/09/2024

PROVIDENCE – A much-needed third lane on the eastbound side of the Washington Bridge is expected to open ahead of Wednesday’s morning commute. The R.I....

Turnout cracks 5% as R.I. primary voters back Biden and Trump

Elections 04/03/2024

Rhode Island’s lackluster presidential contest fizzled to a close Tuesday, with President Joe Biden and Donald Trump declared winners by the Associated Press 10 minutes after...

Trump and Biden aren’t the only names on R.I.’s primary ballot

Elections 04/02/2024

It’s hardly going to be a nail-biter. President Joe Biden and Donald Trump have already clinched the nominations for Democrat and Republican parties, respectively, having won enough...

Some Providence politicians, policy analysts say it’s time to raise taxes

Economy 01/08/2024

It’s not often that politicians preemptively push for more taxes. Yet a new report adopted by the Providence City Council on Thursday, Jan. 4, recommends potential tax...

THE TAX BREAKS the city of Providence has given developer Arnold "Buff" Chace Jr. and entities controlled by Chace have prompted the City Council to hire legal help in potentially undoing that deal. / PBN FILE PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Could fighting tax deal prove costly for Providence?

Government 08/04/2023

The Providence City Council’s recent move to pursue legal action against a local developer’s tax deal may help the city recoup revenue from previously...

The high stress, high stakes world of CD1 campaign managers

Elections 07/31/2023

Brexton Isaacs’ resume reads like an ambitious travel itinerary. Iowa, New Hampshire, Ohio, New York: The 31-year-old has worked in 10 states on at least...

BACKING CHARTERS: Janie Segui Rodriguez founded the nonprofit Stop the Wait RI to oppose legislation in 2021 that would have put a hold on opening new charter schools for three years. The legislation failed to pass.  PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Charter schools fight to grow as demand increases

Education 07/21/2023

Most parents don’t want to gamble with their children’s education. But for some, to provide what they believe is the right choice for their...

THE CITY OF PROVIDENCE announced Monday that it will begin July 24 at $1.5 million repair project to the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier. Pictured is Craig Hochman, chief engineer for the city of Providence, with the barrier in the background. / PBN FILE PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Providence to begin $1.5M repair project on Fox Point Hurricane Barrier

Government 07/10/2023

PROVIDENCE – Some long-awaited repairs to the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier will begin in the next couple of weeks. Mayor Brett Smiley’s office announced Monday...

TRINITY REPERTORY COMPANY is one of nine arts and culture organizations to receive $200,000 in grants from the city of Providence to help recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. / COURTESY TRINITY REPERTORY COMPANY

Providence awards $200K in COVID-19 recovery grants to 9 arts organizations

Art & Culture 07/05/2023

PROVIDENCE – Nine city-based arts and culture organizations received $200,000 in total grants to help local artists continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,...