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Aerial view shows location of a proposed 3.16-megawatt, direct-current (DC) ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) development on property less than a 10th of a mile north of Russo Road on the east side of West Main Road.

Portsmouth solar facility denied — but will get a second chance

PORTSMOUTH — In a highly unusual move last week, the Planning Board voted to deny a proposal for a controversial, large-scale ground-mounted solar facility along West Main Road, only to … more

By Jim McGaw | 12/16/21

Council tables talk on license plate detection system in East Providence

EAST PROVIDENCE — The City Council, at its December 7 forum, eventually decided to table a proposal by the administration of Mayor Bob DaSilva, and supported by the East Providence Police … more

By Mike Rego | 12/9/21

AJ Amaio (left) a senior member of the Portsmouth High School Marching Band, personally thanks Army veteran George Cushman, 90, for his service during a Veterans Day tribute at Thriving Tree Coffee House on Thursday, Nov. 11. Cushman, who regrets having stopped playing piano when he joined the military many years ago, urged band members to always keep playing music throughout their lives.

In Portsmouth: ‘This is one Veterans Day I will never forget’

PORTSMOUTH — George Cushman was pumped up. The 90-year-old Army veteran shook his fist and waved other veterans over to join him in front of the Portsmouth High School Marching Band before … more

By Jim McGaw | 11/12/21

Rear Admiral Shoshana S. Chatfield, the president of the Naval War College in Newport, was the keynote speaker at Thursday’s Veterans Day ceremony at Portsmouth Town Hall. She said Rose Sherbune Clancy, the first woman from Rhode Island to enlist in the military (during World War I), opened the doors for many other women like herself who wanted to serve their country.

Portsmouth: Women take center stage at Veterans Day ceremony

PORTSMOUTH — Rear Adm. Shoshana S. Chatfield is the first woman to ever become president of the Naval War College in Newport. Yet she may never have achieved that distinction, she said … more

By Jim McGaw | 11/11/21

A section of the U.S. Navy’s solar facility on West Main Road as it appears from the west end of Mill Lane. Many residents are worried that similar-looking, large-scale facilities will keep popping up around town. This development did not require town oversight, however, so it did not need to conform to minimum setbacks or buffers to appease abutters.

In Portsmouth: Larger solar arrays barred from residential zones

PORTSMOUTH — After a three-hour hearing in which 16 residents testified in favor of changes to Portsmouth’s current solar ordinance, the Town Council Monday night voted unanimously to … more

By Jim McGaw | 11/9/21

Signs leading up the new speed zone near Kent Heights Elementary School heading north on Pawtucket Avenue.

School zone speed camera warning period in East Providence begins

EAST PROVIDENCE — The 30-warning period following the installation of speed control cameras near schools across the city began this week, the administration of Mayor Bob DaSilva and the East … more

11/2/21

Running back Brock Pacheco runs for a first down in the second quarter of the team's home game against Westerly on Friday night. Pacheco ran for 23 yards and also had 23 receiving yards.

Mt. Hope football team loses to Westerly, 28-7, falls to 1-2

The Mt. Hope football team lost to Westerly, 28-7, at Vendituoli Field in front of a packed crowd on Friday night. The loss dropped the Huskies record to 1-2 in Division II and 2-2 overall. The … more

10/4/21

Midfielder, Nick Andreozzi, boots a shot on goal in the first half of the team's game against East on Friday night. Mt. Hope won, 4-1. Andreozzi is sixth in scoring in Division II, with 3 goals and 3 assists for 9 points.

Huskies overpower East, 4-1, stay on top of Division II

The fall sun slid beneath the trees creating shadows on Vendituoli Field as the Mt. Hope soccer team overpowered Cranston East, 4-1, during a home game on Friday afternoon. The Huskies are currently … more

Photos and story by Richard W. Dionne, Jr. | 10/4/21

East Providence agrees to sell long-dormant Union Primary School property

EAST PROVIDENCE — Some 30 years since it stopped being an active academic site and after repeated attempts to either sell or convert it into other uses, an acceptable buyer has finally been … more

By Mike Rego | 9/29/21

EPPD arrest three individuals on animal cruelty, other charges

EAST PROVIDENCE – Three people were arrested on Monday, Sept. 20, by the East Providence Police Department Animal Control Unit and charged with several acts of improper treatment involving a … more

9/21/21

The old gas station at the former Getty Oil Terminal on Massasoit Avenue is being converted into a Southern-style eatery by local restauranteurs Nick and Tracy Rabar.

E.P. Planning Board allows improvements at Massasoit Avenue restaurant site

EAST PROVIDENCE — The Planning Board, at its September 13 meeting, considered a preliminary plan submission authored by Dexter Road Associates LLC, owners of the old Getty Oil terminal on … more

By Mike Rego | 9/16/21

East Providence's Palma Thomas (right) recently claimed her RILOT winnings.

