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Rhode Island
R.I. life science agency approves tentative, $10M contract for wet lab incubator in Providence
The seven-story PVD Labs building under construction in Providence will include a 30,000 wet and dry lab incubator under a tentative agreement approved by the Rhode Island Life Science Hub board on Thursday. (Rendering courtesy of Ancora L&G)
Rhode Island’s first, dedicated incubator for start-up life science companies now has a home, and a developer under a $10 million, non-binding contract approved by the Rhode Island Life Science Hub board Thursday.
The quasi-public state agency’s unanimous vote came minutes after a closed-door, virtual discussion on the terms of state funding for the wet lab reserved for testing drugs, chemicals and other biological material. A term sheet outlining details of the partnership and public financing is not being made public until finalized, according to Jillian Scott, a spokesperson for the agency.
Broadly described in a press release, the draft agreement brings together the state’s nascent, life science agency with Brown University, the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission and developer Ancora L&G to house the much-anticipated state incubator within the new, seven-story health and science building already under construction in the I-195 District.
The PVD Labs project at 150 Richmond St. broke ground in late 2022, with plans to house a new, 80,000-square-foot state health laboratory and offer 120,000 square feet for commercial life science tenants. Brown University, which has already signed as an anchor tenant with a corresponding $13 million, 10-year investment in the building, will sublease 30,000 square feet to serve as the state incubator.
The Rhode Island Life Science Hub is kicking in $9 million from its $45 million, three-year state budget for development and construction costs, among other startup expenses, with another $1 million from via the I-195 District Commission.
Neil Steinberg, chairman of the Life Science Hub, praised the panel’s decision as a “historic move,” that will help put Rhode Island on the map as a destination for life science innovation and investment.
Creating space for startup companies to research and test drugs, chemicals and other biological material was a key reason why lawmakers and industry leaders wanted a dedicated Rhode Island life science agency.
“The development of this lab space is a transformative step for the life sciences community in Rhode Island,” Steinberg said in a statement. “The project meets an urgent need for modern, incubator lab facilities in the state to support existing life science companies and attract new ones.”
Ancora was one of three companies that submitted proposals in response to a competitive solicitation issued in April. Other bids were not immediately available, though the tentative selection of Ancora comes after a “comprehensive evaluation process” by a board subcommittee, according to an agency statement.
The Life Science Hub board still has to negotiate and approve a final, binding agreement, a timeline for which has not been set.
The incubator is expected to be open and operating by the end of 2025.
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Rhode Island
Flags are at half-staff in Rhode Island today. Here’s why
Why is the flag at half staff? These are possible reasons
The flag of the United States of America is flown at half-staff on several occasions, generally marking that the country is in mourning
On Friday, May 15, flags will be flown at half-staff across the United States to commemorate Peace Officers Memorial Day.
Recognized each year since 1962 as part of May’s National Police Week, the national observance pays tribute to United States law enforcement officials who gave their lives in the line of duty, whether at the local, state or federal level.
“United in gratitude, we recommit ourselves to supporting those who keep the peace in our neighborhoods, and we offer our heartfelt appreciation for the service they render to community and country,” reads a proclamation from President Trump. “Their steady presence brings calm to our streets, their dedication preserves the order that allows our Nation to flourish, and their unwavering vigilance is the reason families across America can rest under the promise of a safer tomorrow.”
In memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, the flag of the United States at all public buildings and grounds across the country and its territories – including in Rhode Island – will fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, May 15.
Why are flags flown at half-staff?
According to the official website of the U.S. General Services Administration, flags typically fly at half-staff when the country or specific state is in mourning. Observances include national tragedies, days of remembrance and deaths of government or military personnel.
The president, the state governor or the mayor of Washington, D.C., can order flags to fly at half-staff.
Half-staff vs. half-mast
While half-staff refers to lowered flags on land, half-mast refers to those at sea. Both refer to a flag being flown beneath the top of its staff as a sign of respect.
