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

Letter: This councilor’s advisory opinion is against cables in river

To the editor: Several Portsmouth residents, who had previously requested to speak with the Town Council about the SouthCoast Wind (SCW) project, finally got their chance to voice their … more

6/13/23

Letter: Vote 'Yes' on override — the alternative is much worse

A positive vote on July 25 to allow Westport to adopt a budget override will restore balance to the town’s fiscal affairs. The Westport Fiscal Stability Group’s report (posted on the … more

6/22/23

Christopher S. Gontarz, Esq. of Portsmouth

Portsmouth resident now president-elect of R.I. Bar Association

PORTSMOUTH — Christopher S. Gontarz, Esq., a resident of Portsmouth, is now president-elect of the Rhode Island Bar Association. His term runs from July 1, 2023, through June … more

7/3/23

A rendering of the proposed development off Westport Lakes Drive, shown at bottom.

Developer proposes 56 units in north Westport

The Westport Conservation Commission will require the proposed builder of an independent living subdivision in the north end of town to pay for an independent review of the 56-unit plan’s … more

By Ted Hayes | 7/20/23

The district is looking for a new principal at Primrose Hill School.

Search starts for new principal at Barrington elementary school

Barrington is looking for a new elementary school principal. Officials announced earlier this month that Coleen Smith had resigned. Smith served as Primrose Hill School Principal last … more

By Josh Bickford | 8/21/23

Op-Ed: A lifeline for those battling substance use disorder

There is a resource available in hundreds of languages, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week that provides immediate help for those experiencing substance use disorder, thoughts of suicide, mental health crises, and emotional distress – the 988 Lifeline. more

By Tom Joyce | 9/25/23

Cider Social and craft marketplace at Wilbor House Museum

This Sunday, Oct 15, the Little Compton Historical Society will host its annual Cider Social. This is the last chance to see this year’s “Inspired Craft” exhibition! In … more

10/11/23

Barrington High School’s SAT scores are tops in Rhode Island

Barrington High School students can celebrate another strong year for SAT scores. Local students saw their SAT results increase from a year earlier. The BHS average scores on the SAT math and … more

10/23/23

Nicky Piper, Chair of the Bristol Warren Regional School Committee, answered questions about the nonprofit group she started to advocate for the approval of a $200 million school bond going before voters on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

School Committee Chair defends promotion of $200M bond

Some residents inquired if she and other school committee members had gone through the proper procedural steps before launching an advocacy group called “Building Bristol Warren’s Future,” which has promoted approval of the $200 million school bond. more

By Ethan Hartley | 11/1/23

About 100 plungers christened 2024 with a bath at Grinnell's Beach Monday.

A numbing start to 2024 in Tiverton

You’ll typically find two kinds of people at the annual New Year’s Day Penguin Plunge in Tiverton — the bold and the not so brave. “I ask people, what group do you want … more

1/2/24

Youth crime was down in Warren in 2023, but theft-related offenses spike

In total, Warren police logged reports of 445 “Group A” offenses in 2023 — which cover everything from motor vehicle thefts, assaults, and burglaries, to vandalism and illegal gambling — as opposed to 429 such offenses in 2022 (a 3.7% increase). more

By Ethan Hartley | 1/24/24

A rendering shows how 14 townhouses would be constructed at 581 Child St. to create 40 income-restricted units priced at 60% of the area median income. The developer is the Bristol-based East Bay Community Development Corporation.

Warren Planning Board removes unit restriction on Child Street development

The Warren Planning Board officially rescinded a condition on the approval they granted to the East Bay Community Development Corporation (East Bay CDC) of Bristol back in January to construct a 40-unit affordable housing development at 581 Child St., called “Penny Lane”, during a special meeting on Monday night. more

By Ethan Hartley | 2/13/24

Tiverton wants answers on $1.2M education aid cut

With Tiverton facing what would be the largest cut in state education aid of any district in Rhode Island, town council members want to meet with the school committee, state legislators and … more

By Ruth Rasmussen | 2/26/24

Members of the Portsmouth Middle School chess team pose with their trophies after winning the Southeast New England Chess Association Chess league. They are (back row, from left) Coach Gregg Purdy, Olivia Purdy, Amelia Davis, Patrick Schlesinger, Dan Lu, Coach John DiGangi; and (front row, from left) Chace Bolduc, Dominic Bolos, Charlie Billings, Caleb Thibeault, and Gagan Deep Palya Maruthi.

