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

Letter: Fact-checking claims on 113/119 Water St.

There have been many untrue statements about the proposed demolition of two historic buildings at 113/119 Water Street, and the feasibility of their repair: “Since the buildings have been deemed unsafe to occupy, they must be demolished.” Not true. more

12/14/22

Progressives continue taking small bites in the General Assembly

STORY OF THE WEEK: The General Assembly’s steady march in a more progressive direction over recent election cycles brings to mind a metaphor – how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a … more

By Ian Donnis | 12/12/22

Commentary: RIMEA applauds strengthening of Arts Education in new graduation requirements

Following months of debate and collaboration with the Rhode Island Music Education Association (RIMEA) and other RI arts education groups, the Rhode Island Department of Education’s Council on … more

By David Neves | 12/9/22

Letter: League of Women Voters thanks all for fostering 2022 candidate forums

To the editor: The League of Women Voters of RI would like to thank the candidates who participated and citizens who sent in questions for our forums in Bristol, Warren, Barrington and East … more

12/8/22

Government is more like a tanker than a speed boat

STORY OF THE WEEK: From a marketing standpoint, the idea of enlisting a 96-year-old World War II vet to make the ceremonial first purchase of recreational cannabis at the Slater Compassion Center was … more

By Ian Donnis | 12/7/22

Letter: Spread kindness here this season

Let this be the Christmas of Kindness. Let it be filled with family and friends, for sure, but also the season of reaching out. To an ailing sufferer. To someone who just needs a warm meal or a quiet … more

12/7/22

Letter: It’s time to stay in our lanes

To the editor: Congrats to the teachers, administration, parents and, especially, students on the latest RICAS scores ! The numbers could not be more encouraging. Growth and actual scores are … more

12/7/22

Letter: In opposition to the 119 Water St. project

To the editor: I object to the developer’s petition to overturn Warren’s historic district guidelines for Water Street. This complex would upset the historic nature of 18th- and … more

12/7/22

Letter: Oh hail, the GOP's return to prominence

Welcome to the very slim Republican majority in the House of Representatives. Some voters eagerly await the restored elegance and wisdom of the Grand Old Party. Their slight ascendance was, of … more

12/1/22

Letter: Discourse falls aside as name-calling and polarity reigns

September of 2016 was when Hilary Clinton famously said that half of Trump’s supporters was a basket of deplorables. True or not, it's certainly not a phrase likely to endear one to … more

11/30/22

Letter: The East Bay needs its own hospital

To the editor: Thomas Paine, the often quoted colonial newsman, once wrote, “If you are afraid to offend, you can't be honest.” Hospitals across the river and the Washington … more

11/23/22

Letter: Thank you for supporting League candidate forums

To the editor: The League of Women Voters of Rhode Island would like to thank the candidates who participated and citizens who sent in questions for our forums in Bristol, Warren, Barrington and … more

11/23/22

Letter: Body cameras should be utilized, even in schools

To the editor: In response to a letter authored by representatives from nearly 10 organizations in the Nov. 10 Phoenix, “Body-worn cameras don’t belong in schools,” I say … more

11/23/22

Letter: We cannot be ruled by our egos

To the editor: We cannot keep talking only to ourselves. It serves a limited purpose of solidarity but only reaffirms the ongoing divide amongst us. Whether a member of the left or right … more

11/23/22

Letter: SAT scores are even more impressive in context

To the editor: A recent article in the Times-Gazette indicated that the SAT English Language Arts (ELA) scores of Mt. Hope High students ranked 7th in the state. This achievement is even more … more

11/23/22

Letter: East Bay area needs its own hospital

To the editor: Thomas Paine, the often quoted colonial newsman, once wrote, "If you are afraid to offend, you can't be honest.” Hospitals across the river and the Washington Bridge … more

11/23/22

Witness a shifting of the tectonic plates in R.I. politics

STORY OF THE WEEK: Every now and then, the tectonic plates of Rhode Island politics shift, as campaign season fades and a fresh batch of leaders takes on new roles. We’re seeing that to some … more

By Ian Donnis | 11/22/22

The author (second from left) and others caught this 11-foot thresher shark southeast of Newport, within sight of land, back in September. Anglers are seeing obvious changes in the local fishery, with cold-water fish like lobster and winter flounder migrating north, and warm-water bait fish like squid and mackerel moving in, attracting more sharks and tuna than ever before.

Op-Ed: We need climate-ready fisheries now

In Rhode Island, fisheries play a huge role in our economy and our way of life, but lately, we are seeing some concerning trends in our local fisheries. Anglers are experiencing climate impacts on … more

By Greg Vespe | 11/21/22

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

Letter: It only makes sense to protect our trees

To the editor: The primary reason to save trees, especially big ones, is the leaves. The work done by groups of cells within the leaves take in carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. And the leaves … more

11/16/22

The stories of the election: Magaziner, McKee and the Dems

STORY OF THE WEEK: Allan Fung was visibly deflated when he walked into Twin Oaks last week to hug supporters and concede defeat in a campaign that many people expected him to win. Two elements made … more

By Ian Donnis | 11/15/22

Commentary: The horseless carriage is a necessity, but a simple stroll will do, too

We drove east — and south and north? — from East Providence to pay a late autumn visit to the Cape…”Cod," of course. We took over a beach dwelling, like the literary … more

By Mike Fink | 11/14/22

Letter: I took part in a candidates forum

To the editor: The letter from Jill Kassis and Christine Keyser in the Bristol Phoenix was misleading. I am a Republican candidate for Senate District 11 and I did participate in a forum sponsored by … more

11/3/22

Editorial: Too many candidates chose not to debate

A frustrating new trend emerged this election season, as a disturbing number of candidates declined, refused or were unavailable to take part in public campaign forums with their opponents. … more

11/3/22

Never a day in the U.S. where slavery is not legal

As Rhode Islanders go to the polls to vote, at least the abolition of slavery will not be on the ballot. Elsewhere in five states, Alabama, Louisiana, Oregon, Tennesee and Vermont, voters will decide … more

By Arlene Violet | 11/2/22