Just getting back from South Korea has made me realize how amazing it is that we live in a world sustained by global trade. The stark difference between North and South Korea prompts a lot of reflection about the benefits of global trade. America’s longest-serving Secretary of State, Cordell Hull, reportedly said, “If goods cannot cross borders, armies will.” But business faces its own struggles in its own trenches trying to make goods cross borders, whether these are company, state or international borders. Here is a list of 10 challenges businesses face today in trying to make trade work better. more

R.I. Health Insurance Commissioner Christopher F. Koller announced today his decision to “significantly lower “ the average requested 2013 health insurance premiums for Rhode Island’s three commercial insurers – Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, UnitedHealthcare of New England and Tufts Health Plan. more

Among a survey of 73 U.S. cities that offer the most favorable tax structures for businesses, Providence ranked 15th overall. more

By raising the state minimum wage from $7.40 to $7.75, the General Assembly will make it even more difficult for teenagers to find jobs, according to a new report from the Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity. more

After a three-month national search, Woonsocket native Thom Guertin has been selected as Rhode Island’s first chief digital officer, Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee announced Wednesday. more

Brown University will use a $127.4 million bond sale to renovate downtown property after agreeing in May to almost double annual payments to the city. more

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved the $100 million, 28.5-acre marine terminal project in New Bedford. more

Diego Luis Perez, co-owner of Flan Y Ajo restaurant on Westminster Street in Providence, wanted to open a wine bar. more

On Forbes Magazine’s list of the Best States for Business, Rhode Island ranked 49th, beating out only Maine as the worst state in the country to do business. more

The town of West Warwick and the Warwick Police Department landed $125,000 and $500,000, respectively, from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. more