East Providence residents claim large RILOT winnings

CRANSTON — A $20,000 Mega Millions Megaplier prize from the January 22, 2021, drawing was claimed recently by Riverside resident Palma Thomas. She came into the Lottery more than six months … more

9/16/21

First singles player Elsa White hits a forehand during her match against South Kingstown on Wednesday.

Mt. Hope 'Go getters' start season at, 2-0

The Mt. Hope tennis team blanked Rogers, 7-0, in Newport and blew out South Kingstown, 5-1, at home, to start the young fall season at, 2-0. The Huskies currently share the top spot in Division … more

Photos and story by Richard W. Dionne, Jr. | 9/13/21

Seniors depart the new EPHS after their first day in the building on September 3.

New EPHS opens to rave reviews

EAST PROVIDENCE — Impeccable…imposing…incredible, most any approving adjective could be used to describe the new East Providence High School as it opened last week with freshmen … more

By Mike Rego | 9/7/21

Warren police guard a shrouded body, of a suspected shooter confirmed to have been killed after exchanging fire with polce on Water Street in Warren.

Shooting claims life of assistant fire chief

Brian Remy, Assistant Chief for the Warren Fire Department, was killed following an incident that began at the Italo American Club in Warren on Thursday afternoon... more

By Ethan Hartley | 9/2/21

A town worker looks over the lower portion of Fairview Lane after the street collapsed early Thursday morning.

Crew continues repair work on collapsed Portsmouth road

PORTSMOUTH — Work crews remained busy Thursday afternoon in hopes of reopening access for many people who live off the east end of Fairview Lane, which partially collapsed due to the heavy … more

By Jim McGaw | 9/2/21

Steven Peterson, executive director for Be Great for Nate, and Anna Conheeny, a senior member of Every Student Initiative (ESI), recognize a bidder during the live auction at the Be Great for Nate Fundraising Gala at Ochre Court in Newport.

Words of love and hope — all in Nate’s memory

During a difficult transition to eighth grade more than four years ago, Hailey Pratt said she struggled with making friends. Her confidence waned, and she couldn’t figure out where she belonged … more

By Jim McGaw | 8/31/21

A van that was involved in the serious accident on West Main Road sits at the side of the road.

Five people seriously injured in Portsmouth accident

PORTSMOUTH — Five people with serious injuries were transported to local hospitals following a head-on collision Thursday morning, Aug. 12, on West Main Road near Melville … more

8/12/21

Protester Nicholas Katkevich, 36, of Bristol, who had cemented himself into the trunk of a car blocking the entrance to Raytheon Co., flashes a clenched fist as he’s surrounded by Portsmouth police officers Thursday morning, Aug. 12. He was later extricated from the vehicle and arrested. Another protester was blocking the exit in a similar fashion.

Portsmouth Police: Raytheon protest ‘delayed resources’ for accident response

PORTSMOUTH — Protesters who blocked the entrance to missile defense manufacturer Raytheon Co. Thursday morning “delayed resources” for police and rescue workers who were … more

By Jim McGaw | 8/12/21

E.P. Zoning Board moves marijuana dispensary matter to special session

EAST PROVIDENCE — To the consternation of the dozens of neighbors and concerned residents in the area, the Zoning Board opted not to take up the matter of the proposed marijuana dispensary in … more

By Mike Rego | 8/12/21

McKee stops short of mandating masks in Rhode Island schools

PROVIDENCE — Governor Dan McKee, following up on updated recommendations made earlier this week by the Centers of Disease Control as the “Delta” variant of the coronavirus has … more

By Mike Rego | 7/29/21

Grid clears way for demolition of old East Providence High School building

EAST PROVIDENCE — The new East Providence High School Building Committee received word earlier this week regarding the beginning of demolition of the old structure. Eric Andrutis, of the … more

By Mike Rego | 7/28/21

Tih-Fen Ting wrests a male fledgling from its nest on he East Branch of the Westport River. A team including members of the Mass. Audubon and it's volunteers captured twelve fledglings for the state of Illinois Osprey Recovery Project on Tuesday morning, July 13.

Audubon and volunteers collect osprey for long journey to Illinois

Born on the Westport River, a dozen young osprey took flight recently — in a plane — and landed at their new home in Illinois. There it is hoped that they will help launch an osprey … more

Story and Photos by Richard W. Dionne Jr. | 7/27/21

E.P. Council passes Metacomet ordinances, allowing likely redevelopment

EAST PROVIDENCE — Pragmatism won out over passion as it pertains to the future of the former Metacomet Country Club after the City Council, at it July 20 meeting, approved a series of revised … more

By Mike Rego | 7/21/21

School committee members Victor Cabral, Marjorie McBride and Tara Thibaudeau discuss a point made by a resident during the open meeting at the high school on Monday night.

School board members give in, then fire back at critics

Bristol Warren schools will not open on the first full day of Rosh Hashanah this fall, after Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Brice issued a directive Monday afternoon that overrules an earlier school … more

By Ted Hayes | 7/20/21