Darth Vader might serve as inspiration for the Big East Conference, which must change its name after the so-called Catholic Seven leaves in three months and takes the league’s moniker with them. more

Actress Viola Davis was back home Oct. 7 for a Veterans Memorial Auditorium fundraiser to support the Central Falls High School Drama Club and the Segue Institute for Learning. Davis, who grew up in Central Falls, earned a SAG Award for outstanding female actress in a leading role in “The Help.” The fundraiser included a reception at which two of the actress’ awards dresses were auctioned to support the schools. Davis is pictured above with Steven Feinberg, executive director of the R.I. Film & TV Office. more

Toy and game maker Hasbro Inc. saw its net loss widen 159 percent from $2.6 million, or 2 cents per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2012 to $6.7 million, or 40 cents per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2013, the company announced Monday. more

President Barack Obama said the full resources of the federal government are being mobilized to investigate the deadly explosions today in Boston and he vowed those responsible will be brought to justice. more

Twin River Casino will officially open table games to the public on June 19, 12 days ahead of the original July 1 opening date, the casino confirmed Thursday. more

Lottomatica Group SpA shareholders have approved the adoption of the GTECH name and, effective June 3, Lottomatica will operate as GTECH SpA, the company announced Wednesday along with its first-quarter earnings. more

The International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum has become the first sports hall of fame to achieve accreditation status by the American Alliance of Museums. more

The American Athletic Conference, formerly the Big East Conference, unveiled its new logo on Thursday – a simple, athletic A in red, white and blue, which participating schools can customize with their own colors. more

Few plot twists sound more cruel or ominous for small, independent cinemas than the death of film. more

The Providence metropolitan area ranked No. 22 on the annual American Fitness Index, a list that ranks the country’s 50 largest metro areas using indicators such as access to health care, smoking and obesity rates. more