Rhode Island
Star-studded cast of ‘My Boyfriend is a Demon,’ filming in RI, released
RI’s Verdi Productions films ‘Bad News On The Doorstep’ in Providence
Verdi Productions wrapped filming of Tom DeNucci’s “Bad News On The Doorstep” early on May 23 in Providence.
Verdi Productions’ secret horror movie, “My Boyfriend is a Demon,” now filming in Rhode Island, is no longer a secret as Chad A. Verdi, the East Greenwich production company’s president, has announced the cast and given an outline of the movie’s plot.
The ensemble cast comprises veteran actors and rising young talents. The story follows Mary, a lonely, small-town girl who creates a fake Instagram account that pretends to be boyfriend, a guy too perfect to be real. Mary puts so much effort into making him “real” that he shows up at her door one day.
The cast includes:
- Mattias Ferrell, son of comic actor Will Ferrell and known for “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie” and “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues.”
- Coco Arquette, daughter of Courteney Cox and David Arquette and known for “Cougar Town.”
- David Arquette, known for his work in the “Scream” film franchise.
- Rosanna Arquette, David’s sister and Coco’s aunt, known for “The Moment.”
- Bailey Sloan, known for “Ragamuffin.”
- Jack Champion, known for “Avatar.”
- Ever Anderson, known for “Peter Pan & Wendy.”
- Vinnie Hacker, known for “Euphoria.”
- Josephine Reitman, known for “Juno.”
- Savannah Lee Smith, kown for “Tunsel Town.”
- Lisa Yamada, known for “Elle.”
- Ty Law, known for “Friday Night Lights.”
“My Boyfriend is a Demon” is written and directed by first-time director mishka.
“My Boyfriend is a Demon” is filming in Providence
The movie began filming in Rhode Island in April and has rented Providence’s Cranston Street Armory for the month of May to use as a studio.
The producing team for Verdi Productions includes Chad A. Verdi, Chad Verdi Jr., Paul Luba, Michelle Verdi and Sera Verdi. Executive producers include Ketchup Entertainment and Kinolime.
Rhode Island
Weather Now: Showers, T’storm Today
Good morning! Happy Thursday! Today will be pretty unsettled with the chance for showers and t’storms. Friday will still be damp with showers and drizzle, but the weekend still looks amazing!
The one good thing with the rain, for allergy sufferers at least, the pollen levels will be lower. In fact, both today and tomorrow, the tree pollen counts will be low locally. Do expect a spike in the pollen count for Saturday and Sunday with the dry weather.
INTERACTIVE RADAR: Live Pinpoint Weather 12 Radar »
“https://www.wpri.com/weather-now/weather-now-for-thu-5-14-26/” FLIGHT TRACKER
“https://www.wpri.com/weather-now/weather-now-for-thu-5-14-26/” POWER OUTAGES
TODAY
Hour-by-hour forecast for today…
We’ll have some showers around during the morning commute today, but the greatest chance for showers and t’storms will be after 9AM and before 5PM.
Showers and thunderstorms could slow travel around mid-day. Rain could fall heavily at times.
A line of showers and t’storms will be sweeping across the area through the afternoon as a slow-moving weather systems moves through the region.
Highs today will be in the upper 50s to lower 60s with southeast to east winds of 5-15mph.
“https://www.wpri.com/weather-now/weather-now-for-thu-5-14-26/” BEACH AND BOATING FORECASTS
TONIGHT
Showers are still possible this evening; although they won’t be as numerous.
TOMORROW
That low center will be nearby Friday morning, and we’ll be stuck with a damp, cool windflow. Expect drizzle and showers in the morning and possibly some lingering showers in the afternoon.
Highs Friday will only be in the 50s. The average high this time of year is in the upper 60s.
LOOKING AHEAD
Then…there’s the weekend. Saturday looks amazing with lots of sunshine and dry weather. It’ll be warmer, too, with highs in the 70s.
-Meteorologist T.J. Del Santo
T.J. Del Santo (tdelsanto@wpri.com) is the weekday morning and noon meteorologist for 12 News. Connect with him on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram and Threads and BlueSky.
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