Business & Economy
Local and national biz, jobs, and the economy
The Sinclair-Nexstar Duopoly: How Two Right-Wing Corporations Control What Rhode Islanders See on TV
Can’t find Jimmy Kimmel on your TV? That’s no accident. Right-wing media corporations that own ALL of Rhode Island's major local news stations are blocking the show to appease the Trump administration. This isn't just about a comedian; it's about a corporate plot to control what you see and think.
Trump's Tariff Chaos Crushes RI Small Businesses While Big Corps Get Free Pass
A devastating new survey reveals 78% of Rhode Island manufacturers are raising prices due to Trump's chaotic tariff policies, while small businesses struggle to survive as large corporations receive exemptions. The reality Trump won't admit: tariffs are taxes paid by American consumers and businesses, not foreign countries.
From Populist Promise to Corporate Puppet: Trump's FTC Abandons Small Business
Trump's Federal Trade Commission abruptly dropped a major price discrimination lawsuit against Pepsi that could have protected small businesses from corporate predators. The case threatened Walmart's ability to squeeze out independent stores through preferential pricing deals. But Trump's new FTC chair buried the evidence before the public could see it.
Providence Place Mall Implements First Parking Rate Increase in Decade
For the first time since 2015, Providence Place Mall is increasing parking rates at its downtown garage. The new structure, effective June 1, comes as mall traffic continues to decline nationwide. But the impact extends far beyond shoppers, threatening to disrupt a delicate downtown ecosystem...
US Tourism Industry Faces Historic Collapse as ICE Detentions Deter Foreign Visitors
As ICE agents detain foreign travelers at airports nationwide, America's $2.6 trillion tourism industry faces collapse. International visitors are canceling trips, airlines are slashing routes, and border states are hemorrhaging billions. But the real cost won't be measured in today's dollars—it's the economic damage for decades to come...
Shipbuilding Executives Make Suspicious Stock Purchases Before Trump Announcement
Three Huntington Ingalls directors with virtually no history of purchasing company stock suddenly bought shares just days before Trump's surprise shipbuilding announcement sent their value soaring. The suspicious timing exposes not just potential insider trading, but a deeper truth about who truly faces consequences in America's financial system...
Shareholders at Major Corporations Overwhelmingly Reject Anti-DEI Proposals
Shareholders at America's largest corporations are rejecting anti-DEI proposals by overwhelming margins, revealing a stark contrast between investor priorities and conservative political messaging. At Costco, Apple, and John Deere, more than 95% of votes opposed eliminating diversity initiatives. The question remains: why are companies abandoning programs their owners support?
Washington Post Opinion Shift Reflects Broader Crisis In Corporate Media Independence
Billionaire Jeff Bezos has announced a major shift at The Washington Post, declaring its opinion pages will now exclusively promote "personal liberties and free markets" — effectively rebranding a storied newspaper as a mouthpiece for conservative economic principles. But behind this directive lies a troubling pattern of interference...
The Hidden Costs of Corporate Layoffs: A Quick Fix with Deep Financial Implications
Recent analysis reveals that corporate layoffs often cost far more than companies anticipate. From productivity losses to increased turnover and legal fees, the true financial impact of workforce reductions extends well beyond initial severance payouts.
How Rhode Island's New Property Tax Legislation Eases Burden on Small Businesses
Rhode Island takes a significant step towards supporting small businesses with new legislation exempting the first $50,000 of business property from tangible personal property tax. This move, while reducing state revenue, aims to stimulate local economy and attract entrepreneurs.