Checkmate for Portsmouth Middle School chess team

PORTSMOUTH — The Portsmouth Middle School chess team, coached by John DiGangi and Gregg Purdy, recently completed a remarkable 2023-2024 season and was recognized as the best team in Rhode … more

4/15/24

Bristol Police: Residents reporting gatherings and groups all over town

For the second straight week, criminal activity was light, but calls about groups and small gatherings were a frequent occurrence. Following are Bristol Police calls from March 30 to April 5. … more

4/10/20

This scene of downtown Bristol will repeat itself this year — minus the crowds.

UPDATED: The lights will go on SUNDAY in downtown Bristol

In a route that will, beginning at 6 p.m., take Santa from the Fire Department headquarters west on Annawamscutt Drive, north on Metacom Avenue, west on Chestnut Street, south on Hope Street, east on … more

12/4/20

Editorial: Pandemic brings out the best in Bristol

Bristol residents are in good hands these days — which is noteworthy, since “these days” are some of the worst days in anyone’s lifetime. The pandemic is approaching its … more

3/4/21

As seen a week ago, the osprey have ignored DEM eviction efforts and have learned to live with their large, orange, uninvited guest atop the chimney of the historic Colt Park barn.

Despite state’s eviction, these birds aren’t budging

A pair of Colt Park osprey had a decent following before the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) adorned their nesting site with an orange cone last week . Now they’re … more

Christy Nadalin | 4/29/21

Letter: Bristol does care, and America is not systemically racist

The letter in last week’s Phoenix entitled “ Bristol has shown it does not care about systemic racism ” was written with great passion, but grossly mischaracterizes our … more

5/27/21

Jacob Brier's amendment would serve as an early step toward purchasing the former Carmelite Monastery property on Watson Avenue in Barrington

Amendments call for more spending in Barrington

Barrington residents will be asked to decide on at least three amendments at the June 16 financial town meeting. Four members of the Barrington Town Council filed one of the amendments — … more

By Josh Bickford | 6/10/21

As of July 8, the Statesman Tavern has not had a liquor license. A sign on the front door Wednesday morning (July 14) said they are “closed for vacation.”

Bristol revokes restarant’s liquor license in show cause hearing

At the last Bristol Town Council meeting on Wednesday, July, 7, the council revoked the Class B Victualer Intoxicating Beverage License of Toasted Bun Hospitality, owned by Christopher Kleyla, doing … more

By Christy Nadalin | 7/14/21

Bristol man admits to firing gun downtown during DUI

A 29-year-old Bristol man was arrested early Sunday morning in front of his home after allegedly driving under the influence and firing a loaded pistol while traveling along Hope Street. Corey A. … more

By Scott Pickering | 9/1/21

Barrington schools backing off booster mandate, allowing alternative to the shot

Members of the Barrington teachers union voted to approve an agreement that carves out an exception to the school committee’s booster mandate. The agreement, which was voted through … more

2/15/22

The Barrington Business and Community Association has developed a new website and is planning some exciting events for this summer.

Association plans summer street fair, farmer’s markets in Barrington

Bryan Hoffman and the BBCA have big plans for Barrington. The chairman of the Barrington Business and Community Association said his group has been helping to develop a number of exciting new … more

By Josh Bickford | 4/21/22

Riley Grant scores the last of her four goals for the EPHS girls' lacrosse team in the Townies Division III quarterfinal win over Johnston on Saturday, May 28.

Townies trounce Johnston in D-III girls' lacrosse quarterfinals

EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence High School girls’ lacrosse team dispatched Johnston with ease Saturday afternoon, May 28, in the Division III quarterfinal round playoff outing … more

By Mike Rego | 5/28/22