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In April, 2,081 Rhode Island workers were laid off, according to data released Tuesday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 11:53 am

New England’s unemployment rate remained essentially unchanged in April, dropping to 6.9 percent compared with 7 percent in March, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics announced Friday. May 18

Rhode Island’s jobless rate - debated within recent disparaging reports – rose slightly again for April to 11.2 percent, according to the R.I. Department of Labor and Training. May 18

(Updated 5:25 p.m.) Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee has asked developer Colin P. Kane, head of the I-195 Redevelopment Commission, to succeed Keith W. Stokes as head of the R.I. Economic Development Corporation, according to Rhode Island Public Radio. May 17

(Updated, 5:25 p.m.) R.I. Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Keith W. Stokes resigned Wednesday night, Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee announced Thursday morning. May 17

(Updated, 11:42 a.m., May 17) 38 Studios LLC CEO Jennifer MacLean has taken maternity leave from the video game design firm. May 16

Statewide exercise program Shape Up RI has announced its eight-week, 2012 summer exercise challenge. Participants will compete in four categories - pedometer steps, weight loss, exercise minutes, and fruit and vegetable consumption. May 16

Three employees from the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Newport Division were selected as winners of the Rhode Island Federal Employees of the Year Award. May 16

Providence Business News and Best Companies Group announced Monday the 2012 winners of the annual Best Places To Work competition. May 14

First-time claims for jobless benefits fell last week to a one-month low, helping allay concern that the labor market may suffer an extended setback. The number of people on unemployment benefit rolls was the smallest since July 2008. May 10