Columns | EastBayRI.com - News, Opinion, Things to Do in the East Bay

Fond memories of Lincoln Almond at a time of Republican turmoil

STORY OF THE WEEK: History does not repeat itself, but it rhymes, or so the saying goes. That spurred thoughts on two different events this week. In D.C., U.S. House Republicans were unable to … more

By Ian Donnis | 1/10/23

Bridge and stadium will be focal points in the next run for governor

STORY OF THE WEEK: The next race for governor of Rhode Island is more than two years away, so assessing the full political fallout from the Washington Bridge saga will take time. In the near-term, … more

By Ian Donnis | 3/5/24

Arlene Violet: Is eugenics at work in Rhode Island?

Massachusetts has an interesting guideline when it comes to rationing ventilators and ICU beds. Even in the case of equal medical need and equal likelihood of success, the younger person gets the … more

By Arlene Violet | 5/8/20

Erika Sanzi: In Sickness and in Health

There are lots of wives out there who are probably convinced that the gifts they gave their husbands for Christmas were just what the hubby wanted. But for Christmas 2019, nobody holds a candle to my … more

By Erika Sanzi | 2/6/20

Arlene Violet: Changes to the Police Bill of Rights

The recent call to examine the Police Bill of Rights is a good thing. Yet, in some instances specific proposals are short-sighted. Take the argument to give police chiefs more rights to suspend or … more

By Arlene Violet | 7/17/20

Commentary: Don’t forget to water your trees

Warren’s trees got plenty of water this spring, thanks to all the rain. But lately, we have had very little rain, and with July temperatures, trees are transpiring more in the heat. When it … more

By Anne Raver | 7/14/22

Arlene Violet: Does the good outweigh the bad in 2020?

By Arlene Violet Does the good outweigh the bad in 2020? Were someone to ask what events do I remember about 1980, 1990 or 2000 — even 2010 — I’d have to wrack my … more

By Arlene Violet | 12/18/20

Commentary: Labor Day 2022...America’s workforce is stronger than ever

On Labor Day we honor the achievements of America’s workers, and in 2022 we have a historic victory to celebrate. Our nation’s working people have come all the way back from the depths of … more

By Marty Walsh | 9/1/22

State republicans are correct about non-cancellation leases

While it is no doubt unpopular with citizens who are scared out of their minds with the coronavirus, state GOP leaders are correct that the governor was wrong to make no-exit leases for field … more

By Arlene Violet | 5/1/20

Westport Health Notes: May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Welcome to Westport Health Notes, a monthly column from the Westport Board of Health (BOH). The goal is to share information with our community about local issues and projects, public health alerts, … more

5/5/22

The writer...ehem "candidate"... (center, right holding sign) with his family after last week's election.

Column: My ambition to fight for freedom hasn’t faded, it's just postponed

I ran for a public office..as an independent. And lost. Everybody thinks of victory, like vengeance, as sweet. A car that doesn't work well is called a lemon. If you don't reap a reward, you call … more

By Mike Fink | 11/17/22

The Feds take a swipe at discriminatory lending, including here in R.I.

STORY OF THE WEEK: Redlining is widely thought of as the practice that prevailed in a lot of American cities in the mid-20 th century, imposing racial segregation and depriving worthy borrowers of … more

By Ian Donnis | 10/3/23

Westport Health Notes — toward a happy, healthy and harm-free holiday

Welcome to Westport Health Notes, a monthly column from the Westport Board of Health (BOH). The goal is to share information with our community about local issues and projects, public health alerts, … more

11/27/23

Column: Why I voted against East Providence's FY22 budget

When elected by the residents of Ward 4 and entrusted to represent our taxpayers, I made a promise to be the voice of our residents, YOU. I believe the budget process is not a spectator event. The … more

By Ricardo Mourato | 10/10/21

‘Death with Dignity’ being considered in Rhode Island

“Death with Dignity,” also known as Physician Assisted Death, Physician Assisted Suicide and Medical Aid in Dying, refers to the legal ability of a physician to provide a potentially … more

By Bonnie Evans | 2/1/23

Susan Bodington, of the Little Compton Housing Trust, addresses the crowd at the United Congregational Church of Little Compton at a meeting called this past February to discuss the state of affordable housing in Little Compton.

Commentary: Little Compton at tipping point: Loving it to death?

Little Compton will finally be my home. It has taken over 50 years for me to achieve that. (That is probably not unusual for a “year-rounder”). But the town I moved to is changing fast; … more

By Peter Aldrich | 12/27/23

Erin Schofield during Monday night’s meeting, where she provided remarks capping eight years of service to the board.

Commentary: Give kids a true seat at the table

Former school committee chairperson Erin Schofield, who opted not to run again after eight years of service, gave the following statement during Monday night’s school committee meeting. more

11/17/22

Arlene Violet: Shameful day in D.C. was predictable

No matter whatever way you want to slice or dice it, the attack on the Capitol was an attempted coup encouraged by President Donald Trump and his minion, Rudy Giuliani. Look at the rhetoric by Mr. … more

By Arlene Violet | 1/14/21

Op-Ed: The Coffee Depot turns 20

Twenty years ago this month a former mattress store opened its doors as a warm, spacious, California-style coffee house: The Coffee Depot. Pioneering and exciting at its inception, the Depot has now … more

By Jerry Blitefield | 5/26/22

Gun control debates will heat up as the General Assembly winds down

STORY OF THE WEEK: Now that the May Revenue Estimating Conference is complete, the General Assembly session is expected to race to a mid-June conclusion, with a few contentious issues still hanging … more

By Ian Donnis | 5/16/23

Arlene Violet: A new decade: opportunity or erosion of American values?

It seems a bit xenophobic to focus on the future of America since, after all, we are part of a global environment. Yet, many political events are shaped and influenced by American values or … more

By Arlene Violet | 1/10/20

Arlene Violet: An open letter to a Trump supporter

Dear Navy Man, I usually do not respond to criticism, implied or actual, but when I received an anonymous letter from you, a 27- year Navy retiree, and you asked me to respond to a variety of points … more

By Arlene Violet | 9/17/20

Gun debate looms large in General Assembly’s final days

The Senate Judiciary Committee is the key battleground for contentious legislation in Rhode Island. So what happens when the majority of support on the committee for gun … more

By Ian Donnis | 6/7/22

Will Senate Committee thwart gun reforms this year?

STORY OF THE WEEK: The familiar ritual of hearings on gun-related bills played out at the Statehouse last week, with lengthy meetings extending into the night and impassioned testimony on both sides … more

By Ian Donnis | 4/6/22

Health Notes: Cesspool closeout deadline extended two years

The Westport Board of Health local septic regulation was recently amended to extend the deadline for cesspools to be upgraded to meet current Title 5 standards to February 1, 2028. The Board of … more

11/8/23