As a lawyer who focuses on social media issues, I am often asked whether employers should “block” their employees from accessing Facebook during working hours. These employers are concerned that their employees are wasting time online, engaging in inappropriate online behavior and exposing their companies to liability. more

Rhode Island is building a name for itself in the business of environmental training for journalists, thanks in part to the 15-year-old Metcalf Institute for Marine and Environmental Reporting, says spokeswoman Karen Southern. more

PROVIDENCE – The Senate has passed legislation that would make Rhode Island the 40th member of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, an agreement between states that promotes uniform wildlife law enforcement across state boundaries. more

How do you monetize a mythic realm? more

Here’s a heads-up for the growing ranks of seniors whose post-retirement monthly incomes aren’t sufficient to qualify for a mortgage under today’s tough underwriting standards: Thanks to a rule change by the largest players in the home-loan business, you may be able to use imputed income from your 401(k), IRA and other retirement assets to qualify for the loan you want. more

BOSTON – Attorney General Martha Coakley last week filed suit against the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for ignoring the “devastating economic impact” of the federal government’s recent enforcement and regulation of the fish stock, as well as the alleged use of “flawed” science to over-restrict the state’s fishing industry. more

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Department of Labor and Training has entered into an agreement with Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin’s office to fund an attorney position specifically devoted to prosecuting income support, workers’ compensation and workforce regulation and safety matters, according to a joint statement released last week. more

When the Rhode Island Senate voted in April to legalize same-sex marriage, it produced an unusual political dynamic: every Republican supported it. more

In January, a pair of undercover Providence Police Department agents entered Karma nightclub on Richmond Street to conduct a sting operation. more

Changes to gun laws being considered by the General Assembly have generated strong reactions on both sides of the debate, reflecting the national controversy heightened by the shooting massacre of 20 children and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn. more