An analysis of the new strain of what’s being called Shanghai bird flu, conducted by Dr. Anne S. De Groot and her team of researchers at EpiVax Inc., has concluded that there may be the need to develop a new vaccine to combat a potential devastating outbreak of the disease. more

Many of the top supporters of health care reform in Rhode Island joined in a Providence Business News-sponsored panel discussion on “Health Care Reform and the Insurance Exchange,” held March 28 at the Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick. more

The CEOs of three commercial health insurers in Rhode Island joined the leaders of Lifespan, the state’s largest hospital network, and Coastal Medical, one of the state’s largest physician-run primary care practices, for a March 28 discussion on “Health Care Reform and the Insurance Exchange.” more

PROVIDENCE – The mayors of four Rhode Island cities joined several state legislators and a coalition of advocates last week in calling for the passage of legislation aimed at freeing Rhode Islanders from a cycle of debt caused by ultra-high-interest payday loans. more

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island last week became the latest state to roll back criminal penalties for minor marijuana possession, replacing the threat of jail time for those caught with pot with something akin to a traffic citation, The Associated Press reported. more

BOSTON – The Boston Foundation released a report showing that Gov. Deval L. Patrick’s administration’s investments in the life sciences sector are making a “measurable impact on job creation and spurring economic growth” throughout Massachusetts. more

NEW YORK – General Treasurer Gina M. Raimondo is taking heat from a new source for her efforts related to the state workers’ pension system, but the criticism is not coming from a local source. … more

Rhode Island businesses are being targeted with a direct mail solicitation scam letter from an organization calling itself Rhode Island Corporate Compliance, the Secretary of State’s office warned Friday. more

Rhode Island taxpayers have 10 days left to file their personal income tax returns, which are due by Monday, April 15, the R.I. Division of Taxation reminded Rhode Islanders on Friday. more

If a federal minimum wage-hike goes into effect, Rhode Islanders could see a loss of up to 3,466 jobs, according to a report issued by the R.I. Center for Freedom and Prosperity. more